Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • VR headsets are ‘hope machines’ inside California prisons, offering escape and practical experience

    VR headsets are ‘hope machines’ inside California prisons, offering escape and practical experience

    A groundbreaking virtual reality initiative is revolutionizing rehabilitation within California’s correctional system, offering incarcerated individuals both psychological respite and practical skills for societal reintegration. Spearheaded by Los Angeles-based nonprofit Creative Acts, the program utilizes Meta-donated Oculus headsets to transport inmates to diverse environments ranging from Thailand’s vibrant markets to simulated job interview settings.

    At Valley State Prison near Fresno, participants like Jacob Smith—who has served twenty years—experience transformative journeys through VR technology. ‘I went to Thailand, man!’ Smith exclaimed, describing his first immersive encounter with Southeast Asian landscapes. Beyond providing temporary escape, the program specifically designs scenarios addressing real-world challenges former inmates will face, including employment interviews, civic procedures, and everyday tasks like using ATMs or public transportation.

    Founder Sabra Williams characterizes the VR devices as ‘hope machines,’ evolving from her previous prison arts projects. The program now includes 100 headsets deployed across four California prisons, serving both general populations and solitary confinement units three times annually. Post-experience debriefing sessions help process emergent emotions and traumas, with volunteers like former inmate Richard Richard guiding participants through their psychological responses.

    Criminal justice experts recognize the program’s dual benefits. Nancy La Vigne of Rutgers-Newark School notes VR’s potential for reducing aggression through nature exposure while preparing long-incarcerated individuals for technological changes. The California Department of Corrections officially endorses these innovative approaches, acknowledging VR’s capacity to ‘heal trauma, regulate emotional response, and prepare for safe, successful reentry.’

    For many participants, the experience proves profoundly emotional. Williams recounts numerous instances of inmates removing headsets in tears, expressing awe that ‘I never knew the world was so beautiful.’ As the program expands, it represents a significant advancement in correctional rehabilitation methodologies, blending technological innovation with psychological support to address recidivism and prisoner welfare.

  • Ceasefire announced in Syria’s Aleppo

    Ceasefire announced in Syria’s Aleppo

    A tense ceasefire has been implemented in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, following several days of intense combat between government-aligned forces and US-backed Kurdish fighters. The Syrian Ministry of Defense formally announced the truce, which took effect at 3:00 AM local time on Friday, specifically covering the Sheikh Maqsud, Ashrafiyeh, and Bani Zeid districts.

    The hostilities, which erupted earlier this week, represent a significant setback for stabilization efforts in the war-torn nation. The clashes pitted Syrian government forces against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), resulting in at least 21 fatalities and triggering a massive civilian exodus. State media estimates indicate approximately 16,000 residents were forced to flee their homes amid the violence that persisted through Thursday night.

    This recent military confrontation stems from stalled negotiations regarding a March 2025 integration agreement that aimed to incorporate the SDF—which controls substantial territory in Syria’s oil-rich northeast—into national institutions and the state army. Disagreements over Kurdish demands for decentralized governance have hampered implementation of the accord.

    Under the ceasefire terms, Kurdish fighters were given until 9:00 AM Friday to withdraw from the specified neighborhoods with their light weapons, relocating to eastern Kurdish-dominated areas. Aleppo Governor Azzam al-Gharib personally inspected security arrangements in Ashrafiyeh following the announcement.

    The United States, through envoy Tom Barrack, expressed approval of the ceasefire via social media, stating Washington hopes for “a more enduring calm and deeper dialogue” while working intensively to extend the temporary peace. Notably, Kurdish forces had not issued an immediate response to the government’s statements at the time of reporting.

    Mazloum Abdi, commander of the SDF, previously warned that attacks on Kurdish areas “undermine the chances of reaching understandings,” having recently visited Damascus for discussions about the integration deal. The Syrian army emphasized that the ceasefire’s primary objective is enabling displaced civilians “to return and resume their normal lives in an atmosphere of security and stability.”

  • Internet blackout in Iran amid protests

    Internet blackout in Iran amid protests

    Iran has plunged into a nationwide digital darkness as authorities implemented a comprehensive internet blackout beginning Thursday night. This drastic measure coincides with escalating civil unrest that has swept across multiple Iranian cities since late December, triggered by the catastrophic collapse of the national currency and persistent economic distress.

    The protests reached Tehran this week, prompting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to address the nation through state television on Friday. He called for national unity while delivering a defiant message against what he characterized as foreign-backed “mercenaries” seeking to destabilize the Islamic Republic. His remarks came in direct response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to respond “very hard” if Iranian security forces employed violence against demonstrators.

    Khamenei launched a sharp counterattack against Trump, accusing the American president of having “hands stained with the blood of more than a thousand Iranians” and predicting his eventual overthrow similar to Iran’s pre-revolution monarchy. While acknowledging the legitimacy of economic grievances in the sanctions-crippled nation, the Supreme Leader simultaneously issued warnings against what he termed “rioters.”

    The Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned Washington’s statements as “interventionist and deceptive,” characterizing them as part of a longstanding policy of pressure rather than genuine concern for Iranian welfare.

    Digital monitoring organization NetBlocks confirmed the extensive internet disruption, reporting live metrics indicating a near-total nationwide blackout. The communication breakdown has affected both landline and mobile networks, with reports of canceled flights adding to the disruption.

    State media reported significant violence during Friday’s demonstrations, detailing attacks on public infrastructure including metro stations, fire trucks, buses, and private vehicles. According to media tallies citing local reports and official statements, at least 21 individuals including security personnel have lost their lives nationwide. The semi-official Mehr News Agency reported 23 police officers and one protester injured in recent clashes within Khorasan Razavi Province.

    In response to the crisis, President Masoud Pezeshkian advocated for “utmost restraint” in handling demonstrations, emphasizing avoidance of “violent or coercive behavior” while promoting dialogue and engagement with public demands. Concurrently, the government announced a new monthly subsidy program equivalent to $7 for basic goods purchases, potentially benefiting over 71 million citizens.

    Amid the domestic turmoil, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated Iran’s preference to avoid military confrontation with Israel or the United States while affirming readiness to respond if attacked. He expressed conditional openness to nuclear negotiations based on mutual respect rather than what he described as American “dictation.”

  • US children’s choir brings message of hope and unity

    US children’s choir brings message of hope and unity

    Amid Beijing’s winter chill, an American children’s choir delivered a powerful message of cross-cultural unity through music during their third consecutive New Year performance tour across China. The One Voice Children choir, comprising performers aged 5-18 from Utah, created warm connections with Chinese audiences through heartfelt performances that transcended language barriers.

    The ensemble’s journey included performances in multiple Chinese cities including Shanghai, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, with a special outreach performance at Peking Union Medical College Hospital on December 31. The hospital visit continued their tradition of using music to create a humane medical environment, building on their previous engagement there in January 2025.

    Fourteen-year-old Bruce, one of the youngest first-time visitors, shared how he joined the choir by following his sister’s example. ‘She joined first, and it just looked cool,’ he recalled. His participation led to the extraordinary opportunity to perform thousands of miles from home, including Chinese pop songs like ‘Wish’ that reflect intergenerational hopes and dreams.

    The choir’s original composition ‘We Are Together’ became an emotional highlight of their performances, with audiences spontaneously mouthing lyrics and capturing moments on their phones. The song’s message—’We are friends forever. Nothing can break the bond of you and me’—resonated deeply with listeners.

    For 11-year-old Abby, who has studied Chinese since first grade, performing in China represented the perfect fusion of her linguistic and musical passions. ‘It’s really fun, and we get to sing—one of my favorite things—to inspire people in the world through music,’ she explained, noting the extensive preparation involved in perfecting Chinese songs for local audiences.

    Sixteen-year-old Ainsley described her first China trip as both a musical milestone and cultural revelation. ‘America and China are so different, but when it comes down to it, we’re all people, and we’re all dealing with the same things,’ she observed. She hoped audiences felt the genuine affection behind their performances, adding ‘I want people to know that they are so incredibly loved.’

    Choir director Masa Fukuda emphasized music’s unique ability to bridge cultural divides. ‘Obviously, we speak different languages, and sometimes it’s hard to communicate. But with the power of music, being a universal language, it really transcends all cultural differences and breaks down walls,’ he stated. Fukuda highlighted the magical power of music to unite people and the overwhelming kindness the choir consistently receives from Chinese hosts.

    The nonprofit organization, which first gained international recognition during the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, has evolved into a significant cultural exchange initiative. Their annual China tours combine stage performances with community outreach, allowing young performers to convey messages of hope, care, and cultural understanding through tangible human connections.

    Looking forward, the choir hopes to collaborate with Chinese ensembles and continue building lasting relationships. Their current tour theme ‘Wish’ embodies their aspiration for genuine understanding and enduring friendships between the two cultures.

  • Salute to everyday heroes

    Salute to everyday heroes

    Across China, ordinary citizens are demonstrating extraordinary contributions to cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and community welfare, earning recognition as everyday heroes in their respective fields.

    In Hunan Province, students have pioneered an innovative approach to both environmental conservation and cultural heritage by crafting traditional Chinese opera headpieces entirely from recycled materials. This creative initiative not only reduces waste but also introduces younger generations to the intricate art forms of Chinese opera, ensuring their preservation for years to come.

    Meanwhile, in Xizang Autonomous Region, a nursing home organized special celebrations for elderly residents on the anniversary of a significant earthquake, demonstrating community resilience and respect for senior citizens. The event highlighted China’s growing emphasis on elderly care and social support systems in remote regions.

    Historical preservation efforts gained momentum with the reopening of a century-old tunnel named after Taiwan’s first governor. This restoration project has revived historical memories and connections between mainland China and Taiwan, serving as both a tourist attraction and educational site.

    In Chongqing, an innovative urban transformation project has converted a former air-raid shelter into a thriving bookstore, now recognized as a tourism touchstone. This adaptive reuse of historical infrastructure demonstrates how cities can creatively repurpose spaces while honoring their historical significance.

    Additional initiatives include a Chinese couple’s remarkable project of transforming 100,000 photographs of the Great Wall into a dedicated museum, beating the drum of heritage preservation through visual documentation. These collective efforts across various provinces showcase how individual citizens are actively participating in cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and community building throughout China.

  • Filipino rescuers detect ‘signs of life’ in garbage avalanche that killed 4 and left dozens missing

    Filipino rescuers detect ‘signs of life’ in garbage avalanche that killed 4 and left dozens missing

    CEBU CITY, Philippines — Search and rescue teams have detected signs of life within the rubble of a catastrophic garbage avalanche that engulfed a waste management facility in central Philippines, offering hope amid a devastating incident that has claimed at least four lives and left dozens missing.

    The tragedy occurred Thursday at the Binaliw village landfill in Cebu City when a massive wall of refuse collapsed without warning, burying low-lying structures under tons of debris. Despite favorable weather conditions, the sudden collapse trapped numerous workers beneath twisted metal roofing, iron supports, and highly combustible waste materials.

    Authorities confirmed Saturday that twelve workers have been successfully extracted with various injuries while emergency crews continue their painstaking search for more than thirty missing individuals. Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival announced that specialized equipment, including a 50-ton crane accompanied by police escort, is being deployed to assist in the delicate excavation process.

    ‘Safety protocols have been intensified due to multiple hazards including structural instability and acetylene exposure risks,’ Mayor Archival stated. ‘We’ve established controlled access points to protect responders while maintaining search operations in areas where life signs have been detected.’

    Victims identified so far include both facility staff and office workers from the 110-employee complex. The death toll rose from two to four between Friday and Saturday, though official numbers of missing persons remain fluid as rescue efforts continue.

    Survivor Jaylord Antigua, 31, described the terrifying moment of collapse to Associated Press reporters. ‘The garbage wall descended without any warning despite clear weather,’ recounted Antigua, who escaped with minor bruises after crawling through darkness toward a light source. ‘I moved quickly, fearing subsequent landslides—it was profoundly traumatic. This feels like a second life.’

    The incident raises serious concerns about waste management infrastructure throughout the Philippines, where landfills and open dumpsites have historically posed significant public health and safety risks, particularly to adjacent impoverished communities where residents often scavenge for recyclables and food remnants.

    This tragedy echoes a similar 2000 disaster in Quezon City where a garbage mound collapse during stormy conditions resulted in over 200 fatalities and prompted nationwide reforms in waste management policy. Mayor Archival acknowledged that preparations are underway to address impending garbage collection challenges resulting from the facility’s closure.

  • North Korea vows response as it accuses the South of flying drones across the border

    North Korea vows response as it accuses the South of flying drones across the border

    North Korea’s military has issued a stern warning to South Korea, accusing its southern neighbor of conducting unauthorized drone surveillance missions across their shared border. The General Staff of the Korean People’s Army released an official statement through state media channels, alleging that South Korean drones equipped with dual-camera systems had infiltrated North Korean airspace on multiple occasions in recent weeks.

    The North Korean military claims it deployed specialized electronic warfare systems to neutralize what it described as ‘undisguised provocative acts.’ According to their account, one drone was intercepted on Sunday near a border town, while another was allegedly forced to crash on September 27 after electronic countermeasures were applied. Both devices were said to contain captured footage of strategic locations within North Korean territory.

    South Korea’s Defense Ministry has categorically denied these allegations, stating that no military drones were operational during the specified timeframes. Ministry official Kim Hong-Cheol confirmed that authorities would investigate whether civilian-operated drones might be involved, while reaffirming Seoul’s commitment to peaceful confidence-building measures.

    This incident occurs against the backdrop of deteriorating inter-Korean relations. Since the collapse of denuclearization talks between North Korea and the United States in 2019, Pyongyang has increasingly focused on weapons development while adopting a hostile ‘two-state’ policy toward South Korea. Despite President Lee Jae Myung’s efforts to revive diplomatic channels since taking office in June—including recent appeals to Chinese President Xi Jinping for mediation—North Korea has consistently rebuffed overtures from Seoul.

    Drone incursions have emerged as a persistent flashpoint in the delicate relationship between the two Koreas. Both nations have previously accused each other of unauthorized aerial surveillance operations, with notable incidents occurring in October 2024 and December 2022. While these previous confrontations resulted in heightened rhetoric without major escalation, the current allegations threaten to further undermine already strained relations on the Korean Peninsula.

  • India scolds Mamdani for sending letter to Indian activist held without trial

    India scolds Mamdani for sending letter to Indian activist held without trial

    India’s Ministry of External Affairs has issued a stern diplomatic reprimand to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani following the public circulation of his letter to imprisoned Indian activist Umar Khalid. The communication, penned in early December after Mamdani met with Khalid’s parents during their U.S. visit, surfaced on social media platforms several days ago.

    External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal delivered a sharply worded statement urging foreign officials to respect judicial independence in other democracies. ‘We expect public representatives to be respectful of the independence of judiciaries in other democracies,’ Jaiswal stated. ‘Expressing personal prejudices does not behoove those in office. Instead of such comments, it would be better to focus on the responsibilities entrusted to them.’

    Khalid, a student activist detained without trial since September 2020, faces allegations of orchestrating the February 2020 New Delhi riots. His case has drawn international scrutiny, with the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) identifying him as persecuted for ‘protesting religious freedom conditions’ and recommending India be designated a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ for religious intolerance.

    The legal proceedings against Khalid operate under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), legislation permitting extended detention periods while severely restricting bail opportunities. India’s Supreme Court recently rejected Khalid’s latest bail application, maintaining his imprisonment.

    Mamdani’s letter expressed personal solidarity, stating: ‘Dear Umar, I think of your words on bitterness often and the importance of not letting it consume one’s self. It was a pleasure to meet your parents. We are all thinking of you.’

    Simultaneously, eight U.S. lawmakers including Democratic Congressman Jim McGovern (co-chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission) and Senators Chris Van Hollen and Peter Welch dispatched a formal letter to Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra on December 30th. The communication urged India to provide Khalid with bail and a fair trial ‘in accordance to international law.’

    The controversy originates from the 2020 citizenship law amendments under Modi’s government that expedited citizenship for persecuted non-Muslim religious minorities from neighboring countries. Muslim exclusion protests prompted violent clashes in New Delhi, resulting in over 50 fatalities—predominantly Muslims—in the capital’s worst religious violence since the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

    Indian police arrested approximately 2,000 individuals following the disturbances, with critics alleging anti-Muslim bias in targeting activists and students. Among at least 18 detained leaders, Khalid has faced repeated bail rejections over five years despite international human rights organizations demanding his release. While some co-accused were granted bail on January 5th, Khalid and associate Sharjeel Imam remain imprisoned, with Amnesty International condemning their continued detention as based on ‘politically motivated allegations.’

  • China’s Hurricane 3000 casts an electric storm in the Taiwan Strait

    China’s Hurricane 3000 casts an electric storm in the Taiwan Strait

    China’s recent unveiling of its advanced Hurricane 3000 high-power microwave (HPM) weapon system marks a significant evolution in electromagnetic warfare capabilities, particularly in the context of escalating drone competition across the Taiwan Strait. Developed by state-owned defense contractor Norinco, this truck-mounted system represents a strategic shift from traditional platform-centric warfare to cost-effective electromagnetic domain control.

    The Hurricane 3000, first showcased during Beijing’s September 2025 military parade, demonstrates an impressive operational range exceeding 3 kilometers against small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). According to Norinco expert Yu Jianjun, the system’s capability surpasses comparable American technologies, enabling it to transition from short-range point defense to broader area denial operations. The weapon employs radar detection and electro-optical targeting before emitting concentrated microwave beams that instantly disable drone electronics through both antenna-based and circuit-level electromagnetic coupling.

    This technological advancement addresses the critical challenge of drone swarm saturation attacks by offering a low-cost-per-shot solution with minimal collateral damage and virtually unlimited firing capacity. The system can operate independently or integrate with laser and artillery systems within layered defense networks, reflecting China’s comprehensive approach to enhancing air, border, and urban security amid rapidly evolving drone warfare technologies.

    Research published in the January 2024 edition of Electronics journal details how HPM systems disrupt UAV operations by overwhelming electronic subsystems through multiple pathways. Even autonomous and fiber-optic drones, designed to avoid traditional jamming techniques, become vulnerable to HPM-induced electronic noise and overheating that compromises their operational capabilities.

    Strategic analysts from the Belfer Center (January 2025) and Center for a New American Security (September 2025) note that HPM weapons serve as critical point-defense tools for protecting invasion forces and key installations during potential Taiwan contingencies. These systems function as a ‘final force field’ against drones penetrating outer defensive layers, though their effectiveness depends on integration within broader counter-drone architectures due to range limitations and potential friendly electronic interference.

    The development carries particular significance for the US Replicator initiative, a Department of Defense project aiming to deploy thousands of low-cost autonomous systems to deter Chinese aggression toward Taiwan. While drone hardening techniques exist—including shielding, reflective surfaces, and obscurants—these countermeasures increase weight, complexity, and production costs, potentially undermining the economic rationale behind attritable drone swarms.

    Military analysts suggest that future drone effectiveness will depend on adapting tactics to exploit HPM limitations through maneuver, dispersion, multi-axis approaches, and environmental exploitation rather than relying solely on numerical superiority. This evolving dynamic shifts the strategic competition toward cost-exchange management and system resilience rather than simple technological superiority.

  • ‘An attack on women’s dignity’: Walls whitewashed after silhouettes defaced in Indian city

    ‘An attack on women’s dignity’: Walls whitewashed after silhouettes defaced in Indian city

    A disturbing incident of public art vandalism in Gwalior, central India, has ignited nationwide conversations about gender-based harassment and women’s safety in public spaces. The controversy began when a school student’s Instagram video revealed deliberately defaced female yoga silhouettes on a city beautification mural, with explicit markings targeting the genital areas of the figures.

    The teenage activist expressed profound disappointment in her viral post, stating that witnessing the sexualized defacement of artistic representations filled her with ‘anger and disgust.’ Her documentation triggered substantial social media backlash, with numerous commentators noting that women remain vulnerable ‘even in graffiti.’ National media outlets characterized the incident as both shameful and symptomatic of deeper societal issues.

    In response to mounting public pressure, local authorities initiated whitewashing of the affected walls. Municipal spokesman Umesh Gupta attributed the vandalism to unidentified ‘miscreants’ and acknowledged surveillance limitations in the area. The corporation subsequently announced a street art competition focusing on civic themes, though notably excluding yoga motifs from the proposed subjects.

    Social activist Kalpana Viswanath of Safetipin contextualized the event within India’s broader challenges regarding women’s access to public spaces. She emphasized that such acts constitute a form of sexual harassment regardless of whether directed at women or their artistic representations. While acknowledging the psychological impact of such incidents on women’s freedom of movement, Viswanath found encouragement in young women’s increasing willingness to challenge patriarchal norms, particularly those from smaller urban centers.

    The incident reflects global patterns of gendered interactions with public art, paralleling phenomena like the discolored breasts of bronze statues worldwide due to inappropriate touching. This case underscores the complex intersection of public art, gender politics, and urban space management in contemporary India.