Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Gaza residents fear their voices won’t be heard

    Gaza residents fear their voices won’t be heard

    As the inaugural session of the US-initiated ‘Board of Peace’ commenced in Washington, residents of Gaza voiced profound concerns about their exclusion from critical discussions determining their future. The council, established following Qatari and Egyptian-mediated ceasefire negotiations that halted the Palestine-Israel conflict in October, has expanded its original mandate from overseeing truce implementation and reconstruction to addressing broader international disputes.

    The meeting gathered approximately two dozen global leaders and senior officials who deliberated on the fragile second phase of the ceasefire, financial commitments, and proposals for an international stabilization force. Despite these high-level discussions, Gazans expressed apprehension that decisions made thousands of miles away would fail to address their immediate needs amid the widespread devastation that has left the territory in ruins after two years of conflict.

    Mohammed Abdel-Majid, a 37-year-old displaced Palestinian in Deir al-Balah, articulated the prevailing sentiment: ‘If this council brings real calm and improves our situation, we welcome any effort. But the absence of Palestinian representation worries us. How can they understand our needs when they do not live what we live every day?’

    Although a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee has been formed to manage Gaza’s daily governance under the board’s supervision, this arrangement has done little to alleviate concerns about practical implementation and fair representation. Safaa Yassin, a 40-year-old Gaza City resident, noted the history of unfulfilled promises: ‘We have witnessed many pledges, and each time there was talk of solutions—but without implementation and without our lives changing for the better.’

    The initiative faced additional complications as Norway explicitly rejected US claims of its participation. Norwegian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Ane Jorem stated unequivocally that her country would not join the board, a position shared by several European nations including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. French officials expressed surprise at the European Commission’s attendance, noting it lacked authorization from the European Council.

    Meanwhile, Morocco became the first Arab nation to commit personnel to the proposed International Stabilization Force, while Indonesia offered 8,000 troops—nearly half the 20,000 sought. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem emphasized that any political arrangements must begin with ‘a complete cessation of aggression, lifting the blockade, and guaranteeing the legitimate national rights of our people.’

  • Researchers conclude Antarctic sea survey

    Researchers conclude Antarctic sea survey

    China’s polar research icebreaker Xuelong has successfully concluded its comprehensive oceanographic survey mission in Antarctica’s Amundsen and Ross Seas, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s 42nd Antarctic expedition. The scientific team deployed cutting-edge domestically developed technologies to conduct extensive research in one of the planet’s most climate-vulnerable regions.

    The expedition, organized by China’s Ministry of Natural Resources, focused on the western Antarctic waters where ice sheets and shelves are experiencing accelerated melting due to global climate change. From January 2nd, researchers aboard the Xuelong (Snow Dragon) conducted multidisciplinary investigations encompassing hydrological conditions, marine biology, chemical composition, atmospheric conditions, and penguin habitats despite confronting severe weather challenges including intense winds, dense fog, and treacherous ice conditions.

    Scientific leader Zhang Haifeng reported that the team executed sophisticated operations including the deployment and retrieval of moored buoy systems, innovative krill trawling techniques, and advanced conductivity-temperature observations. The research yielded particularly valuable specimens of Antarctic krill, midwater fish species, and deep-sea benthic organisms that will enable scientists to map the trophic structure of critical marine species and monitor population dynamics.

    Team member Li Shuai highlighted technological breakthroughs including China’s indigenously developed polar ecological mooring system equipped with acoustic and optical detection modules capable of sustained underwater observation beneath ice cover. The expedition also introduced a newly enhanced multilayered krill trawl design that significantly improved catch efficiency and provided unprecedented data on krill distribution across water columns.

    The 31-member scientific team, representing 12 Chinese research institutions and universities, will now proceed to Hobart Port in Australia before returning to China. Meanwhile, the Xuelong icebreaker continues to Zhongshan Station for additional research assignments, continuing China’s eight-year continuous multidisciplinary monitoring program in the Amundsen Sea that began in 2018.

    Chief scientist Wei Fuhai emphasized that these long-term observational capabilities are essential for understanding the complex, rapid marine transformations occurring in this climate-sensitive region. The collected data will contribute significantly to global assessments of how climate change impacts polar marine ecosystems.

  • A Guangdong guide to festive giving wins hearts

    A Guangdong guide to festive giving wins hearts

    As China welcomed the Year of the Horse with vibrant red lanterns adorning urban thoroughfares and families gathering for heartfelt reunions, an unassuming chart from Guangdong province emerged as an unexpected cultural touchstone during the Spring Festival celebrations. This crowdsourced guideline, detailing appropriate monetary amounts for traditional red envelopes, has resonated deeply with citizens across the nation.

    The recommendation framework suggested 100 yuan ($14) for immediate family members, 50 yuan for close non-blood relatives, 20 yuan for cousins, 10 yuan for distant relatives, and merely 5 yuan for neighbors. Rather than establishing new standards, these figures reflect long-standing regional practices in Guangdong where the Cantonese tradition of ‘laisee’ emphasizes symbolic meaning over monetary value.

    The digital response to this guideline has been overwhelmingly supportive, with WeChat, Douyin, and Weibo users applauding the approach for helping the festival ‘return to its original significance’ while alleviating the financial pressures that often accompany seasonal gift-giving.

    The custom of red envelopes, historically known as ‘yasuiqian’ or ‘money to ward off evil spirits,’ traces its origins over a millennium to the practice of elders threading copper coins with red string to bless children with peace and safety. Southern folklore tells of a mythical creature called Nian Shou that would frighten children during the New Year, leading to the adoption of red decorations, bright lights, and firecrackers as protective measures. The red envelope consequently evolved into both protective talisman and generational blessing.

    The Cantonese term ‘laisee’ incorporates auspicious homophones meaning ‘good fortune’ and ‘smooth affairs,’ with the red paper conveying joy and prosperity while the enclosed money represents shared luck between generations.

    Despite the prevalence of digital transfers, many still cherish the tactile tradition of preparing crisp new banknotes for physical envelopes. Guangzhou retiree Wang Xiuying, 66, recently exchanged 2,000 yuan for new bills at her local bank, explaining that ‘giving hongbao to children is a must and a perfect gift for Spring Festival.’ For her, the envelopes represent familial blessings more than monetary value.

    The Guangdong guidelines have gained particular relevance as red envelope amounts have escalated in various regions, creating silent but substantial financial pressure. Office worker Cheng Qiongfang from Guangzhou noted that she maintained her practice of distributing envelopes containing 10 or 20 yuan, stating that ‘if hongbao becomes just a way to compete with others, it loses its original meaning.’

    Cultural observers suggest the guideline’s popularity reflects a broader societal desire for less burdensome celebrations focused on warmth rather than wealth. Within the rich tapestry of Chinese New Year traditions—from doorway couplets to family banquets—the red envelope remains one of the most intimate and enduring customs. This slender fold of paper containing modest sums carries centuries of cultural memory for those who appreciate its deeper significance.

    Through Guangdong’s understated laisee guide, many have discovered not merely a reference chart but a poignant reminder that the true value of a red envelope lies not in its denomination, but in the goodwill it conveys across generations.

  • ‘Emotional spending’ a touch of holiday luxury

    ‘Emotional spending’ a touch of holiday luxury

    A new consumer phenomenon dubbed ’emotional spending’ is transforming how Chinese citizens celebrate the Spring Festival holiday, with many opting for luxury purchases and personalized cultural experiences over traditional celebrations. This trend reflects a growing desire for meaningful consumption that provides emotional satisfaction and cultural connection during China’s most important family reunion period.

    Among the most popular emotional expenditures are professional photo sessions wearing traditional hanfu attire, premium tourism packages, and exclusive Lunar New Year’s Eve dining experiences. These activities, while often carrying substantial price tags, offer participants immersive cultural engagement and lasting memories beyond conventional holiday spending.

    Twenty-year-old Beijing undergraduate Zhang Xiaohan exemplifies this trend. She recently invested approximately 2,000 yuan ($288) in a comprehensive hanfu photography session in Xi’an, one of China’s ancient capitals. The package included traditional costume rental, professional makeup services, photography at historical sites, and entrance fees to cultural landmarks.

    “I’m deeply attracted to Chinese traditional culture, particularly the subtle elegance of classical clothing and architecture,” Zhang explained. “The experience at Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City was particularly memorable—surrounded by red lanterns, beautiful architecture, and fellow hanfu enthusiasts, I felt completely immersed in the festive atmosphere.”

    While Zhang typically allocates around 1,000 yuan monthly for entertainment and cultural items, she considered the Spring Festival premium justified for the quality of experience received. The photographer enhanced the session with traditional props including Chinese paper-cuts and lanterns, creating images rich with cultural symbolism and holiday spirit.

    This shift toward experiential luxury spending during traditional holidays signals broader changes in Chinese consumption patterns, particularly among younger generations who increasingly value cultural authenticity and emotional fulfillment over material possessions alone.

  • Technology transforming creativity

    Technology transforming creativity

    At Malanshan Video Cultural and Creative Industrial Park in Changsha, Hunan province, a technological revolution is quietly transforming how Chinese cultural content reaches global audiences. Rows of screens display scripts translated into Arabic, Spanish, Thai, and French through advanced AI systems, while characters speak in flawless English despite originally performing in Mandarin just hours earlier.

    The transformation stems from China’s first large-scale intelligent translation and production center for short dramas, launched in April 2025 at the Malanshan Audio and Video Laboratory. This cutting-edge facility integrates large language models, speech recognition, voice cloning, and synthesis technologies to automate translation, dubbing, and subtitle generation across multiple languages.

    Laboratory director Tu Yongfeng highlights the dramatic efficiency gains: “Previously, manually translating a two-hour micro-drama required one to two weeks. Now the process completes within mere hours.” This technological leap has accelerated international distribution, with the laboratory already releasing over 3,000 works that have attracted tens of millions of overseas viewers while significantly reducing production costs.

    These developments align with China’s broader national strategy to integrate culture and technology—a priority emphasized by President Xi Jinping during his 2020 inspection tour in Changsha. President Xi described culture as a “sunrise industry” and stressed that deep integration with technology drives rapid growth while creating substantial talent reservoirs deserving sustained support.

    Dubbed “China’s V Valley,” the Malanshan park now hosts more than 4,000 culture and technology enterprises and over 64,000 professionals. From 2020 to 2024, companies in the park generated combined revenues of 277.1 billion yuan ($38.5 billion) with annual growth averaging over 11%.

    The laboratory serves as the core engine driving this transformation, focusing on technologies across the entire audio-video chain from production and editing to transmission and display. Innovations include set-top boxes delivering 4K ultra-high-definition images from devices no larger than USB drives, and AI dual-lens livestreaming cameras that respond to hand gestures and simulate cinematic depth of field.

    This technological advancement reflects national policy directions outlined during the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, which called for exploring effective mechanisms to integrate culture with science and technology.

    The integration extends beyond micro-dramas to major cultural institutions nationwide. The Palace Museum in Beijing has embraced digital transformation through its digital mini-program, allowing millions to explore the former imperial palace via panoramic tours and interactive exhibitions. Meanwhile, the Mogao Caves in Gansu province have seen advanced scanning technologies digitally recreate the famed Library Cave, earning UNESCO recognition.

    According to Xu Guobao, vice-president of the China Culture Administration Association, deeper integration requires not only new technologies but also institutional mechanisms that improve innovation resource allocation. This approach stimulates creativity and accelerates new cultural business models while enhancing China’s cultural soft power globally.

    As AI tools continue maturing, researchers anticipate further improvements in accuracy and efficiency, providing Chinese cultural products increasingly natural pathways to global audiences while balancing development with necessary security measures and ethical oversight.

  • Spirit, stamina and survival: Svitolina conquers Gauff in Dubai epic

    Spirit, stamina and survival: Svitolina conquers Gauff in Dubai epic

    In a monumental display of resilience and athletic prowess, Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina secured a hard-fought victory over American phenom Coco Gauff in the semifinals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. The grueling encounter, which stretched to three hours and three minutes, culminated in a 6-4, 6-7 (13-15), 6-4 decision that showcased the finest elements of women’s tennis.

    The match reached its climax on Svitolina’s sixth match point, concluding with Gauff’s forehand return finding the net. An emotionally overwhelmed Svitolina immediately covered her face in disbelief after surviving what she described as a ‘high-intensity’ battle featuring ‘incredible shot-making’ from both competitors.

    This victory carries profound significance for the 29-year-old Ukrainian, who now stands one win away from securing her third Dubai title. A triumph in the final would place her alongside tennis legend Venus Williams as the second-most successful champion in the tournament’s history, trailing only Belgian great Justine Henin’s four titles.

    The path to victory was anything but straightforward. The match featured a spectacular 28-point second-set tiebreak where Gauff demonstrated remarkable composure, saving four match points to force a decisive third set. This resilience from the young American highlighted why she remains one of the sport’s most promising talents despite the semifinal setback.

    Svitolina now faces the challenge of physical and mental recovery before confronting world number five Jessica Pegula in Saturday’s final. The Ukrainian acknowledged Pegula’s formidable form after the American’s comeback victory against Amanda Anisimova in the other semifinal, emphasizing the need for peak physical condition given Dubai’s demanding playing conditions.

    For Gauff, the defeat marks another narrow loss to Svitolina following their Australian Open quarterfinal encounter just weeks earlier. Despite the disappointment, the world number four maintained perspective, noting her satisfaction with reaching the semifinals after initially aiming simply to win one match in the tournament.

    Svitolina’s achievement becomes more remarkable considering her recent return from maternity leave, with this final appearance representing her first in a WTA 1000 event in seven years—a testament to her dedication and the inspiring comeback she has engineered since becoming a mother.

  • UAE non-oil GDP grows 6.1% in first nine months of 2025

    UAE non-oil GDP grows 6.1% in first nine months of 2025

    The United Arab Emirates has demonstrated remarkable economic resilience with its non-oil sector expanding by 6.1% during the first nine months of 2025, according to official data released by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC). This robust performance contributed significantly to the nation’s overall GDP growth of 5.1% year-on-year, bringing total economic output to approximately Dh1.4 trillion.

    Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri announced on Friday that the non-oil sector’s value exceeded Dh1 trillion, highlighting the success of the country’s strategic diversification efforts. The minister credited this economic achievement to the UAE’s ongoing transition toward a knowledge-based economy supported by competitive legislative frameworks and business-friendly policies aligned with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision.

    Sectoral analysis reveals financial and insurance activities led the expansion with 9% growth, followed closely by construction at 8.7%, real estate at 7.9%, and manufacturing at 6.9%. In terms of overall contribution to non-oil GDP, wholesale and retail trade maintained the largest share at 16.1%, with manufacturing accounting for 13.9%, financial services 13.5%, and construction 11.9%.

    Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the FCSC, emphasized that these results demonstrate the resilience of the UAE’s economic model amid global economic shifts. She noted that the integration of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence into national statistical systems has significantly enhanced policy efficiency and development planning capabilities. The sustained growth positions the UAE favorably to achieve its ambitious goal of doubling the national GDP to Dh3 trillion within the next decade.

  • Wadan Developments introduces Tresora, marking another successful launch

    Wadan Developments introduces Tresora, marking another successful launch

    Dubai’s real estate landscape welcomes another innovative development as Wadan Developments launches Tresora, its fourth major project, signaling continued expansion in the UAE property market. This 23-story integrated tower in Jumeirah Village Circle represents a sophisticated approach to urban living by combining residential, commercial, and office spaces within a single connected ecosystem.

    The strategically positioned development capitalizes on JVC’s status as one of Dubai’s most dynamic and centrally located communities. With upcoming metro infrastructure enhancing accessibility, Tresora promises unprecedented connectivity to key urban centers while maintaining the appeal of a established residential neighborhood. This transit-oriented development strategy positions Tresora for long-term valuation growth and sustained market relevance.

    Architecturally, Tresora employs a vertically layered design philosophy with retail and commercial establishments at the foundation levels, contemporary office spaces in the middle tiers, and residential apartments occupying the upper floors. This intentional spatial organization creates a self-contained microenvironment where professional, commercial, and domestic activities seamlessly intersect.

    Residential units feature intelligent space optimization with premium finishes and minimalist aesthetics, emphasizing functional elegance over mere ornamentation. The development incorporates advanced smart-home technology through the proprietary Wadan App, enabling residents to control environmental systems and access building services via mobile devices.

    Amenities include comprehensive wellness facilities with a fully-equipped fitness center, swimming pool, and dedicated relaxation areas. Community spaces have been carefully curated to foster social interaction, featuring children’s play zones and collaborative work environments. Additional premium services include secured parking, elegantly appointed lobbies, and professionally managed common areas.

    The project launch event at Wadan’s sales gallery demonstrated strong investor confidence and industry support, highlighting Tresora’s strategic positioning and investment potential. This successful unveiling marks Wadan’s fourth consecutive project launch, underscoring the developer’s operational capacity and market understanding.

    Tresora embodies Wadan’s brand philosophy of ‘A Vision Beyond Luxury,’ focusing on practical sophistication, locational advantage, and genuine quality of life enhancements rather than superficial extravagance. The development represents the evolving paradigm in urban property development where integrated living solutions take precedence over isolated residential concepts.

  • Abu Dhabi’s Aldar issues $1 billion hybrid notes to Apollo

    Abu Dhabi’s Aldar issues $1 billion hybrid notes to Apollo

    In a landmark financial maneuver, Abu Dhabi’s premier real estate developer, Aldar Properties, has successfully executed a $1 billion private placement of subordinated hybrid notes with global asset management titan Apollo Global Management. This strategic transaction, finalized on February 20, 2026, now stands as the single largest corporate hybrid private placement ever recorded within the region.

    The sophisticated capital restructuring initiative involves the issuance of notes at the parent company level. The net proceeds are subsequently being channeled as an equity infusion into Aldar Investment Properties (AIP), the entity responsible for managing Aldar’s portfolio of income-generating real estate assets. A significant component of this arrangement includes the full repayment of $500 million in perpetual subordinated notes previously held by Apollo in AIP, which originated from the asset manager’s initial $1.4 billion investment into Aldar back in 2022.

    This latest financial injection elevates the total capital commitment from Apollo-managed affiliates, funds, and clients to approximately $2.9 billion over a four-year period, significantly deepening the strategic partnership between the two firms. The transaction is meticulously designed to fortify the capital structures of both Aldar and AIP, providing enhanced balance sheet resilience and bolstering the company’s capacity to pursue its ambitious growth agenda. Consequently, Aldar’s ownership stake in its lucrative AIP subsidiary has increased to a commanding 90%, with Apollo retaining a 10% share.

    Faisal Falaknaz, Group Chief Financial and Sustainability Officer at Aldar, emphasized the strategic value of the deal, stating it provides ‘long-term, flexible capital’ that empowers the company to capitalize on compelling market opportunities. He further highlighted that the move amplifies Aldar’s share of stable, recurring income derived from AIP’s high-quality and diversified portfolio, which is poised for further expansion through acquisitions and a substantial develop-to-hold pipeline valued at nearly $5 billion.

    Echoing the sentiment, Jamshid Ehsani, a Partner at Apollo, commended the transaction as a testament to Apollo’s expertise in structuring adaptable capital solutions that align with the objectives of corporate clients and investors alike. He praised Aldar’s ‘robust performance and portfolio expansion’ under experienced management and reaffirmed Apollo’s sustained commitment to the Abu Dhabi market and the broader Middle East region. The hybrid notes feature a long-term structure with an extended non-call period of 10.25 years, mirroring the terms of a recent public issuance by Aldar.

  • US ambassador Huckabee says Israel has right to take over ‘all’ of Middle East

    US ambassador Huckabee says Israel has right to take over ‘all’ of Middle East

    In a televised exchange that has ignited significant controversy, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee engaged in a theological and geopolitical debate with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson regarding Israel’s territorial rights. The discussion, aired on Friday’s episode of The Tucker Carlson Show, centered on biblical interpretations of land promised to the Jewish people.

    Carlson directly questioned Huckabee about the boundaries described in Genesis 15, which references territory spanning from the Nile to the Euphrates rivers—encompassing approximately five modern nations alongside currently occupied Palestinian territories. When pressed on whether Israel held divine entitlement to this extensive region, Huckabee responded that “it would be fine if they took it all,” though he subsequently characterized this as “somewhat of a hyperbolic statement.

    The ambassador later clarified his position, asserting that Israel seeks only to protect its citizens rather than actively conquer neighboring states. However, he notably added that if Israel were attacked and subsequently victorious in such conflicts, the acquisition of additional territory would become “a whole other discussion.”

    This exchange occurs against the backdrop of Huckabee’s June statements to Bloomberg News, where he declared that establishing a Palestinian state in the occupied West Bank no longer represents US policy objectives. The ambassador suggested instead that Israel’s “Muslim neighbours” might surrender land to facilitate Palestinian statehood.

    The interview concluded with unexpected consequences for Carlson’s production team. Following his sit-down with Huckabee in Israel, Carlson reported that Israeli security officials detained him and confiscated passports, questioning his executive producer about the interview’s content. Carlson subsequently criticized both Israeli authorities and the American embassy for their handling of the incident, asserting that American citizens cannot expect their government to prioritize their interests over those of the Israeli government.

    The full 165-minute interview, released Friday, has sparked renewed debate about Christian Zionism, US foreign policy in the Middle East, and the appropriate role of religious texts in modern geopolitical discourse.