Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • China committed to fostering peace, friendship, cooperation in South China Sea: spokesperson

    China committed to fostering peace, friendship, cooperation in South China Sea: spokesperson

    In a recent development regarding South China Sea tensions, China’s Ministry of National Defense has publicly condemned what it characterizes as disingenuous rhetoric from Philippine naval officials. The exchange emerged following a humanitarian incident where Chinese naval personnel rescued a distressed Filipino fisherman during routine patrol operations in disputed waters.

    Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang addressed reporters Thursday, revealing that the rescue operation—conducted within areas China considers under its jurisdiction—had been widely appreciated by the Filipino public despite being dismissed as ‘propaganda’ by a Philippine Navy representative.

    Zhang sharply criticized certain Philippine actors for what he described as exploiting fishermen as pawns in maritime provocations. ‘These actions not only place fishermen in precarious situations but also demonstrate a blatant disregard for their safety and livelihoods,’ he stated.

    The spokesperson further accused these individuals of making unfounded allegations against China while engaging in what he called hypocritical and cold-blooded behavior. ‘Facts speak louder than words, and justice prevails in people’s hearts,’ Zhang asserted, echoing a common Chinese diplomatic refrain.

    Reaffirming China’s strategic position, Zhang emphasized Beijing’s unwavering commitment to protecting its territorial sovereignty and maritime interests. Simultaneously, he reiterated China’s dedication to collaborative efforts with regional nations to transform the South China Sea into a zone characterized by peace, friendship, and mutual cooperation.

  • Businessman extradited from Cambodia to China suspected of running vast online criminal empire

    Businessman extradited from Cambodia to China suspected of running vast online criminal empire

    In a landmark international law enforcement operation, suspected criminal mastermind Chen Zhi has been extradited from Cambodia to China, marking a significant breakthrough in combating transnational organized crime. The Chinese Ministry of Public Security hailed the operation as a “major achievement” in Sino-Cambodian cooperation against illicit networks.

    Chen, who once managed an internet café, allegedly built a sprawling criminal empire from his Cambodian coastal headquarters, generating an astonishing $30 million daily through online gambling operations and sophisticated “pig butchering” scams targeting victims worldwide. U.S. federal prosecutors had unsealed an indictment against Chen in October, accusing him of defrauding Americans and global victims of billions.

    Despite his alleged criminal activities, Chen maintained a veneer of legitimacy in Cambodian high society. As founder of Prince Holding Group, he cultivated political connections, serving as personal adviser to both current Prime Minister Hun Manet and his father, former Prime Minister Hun Sen. He held the prestigious honorary title of “neak oknha” and engaged in substantial philanthropy through his Prince Foundation, including a $3 million donation for COVID-19 vaccines that earned personal gratitude from Hun Sen.

    Chen’s business portfolio included a $2 million education scholarship program and the establishment of Prince Horology, a Swiss-style watchmaking school. However, court documents in China reveal Prince Group was implicated in at least a dozen judgments related to money laundering and online gambling operations targeting Chinese nationals as early as 2016.

    The suspect maintained multiple passports from China, Cambodia, Vanuatu, Cyprus, and St. Lucia, facilitating his international operations. Chinese authorities have indicated they will soon issue arrest warrants for key players in Chen’s network, signaling a comprehensive crackdown on transnational criminal organizations operating in Southeast Asia.

  • 4 GCC countries recall batches of Nestle’s infant formula

    4 GCC countries recall batches of Nestle’s infant formula

    Four Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations have initiated precautionary recalls of multiple Nestlé infant formula products following the detection of Bacillus cereus bacteria in a raw material ingredient. The contamination scare, which has triggered global health alerts across 37 countries, prompted coordinated action from UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar on January 7th.

    The UAE’s Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) announced the recall of specific batches including NAN Comfort 1, NAN Optipro 1, NAN Supreme Pro 1-3, Isomil Ultima 1-3, and Alfamino formulas. This decisive action came after laboratory analysis revealed traces of cereulide-producing bacteria in production materials, though no illnesses have been reported in connection with the products.

    Saudi Arabia’s Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) simultaneously issued consumption advisories against Nestlé’s NAN, ALFAMINO, S-26 GOLD, and S-26 ULTIMA brands. The authority confirmed implementing comprehensive market withdrawal procedures in coordination with the Swiss food giant, emphasizing that the recall was initiated following Nestlé’s voluntary risk assessment notification.

    Kuwaiti and Qatari health authorities mirrored these precautions, with Kuwait clarifying that affected products were not distributed through the nation’s ration card system. Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health urged consumers to return or dispose of specified batches while maintaining continuous monitoring of laboratory results.

    Nestlé acknowledged the quality issue originated from a third-party supplier’s arachidonic acid oil component. The company has implemented global testing protocols for all potentially impacted oil mixes and established refund mechanisms for concerned consumers. Despite the extensive recall, the multinational corporation maintains that no confirmed illnesses have been linked to the products, characterizing the action as preventive consumer protection measure.

    The coordinated GCC response demonstrates heightened regional food safety vigilance, with all affected nations maintaining open communication channels with the manufacturer while conducting ongoing safety assessments.

  • Starry Lee Wai-king elected president of HKSAR’s 8th-term LegCo

    Starry Lee Wai-king elected president of HKSAR’s 8th-term LegCo

    In a decisive political development, Starry Lee Wai-king has been elected as the President of Hong Kong’s eighth-term Legislative Council (LegCo), marking a significant milestone in the Special Administrative Region’s governance structure. The election, conducted on January 8, 2026, at the Legislative Council Complex, saw Lee prevail over contender Ronick Chan Chun-ying by a narrow five-vote margin.

    The appointment represents a continuation of political leadership within Hong Kong’s legislative framework, with Lee bringing considerable parliamentary experience to her new role. The election process demonstrated the functioning of Hong Kong’s legislative mechanisms under the principle of ‘one country, two systems,’ with all procedures conducted according to established protocols.

    Observers note that Lee’s presidency comes at a crucial juncture for Hong Kong as the region continues to navigate complex socioeconomic challenges while maintaining its unique position within China’s governance structure. The leadership transition occurs amidst ongoing efforts to balance regional autonomy with national integration priorities.

    The new LegCo president’s background suggests a continuation of pragmatic governance approaches, with expectations focusing on legislative efficiency, procedural adherence, and administrative stability. The election outcome reinforces the current political trajectory within Hong Kong’s institutional framework, with implications for both local governance and broader regional dynamics.

  • Empty chairs mark grief as UAE schools help students cope with loss of classmates

    Empty chairs mark grief as UAE schools help students cope with loss of classmates

    Educational institutions across the United Arab Emirates are transforming into sanctuaries of collective healing as they develop innovative approaches to help students navigate profound loss following recent tragedies within school communities.

    The educational sector’s response comes after two devastating incidents that shook the expatriate community. In Abu Dhabi, four young Indian brothers lost their lives in a catastrophic vehicle collision on Sunday morning. This tragedy follows closely after the sudden passing of 17-year-old Aisha Mariam in Sharjah last month, who collapsed from cardiac arrest despite having no prior medical conditions.

    Educators are demonstrating extraordinary emotional intelligence in their response strategies. Naseer Chowthodika, a Physics instructor at Arab Unity School, shared his poignant experience of confronting an empty desk during exam distribution, describing how the silence spoke volumes about the irreplaceable void left by his departed Year 10 student.

    At Sharjah Indian School, Principal Pramod Mahajan employed a powerful nonverbal approach by personally occupying the chair of the deceased student for ten minutes. This symbolic gesture helped classmates gradually overcome their reluctance to use the space, demonstrating that acknowledging absence can be the first step toward healing.

    Veteran educator Lisa Johnson of American Academy for Girls emphasized the importance of structured emotional support systems. Her institution has implemented a wellbeing triage protocol that identifies distressed students and pairs them with trusted adults for regular check-ins. The school also utilizes creative outlets like memory books and remembrance trees with personalized messages to facilitate processing of grief.

    Dubai-based life coach Girish Hemnani provided professional insight, noting that grief manifests in children through often-misinterpreted symptoms including irritability, exhaustion, and physical discomfort. He stressed the critical importance of validating these responses rather than dismissing them as behavioral issues.

    Parents like Dubai resident Fiza have expressed appreciation for schools’ delicate handling of these situations, particularly how administrators balanced honesty with compassion when breaking tragic news to students.

    The educational community’s comprehensive approach includes teacher training on sensitivity adjustments, academic flexibility during mourning periods, and long-term support mechanisms that continue through anniversaries and significant dates, ensuring no student feels abandoned in their grief journey.

  • China’s patrols around Diaoyu Island lawful, justified: spokesperson

    China’s patrols around Diaoyu Island lawful, justified: spokesperson

    In a definitive statement addressing regional maritime tensions, China’s Ministry of National Defense has formally declared its patrol activities around the Diaoyu Islands as both lawful and justified. Defense spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang articulated China’s position during a Thursday press briefing, emphasizing the nation’s historical claims to the islands and their adjacent waters.

    Zhang characterized the Diaoyu Islands and their affiliated territories as ‘China’s inherent territory,’ framing coast guard operations in these waters as legitimate measures to protect national maritime interests. The spokesperson’s comments came specifically in response to recent Japanese media reports scrutinizing China’s maritime patrols in the contested region.

    The defense official issued a stern warning to Japan, urging caution in both actions and rhetoric regarding the matter. ‘We urge Japan to act and speak with caution and refrain from taking any moves that may escalate the situation,’ Zhang stated, employing a vivid Chinese proverb to underscore his point: ‘Otherwise, it will lift a rock only to drop it on its own feet.’

    The spokesperson’s remarks reinforce China’s firm stance against external criticism of its maritime activities, presenting them as non-negotiable exercises of national sovereignty rather than subjects for international debate.

  • China urges international community to prevent revival of Japanese militarism

    China urges international community to prevent revival of Japanese militarism

    In a significant diplomatic statement, China has issued a forceful appeal to the international community to jointly counter what it characterizes as Japan’s accelerating militarization. The call came from Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang during a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday.

    Zhang articulated deep concerns regarding Japan’s recent security policies and military positioning, asserting that Tokyo has been advancing its defense capabilities under various pretexts while disregarding international opposition. The spokesperson emphasized that Japan’s actions demonstrate a concerning pattern rather than showing contrition for historical transgressions.

    According to the Chinese military representative, Japan has engaged in brazen weapons exports and even floated discussions about nuclear armament possibilities. Zhang contended that these developments reveal the underlying agenda of right-wing elements within Japan who seek to restore militarism and reshape the nation’s security posture.

    The spokesperson highlighted that criticism of Japan’s military policies has been consistently voiced by multiple nations, particularly Southeast Asian countries. Zhang urged all peace-seeking nations and populations to recognize what China perceives as Japan’s hidden motivations and collaborate to preserve the post-World War II international framework.

    The Chinese defense official concluded that collective international effort is essential to maintain regional and global stability while preventing the resurgence of Japanese militaristic tendencies that could undermine the existing world order.

  • Influential China church reports arrests as crackdown on Christians intensifies

    Influential China church reports arrests as crackdown on Christians intensifies

    Chinese authorities have launched coordinated operations against prominent unregistered Protestant congregations, resulting in multiple arrests and church demolitions in what religious freedom monitors describe as an escalating campaign against independent religious expression.

    In Chengdu, Sichuan province, police detained nine individuals associated with Early Rain Covenant Church during raids conducted on Tuesday targeting residential properties and church offices. While five were subsequently released within 24 hours, four key members including current leader Li Yingqiang and his wife Zhang Xinyue remain in custody without formal charges being disclosed. The church administration characterized these actions as a ‘concerted operation’ with unclear legal grounds.

    Concurrently in Wenzhou—a city renowned for its substantial Christian population—municipal authorities initiated partial demolition of Yayang Church’s physical structure. Video evidence obtained by advocacy organization ChinaAid reveals heavy machinery and security forces deployed at the site. Local residents reported being displaced from adjacent areas while workers received instructions prohibiting photographic documentation of the proceedings.

    This development follows December’s apprehension of approximately 100 Yayang Church members, with at least two dozen reportedly still detained according to Human Rights Watch. These incidents represent the latest manifestations of China’s ongoing religious regulation campaign that has intensified under President Xi Jinping’s administration.

    Since 2015, Beijing has implemented policies demanding the ‘Sinicization of religions,’ requiring theological alignment with state-defined cultural values. Last year further restricted digital religious practices by prohibiting unauthorized online preaching, youth activities, and fundraising. Religious groups must exclusively utilize government-sanctioned platforms for such activities.

    Early Rain Covenant Church has persisted despite previous crackdowns, including the 2018 imprisonment of founding pastor Wang Yi on charges of subversion and illegal business operations. The congregation continues conducting virtual services, sometimes incorporating recorded sermons from incarcerated leaders.

    International researchers note a strategic shift in enforcement methodology, with authorities increasingly favoring immediate detention over previous graduated approaches involving warnings and financial penalties. This reflects strengthened ideological control measures prioritizing absolute allegiance to governing institutions above alternative loyalties.

  • China to probe Meta’s acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Manus

    China to probe Meta’s acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Manus

    China’s Commerce Ministry announced Thursday it would conduct a comprehensive assessment of Meta Platforms’ acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Manus, signaling heightened scrutiny of cross-border technology transfers amid ongoing U.S.-China technological competition. Ministry spokesperson He Yadong confirmed authorities would examine whether the transaction complies with Chinese laws and regulations governing technology exports and cross-border mergers.

    The investigation marks a significant development in the increasingly complex landscape of global tech acquisitions, particularly involving companies with Chinese roots. Although Manus operates as Singapore-based Butterfly Effect Pte, its technological origins trace back to Beijing-registered entities established several years ago. This connection has drawn attention from Chinese regulators despite Meta’s assertion that the acquisition includes “no continuing Chinese ownership interests” and that Manus will discontinue its China operations.

    Industry analysts interpret the move as reflecting China’s intensified focus on technological security. Gary Ng, senior economist for Asia Pacific at Natixis, noted that “security has become the top concern for Chinese policymakers,” adding that “any tech transfer that could give the U.S. an edge in competitiveness will be heavily scrutinized.”

    Academic experts have raised specific concerns regarding compliance with China’s technology export control frameworks. Professor Cui Fan of the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing questioned whether the transaction involved “technologies prohibited or restricted from export under Chinese laws and regulations being exported without a license.”

    The acquisition represents Meta’s latest strategic move to enhance its artificial intelligence capabilities across its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram—services that remain blocked in China under the country’s internet governance policies. Manus, which developed a general-purpose AI agent capable of autonomously performing multi-step complex tasks, reported annual recurring revenue exceeding $100 million last month.

  • England’s Harry Brook apologizes for nightclub incident in New Zealand before Ashes

    England’s Harry Brook apologizes for nightclub incident in New Zealand before Ashes

    England’s white-ball cricket captain Harry Brook has issued a formal apology following revelations of an altercation with a nightclub bouncer in Wellington, New Zealand, last October. The incident occurred on October 31, just before the final one-day international against New Zealand, preceding England’s disappointing Ashes campaign in Australia.

    According to reports from London’s Telegraph, the confrontation unfolded when Brook was denied entry to an establishment, resulting in physical contact with security personnel. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed awareness of the matter, stating it had been addressed through a formal and confidential disciplinary process that resulted in a £30,000 (approximately $40,300) fine for the player alongside a final conduct warning.

    The timing of the disclosure proved particularly sensitive as it emerged immediately following England’s fifth-test defeat in Sydney, cementing Australia’s comprehensive 4-1 series victory. Brook, who also served as test vice-captain during the Ashes, maintained his leadership position despite the incident.

    In his apology statement, Brook expressed remorse: ‘I want to apologize for my actions. I fully accept that my behavior was wrong and brought embarrassment to both myself and the England team. Representing England is the greatest honor of all, which I take seriously, and I am deeply sorry for letting down my teammates, coaches and supporters.’

    The nightclub incident wasn’t the only behavioral concern surrounding the England squad during their Southern Hemisphere tour. Reports also emerged of players excessively consuming alcohol in Noosa, a resort town between the second and third Ashes tests—both of which England lost.

    Despite these controversies, Brook will retain captaincy for England’s upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka in two weeks, followed by the Twenty20 World Cup scheduled next month across Sri Lanka and India. The ECB has initiated a comprehensive performance review of players and management following the underwhelming Ashes outcome, which contrasted sharply with the team’s elevated expectations upon arriving in Australia.