Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • EU leaders condemn Trump’s Gaza ‘Board of Peace’ at Munich conference

    EU leaders condemn Trump’s Gaza ‘Board of Peace’ at Munich conference

    At the Munich Security Conference, European leaders launched pointed criticism against U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly established ‘Board of Peace,’ accusing it of deliberately circumventing its original United Nations mandate. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas led the charge, characterizing the initiative as a personal vehicle for Trump that significantly deviates from its intended purpose.

    The Board, unveiled last month at the World Economic Forum, boasts membership from nearly all major Middle Eastern nations, including Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, with additional members such as Pakistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Indonesia. Its charter grants President Trump extensive authority as chair, including the power to unilaterally appoint and remove member states—a decision reversible only by a two-thirds majority.

    Kallas emphasized that while a UN Security Council resolution explicitly mandated the body to manage Gaza’s post-war governance and reconstruction, Trump’s version makes no reference to Gaza, the UN, or provisions for Palestinian representation. She noted the original resolution intended the board to be ‘limited in time,’ a stipulation absent from the current statute.

    Spain’s Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, echoed these concerns, highlighting Europe’s exclusion from the initiative despite being a principal funder of the Palestinian Authority. U.S. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy joined the critique, labeling the effort ‘rushed’ and part of Trump’s ‘consistent campaign to alienate our friends in Europe.’ Murphy accused the president of prioritizing media headlines over substantive action, particularly in leveraging U.S. influence to facilitate aid entry, reconstruction, and self-governance in Gaza.

    In defense, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio argued that the UN had ‘played virtually no role’ in resolving the Gaza conflict, though he acknowledged the organization’s potential as a future tool for global good. Meanwhile, Trump-appointed Gaza representative Nickolay Mladenov urged rapid action, warning that failure to move quickly could lead to a ‘second phase of the war’ rather than implementing the next ceasefire phase.

    The discussions occur just days before the Board’s inaugural meeting scheduled for February 19th in Washington, D.C., where Trump is expected to announce a multi-billion-dollar Gaza reconstruction plan and details of a UN-mandated stabilization force. Reports indicate approximately 20 countries, including several heads of state, will attend. Indonesia has already signaled preparedness to deploy up to 8,000 troops under the peace plan.

    These diplomatic tensions unfold against a backdrop of continued violence; near-daily Israeli strikes have killed nearly 600 Palestinians since October, violating the fragile ceasefire. The Gaza Strip remains divided by a ‘Yellow Line,’ with Israel occupying 53% of the enclave, while a full blockade persists despite the nominal ceasefire agreement.

  • Expats celebrate Spring Festival in Meili Ancient Town

    Expats celebrate Spring Festival in Meili Ancient Town

    On February 14th, Meili Ancient Town in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, became a vibrant crossroads of cultural exchange as expatriates from around the world gathered to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival. The historic setting provided a perfect backdrop for an immersive cultural experience that blended tradition with cross-cultural appreciation.

    Participants adorned themselves in elegant hanfu attire, fully embracing the aesthetic spirit of traditional Chinese celebrations. The event featured multiple interactive cultural stations where international guests could engage with authentic Chinese customs. Highlights included a mesmerizing face-changing performance (bian lian), a classic Sichuan opera art form that captivated attendees with its rapid mask transformations and technical mastery.

    The hands-on activities proved particularly popular as visitors learned to craft tanghulu, the iconic candied hawthorn treats synonymous with Chinese festival markets. The celebration reached its rhythmic peak with spontaneous Xinjiang-style dancing, where expats joined local residents in traditional Uyghur dance movements, creating a joyful fusion of cultures.

    This cultural gathering demonstrated how China’s Lunar New Year traditions continue to attract global participation, transforming seasonal celebrations into opportunities for meaningful cross-cultural connection. The event successfully created bridges of understanding through shared festive experiences while maintaining the authenticity of local customs.

  • China unveils regulation on water supply

    China unveils regulation on water supply

    The Chinese government has enacted landmark legislation to standardize water supply management nationwide. Premier Li Qiang formally signed the State Council decree on February 14, 2026, establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework that will become effective on June 1, 2026.

    This significant policy development addresses growing concerns about water security and resource management amid increasing urbanization and climate challenges. The regulation establishes uniform standards for water quality monitoring, infrastructure maintenance, and service delivery across China’s diverse regions.

    Government officials indicate the legislation will prioritize sustainable water resource allocation, emergency response protocols for supply disruptions, and transparency requirements for water quality reporting. The framework specifically addresses needs in both densely populated urban centers and rural communities where water access has historically been inconsistent.

    Environmental experts have welcomed the regulation as a critical step toward addressing water scarcity issues that have emerged in northern regions and seasonal drought-affected areas. The legislation also establishes accountability mechanisms for water management authorities and outlines public participation processes for community input on water resource decisions.

    Implementation will involve coordinated efforts between national ministries, provincial governments, and municipal authorities to ensure compliance with the new standards. The regulation represents China’s most comprehensive effort to date to create a unified national approach to water supply management and conservation.

  • Dhoni biopic inspired Pakistan bowler Usman Tariq to leave sales job in UAE for cricket

    Dhoni biopic inspired Pakistan bowler Usman Tariq to leave sales job in UAE for cricket

    In an extraordinary transformation story bridging two cricket-crazed nations, Pakistani spinner Usman Tariq has emerged as an unexpected weapon ahead of Sunday’s high-voltage clash against India at the T20 World Cup. The 30-year-old’s journey from a sales job in Dubai to international cricket stardom began with an unlikely source of inspiration: the 2016 Bollywood biopic “M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story.”

    Tariq had shelved his cricket ambitions to pursue a conventional career in the UAE until watching the film about India’s World Cup-winning captain. The narrative of perseverance, rejection, and ultimate glory resonated so deeply that he abandoned his sales position to pursue cricket professionally. “I had left behind thinking of making a name in cricket,” Tariq revealed to AFP, “but one day I watched this film and it convinced me that I could also do the same.”

    The double-jointed spinner’s unique bowling action has generated both fascination and controversy. With an exaggerated pause followed by a sling-shot release, his technique has been reported as illegal twice in recent years but was ultimately cleared by the International Cricket Council laboratory. Despite skepticism from players like England’s Tom Banton and Australia’s Cameron Green, who mimicked the action before the World Cup, the bowling has received validation from experts including India’s legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.

    “I believe that it is entirely legal,” Ashwin declared on social media, providing technical analysis supporting his assessment. Tariq attributes his unusual delivery to a rare physical characteristic: “I have two corners of my bowling arm elbow, which is rare. I have been cleared twice so I am confident that it’s legal.”

    Since making his international debut just three months ago, Tariq has taken 11 wickets in four T20 internationals, including a hat-trick against Zimbabwe. His match-defining performance of 3-27 against USA in Colombo this week has positioned him as what Pakistan skipper Salman Agha describes as the team’s “X-factor and key weapon” against their arch-rivals.

    The spinner’s rapid ascent through the ranks saw him take 20 wickets in last year’s Caribbean Premier League, eventually forcing his way into the national team selection—news he received while preparing for his wedding. “I thought it was a prank,” Tariq recalled. “But it was true so I think my wife brought luck for me.”

    From the sales floors of Dubai to the world’s most celebrated cricket grounds, Tariq’s story continues to unfold, proving that sometimes life imitates art in the most extraordinary ways.

  • Flipped in Hainan: Embrace a better you

    Flipped in Hainan: Embrace a better you

    Amidst the tranquil landscapes of Hainan, a chance encounter unfolds into a profound journey of self-discovery. Two strangers find themselves walking along the island’s pristine shores, where the rhythmic cadence of rising and falling tides provides the soundtrack to their connection. Under the expansive tropical sky, their conversations weave through moments of laughter and quiet contemplation, creating a tapestry of shared experience that lingers long after their paths diverge.

    The island’s unhurried pace stretches days into a soothing balm for the soul, blurring the lines between what transpired and what might have been. Her voice remains etched in memory, carrying the gentle resonance of ocean waves that accompanied their time together. Though she remains on the island, it is not in anticipation of another’s return, but rather because Hainan has revealed itself as a sanctuary where one might naturally choose to extend their stay.

    As the Year of the Horse approaches with its symbolic energy for movement and progress, the narrative turns to the broader journey ahead. This Hainan interlude becomes a metaphorical crossroads where travelers are encouraged to embrace the road forward with renewed purpose. The island experience serves as a catalyst for personal growth, inviting all who visit to discover enhanced versions of themselves through the transformative power of place and human connection.

  • Philippine senator Ronald de la Rosa expected to continue hiding

    Philippine senator Ronald de la Rosa expected to continue hiding

    Philippine Senator Ronald de la Rosa, the most absent member of the Senate, is anticipated to prolong his disappearance following revelations identifying him as a co-perpetrator in the impending International Criminal Court (ICC) trial against former president Rodrigo Duterte. The senator has been evading public duties since September 2025 amid circulating rumors of an ICC arrest warrant targeting him.

    De la Rosa served as chief of police in Davao City and later at the national level during Duterte’s terms as mayor and president, respectively. He is widely regarded as the primary executor of the government’s controversial war on drugs, which resulted in the extrajudicial killings of thousands of suspected drug offenders. Both Duterte and de la Rosa have been publicly recorded authorizing and implementing this violent campaign.

    The senator has explicitly stated his refusal to face arrest and transfer to The Hague, Netherlands, where he would stand trial alongside his former superior on charges of crimes against humanity. His concerns gained substantiation on Friday when the ICC released a less redacted version of the complaint, explicitly naming de la Rosa among eight other high-ranking former police and government officials.

    Despite his prolonged absence, de la Rosa continues to receive his monthly senatorial salary of ₱334,059 (approximately Dh21,150), totaling nearly ₱4 million annually excluding additional benefits. His disappearance has drawn sharp criticism from colleagues who argue he should resign from his committee leadership positions.

    As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, de la Rosa’s absence has forced the postponement of critical hearings. He also missed crucial bicameral conference committee meetings regarding the 2026 national budget and failed to defend several agencies including the Department of National Defense and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in December.

    His consistent absenteeism has inspired legislative measures such as Ilocos Norte Representative Sandro Marcos’ proposed “No work, no pay” bill targeting absent government officials. Senate President Vicente Sotto III confirmed that de la Rosa has been unresponsive to repeated attempts to ascertain his whereabouts.

  • Qatar Emir arrives in UAE; Sheikh Mohamed welcomes him at Abu Dhabi airport

    Qatar Emir arrives in UAE; Sheikh Mohamed welcomes him at Abu Dhabi airport

    In a significant diplomatic development, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, arrived in Abu Dhabi on Saturday for an official fraternal visit. The Qatari leader was received with high honors at Al Bateen Airport by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who personally welcomed his counterpart in a demonstration of Gulf solidarity.

    The arrival ceremony featured an impressive assembly of UAE leadership, including His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister; and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Minister of Defence. The presence of such high-ranking officials underscored the importance both nations place on strengthening bilateral relations.

    Sheikh Tamim’s delegation included several senior Qatari officials, indicating the comprehensive nature of the discussions planned during the visit. The timing of this federal visit, occurring amid regional developments, suggests both nations are prioritizing coordination on matters of mutual interest including economic cooperation, security coordination, and regional stability initiatives.

    The warm reception and high-level participation from both sides reflect the continuing normalization and enhancement of Qatar-UAE relations following the resolution of previous regional disagreements. This visit represents another step forward in Gulf Cooperation Council unity, demonstrating how member states are increasingly aligning on strategic priorities and diplomatic engagement.

  • China to implement zero tariffs on imports from 53 African countries

    China to implement zero tariffs on imports from 53 African countries

    In a significant move to strengthen economic ties with Africa, China will eliminate import tariffs for all 53 African nations with which it maintains diplomatic relations, effective May 1, 2026. The announcement, reported by state media on Saturday, represents one of the most comprehensive trade liberalization initiatives between China and the African continent.

    The tariff elimination initiative will be complemented by enhanced market access mechanisms designed to facilitate African exports to Chinese markets. Among these measures is an upgraded ‘green channel’ system that will streamline customs procedures and reduce administrative barriers for African goods entering China.

    Additionally, Chinese authorities revealed plans to accelerate negotiations for bilateral economic partnership agreements with African trading partners. This dual approach of tariff removal and institutional facilitation signals China’s commitment to rebalancing trade relations with Africa while promoting South-South cooperation at an unprecedented scale.

    The policy announcement comes as China continues to expand its economic engagement with African nations through various channels including infrastructure development, investment programs, and technological cooperation. This latest initiative aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework established over two decades ago.

    Market analysts suggest the zero-tariff policy could significantly boost African exports of agricultural products, minerals, and manufactured goods to the world’s second-largest economy, potentially reshaping trade dynamics between China and the African continent.

  • Spring Festival joy takes over Hainan

    Spring Festival joy takes over Hainan

    Hainan Province has transformed into a spectacular showcase of cultural jubilation as Spring Festival celebrations engulf the tropical island in a wave of traditional merriment. The Chinese New Year period has ignited an atmosphere of collective excitement across Hainan, with every region demonstrating unique festive expressions that highlight both ancient customs and contemporary celebrations.

    The island’s public spaces and communities have become living canvases of cultural display, where residents and visitors alike immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Lunar New Year traditions. From vibrant street decorations to community gatherings, Hainan radiates with the distinctive energy that characterizes China’s most significant annual festival.

    This year’s celebrations carry particular significance as they represent the first major festive period following recent tourism infrastructure developments across the province. The festivities not only honor traditional Chinese cultural heritage but also demonstrate Hainan’s growing prominence as a premier destination for experiencing authentic Chinese celebrations amidst its tropical landscape.

    The provincial government has coordinated numerous public events and cultural exhibitions that showcase the diversity of Spring Festival traditions while incorporating Hainan’s distinctive local characteristics. These celebrations have fostered a strong sense of community optimism and shared hope for prosperity in the coming lunar year, reflecting the universal themes of renewal and family unity that define the Spring Festival experience across China.

  • Pakistan’s imprisoned ex-PM Khan to get medical treatment after reported partial vision loss

    Pakistan’s imprisoned ex-PM Khan to get medical treatment after reported partial vision loss

    Pakistan’s incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan is scheduled to undergo specialized medical treatment for a deteriorating eye condition, according to an announcement by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Saturday. The development follows a Supreme Court directive mandating comprehensive medical evaluation amid mounting concerns about the political leader’s vision impairment.

    Medical authorities will conduct thorough examinations utilizing leading ophthalmology specialists, continuing treatment protocols initiated in late January when Khan first reported significant vision loss. While the specific medical facility and treatment timeline remain undisclosed, Tarar emphasized that a detailed report would be submitted to the Supreme Court and cautioned against politicizing the health matter.

    The situation gained judicial attention earlier this week when Khan’s legal representative, Salman Safdar, informed the court that the former premier had lost approximately 85% vision in his right eye. The court subsequently ordered authorities to arrange professional medical assessment by a physician panel and facilitate telephone communication between Khan and his sons before February 16.

    Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party supporters have organized demonstrations across Islamabad and other urban centers, demanding his transfer from prison to a specialized hospital facility. Party legislators and allied representatives have concurrently initiated a parliamentary sit-in protest.

    The Khan family has expressed strong objections to the government’s handling of the medical arrangements, noting they were not consulted prior to treatment decisions. They have formally requested the presence of family members and Khan’s personal physicians during any medical procedures. Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, confirmed the successful telephone conversation between Khan and his sons, describing the 20-minute exchange as emotionally significant after prolonged separation.

    The 73-year-old former cricket icon turned political leader has been imprisoned since 2023 following corruption convictions. His removal from office via parliamentary no-confidence vote in April 2022 precipitated ongoing political tensions, with Khan alleging his ouster resulted from a US-backed conspiracy involving political rivals and former military leadership—claims consistently denied by Washington and Pakistani authorities.

    Despite legal challenges, Khan maintains substantial political influence and popular support. His PTI party demonstrated strong electoral performance in the February 2024 parliamentary elections, though failing to secure majority control, while alleging widespread voting irregularities disputed by the current administration.