Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • 4 killed, 3 injured in Oman road accident; Indian among deceased, media reports say

    4 killed, 3 injured in Oman road accident; Indian among deceased, media reports say

    A severe traffic accident in Oman has resulted in four fatalities and three injuries, with authorities confirming the incident as a mass casualty event. Oman’s Ministry of Health reported that emergency services transported the injured to Al Rustaq Hospital’s emergency department for immediate medical treatment.

    Indian media outlets have identified one of the deceased as Afzal, a native of Malappuram district in Kerala state. According to Malayalam language media reports, the tragic collision occurred approximately at 9:00 PM local time on Sunday when Afzal’s vehicle collided with another car under circumstances that remain under investigation.

    The Omani government has not released detailed information regarding the nationalities of other victims or the specific location of the accident. Road safety concerns in the Gulf region have gained increased attention following this incident, which represents one of the more serious traffic accidents reported in Oman recently.

    Authorities continue to investigate the precise causes of the collision while medical personnel provide necessary care to the surviving victims. The incident has drawn attention to road safety measures in the region and highlights the transnational nature of Gulf resident communities, particularly the substantial Indian expatriate population contributing to local economies.

  • Israel-Turkey rivalry moves to the Horn of Africa

    Israel-Turkey rivalry moves to the Horn of Africa

    Israeli journalists attempting to travel to Hargeisa this week encountered an immediate diplomatic reality check: international airlines required visas issued by Somalia’s Mogadishu government despite Israel’s recent recognition of breakaway Somaliland. This practical hurdle underscores the broader geopolitical tensions emerging from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial decision.

    The recognition has drawn swift condemnation across the region, with Turkey leading criticism alongside numerous Arab nations. The United Arab Emirates stands as the notable exception in regional opposition. This development has significantly intensified the existing Turkish-Israeli rivalry, particularly in the strategically vital Horn of Africa and Red Sea regions.

    Regional experts present divergent interpretations of Israel’s strategic motives. Some analysts suggest the move facilitates potential Palestinian relocation from Gaza to the Horn of Africa, while others emphasize the strategic imperative to counter threats from Yemen’s Houthi movement. Kani Torun, former ambassador and current Turkish parliamentarian, notes Somaliland’s geographic position offers Israel military access to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and influence in East Africa.

    Amichai Stein, an Israeli regional affairs specialist, confirms this strategic calculus, highlighting Israel’s need to counter Houthi threats and navigate Suez Canal disruptions. Additionally, the move serves to balance Turkey’s substantial influence in Somalia, where Ankara has established military bases, infrastructure projects, and its largest global embassy.

    Turkish-Israeli relations have deteriorated precipitously since 2023, with Ankara accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza and implementing trade embargoes. The relationship further strained following Syria’s regime collapse and Israel’s support for Syrian decentralization—a position contradicting Turkish interests regarding Kurdish control.

    Abdiwahab Sheikh Abdisamad of the AfroAsia Institute observes that Israel’s recognition directly challenges Turkey’s geopolitical investments in Somalia. Reports indicate Turkey and Somalia had previously planned a military base in Las Qoray, a port with Red Sea access, though the project remains unrealized.

    The situation exposes internal Somali tensions, with federal states like Puntland and Jubaland severing ties with Mogadishu, creating opportunities for external manipulation. However, experts note Israel’s move lacks broader international support, with Torun referencing Ethiopia’s failed similar attempt that collapsed under regional pressure. The ultimate success of Israel’s recognition may hinge on Mogadishu’s ability to unify Somalia’s fractured political landscape.

  • Hamas armed wing confirms spokesman killed by Israel in August

    Hamas armed wing confirms spokesman killed by Israel in August

    The Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing, has officially confirmed the death of their prominent spokesperson Abu Obeida in a video statement released through their Telegram channel on Monday. This announcement comes nearly four months after Israel initially reported his elimination in a targeted airstrike on Gaza on August 30.

    The emotionally charged video tribute described Abu Obeida as “the masked man loved by millions” and “the great martyred commander,” indicating his significant symbolic importance within the organization. The delayed confirmation of his death raises questions about operational security considerations and the strategic timing of such announcements in ongoing conflict scenarios.

    Israeli defense forces had previously identified Abu Obeida as a high-value target due to his role as the primary communication channel between Hamas’ military operations and international media. His distinctive masked appearances and carefully crafted messages had made him one of the most recognizable figures representing Hamas’ armed wing.

    The confirmation occurs amidst continued tensions in the region, with both sides maintaining their strategic positions. Analysts suggest that the timing of this announcement may serve multiple purposes, including morale maintenance among supporters, demonstration of organizational resilience, and potential preparation for leadership restructuring within Hamas’ communication apparatus.

  • K-pop band NewJeans breaks up after bitter feud with record label

    K-pop band NewJeans breaks up after bitter feud with record label

    The K-pop landscape faces a seismic shift as chart-topping quintet NewJeans fractures irrevocably. Record label Ador announced the unilateral termination of member Danielle Marsh’s contract, extinguishing hopes for a complete reunion following a protracted legal battle. This decision culminates a year-long dispute that began in 2024 when the group collectively alleged workplace harassment and attempted to exit their contract—a move Ador vehemently denied.

    The conflict reached its legal zenith in October when a Seoul district court ruled NewJeans must honor their exclusive contract until 2029. While all five members initially acquiesced to return in November, Ador’s latest announcement reveals deep fissures within the group. The label simultaneously disclosed impending legal action against former CEO Min Hee-jin and a member of Marsh’s family, alleging they bear ‘significant responsibility’ for the discord.

    Ador’s statement suggests sophisticated manipulation, claiming members were ‘exposed to persistently distorted and biased information’ creating ‘significant misunderstandings.’ The agency provided contrasting updates on other members: Hanni reportedly reaffirmed her commitment after family-involved discussions, while Minji remains in ‘ongoing conversations’ with the label.

    Fan reactions have been volcanic, with social media erupting under the banner ‘NewJeans is five or nothing.’ Devotees questioned the rationality of removing Marsh, with one X user declaring: ‘NewJeans without Danielle isn’t NewJeans. Do you think you can just erase a member this easily?’

    Music critic Lim Hee-yun contextualized the tragedy: ‘NewJeans revolutionized female K-pop acts. Fans worldwide hoped for their complete return—that possibility has now evaporated.’ He predicts Ador may face pressure to recruit new members, particularly if Minji departs, noting three-member groups traditionally struggle in K-pop’s chemistry-driven ecosystem.

    Marsh’s artistic future appears precarious. Lim suggests she may face industry skepticism and might need to ‘pursue being a solo act as an actor, model, or influencer.’ The termination marks a devastating turn for the group that achieved unprecedented success since their 2022 debut, becoming the world’s eighth-best-selling act within a year through their innovative blend of 1990s R&B and contemporary pop.

  • Who was Abu Obeida, Hamas’s military spokesman?

    Who was Abu Obeida, Hamas’s military spokesman?

    Hamas has officially confirmed the death of Abu Obeida, the long-serving military spokesman for its armed wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, who was killed during Israel’s military operations in Gaza in August. The announcement on December 29, 2025, revealed his true identity as Huthaifa Samir al-Kahlout, ending decades of speculation about the masked figure who became a symbol of Palestinian resistance.

    For nearly twenty years, Abu Obeida served as the primary military communicator for Hamas, with his prominence skyrocketing following the October 2023 attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza. Known for his fiery speeches delivered while concealed behind a traditional red keffiyeh, he provided battlefield updates, announced military achievements, and taunted Israeli forces, who made multiple attempts to eliminate him.

    Abu Obeida first emerged in 2004 during an Israeli ground offensive in northern Gaza, becoming the first and only person to hold the military spokesman role within Hamas’s media office. His most significant announcements included the capture of Israeli soldiers Gilad Shalit in 2006 and Shaul Aron in 2014, events that significantly heightened his profile.

    Following the October 2023 attack, Abu Obeida’s speeches gained unprecedented attention across the Arab world. His critiques of Arab leaders’ inability to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, particularly his use of the phrase “God forbid” that became a regional slogan, resonated widely. His presentations were typically accompanied by video evidence of Hamas operations, bolstering his credibility.

    The masked spokesman achieved hero-like status throughout Arabic-speaking communities, with his speeches frequently interrupting weddings and captivating children. Songs were composed in his honor, and his appearances even attracted the attention of regional leaders including Qatar’s former emir during a football match.

    Israeli authorities repeatedly attempted to unmask and eliminate Abu Obeida, bombing his purported home in Jabalia multiple times and releasing what they claimed was his identity and photograph. In April 2024, the United States sanctioned him as Hamas’s “information warfare chief,” alleging he led the cyber influence department of the al-Qassam Brigades.

    Abu Obeida’s legacy as a symbol of Palestinian resistance remains intact despite his death, with his masked appearance and eloquent speeches having cemented his place in the narrative of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

  • European Court challenges UK on Shamima Begum citizenship revocation

    European Court challenges UK on Shamima Begum citizenship revocation

    The European Court of Human Rights has formally requested the United Kingdom government to provide legal justification for its controversial 2019 decision to revoke the citizenship of Shamima Begum, who traveled to Syria as a teenager to join Islamic State. In a significant development, the Strasbourg-based court has presented the British authorities with detailed inquiries regarding potential violations of anti-trafficking obligations under Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

    The case centers on whether former Home Secretary Sajid Javid’s decision to strip Begum of her British citizenship on national security grounds complied with international human rights standards. The government had argued that the revocation was ‘conducive to the public good’ and that Begum qualified for Bangladeshi citizenship through parental heritage—a claim contested by Bangladesh itself.

    Begum’s legal representatives from Birnberg Peirce Solicitors contend that UK authorities failed to consider critical factors before revoking her citizenship, including whether she was a victim of trafficking, whether British institutions failed in their protective duties, and whether citizenship removal would obstruct future trafficking investigations. They argue that as a 15-year-old, Begum was ‘lured, encouraged, and deceived for purposes of sexual exploitation’ to IS-controlled territory.

    The legal team emphasizes that British authorities had prior knowledge of trafficking risks, citing that a close friend had previously disappeared via identical routes, yet police failed to implement adequate safeguarding measures or warn families. The ECHR’s intervention occurs amid growing concerns about the UK’s expanded use of citizenship-stripping powers and follows previous judicial findings that Begum faces ‘inhuman and degrading treatment’ in her Syrian detention camp.

    While the UK Home Office declined to comment, the case represents a pivotal examination of counter-terrorism measures versus human rights protections. A final judgment is anticipated after both parties submit their comprehensive legal arguments to the European court.

  • Defense spokesman: PLA drills around Taiwan justified

    Defense spokesman: PLA drills around Taiwan justified

    The People’s Liberation Army has initiated comprehensive military exercises surrounding Taiwan, characterizing them as both justified and necessary operations to protect China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Defense Spokesman Zhang Xiaogang formally announced these developments on Monday evening, framing the drills as a direct response to escalating external interference and separatist activities.

    Zhang identified recent large-scale arms transactions between the United States and Taiwan as a primary catalyst for the military response. He asserted that such external engagements repeatedly violate established boundaries on the Taiwan question, effectively encouraging separatist movements and intensifying cross-strait tensions. The spokesman emphasized that these actions fundamentally compromise China’s national security while destabilizing regional peace.

    Regarding Taiwan’s current leadership under Lai Ching-te, Zhang accused the administration of demonstrating ‘no bottom line’ in its pursuit of independence through external alliances. He characterized these maneuvers as reckless provocations that fundamentally undermine the status quo across the Taiwan Strait.

    ‘Taiwan independence is fundamentally incompatible with peaceful relations across the Strait,’ Zhang stated unequivocally. He further cautioned that international support for separatist activities would ultimately prove counterproductive for involved nations.

    The defense spokesman urged relevant countries to abandon what he termed the ‘fantasy’ of utilizing Taiwan as a strategic tool against China. He specifically called for cessation of activities that ‘fan flames and stir trouble’ regarding the Taiwan question, warning against testing China’s determination to protect its core interests.

    Addressing Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party authorities directly, Zhang delivered a stark message: dependence on external support for independence aspirations is destined to fail, and military resistance against reunification represents a ‘dead end.’ He affirmed the PLA’s unwavering commitment to combat separatist activities and advance reunification through continued operations against external interference and independence movements.

  • Chinese fantasy animation hits Vietnamese theaters amid holiday surge

    Chinese fantasy animation hits Vietnamese theaters amid holiday surge

    In a significant milestone for cultural exchange, the Chinese animated fantasy film ‘Into the Mortal World’ (Luofanchen) premiered in Vietnamese theaters on December 27, 2025, marking the first mainland Chinese cinematic release in Vietnam since 2019’s ‘Ne Zha’. The film’s debut coincides with Vietnam’s peak holiday season, securing placement across more than 300 screens nationwide.

    Produced by Guangzhou-based Winsing Animation, the feature draws inspiration from the ancient Chinese legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl (Niulang and Zhinyu). The narrative follows the magical adventures of their descendants, siblings Jinfeng and Yulu, as they embark on a quest to reclaim the 28 constellations and safeguard the human realm.

    The release signals both the recovery of Southeast Asia’s film market and the resurgence of Chinese cinema in the region. Industry data reveals Vietnam’s box office reached a record $185 million in 2024, with Southeast Asian markets growing at 5-6% annually. International media outlet Deadline has identified Vietnam as one of Asia’s most rapidly expanding cinematic markets.

    According to Gu Yanmei, Vice-President of Winsing Animation, the film’s successful entry into Vietnam reflects both distributor confidence and exceptional production quality. ‘The level of craftsmanship, comparable to top international studios, represents a core selling point that attracts young local audiences,’ Gu noted, highlighting the film’s five-year development period and over 2,000 special effects shots.

    Cultural proximity has proven instrumental to the film’s regional appeal. The Cowherd and Weaver Girl mythology enjoys widespread recognition in Vietnam, creating natural audience familiarity. Winsing Animation conducted comprehensive localization efforts, including Vietnamese dubbing and collaborative marketing strategies with local partners to align with regional viewing preferences.

    Prior to its Vietnamese premiere, ‘Luofanchen’ had already achieved international distribution across 40+ countries and regions including Russia, Singapore, Australia, and Thailand. The film has also been featured at prestigious international events including Japan’s Niigata International Animation Film Festival and Italy’s Fanhua Chinese Film Festival.

  • BBC documentary reveals Guangdong’s wild side

    BBC documentary reveals Guangdong’s wild side

    A groundbreaking nature documentary collaboration between BBC Studios and Chinese media has unveiled the spectacular wilderness of Guangdong province to global audiences. ‘Wild Guangdong,’ a three-episode series produced with 4K ultra-high definition technology, represents the first partnership between the British broadcaster and provincial-level Chinese media.

    The documentary premiered on BBC Earth Asia on December 7th before airing on China Central Television Documentary Channel and Guangdong Satellite TV from December 8th-10th. The series has subsequently become available on major Chinese streaming platforms including Youku, iQiyi, Tencent Video, and Bilibili, making it accessible to diverse audiences worldwide.

    This ambitious project required three years of dedicated fieldwork and production, a joint effort between Guangdong Radio and Television Station and BBC Studios’ experienced documentary team. Each 50-minute episode captures the province’s remarkable biodiversity through stunning visual storytelling and advanced cinematography techniques.

    According to Robi Stanton, President of Media and Streaming for BBC Studios Asia-Pacific, the documentary presents moving narratives about local communities coexisting with nature while protecting ecological treasures amid rapid urban development. ‘Within the tapestry of modern civilization built by its 130 million people of Guangdong, nature and humanity together compose a moving poem of harmonious coexistence,’ Stanton remarked, highlighting the production’s central theme of balance between development and environmental preservation.

    The documentary offers viewers unprecedented glimpses into Guangdong’s diverse ecosystems, from lush forests and winding rivers to coastal habitats, showcasing species both familiar and rare within their natural environments. This visual journey not only celebrates biological diversity but also demonstrates successful conservation efforts occurring alongside one of China’s most economically dynamic regions.

  • Dubai announces free public parking for New Year 2026

    Dubai announces free public parking for New Year 2026

    Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled comprehensive transportation arrangements for the 2026 New Year period, headlined by complimentary public parking across most zones. The initiative grants motorists free parking access on January 1, 2026, excluding multi-storey parking facilities and the specific Al Khail Gate (N-365) area. Normal parking charges will resume on Friday, January 2.

    The announcement, made on December 29, 2025, forms part of a broader package of holiday service adjustments. In a significant operational enhancement, both Red and Green Line Dubai Metro services will operate continuously for approximately 43 hours to accommodate revelers. This uninterrupted service will run from 5:00 AM on December 31, 2025, through midnight on January 1, 2026.

    Complementing the metro extension, Dubai Tram services will extend operations until 1:00 AM on New Year’s Day. Intercity bus routes undergo temporary modifications, with Route E100 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station ceasing operations from the afternoon of December 31. The final departures are scheduled for 12:00 noon from Abu Dhabi and 2:00 PM from Al Ghubaiba, with services remaining suspended until January 4, 2026. Alternative routes E101 and E102 from Ibn Battuta Bus Station will provide connectivity to Abu Dhabi during this period.

    Administrative facilities including all RTA Customer Happiness Centres and vehicle testing centers will remain closed on January 1, though smart customer service areas at Al Barsha, Al Twar, Al Kifaf, and RTA headquarters will maintain 24-hour operations throughout the holiday period.