Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Inside the secret US-led talks to solve the Western Sahara conflict

    Inside the secret US-led talks to solve the Western Sahara conflict

    The United States has embarked on an intensified diplomatic initiative to resolve the decades-long Western Sahara conflict, convening three clandestine meetings between Morocco and Polisario Front representatives since autumn 2023. This marks the first direct engagement between the primary antagonists in years, though Middle East Eye’s diplomatic sources indicate the process has proven more challenging than anticipated.

    President Donald Trump’s administration seeks to position itself as a peacemaker in Africa, mirroring its approach to other global conflicts. Washington aims to broker a solution that satisfies Moroccan territorial claims without alienating Algeria, the key supporter of the Sahrawi independence movement.

    The negotiations have occurred at the foreign minister level, with minimal progress reported. The core disagreements center on the degree of autonomy for the region and the involvement of the Sahrawi people in determining their political future.

    Historical context reveals a conflict originating from Spain’s 1975 withdrawal from its last African colony. The United Nations classifies Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory, with Morocco controlling 80% of the land since a 1991 ceasefire. The sparsely populated 266,000 sqkm desert region hosts approximately 600,000 inhabitants, predominantly Moroccan soldiers, with indigenous Sahrawis numbering fewer than 50,000. An additional 165,000 Sahrawis live as refugees in Algerian camps.

    Trump’s December 2020 recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara—in exchange for Morocco joining the Abraham Accords and normalizing relations with Israel—marked a significant policy shift. This position was reinforced in October 2024 through UN Resolution 2797, which endorsed autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as a feasible solution. Russia and China abstained from voting.

    Morocco’s expanded autonomy proposal, developed by royal advisers and extending to 38 pages in January 2024, forms the basis of current negotiations. US envoy Massad Boulos facilitated meetings in Washington and Madrid, attended by diplomatic representatives from Morocco, Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania.

    The negotiations face fundamental divisions: Morocco seeks to maintain sovereignty with limited autonomy, while the Polisario Front demands self-determination through referendum and associated state status similar to Puerto Rico’s relationship with the US. The Sahrawi delegation insists any agreement must be ratified exclusively by the Sahrawi people, while Morocco proposes constitutional reform approved by all Moroccan citizens.

    Underlying tensions include concerns that successful autonomy in Western Sahara could inspire similar demands in other Moroccan regions, and Algeria’s strategic interest in maintaining influence through the Polisario Front. The US ultimately aims to reconcile Algeria and Morocco to counter Chinese influence in Africa, though no breakthrough appears imminent. No fourth meeting has been scheduled, indicating the diplomatic process remains stalled.

  • Israel bans Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque despite Purim celebrations proceeding

    Israel bans Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque despite Purim celebrations proceeding

    Israeli authorities have implemented an unprecedented closure of Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan, prohibiting Friday prayers while permitting Jewish Purim celebrations to proceed elsewhere in the city. The move, justified as a security precaution amid ongoing conflict with Iran, has drawn sharp criticism from Palestinian communities and religious officials who view it as an intentional effort to empty the Islamic holy site of worshippers.

    Aouni Bazbaz, director of international affairs at the Islamic Waqf which administers the mosque, warned Middle East Eye that prolonged closure risks serious consequences. “The continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque for a prolonged period, particularly when normalcy returns elsewhere, could carry risks and future consequences that cannot be ignored,” Bazbaz stated. He expressed concern that extended restrictions might heighten regional tensions and establish a dangerous precedent for future worship access.

    The closure implemented shortly after Israel launched military operations against Iran has limited access to only a small number of mosque staff. Israeli forces have deployed at the Old City gates, preventing non-residents from entering while allowing shopkeepers and residents restricted access. This contrasts sharply with typical Ramadan periods when thousands of Palestinian worshippers crowd the mosque complex.

    Jerusalem-based activist Fakhri Abu Diab challenged the official security justification, telling MEE: “The police and government do not care about protecting us—there are no bomb shelters for Palestinians in Jerusalem.” He characterized the closure as attempting to create a new reality where Israel controls access to the Islamic holy site, pushing Palestinians away from their right to worship.

    The situation highlights the ongoing erosion of the international arrangement governing Al-Aqsa Mosque as an exclusively Islamic site. Since Israel’s 1967 occupation of East Jerusalem, Palestinians have witnessed gradual restrictions on Muslim access while Israeli control has expanded. Researchers specializing in Jerusalem affairs suggest the closure represents part of a broader effort to marginalize the Islamic role at the site and potentially isolate the mosque from its worshippers permanently.

    International law considerations further complicate the situation, as Israel’s control over East Jerusalem violates principles stipulating that occupying powers cannot exercise sovereignty or make permanent changes in occupied territories. The Islamic Waqf has not yet issued an official statement, but concerns grow that temporary measures may evolve into permanent arrangements altering access patterns to one of Islam’s most significant religious sites.

  • Xinjiang to use geographical advantage to expand opening-up

    Xinjiang to use geographical advantage to expand opening-up

    Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is strategically positioning itself as a pivotal hub in global trade networks by capitalizing on its unique geographical advantages, according to Zheng Jun, a deputy to the 14th National People’s Congress and secretary of the Party Leadership Group of Xinjiang’s Department of Finance. Speaking during the ongoing two sessions in Beijing, Zheng outlined how the region’s transformation from a peripheral territory to a central trade corridor is driving unprecedented growth in foreign commerce.

    The region’s foreign trade has demonstrated remarkable acceleration, surging from 156.9 billion yuan ($22.72 billion) in 2020 to break successive thresholds of 200, 300, 400, and 500 billion yuan between 2022 and 2025. The year 2025 alone witnessed a record 520.37 billion yuan in total trade volume, representing a 19.9 percent year-on-year increase that positioned Xinjiang as China’s fastest-growing regional trade economy.

    This explosive growth stems from multiple synergistic factors: strategic location along the Asia-Europe transport corridor, enhanced logistical efficiency, robust industrial support, and favorable policy frameworks. Xinjiang has established commercial relationships with 228 countries and territories, continuously expanding its global economic partnerships.

    A significant structural transformation is underway in the region’s export composition. Where previously dominated by energy and raw materials, Xinjiang now increasingly exports high-value manufactured goods featuring advanced technology and deep processing capabilities. Mechanical and electrical product exports reached 186.5 billion yuan in 2025, surging 40.7 percent annually, while electric vehicle exports grew 99.9 percent and solar cell exports expanded 187.4 percent.

    The region has developed a comprehensive international logistics network integrating rail, road, and air transportation, consolidating its status as a cross-border logistics hub. This infrastructure enables accelerated domestic logistics and facilitates rapid connection between Xinjiang-manufactured products and global markets.

    Looking toward the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), Xinjiang plans to accelerate institutional opening-up and deepen integration between trade and investment sectors. The region aims to achieve high-quality development in foreign trade through steady expansion in scale, diversification of market participants, and continuous optimization of trade structures.

  • Trump says only ‘unconditional surrender’ will end war on Iran

    Trump says only ‘unconditional surrender’ will end war on Iran

    Former President Donald Trump has declared that only Iran’s “unconditional surrender” would halt his proposed offensive against the nation. Through his Truth Social platform, Trump explicitly ruled out any diplomatic negotiations, stating there would be “no deal” without complete capitulation.

    Following surrender, Trump outlined his vision for Iran’s reconstruction under new leadership selected with his direct involvement. He promised to work with allied nations to restore Iran economically, making it “bigger, better and stronger than ever before.”

    This rhetoric coincides with emerging operational plans within the U.S. security apparatus. Politico reported that U.S. Central Command has formally requested additional military intelligence officers from the Pentagon to bolster its Tampa headquarters. These reinforcements would support Iran-focused operations for at least 100 days, potentially extending through September, indicating preparations for a prolonged campaign far beyond initial public projections.

    This intelligence personnel surge represents the Trump administration’s first documented move to expand military resources specifically for potential conflict with Iran. The request suggests Washington anticipates an extended engagement contrary to earlier communications.

    Trump has repeatedly expressed his intention to directly influence Iran’s political future, citing Venezuela as a model for his preferred approach to foreign intervention. He praised Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez’s cooperation regarding oil exports, noting “the Oil is beginning to flow” through their collaborative arrangement.

    Analysts observe that Trump appears to seek a similar understanding with Iran, though they caution against direct comparisons between Venezuela and the complex geopolitical landscape of Iran. The Islamic Republic’s entrenched governance structure, maintained since the 1979 revolution that overthrew the U.S.-backed shah, presents fundamentally different challenges than Venezuela’s situation.

  • AI set to transform high-speed rail, adviser says

    AI set to transform high-speed rail, adviser says

    China is positioning artificial intelligence as the transformative force behind the next evolution of its massive high-speed railway network, according to senior advisor Zhao Hongwei. As the country shifts from rapid infrastructure expansion to quality-focused development, AI technologies are emerging as critical drivers for operational excellence in the world’s largest high-speed rail system.

    Zhao, who serves as chief researcher at the China Academy of Railway Sciences and member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, revealed that railway authorities have implemented an “AI Plus Railways” action plan to accelerate technological integration. This strategic initiative includes the deployment of a railway-specific large AI model currently in pilot testing phase.

    The practical applications already demonstrate significant advancements. Sophisticated imaging systems installed along tracks capture detailed photographs of passing trains, with AI algorithms analyzing these images to identify potential component failures before they escalate into serious issues. This predictive maintenance capability allows engineers to address abnormalities proactively, substantially reducing downtime and improving safety margins.

    Beyond equipment monitoring, AI systems provide comprehensive situational awareness along railway corridors. Advanced detection algorithms can identify obstacles near tracks and even detect wildlife intrusions into operational areas, enabling controllers to mitigate risks before they impact train movements. These capabilities are particularly valuable given the network’s enormous scale, with approximately 4,000 high-speed trains operating nearly 10,000 daily services across more than 50,000 kilometers of dedicated high-speed lines.

    Looking toward future innovations, China has successfully tested autonomous train operations at speeds reaching 350 kilometers per hour. The next generation of trains, including the CR450 prototype currently undergoing testing, will incorporate increasingly sophisticated intelligent functions. These systems will assist human operators in identifying technical problems, optimizing energy consumption, and supporting complex operational decisions.

    Concurrent research initiatives are advancing key infrastructure technologies capable of supporting 400 km/h operations, while new 200 km/h power-concentrated trains have entered operational testing phases. With China’s overall railway network expanding to approximately 165,000 kilometers by the end of 2025 and handling 4.26 billion passenger trips annually, intelligent technologies are becoming indispensable for maintaining both efficiency and safety across this vast transportation ecosystem.

  • Shanxi strengthens Yellow River basin governance

    Shanxi strengthens Yellow River basin governance

    Shanxi Province has announced ambitious new measures to intensify ecological governance throughout the Yellow River basin, balancing environmental security with sustainable economic development. The initiative emerged from high-level discussions during the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress, where provincial leadership outlined their comprehensive vision for regional transformation.

    Tang Dengjie, NPC Deputy and Provincial Party Secretary, emphasized the critical importance of basin-wide ecological conservation, advocating for continued carbon reduction initiatives and a sweeping green transition across industrial sectors. Governor Lu Dongliang concurrently highlighted energy transition as a cornerstone of the province’s five-year development strategy, stressing the dual objectives of maintaining energy security while advancing environmental protection.

    The province’s environmental record during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) demonstrates significant progress, with ecological indicators reaching historic highs. Official data reveals a remarkable 28% reduction in the comprehensive air quality index, while days with good air quality reached 81.4% – unprecedented levels since monitoring began.

    Linfen City, situated entirely within the Yellow River basin, exemplifies this transformation. Municipal Party Secretary Li Yunfeng characterized Linfen as a microcosm of provincial environmental efforts, detailing the city’s journey from severe pollution to emerging ecological leadership. “Previously, residents routinely wore masks during autumn and winter and avoided light-colored clothing outdoors due to pollution,” Li recalled, noting how environmental degradation once negatively impacted both public health and economic performance.

    The city’s turnaround strategy involved shuttering high-energy-consuming enterprises, including the phase-out of 9.15 million tons of coking capacity and 220,000 tons of crude steel production over five years. These measures eliminated heavy pollution enterprises within the city and surrounding areas. Additionally, Linfen has initiated 95 Yellow River purification projects – the highest number in the province – including water conservancy hubs and pumped storage power stations.

    Looking toward the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), Shanxi plans to intensify its green development model. Linfen specifically aims to transform into a demonstration city for ecological conservation through accelerated energy transition, economic diversification, and advanced digital upgrades for traditional industries. The city has already completed intelligent transformations for most steel, coking, and foundry enterprises, with over 86% of bulk goods in traditional industries now transported via clean methods. Concurrently, the province is developing modern agriculture and cultural tourism projects along the Yellow River to create sustainable economic alternatives.

  • Could Azerbaijan be dragged into the US-Israeli war on Iran?

    Could Azerbaijan be dragged into the US-Israeli war on Iran?

    Azerbaijan has become the latest nation embroiled in the escalating US-Israeli military campaign against Iran following a drone attack on its Nakhchivan exclave. Four unmanned aerial vehicles struck the region on Thursday, causing infrastructure damage and injuring two civilians according to officials in Baku.

    Initial reports indicate one drone targeted the terminal building at Nakhchivan International Airport, approximately 10 kilometers from the Iranian border, while another landed near a village school. Azerbaijani forces successfully intercepted a third drone, though a fourth impacted civilian infrastructure sites.

    Iranian officials have categorically denied involvement in the incident. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated through Tasnim News Agency that ‘Iran did not carry out strikes against Azerbaijan,’ emphasizing Tehran’s policy exclusively targets military bases of enemies operating in the region that have been used for attacks against Iran.

    The incident has exposed underlying regional tensions, with some Iranian analysts suggesting possible Israeli covert operations aimed at exacerbating Tehran-Baku relations. Seyed Emamian of Tehran Polytechnic University noted the possibility that ‘some Israeli agents are involved to make the Iran-Azerbaijan relationship very challenging’ during the current conflict.

    This development occurs within the broader context of Iran’s asymmetric response strategy to the US-Israeli military campaign, which has included strikes against facilities in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. Regional analysts suggest these operations aim to demonstrate that conflict consequences will extend beyond Iran’s borders, potentially undermining Gulf states’ perceived stability and challenging US security guarantees.

    The attack has prompted significant responses from Azerbaijan, including closure of southern airspace for 12 hours and suspension of cargo transit through Iranian border crossings. President Ilham Aliyev has characterized the incident as ‘unprovoked act of terror and aggression’ and instructed armed forces to prepare retaliatory measures, though no military response has yet been implemented.

    Underlying the tension is Azerbaijan’s substantial relationship with Israel, which includes energy cooperation, defense partnerships, and cybersecurity collaboration. Israel reportedly imports 40-50% of its oil from Azerbaijan through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, while security cooperation remains largely opaque despite Aliyev’s acknowledgment of its significance.

    The situation places Azerbaijan in a delicate geopolitical position, balancing its relationships with regional powers while managing the potential for escalated conflict. With over 15 million ethnic Azeris living in Iran, instability could create significant refugee challenges for Baku, potentially drawing Turkey into the conflict given Ankara’s strong support for Azerbaijan demonstrated during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

  • Shenzhen park adjusts lighting for migratory birds

    Shenzhen park adjusts lighting for migratory birds

    In an exemplary display of urban ecological stewardship, Shenzhen Bay Park has implemented strategic lighting reductions despite public complaints about insufficient illumination. This deliberate dimming forms part of a carefully considered conservation initiative to protect migratory bird populations along one of the world’s major avian flight corridors.

    The coastal park, situated in China’s southern Guangdong province, serves as a critical resting habitat for numerous bird species that depend on its mangrove ecosystems. Annual lighting adjustments create essential darkness required for undisturbed roosting and navigation during migration seasons. While some residents have expressed concerns regarding reduced visibility, municipal authorities maintain these measures are scientifically justified and environmentally necessary.

    This policy exemplifies Shenzhen’s dual commitment to technological advancement and ecological responsibility. As a rapidly developing metropolis, the city demonstrates that modern urban planning can successfully integrate vibrant public spaces with wildlife conservation priorities. The lighting strategy represents a conscious choice to preserve natural rhythms amid urban development, acknowledging that true progress encompasses both human needs and environmental stewardship.

    Urban ecologists praise the approach as a model for other coastal cities worldwide. The measured response to public feedback while maintaining conservation commitments highlights sophisticated environmental governance. Shenzhen’s actions reinforce that contemporary cities must occasionally embrace darkness to protect the natural systems that sustain regional biodiversity, creating a harmonious balance between urban infrastructure and ecological preservation.

  • Turkish man in London Quran burning case was apparently convicted of wife’s killing

    Turkish man in London Quran burning case was apparently convicted of wife’s killing

    Newly surfaced court documents reveal a complex background for Hamit Coskun, the 51-year-old man recently celebrated as a free speech advocate in Britain. According to Turkish court records obtained by Middle East Eye, Coskun was convicted in 2007 for the aggravated homicide of his wife Vesia Coskun, receiving a 16-year prison sentence for the 2002 killing.

    The revelation comes months after Coskun’s high-profile legal victory in the UK, where he successfully appealed against a conviction for burning a copy of the Quran outside the Turkish embassy in London. His acquittal in October was hailed by free speech organizations and prominent Conservative politicians as a victory for expression rights.

    Coskun, who identifies as half-Kurdish and half-Armenian, vehemently denies the murder conviction, claiming the documents must be forged or misattributed. Through his legal representatives, he maintains his wife died of natural causes from asthma and that he was never investigated for her death.

    His lawyers assert that Coskun’s imprisonment in Turkey stemmed instead from his anti-government political activities. ‘He spent many years in prison on charges arising from his anti-regime politics,’ they stated, characterizing him as ‘a target of state and religious authorities.’

    Independent verification by MEE confirms that the documents from Istanbul’s Bakirkoy criminal court match official archives, with Coskun’s date of birth aligning with UK records. Contemporary Turkish newspaper reports from September 2002 further corroborate the timeline of events.

    The case presents a striking contrast between Coskun’s portrayal as a political prisoner and the judicial record of a murder conviction. While Turkey has documented issues with politically motivated prosecutions, the murder case underwent multiple judicial reviews, including a retrial and ultimate confirmation by Turkey’s Court of Cassation in 2011.

    Notably, none of Coskun’s high-profile British supporters, including former Conservative minister Robert Jenrick and several advocacy groups, appear to have been aware of the murder conviction when celebrating his free speech victory. The Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed it will not pursue further appeals regarding the Quran burning case.

  • Chinese airlines resume Middle East flights amid regional tensions

    Chinese airlines resume Middle East flights amid regional tensions

    Chinese aviation authorities have announced the gradual restoration of flight services to Middle Eastern destinations following extensive safety evaluations. This strategic resumption comes after significant disruptions to regional air travel caused by military actions involving US and Israeli forces against Iran that commenced on February 28th.

    The Civil Aviation Administration of China confirmed that multiple Chinese carriers have implemented carefully coordinated flight schedules to reconnect China with key Gulf destinations. Hainan Airlines successfully operated two round-trip flights between Haikou, the capital of Hainan province, and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, completing journeys on both Monday and Wednesday of this week.

    Air China has outlined an ambitious operational plan, scheduling daily round-trip services between Beijing Capital International Airport and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia throughout the weekend. Simultaneously, the carrier will maintain additional daily round-trip connections between Beijing and Dubai on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

    China Eastern Airlines executed a scheduled round-trip operation between Beijing Daxing International Airport and Muscat on Thursday, while China Southern Airlines prepared for a special Friday flight between Guangzhou and Riyadh specifically designated to repatriate stranded passengers and crew members.

    The resumption of these air services follows a period of considerable aviation disruption across multiple Middle Eastern nations, which compelled international carriers to either reroute trajectories or temporarily suspend operations throughout the region. Chinese aviation officials emphasized that all resumed flights underwent rigorous safety assessments before receiving operational clearance.