Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Qatar warns war on Iran could ‘bring down’ world economies

    Qatar warns war on Iran could ‘bring down’ world economies

    Qatar’s Energy Minister has issued a stark warning that escalating military conflicts between the US-Israel alliance and Iran could precipitate a worldwide economic crisis. Saad al-Kaabi stated that recent attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure could force regional exporters to declare force majeure within days, potentially driving oil prices to $150 per barrel.

    The minister emphasized that continued hostilities would cripple global GDP growth, create energy price surges worldwide, and trigger supply chain disruptions affecting manufacturing sectors globally. Recent Iranian drone strikes have already impacted critical energy facilities in Qatar’s Ras Laffan and Mesaieed industrial cities, prompting Qatar Energy—the world’s largest LNG producer—to suspend liquefied natural gas production.

    Financial markets have already responded to the escalating tensions, with Brent crude climbing 2.5 percent to $87.6 per barrel on Friday, reaching its highest level since the conflict began. The minister projected that blockade scenarios involving the Strait of Hormuz—through which one-fifth of global oil and gas passes—could push crude prices to $150 within weeks.

    Additionally, Kaabi predicted natural gas prices could quadruple to $40 per million British thermal units, while warning that broader trade disruptions between Gulf states and global partners would create significant economic repercussions for all trading nations. The situation represents the most serious threat to global energy security since the beginning of the conflict.

  • Memories of twin inspire Paralympian Patrick Halgren to spread good vibes — one sticker at a time

    Memories of twin inspire Paralympian Patrick Halgren to spread good vibes — one sticker at a time

    Paralympic skier Patrick Halgren has transformed personal tragedy into triumphant inspiration at the Milan Cortina Paralympics, honoring his late twin brother through both his athletic performance and a deeply personal movement. Upon arriving in Italy, Halgren began placing distinctive blue-and-yellow “SvendIt” stickers throughout Cortina d’Ampezzo—on chairlifts, water bottles, and even restaurant bathrooms—as a tribute to his brother Lucas Sven Halgren, who died in a 2016 motorcycle accident.

    The phrase “SvendIt,” a playful twist on the skiing term “send-it,” embodies Halgren’s approach to life and sport. His brother Sven had initially encouraged him to pursue adaptive skiing after Halgren lost his left leg above the knee in his own motorcycle crash in 2013. Now competing in his second Paralympics across five standing division events, Halgren carries his brother’s spirit both literally and figuratively—with the words tattooed across his abdomen.

    Halgren’s journey to Cortina represents a victory in itself after a season marked by multiple crashes. His parents traveled from Connecticut to witness his competitions, which he’s approaching with characteristic flair—planning to dye his hair red and blue to complement his blonde braids for different events.

    The athlete leads an unconventional lifestyle, splitting time between his Ford camper van and Colorado Springs home. During ski season, he parks near Winter Park Resort, where he announces races for children, assists with mountain maintenance, and trains. Halgren has also expanded into filmmaking, contributing to “Us and Them,” a project showcasing adaptive skiing from athletes’ perspectives.

    Reflecting on his brother’s legacy, Halgren shared: “I’ve got a lot of really good friends messaging me and saying, ‘He’d be so proud of you.’ When there’s a ray of sunshine on the mountain, I’ve got to believe that it’s him up there showing me the way.”

    The globally distributed “SvendIt” stickers—found from Norwegian slopes to Colorado weather stations—represent more than just memorial; they symbolize Halgren’s philosophy: “Basically, if you’re going to do something, you’ve just got to go for it. Go have some fun and live your life. Have something to talk about later.”

  • World’s highest bridge boosts Guizhou tourism beyond expectations

    World’s highest bridge boosts Guizhou tourism beyond expectations

    The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou province, officially recognized as the world’s highest bridge, has triggered an extraordinary tourism boom that has surpassed all initial projections. Standing at a staggering 625 meters above water level with a total length of 2,890 meters, this engineering marvel has become an unexpected catalyst for regional economic development since its inauguration in September last year.

    During the recent Spring Festival holiday in February, the infrastructure phenomenon recorded approximately 300,000 visitor arrivals and over 70,000 vehicle transits, establishing unprecedented traffic records according to data from Guizhou Communications Investment Group (GCIG). The bridge’s revolutionary impact has reduced travel duration between Anshun and Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture from two hours to merely two minutes, effectively creating a transformative ‘one-hour golden tourism circle’ that interconnects multiple scenic attractions including Huangguoshu Waterfall and Shuangru Mountain.

    Yin Hengbin, NPC deputy and Mayor of Anshun, emphasized that the bridge represents both China’s remarkable developmental achievements and a distinctive new emblem for Guizhou’s tourism sector. Concurrently, Huang Xingwen, governor of Qianxinan and fellow NPC deputy, revealed strategic plans to leverage the bridge as an integrative force connecting additional scenic spots such as Malinghe Canyon and Wanfenglin scenic area, thereby fostering synergistic development between cultural, tourism, and sports initiatives.

    Zhang Shenglin, GCIG manager and NPC deputy, highlighted the unique convergence of Guizhou’s karst topography with the bridge’s architectural grandeur, creating spectacular visual experiences that have enabled innovative tourism offerings. These include sightseeing elevators, vertigo-inducing glass walkways, cable tower cafes, and extreme activities like waterfall bungee jumping—amenities that transcend conventional bridge functionality.

    The structure additionally serves as an educational resource, with its advanced materials and construction methodologies providing valuable learning opportunities for basic education students through organized science excursions. Zhang noted that this multifaceted bridge-tourism integration, facilitated by unique geographical conditions and specialized design features, has yielded outcomes that exceeded conventional expectations, pointing toward exceptionally promising development prospects for integrated infrastructure tourism.

  • Iraqi journalist: China brings peace to the world

    Iraqi journalist: China brings peace to the world

    BEIJING – Amid extensive international media coverage of China’s annual Two Sessions, Iraqi journalist Al-Obaidi Ameen from China-Arab TV has commended China’s persistent dedication to fostering global peace and development. The seasoned correspondent, who previously covered significant events including the Victory Day parade and appeared at the 2026 CMG Spring Festival Gala, shared his perspectives during the ongoing session of China’s top legislature.

    In an interview with China Daily reporter Yan An, Ameen emphasized China’s unwavering commitment to peace advocacy worldwide. “China has been working tirelessly to champion peace across the world,” stated the Iraqi journalist, who further expressed his hope that more international journalists would help communicate China’s authentic narrative to global audiences.

    Ameen noted that despite current global instability, China demonstrates remarkable confidence and stability in determining its future trajectory through the Two Sessions framework. The journalist added that this steadfast approach has generated admiration internationally, remarking that “people in many countries envy you” in reference to China’s political process and development model.

    The Two Sessions, referring to the annual meetings of China’s National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee, have attracted widespread attention from both domestic and foreign media outlets covering China’s policy directions and development priorities.

  • US investigators ‘say American strike most likely responsible’ for Iranian school massacre

    US investigators ‘say American strike most likely responsible’ for Iranian school massacre

    Multiple investigative reports are converging on the conclusion that U.S. military forces were responsible for a devastating attack on the Shajareh Tayyebeh school in the Iranian city of Minab, which resulted in 165 fatalities. The incident, which occurred last Saturday, is being characterized as a ‘double-tap’ strike—a tactic where an initial explosion is followed by a second strike targeting first responders and survivors.

    According to two U.S. officials speaking to Reuters, while the investigation remains ongoing and no final conclusion has been reached, initial findings point toward U.S. responsibility. This assessment aligns with separate investigations conducted by The New York Times and Middle East Eye (MEE), which utilized satellite imagery, open-source evidence, and verified video footage. Their analysis confirms the school was severely damaged by a precision strike that coincided with attacks on a nearby Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval base.

    The MEE investigation specifically revealed that the school was hit by two separate strikes, with the second missile killing civilians, including children, who had sought shelter or arrived to aid victims. The BBC later corroborated these findings, reporting based on satellite data that the area suffered ‘multiple simultaneous or near-simultaneous strikes.’

    Earlier misleading claims on social media, which attempted to attribute the bombing to the IRGC, have been thoroughly debunked. In response to the allegations, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that ‘the Iranian regime targets civilians and children, not the United States of America,’ noting that the Department of War is investigating the matter. Israel, another actor in the regional conflict, has also announced it is looking into the incident.

    The severity of the attack has prompted international concern. The UN human rights office has called for a transparent investigation into the strike. ‘The onus is on the forces that carried out the attack to investigate it,’ stated spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani during a press briefing in Geneva, without explicitly assigning blame.

  • Is Nepal’s ex-rapper mayor on track to be new PM?

    Is Nepal’s ex-rapper mayor on track to be new PM?

    Nepal stands on the brink of a political transformation as early election results indicate a commanding lead for Balendra Shah, the 35-year-old rapper-turned-mayor who now appears poised to become the nation’s next prime minister. His centrist Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is currently leading in over two-thirds of the directly elected parliamentary seats according to BBC Nepali reports.

    The Thursday general election pitted Shah against established political veterans including former Prime Minister KP Oli of the Communist Party of Nepal UML and Gagan Thapa of the Nepali Congress, both of whom trail significantly in current tallies. The election commission estimates approximately 60% turnout among Nepal’s nearly 19 million registered voters.

    Shah’s remarkable rise from the Nepali hip-hop scene to political prominence represents a dramatic departure from Nepal’s traditional political landscape. Popularly known as Balen, the structural engineer-turned-rapper gained national recognition through socially conscious music, including his viral YouTube hit “Balidan” (Sacrifice) that garnered millions of views.

    His political momentum surged during last year’s widespread protests against social media bans, corruption, unemployment, and economic stagnation. The demonstrations resulted in 77 fatalities, primarily protesters shot by police, and ultimately forced then-Prime Minister Oli’s resignation. Shah’s vocal support for protesters, including his characterization of Oli as a “terrorist,” resonated strongly with youth voters but drew criticism from establishment figures.

    As Kathmandu mayor until January, Shah’s administration faced criticism from human rights groups for heavy-handed tactics against street vendors and unlicensed businesses. His campaign strategy notably avoided media engagement, with Shah bypassing journalists while wearing signature black sunglasses on election day.

    The electoral process incorporates both first-past-the-post and proportional representation systems, with voters casting two ballots to determine 275 parliamentary members. Final results may require days due to Nepal’s challenging topography, with helicopters deployed to collect ballots from remote mountainous regions. The 2022 election required over two weeks for complete results.

    This election marks a potential watershed moment for Nepali politics, which has been characterized by unstable coalition governments dominated by three major parties for over three decades. With 800,000 first-time voters and numerous independent candidates, the political landscape demonstrates a clear appetite for change among Nepal’s youthful electorate.

  • Xi visits political advisers, joins discussion at annual session

    Xi visits political advisers, joins discussion at annual session

    Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in substantive discussions with political advisers during a joint group meeting at the ongoing fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) on Friday. The meeting brought together representatives from the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, the Jiusan Society, and professionals from medicine, health, welfare, and social security sectors.

    In his capacity as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, President Xi actively participated in the dialogue, carefully considering the recommendations and insights presented by the advisers. The exchange focused on critical national development priorities and policy enhancements across multiple sectors.

    The interaction demonstrated the continued importance of multi-party cooperation and political consultation in China’s governance framework. Advisers presented well-researched proposals addressing current challenges and opportunities in healthcare reform, social welfare enhancement, and sustainable development strategies.

    This high-level engagement occurs during the annual legislative sessions, where political advisers provide specialized expertise to shape national policies. The participation of sector-specific professionals underscores the government’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking and inclusive governance approaches that incorporate diverse perspectives from across Chinese society.

  • Hebei eyes stronger regional integration

    Hebei eyes stronger regional integration

    Hebei Province has announced comprehensive strategies to accelerate regional integration within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei metropolitan cluster during China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). The development blueprint focuses on infrastructure connectivity, industrial relocation, and sustainable growth initiatives.

    Provincial leadership revealed that Hebei will systematically absorb non-capital functions relocated from Beijing while actively cultivating new quality productive forces. This coordinated approach aims to transform the region into a demonstration zone for Chinese modernization, leveraging Hebei’s strategic position between two major municipalities.

    Ni Yuefeng, Secretary of the CPC Hebei Provincial Committee, highlighted the province’s remarkable economic performance with 5.6% GDP growth in 2025, exceeding national averages. Environmental progress accompanied economic development, with renewable energy constituting over 70% of installed power capacity and significant air quality improvements.

    The integration strategy already shows tangible benefits: Hebei supplies agricultural products to Beijing’s markets while providing workforce resources, substantially increasing per capita incomes for provincial residents. This symbiotic relationship enhances regional living standards while optimizing resource distribution.

    Xiong’an New Area emerges as a cornerstone of this development vision, having attracted annual investments exceeding 200 billion yuan ($28.98 billion) with cumulative investment surpassing 1 trillion yuan. The area has developed 215 square kilometers as a centralized hub for Beijing’s relocated functions.

    Zhang Guohua, Secretary of Xiong’an New Area Working Committee, outlined ambitious targets to enhance the area’s economic strength, technological innovation capabilities, and international profile. The development plan emphasizes infrastructure modernization, talent attraction, and improved public services.

    Educational integration forms another critical component, with Hebei University of Technology Party Secretary Han Xu advocating for deepened collaboration with Beijing and Tianjin institutions. The province will implement digital education strategies to create an open, intelligent educational ecosystem, cultivating high-caliber talent to drive innovation and sustainable development.

  • Volunteer crawls through mud to rescue trapped gull in Qingdao

    Volunteer crawls through mud to rescue trapped gull in Qingdao

    In a remarkable display of dedication to wildlife preservation, a volunteer conservationist in Qingdao undertook a treacherous mud-crawl rescue operation to save a distressed seabird trapped in coastal wetlands. The incident, which occurred on February 22 at the Baisha-Moshui River estuary in Chengyang district, saw Huang Qiang, a 44-year-old truck driver and veteran wildlife protector, employing extraordinary measures to reach the imperiled bird.

    Responding to an emergency report, Huang and his colleague Lan Jizhen from the Chengyang Wildlife Protection Society initially attempted a drone-assisted rescue. However, powerful coastal winds rendered technological assistance impossible, forcing a hands-on approach. With rising tides threatening to drown the immobilized gull, Huang embarked on a physically demanding mission across 100 meters of unstable mudflat.

    Secured only by a safety harness, Huang progressed horizontally across the viscous terrain using a painstaking crawling technique. The black-headed gull remained pinned by balloon strings entangled around its wings and body—a common hazard resulting from environmental pollution. After thirty minutes of exhaustive effort, Huang successfully reached the exhausted bird, carefully freeing it from the restrictive bindings.

    The rescued gull, showing signs of severe fatigue but no visible injuries, was transported to a specialized animal care facility for observation and recovery. Following several days of rehabilitation, the fully recovered seabird was successfully returned to its natural habitat on Sunday, marking another conservation victory for the volunteer network.

    Huang, honored as a Model Citizen in 2022 for his sustained conservation efforts since 2016, characterized the rescue as simply fulfilling his volunteer duties. “Every rescue presents unique challenges,” Huang remarked. “We must continuously adapt and devise solutions regardless of difficulty—that’s our commitment to wildlife protection.”

  • Japan, Canada sign strategic agreement in defense and energy as war in Mideast fuels oil concerns

    Japan, Canada sign strategic agreement in defense and energy as war in Mideast fuels oil concerns

    In a significant diplomatic move, Japan and Canada solidified a comprehensive strategic agreement on Friday designed to enhance bilateral cooperation across defense, economic security, and energy diversification. The pact arrives amidst escalating global anxieties over Middle Eastern instability and its potential to disrupt international energy markets.

    The meeting in Tokyo between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney culminated in a shared roadmap emphasizing collaborative efforts to stabilize energy supply chains and broaden trade and investment avenues. Both leaders explicitly highlighted the critical need for energy security during a period of profound ‘geopolitical uncertainty,’ a clear reference to recent military strikes involving Iran.

    Prime Minister Carney, during his inaugural visit to Japan since assuming office, addressed the pressing concerns regarding crude oil shipments transiting the volatile Strait of Hormuz. Echoing his earlier statements in Australia, Carney reiterated the urgent necessity for de-escalation in the region.

    Beyond energy, the agreement mandates the initiation of new bilateral dialogues focused on economic security and cyber policies. This strategic alignment is widely perceived as a coordinated response to counter China’s expanding influence and assertive military posturing in the Indo-Pacific theater.

    A cornerstone of the enhanced partnership involves commencing negotiations for a reciprocal defense access agreement. This prospective pact would streamline military cooperation, simplifying procedures for joint exercises, personnel visits, and operational coordination. Furthermore, the two nations pledged to intensify collaboration between their defense industries, aligning with Japan’s ambitions to revitalize its arms manufacturing sector under Prime Minister Takaichi’s policy to bolster national military capabilities and foster deeper security ties with allied nations.

    In a parallel development signaling a historic policy shift, Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner submitted a proposal to abolish long-standing restrictions on lethal weapons exports. This initiative, expected to gain formal government endorsement, marks a decisive departure from the nation’s post-war pacifist constitution principles.