Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Twenty years is ‘a death sentence’, son of British media tycoon jailed by China says

    Twenty years is ‘a death sentence’, son of British media tycoon jailed by China says

    Hong Kong’s judiciary has imposed a 20-year prison sentence on pro-democracy media magnate Jimmy Lai, following his December conviction on national security charges. The 78-year-old British citizen received the most severe punishment administered under the city’s contentious National Security Law (NSL), enacted in 2020 following widespread pro-democracy demonstrations.

    Lai, recognized as a prominent critic of Beijing, utilized his now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper as an instrument of political protest. His son, Sebastien Lai, characterized the extended incarceration as effectively a ‘death sentence,’ citing his father’s deteriorating health conditions and significant weight loss during five years of solitary confinement in a maximum-security facility.

    International responses have emerged from Western governments, with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper demanding Lai’s release on humanitarian grounds and advocating for his family reunification. The British government has committed to intensifying diplomatic engagement with Beijing regarding this case.

    Despite these appeals, Chinese and Hong Kong authorities have consistently rejected calls for Lai’s liberation. The NSL criminalizes various dissenting activities, including acts perceived as secession, subversion, terrorism, and foreign collusion—the specific charges for which Lai was convicted.

    The case emerges amid evolving UK-China relations, following Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent Beijing visit where he raised Lai’s situation during discussions with President Xi Jinping. The diplomatic exchange yielded agreements on visa-free travel for UK citizens and reduced whisky import tariffs, signaling warming bilateral relations.

    Sebastien Lai suggested that his father’s release could serve as a straightforward confidence-building measure between nations, questioning whether repatriating the elderly detainee might facilitate improved international relations.

  • Bhumjaithai Party leads in Thailand general election

    Bhumjaithai Party leads in Thailand general election

    BANGKOK – Thailand’s political landscape appears poised for continuity as the Bhumjaithai Party, led by caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, has established a dominant position in the nation’s general election based on preliminary results released Monday morning.

    With approximately 94% of ballots tallied, the Election Commission’s unofficial data indicates Bhumjaithai has secured 175 constituency seats, substantially outpacing rival parties. The People’s Party trails with 85 seats, while the Pheu Thai party follows with 60 seats in the 500-member parliament.

    Thailand’s electoral mechanism employs a dual-ballot system where citizens select both constituency representatives and party-list parliamentary candidates. The electoral framework allocates 400 seats through direct constituency victories and distributes an additional 100 seats proportionally according to nationwide party preference votes.

    The parliamentary composition will determine Thailand’s next government through a prime ministerial vote requiring an absolute majority of at least 251 parliamentary endorsements. Given current projections, Bhumjaithai will likely pursue coalition negotiations to establish governmental control.

    Addressing supporters at a late Sunday press conference, Prime Minister Anutin expressed confidence in his party’s ability to form the next administration. “This victory belongs to all Thai citizens, regardless of their voting preference,” declared the party leader, pledging his administration would “exercise maximum capability in service to the nation.”

    Meanwhile, People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut acknowledged his party’s likely transition to opposition role, telling the Bangkok Post that preliminary results indicated insufficient support for governmental formation.

    The electoral process incorporated a significant constitutional referendum, with approximately 19.5 million voters (60%) endorsing constitutional revisions through separate yellow ballots.

    According to electoral timelines, the Election Commission will certify parliamentary results within 60 days, prompting parliamentary convocation within 15 days for speaker election and subsequent prime ministerial selection. If coalition negotiations proceed efficiently, Thailand could establish a fully operational government by late May or June.

    Anutin Charnvirakul, scion of former Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul, assumed leadership of Bhumjaithai in 2014. The 57-year-old politician gained national prominence during his tenure as Public Health Minister throughout the COVID-19 crisis before ascending to the premiership in September 2025.

  • Various extracurricular activities available for students across China during winter vacation

    Various extracurricular activities available for students across China during winter vacation

    As China’s winter vacation period progresses in February 2026, educational institutions nationwide have launched an extensive array of extracurricular programs designed to enrich students’ holiday experience. From cultural performances to skill-building workshops, these initiatives represent a significant shift in educational approach beyond traditional classroom settings.

    In Qinyang, Central China’s Henan province, children demonstrated their artistic talents through poetry recitation performances at a local music hall on February 8. This event exemplifies the growing emphasis on cultural education and public speaking skills development during school breaks.

    The nationwide program encompasses multiple activity categories including arts education, sports development, scientific exploration, and traditional culture immersion. Educational authorities have collaborated with community centers, museums, and cultural institutions to create comprehensive learning experiences that complement academic curricula.

    These initiatives address growing concerns about excessive screen time and academic pressure during holidays by providing structured yet engaging alternatives. The programs are designed to develop well-rounded skills while maintaining an enjoyable vacation atmosphere.

    Parental response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many noting improved social skills and renewed academic motivation among participants. The activities also serve as valuable opportunities for intergenerational connection and community bonding.

    Educational experts highlight the importance of such programs in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence—skills increasingly valued in modern education systems. The winter vacation activities represent China’s evolving approach to holistic education that balances academic rigor with personal development.

    The success of these initiatives may influence future educational policy, potentially leading to more structured extracurricular programming during school breaks nationwide. As the vacation period continues, participation rates suggest this model could become a permanent feature of China’s educational landscape.

  • Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in prison

    Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in prison

    Hong Kong’s High Court has delivered a significant verdict in a high-profile national security case, sentencing media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying to 20 years imprisonment. The ruling concluded a lengthy judicial process that began with Lai’s conviction in December on multiple charges related to national security violations.

    The court found Lai guilty on two counts of conspiring to collude with external forces and one count of conspiracy to publish seditious materials. The case, which formally commenced proceedings in December 2023, involved three specially appointed judges operating under Hong Kong’s national security legal framework.

    Beyond the individual defendant, the legal action encompassed corporate entities associated with Lai’s media operations. Apple Daily Limited, Apple Daily Printing Limited, and Apple Daily Internet Limited faced parallel charges for their alleged roles in the conspiracy. The prosecution presented evidence suggesting coordinated efforts between these organizations and external parties.

    The mitigation hearing, which took place in January, allowed both defense and prosecution to present arguments regarding sentencing considerations. Security measures remained heightened throughout the proceedings, with armored prison vehicles and increased police presence observed at the West Kowloon Law Courts Building during the final sentencing.

    This case represents one of the most significant applications of Hong Kong’s national security legislation since its implementation, drawing international attention to the region’s judicial handling of security-related matters. The verdict underscores the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s continued enforcement of national security laws amid ongoing legal developments.

  • Hong Kong court opens session to sentence Jimmy Lai

    Hong Kong court opens session to sentence Jimmy Lai

    The High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has commenced sentencing proceedings against media proprietor Jimmy Lai, marking a significant development in the city’s national security enforcement. The hearing, which opened Monday morning, follows Lai’s December conviction on three substantial charges: two counts of conspiring to collude with external forces and one count of conspiracy to publish seditious materials.

    This case represents one of the most high-profile applications of the National Security Law implemented in Hong Kong in 2020. The proceedings unfolded with strict adherence to legal protocols, reflecting the judiciary’s commitment to handling national security matters with utmost seriousness.

    The sentencing phase comes after extensive legal arguments from both prosecution and defense teams regarding appropriate punishment considerations. Legal experts anticipate the judgment will establish important precedents for future national security cases in the territory.

    International observers and diplomatic corps have closely monitored the proceedings, which carry significant implications for Hong Kong’s legal landscape and its relationship with international human rights frameworks. The case has sparked extensive discussion about the balance between national security concerns and civil liberties in the semi-autonomous region.

    The court’s decision is expected to address both the legal dimensions of the offenses and their contextual significance within Hong Kong’s unique constitutional framework as a Special Administrative Region of China.

  • Landslide in Southwest China caused by rain-softened slope, not mining: report

    Landslide in Southwest China caused by rain-softened slope, not mining: report

    A comprehensive geological investigation has concluded that a devastating landslide in Sichuan Province resulted from natural meteorological phenomena rather than industrial activity. The official report, released by the Provincial Department of Natural Resources, determined that sustained rainfall infiltration weakened mudstone formations on a steep slope, triggering the catastrophic event.

    The disaster struck Jinping Village in Junlian County, Yibin City, at approximately 11:50 AM on February 8, 2025. According to the technical analysis, the incident represents a compound natural disaster characterized by an initial high-altitude slope failure that rapidly transformed into an extensive debris flow traveling considerable distances.

    Tragically, the geological event resulted in 10 confirmed fatalities, with 19 individuals remaining unaccounted for and two survivors sustaining injuries. Preliminary assessments indicate direct economic damages exceeding 6 million yuan (approximately $862,000 USD).

    The investigation specifically addressed potential anthropogenic factors, concluding that no evident correlation exists between mining operations and the landslide’s occurrence. Instead, hydrogeological processes emerged as the definitive causative mechanism, wherein prolonged precipitation progressively saturated and destabilized the slope’s structural integrity.

    This findings provide crucial insights for regional disaster prevention strategies, particularly in topographically vulnerable areas experiencing increased rainfall patterns. The technical assessment underscores the importance of geological monitoring and early warning systems in mitigating similar natural hazards in mountainous regions.

  • US, Iran still at odds despite ‘positive’ talks: Experts

    US, Iran still at odds despite ‘positive’ talks: Experts

    Despite diplomatic overtures described as ‘positive’ by both American and Iranian officials, substantive progress in nuclear negotiations remains elusive due to irreconcilable differences on fundamental issues, according to regional experts. The recent talks in Muscat, Oman—while creating a framework for continued dialogue—have revealed a significant chasm between Washington’s demands and Tehran’s non-negotiable red lines.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi characterized the preliminary discussions as a constructive beginning but emphasized that rebuilding mutual trust would require considerable time. This cautious optimism was immediately tempered by his criticism of continued US military deployments and economic sanctions, which he stated ‘raise doubts about the other party’s seriousness and readiness to engage in genuine negotiations.’

    The core disagreements center on three pivotal areas: Iran’s uranium enrichment activities, its ballistic missile program, and regional military partnerships. Tehran maintains that nuclear development for peaceful purposes represents an ‘inalienable right’ that cannot be relinquished, while simultaneously rejecting any discussion of its missile capabilities, which it characterizes as purely defensive. The United States, conversely, insists on comprehensive restrictions encompassing both nuclear and conventional military domains.

    Professor Ding Long of Shanghai International Studies University observed that both nations are employing pressure-based strategies, enhancing military and economic leverage to strengthen their bargaining positions. ‘Both are adopting a hedging strategy in their negotiations, meaning that should talks break down, they can swiftly shift to military confrontation or even conflict,’ Ding noted.

    Adding complexity to the diplomatic landscape, Israel has intensified its monitoring of the negotiations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to visit Washington for consultations with US officials, with his office reiterating that any agreement must include restrictions on Iran’s missile program and cessation of support for regional militant groups.

    Despite these challenges, regional actors generally oppose military confrontation, recognizing the devastating impact such conflict would have on Middle Eastern security and development. These nations are expected to continue facilitating dialogue in hopes of achieving a mutual non-aggression understanding between the two adversaries.

  • Outrage as South Korean official suggests ‘importing’ foreign women to boost birth rate

    Outrage as South Korean official suggests ‘importing’ foreign women to boost birth rate

    A South Korean local government official has been expelled from the ruling Democratic Party following inflammatory comments suggesting the country should “import young women” from Southeast Asian nations to address its demographic crisis. Kim Hee-soo, head of Jindo County, proposed during a televised town hall that women from “Vietnam or Sri Lanka” could be married to rural bachelors as a solution to population decline.

    The remarks sparked immediate international backlash and domestic outrage, culminating in Kim’s political expulsion. Vietnam’s embassy in Seoul issued a formal condemnation, characterizing the statement as reflective of problematic “values and attitudes towards migrant women and minority groups.” While Sri Lankan authorities haven’t publicly commented, the controversy has intensified diplomatic tensions.

    South Korea continues to confront the world’s lowest birth rate, with projections indicating the population of approximately 50 million could halve within six decades. The incident occurred during discussions about administrative mergers between regions experiencing significant population shrinkage.

    Despite issuing an apology acknowledging his “inappropriate” language, Kim failed to quell the controversy. The South Jeolla Province government subsequently issued its own formal apology, recognizing the remarks had “caused deep pain to Vietnamese people and to women.”

    Women’s rights and migrant advocacy groups are planning protests outside Jindo County Office, highlighting ongoing concerns about gender equality and migrant rights in South Korea. The Democratic Party’s Supreme Council voted unanimously to expel Kim, signaling the severity of the diplomatic and social repercussions.

  • Railway mechanics safeguard Spring Festival travel rush in NW China’s Kunlun Mountains

    Railway mechanics safeguard Spring Festival travel rush in NW China’s Kunlun Mountains

    Amidst the harsh winter conditions of Northwestern China’s Kunlun Mountains, a dedicated team of railway mechanics from the Wangkun Line maintenance workshop is undertaking critical patrols and maintenance operations to ensure seamless rail transportation during China’s peak Spring Festival travel period. These technicians, operating under China Railway Qinghai-Xizang Group Co., Ltd., have intensified their surveillance of vital railway segments along the Qinghai-Xizang Railway route, working in sub-zero temperatures to guarantee passenger safety and operational continuity.

    The maintenance crew, based in Golmud, Qinghai Province, faces extraordinary challenges due to the region’s extreme altitude and severe weather patterns. Their work involves meticulous inspection of tracks, monitoring structural integrity, and performing essential repairs along one of China’s most crucial high-altitude rail corridors. The team’s efforts become particularly significant during the Chunyun period—the world’s largest annual human migration—when millions travel across China for family reunions during the Lunar New Year celebrations.

    Photographic documentation from February 6, 2026, captures these technicians executing precision maintenance work on the rail infrastructure, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining China’s extensive railway network. Their behind-the-scenes efforts represent an essential component of the national transportation system’s reliability, especially in remote regions where environmental conditions present unique operational difficulties. The continuous monitoring and maintenance activities ensure that the Qinghai-Xizang Railway remains fully operational throughout the holiday season, facilitating safe passage for travelers undertaking their seasonal journeys.

  • Xizang govt plans prioritize education

    Xizang govt plans prioritize education

    The Tibetan Autonomous Region has announced a sweeping educational enhancement initiative set to commence in 2026, marking a significant advancement in the region’s human capital development strategy. This comprehensive package includes the implementation of free preschool education across rural territories, substantial increases in per-student funding allocations, and expanded infrastructure investment throughout the educational spectrum.

    Building upon existing student assistance frameworks that supported over 2.13 million beneficiaries in 2025, the new measures represent the region’s continued prioritization of educational development. The per-student funding standard for preschool education will undergo a dramatic increase from 380 yuan to 1,000 yuan annually. Concurrently, compulsory education will receive enhanced investment with plans to construct or renovate 51 primary and secondary educational facilities, addressing urban-rural development disparities.

    Regional Chairman Karma Tsetan, presenting the government work report, emphasized that education subsidies have been raised four times within the past five-year period, establishing educational advancement as a cornerstone of socioeconomic progress. The higher education sector will similarly undergo transformation through expanded undergraduate programs and strengthened vocational training initiatives, including the ongoing construction of a new campus for Tibet Vocational Technical College.

    The region’s educational achievements include significant institutional advancements during 2025, notably the elevation of Tibet Agricultural and Animal Husbandry College to university status and the establishment of a new vocational technical college in Shigatse. The much-praised ‘three complete coverages’ student aid framework ensures comprehensive support across all educational levels from kindergarten through university, encompassing both public and private institutions with particular focus on economically disadvantaged students.

    By 2025, educational authorities had allocated over 5.27 billion yuan in student assistance, benefiting millions throughout the region. The current academic year continues full implementation of the 15-year free education policy alongside the ‘sanbao’ program, which covers meals, tuition, and accommodation costs. From autumn 2025, the annual per-student standard under this program increased to 4,700 yuan, with additional provisions for special education requirements.

    Local residents have expressed appreciation for these policies. Chodron, a mother of two from Palding village, noted that government provisions of textbooks, uniforms, and learning materials have substantially reduced family financial burdens. Penba Drolma, a student at Tibet University of Tibetan Medicine, attested that these initiatives enable rural children to pursue education without financial constraints, having benefited from free education from kindergarten through middle school and continuing to receive university scholarships and financial aid.