Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • ASEAN steps in to ease border tensions

    ASEAN steps in to ease border tensions

    In a critical diplomatic intervention, foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) convened in Kuala Lumpur on Monday to address the escalating military conflict along the Thailand-Cambodia border. The emergency session focused on rebuilding mutual trust between the two member states and establishing a sustainable ceasefire mechanism.

    This marks the second time in 2025 that ASEAN has served as a mediation platform for the neighboring nations, following a joint declaration signed during the 47th ASEAN Summit last October. The current border hostilities, reignited on December 7, have resulted in significant civilian casualties and mass displacement on both sides.

    Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow emphasized that any ceasefire must be demonstrated through concrete actions rather than formal announcements alone. He confirmed that Thai and Cambodian defense officials would meet Wednesday under the Joint Boundary Commission framework, while acknowledging China’s role as an important regional partner.

    The humanitarian toll continues to mount dramatically. Cambodian authorities report approximately 510,000 displaced civilians and 19 civilian fatalities, while Thai officials cite 38 civilian deaths and over 167,000 people relocated to safer shelters. Both nations have exchanged accusations of instigating hostilities and targeting civilian populations.

    China has actively supported ASEAN’s mediation efforts, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian expressing Beijing’s appreciation for Malaysia’s leadership as current ASEAN chair. “As a friend and close neighbor to both countries, China sincerely hopes that Cambodia and Thailand will, based on safeguarding peace and stability along their borders and the fundamental interests of their peoples, quickly achieve a ceasefire and restore peace,” Lin stated during a regular press briefing.

    Beijing has deployed Special Envoy for Asian Affairs Deng Xijun to the region, with promises to disclose further details about diplomatic efforts in due course. China committed to continuing its active promotion of peace talks and constructive role in de-escalation.

    Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, presiding over the talks, emphasized that regional stability remains a collective responsibility. “Our goal goes beyond de-escalating the tensions,” he stated in opening remarks, noting that ASEAN must intensify trust-building measures despite prevailing differences.

    Academic experts remain cautiously optimistic about the mediation efforts. University of Malaya associate professor Khoo Ying Hooi noted that Malaysia’s consensus-based approach as ASEAN chair, while methodical and cautious, may struggle to achieve dramatic breakthroughs given the conflict’s complex historical, nationalistic, and military sensitivities.

  • India’s Delhi Airport warns of flight delays, cancellations amid dense fog

    India’s Delhi Airport warns of flight delays, cancellations amid dense fog

    Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport has issued formal advisories regarding significant disruptions to flight operations due to persistent dense fog conditions severely limiting visibility. Airport authorities confirmed that all flight activities are presently operating under CAT II Instrument Landing System protocols, which permit landings with runway visual range reduced to approximately 300-549 meters.

    The aviation hub has activated comprehensive passenger assistance protocols to mitigate travel inconveniences, strongly recommending that travelers verify their flight status directly with their respective airlines before proceeding to the terminal facilities. The airport’s official communication channels, including social media platform X, have conveyed sincere regrets for any travel disruptions caused by these unavoidable meteorological conditions.

    This weather-related disruption echoes similar challenges experienced on December 15th, when multiple airports across northern India faced comparable operational constraints due to reduced visibility. Aviation meteorologists note that while winter fog represents a natural seasonal phenomenon, deteriorating air quality conditions in the Delhi National Capital Region have exacerbated these events, frequently transforming them into persistent smog episodes.

    The current aviation crisis coincides with heightened environmental concerns, as Delhi recently recorded its worst air quality readings of the season. The Central Pollution Control Board documented air quality index measurements exceeding 450 at multiple monitoring stations, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management to implement Stage Four restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan. These emergency measures include suspended construction activities, hybrid education models, and restricted entry for older diesel vehicles into the capital region.

    Aviation experts emphasize that such weather-related disruptions underscore the critical intersection of environmental policy and transportation infrastructure management in one of Asia’s busiest aviation markets.

  • China launches Long March 12A Y1 rocket, second stage enters planned orbit

    China launches Long March 12A Y1 rocket, second stage enters planned orbit

    China’s aerospace program marked another milestone on December 23, 2025, with the inaugural launch of the Long March 12A carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China. The mission demonstrated partial success as the rocket’s second stage successfully achieved its planned orbital insertion, while the first stage recovery attempt ended in failure.

    The Long March 12A represents China’s latest advancement in space launch technology, featuring reusable components designed to reduce mission costs and increase launch frequency. This launch was particularly significant as it tested critical technologies for rocket reusability – a key focus area for China’s ambitious space program.

    Despite the first stage recovery setback, mission controllers confirmed that the primary objective of delivering payloads to designated orbit was accomplished successfully. The rocket’s performance during ascent and second stage separation met all technical parameters, according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).

    This launch occurs amid China’s accelerated space program that has recently included lunar missions, space station construction, and satellite constellation deployments. Aerospace engineers will analyze the first stage recovery failure data to improve future reusability attempts, with additional Long March 12A launches already scheduled for 2026.

  • A young journalist’s 2025: Embrace the ‘happening now’

    A young journalist’s 2025: Embrace the ‘happening now’

    In a year marked by significant commemorations and historical milestones, China Daily journalist Yan An embarked on an extraordinary nationwide reporting journey throughout 2025. Her professional odyssey spanned from the strategic border city of Khorgos in China’s Northwest to the dynamic southern metropolis of Shenzhen, with each assignment presenting unique challenges that tested her journalistic capabilities and personal resilience.

    The most transformative moment occurred unexpectedly in Yan’an—a city that serendipitously shares her name. This historic destination, once a gathering point for youth determined to save China during the Japanese aggression era, became the backdrop for her professional epiphany. Rather than merely completing tasks and passing professional tests, Yan An discovered journalism’s deeper purpose: fully engaging with and documenting the ‘happening now’—those immediate, unfolding stories that define our contemporary experience.

    Her journey represents a new generation of Chinese journalists who combine traditional reporting values with modern storytelling approaches. The cross-country expedition highlights how today’s media professionals navigate between China’s rapidly developing urban centers and regions of historical significance, finding relevant narratives that connect past, present, and future.

    This account offers insights into the evolving role of journalism in capturing China’s complex social fabric, demonstrating how personal journeys can illuminate broader national stories. The experience underscores how physical travel and professional development can converge to create meaningful journalistic perspectives.

  • Baotou-Yinchuan High-speed Railway enters full operation

    Baotou-Yinchuan High-speed Railway enters full operation

    Northern China’s transportation infrastructure achieved a significant milestone on December 23, 2025, as the Baotou-Yinchuan High-Speed Railway commenced full operations following the inauguration of its final section. The historic D4667 train departed Baotou Railway Station at 10:08 am, marking the official opening of the Baotou-Huinong segment and completing the comprehensive rail link between Inner Mongolia and Ningxia.

    This engineering marvel spans 519 kilometers across China’s northern territories, connecting Baotou in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region with Yinchuan in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Designed for operational speeds of 250 kilometers per hour, the railway features 13 strategically located stations along its route.

    The most dramatic improvement comes in travel efficiency, with journey times between the two endpoint cities reduced from approximately six hours to under three hours—cutting transit duration by more than half. This transformation significantly enhances regional connectivity and economic integration possibilities.

    Strategically, the railway constitutes a vital component of China’s ambitious ‘eight vertical and eight horizontal’ high-speed rail network, specifically serving as a crucial segment within the Beijing-Lanzhou transport corridor. The completed line establishes a faster northwestern route to the national capital while substantially strengthening the overall capacity and coverage of China’s comprehensive rail infrastructure in its northwestern regions.

    The launch ceremony at Baotou Railway Station witnessed enthusiastic passengers boarding the inaugural service, with officials highlighting the project’s role in fostering economic development, facilitating cultural exchange, and promoting tourism between the autonomous regions.

  • ‘Call of Duty’ co-creator Vince Zampella killed in car crash

    ‘Call of Duty’ co-creator Vince Zampella killed in car crash

    The gaming world is reeling from the tragic loss of Vince Zampella, the visionary co-creator of the groundbreaking ‘Call of Duty’ franchise, who perished in a devastating car accident on December 22nd, 2025. Electronic Arts, the gaming conglomerate that acquired Zampella’s studio, officially confirmed the heartbreaking news on Monday.

    According to reports from California Highway Patrol, the fatal incident occurred when Zampella’s Ferrari inexplicably veered off a picturesque roadway north of Los Angeles, colliding with a concrete barrier before erupting into flames. Both the driver and an unidentified passenger who was ejected from the vehicle sustained fatal injuries at the scene. The investigation into the precise cause of the accident remains ongoing.

    Zampella’s monumental career spanned decades, beginning in the 1990s as a designer before co-founding Infinity Ward in 2002. His revolutionary work culminated in the 2003 launch of ‘Call of Duty,’ which would evolve into one of history’s most successful video game franchises. Following a contentious departure from Activision, Zampella demonstrated remarkable resilience by establishing Respawn Entertainment in 2010, which Electronic Arts subsequently acquired in 2017.

    Under his visionary leadership, Respawn Entertainment produced critically acclaimed titles including ‘Titanfall,’ the battle royale phenomenon ‘Apex Legends,’ and the celebrated ‘Star Wars Jedi’ game series. Most recently, Zampella had taken helm of revitalizing EA’s ‘Battlefield’ franchise, further cementing his status as an industry pioneer.

    Electronic Arts released an emotional statement expressing profound grief: ‘This represents an unimaginable loss, and our hearts are with Vince’s family, his loved ones, and all those touched by his extraordinary work. His influence on the video game industry was both profound and far-reaching, fundamentally shaping modern interactive entertainment.’

    A tribute posted on the official ‘Battlefield’ social media account celebrated Zampella’s leadership philosophy: ‘He showed up every day trusting his teams, encouraging bold innovation, and believing in both Battlefield and the talented people building it. He consistently championed what he believed was right for both developers and players alike.’

  • Life as a foreign crew in China

    Life as a foreign crew in China

    In the bustling port city of Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, a unique cultural exchange unfolds daily as Indonesian sailors integrate their maritime careers with musical passions while working aboard vessels in Chinese waters. These foreign crew members have developed a distinctive lifestyle that balances demanding seafaring duties with rich cultural expression ashore.

    The Indonesian maritime professionals, who form part of China’s international shipping workforce, have established routines that showcase their adaptability and cultural resilience. Their daily existence involves rigorous shipboard operations during working hours followed by vibrant musical gatherings when docked. These seafarers have transformed their temporary accommodations into spaces for cultural preservation, often organizing impromptu jam sessions featuring traditional Indonesian instruments and contemporary music.

    Port authorities in Zhoushan have noted the positive impact of these cultural exchanges on local community relations. The sailors’ musical performances have occasionally attracted curious locals, creating organic opportunities for cross-cultural dialogue and mutual understanding. This unexpected cultural bridge has enhanced the social fabric of the port city while providing the foreign workers with a sense of community far from their homeland.

    The maritime industry in Eastern China has increasingly relied on international crew members to maintain its global shipping operations. These Indonesian sailors represent a growing trend of specialized foreign workers contributing to China’s maritime economy while maintaining their cultural identities through artistic expression. Their experience demonstrates how global workforce mobility can foster unexpected cultural connections in increasingly interconnected port cities.

  • Full operation starts on Baotou-Yinchuan High-Speed Railway

    Full operation starts on Baotou-Yinchuan High-Speed Railway

    China’s transportation infrastructure achieved a significant milestone on December 23, 2025, with the comprehensive operational launch of the Baotou-Yinchuan High-Speed Railway. The completion was marked by the inauguration of the crucial Baotou-Huinong segment, finalizing the entire rail corridor that connects Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region with Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

    The newly operational railway represents a major engineering achievement in China’s ongoing high-speed rail expansion initiative. The line establishes a rapid transit connection between Baotou, an industrial hub in Inner Mongolia, and Yinchuan, the capital city of Ningxia. This infrastructure development is projected to substantially reduce travel time between the two regional centers, facilitating enhanced economic integration and passenger mobility across Northern China.

    Technical crews conducted final inspections at Baotou Railway Station, where staff members were photographed examining the inaugural train prior to its departure. The event signifies the culmination of extensive planning and construction efforts that have transformed regional transportation dynamics.

    Transportation analysts indicate this railway will serve multiple strategic purposes beyond passenger transit. The line is expected to stimulate economic development along its route, promote tourism exchange between the regions, and provide improved logistics connectivity for goods transportation. The project aligns with broader national initiatives to develop China’s western regions and create more balanced economic growth across the country.

    The Baotou-Yinchuan High-Speed Railway now stands as a testament to China’s advanced railway engineering capabilities and its commitment to infrastructure-led regional development strategies.

  • UAE weather: Partly cloudy skies, lowest temperature 15°C in Dubai, Abu Dhabi

    UAE weather: Partly cloudy skies, lowest temperature 15°C in Dubai, Abu Dhabi

    The United Arab Emirates is experiencing characteristic winter weather patterns with fair to partly cloudy conditions forecasted for Tuesday, December 23rd. According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), residents can expect low cloud formations particularly over western regions and islands across the country.

    Temperature readings indicate a typical winter range, with internal areas experiencing between 10°C to 26°C on Wednesday. Major urban centers will see slightly varied conditions: Abu Dhabi ranging from 15°C to 24°C, Dubai maintaining similar parameters of 15°C to 25°C, while Sharjah registers slightly cooler readings between 13°C and 24°C.

    Meteorological observations note increasing humidity levels during nighttime and early morning hours in western territories, with potential mist formation. Wind patterns remain generally light to moderate, blowing from northeasterly to southeasterly directions.

    Maritime conditions report slight to moderate waves in the Arabian Gulf, while the Oman Sea remains calm with slight wave activity. The highest temperature recorded on Monday reached 26.3°C in Al Arad (Al Ain) at 2:45 PM.

    The current weather follows recent unstable conditions that brought substantial rainfall to the region last week, though the winter season officially commenced on December 22nd. Residents have been experiencing gradually cooling temperatures over recent weeks, marking the seasonal transition.

  • Go ski in Xinjiang

    Go ski in Xinjiang

    China Daily Information Co (CDIC) has established comprehensive intellectual property safeguards for its digital publications, prohibiting unauthorized republication of any content across its platforms. The company’s stringent copyright policy explicitly covers all multimedia materials, including textual articles and photographic imagery, requiring formal written consent from CDIC prior to any reuse.

    The publication maintains technical specifications recommending 1024*768 pixel resolution or higher for optimal viewing experience. CDIC operates under formal regulatory compliance, holding multimedia online publishing license 0108263 and official registration number 130349.

    Beyond content protection measures, China Daily facilitates multiple stakeholder engagement channels through dedicated sections for corporate advertising, general inquiries, and career opportunities. The organization additionally maintains specialized recruitment portals for expatriate professionals seeking employment in China.

    The media group encourages audience connectivity through integrated social media follow options, reinforcing its position as a comprehensive digital news provider operating within established legal and technical frameworks.