Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • US role in Gaza — not peacemaker, but war-enabler

    US role in Gaza — not peacemaker, but war-enabler

    As the fragile ceasefire holds in Gaza by December 2025, a comprehensive examination of the two-year conflict reveals a contrasting narrative to the perceived American peacemaking role. Multiple indicators demonstrate that Washington’s actions have predominantly facilitated the prolongation of hostilities rather than fostering sustainable peace.

    Throughout 2024-2025, the United States maintained substantial military assistance to Israel, with the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute documenting continuous arms transfers including missiles, bombs, and armored personnel carriers. The Trump administration significantly accelerated this support, approving nearly $12 billion in foreign military sales to Israel since taking office, as confirmed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio in March 2025.

    The human cost of this military backing became tragically evident through civilian casualties. Yahya Abu Harbeid, a 37-year-old Beit Hanoun resident who lost family members during bombardments, stated that American weaponry “translated into direct fire on civilians.”

    Diplomatically, Washington repeatedly exercised its veto power against UN Security Council resolutions demanding ceasefire measures while simultaneously imposing sanctions on International Criminal Court personnel investigating potential war crimes. These actions increasingly isolated the United States on the global stage as international condemnation of the conflict grew.

    Palestinian analysts observed that American support transcended traditional alliance parameters. Mustafa Ibrahim, a Gaza-based political commentator, noted: “Washington provides Israel with political, diplomatic, and military support, along with grants, technical assistance, and logistical support. American weapons sales have directly fueled the conflict, enabling large-scale destruction and civilian casualties.”

    The humanitarian dimension witnessed controversial developments with the establishment of the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which operated outside the established UN aid distribution network. The mechanism proved disastrous, with thousands killed or injured while attempting to access aid through GHF facilities. Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA, characterized the system as “cruel as it takes more lives than it saves lives” while serving military and political objectives rather than humanitarian needs.

    Experts interpreted these patterns as reflecting broader US foreign policy approaches in the Middle East. Akram Atallah, another Gaza analyst, suggested that American humanitarian efforts appeared aligned with Israeli political interests, indicating strategic objectives rather than impartial aid distribution.

    The regional implications extended beyond Gaza, with continued US support for Israeli policies in the West Bank and joint military operations with Israel against Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025—even while conducting indirect nuclear negotiations with Tehran. This demonstrated, according to analysts, a consistent pattern of prioritizing strategic interests over regional sovereignty and civilian protection.

    Historical context further illuminates this approach, with Middle Eastern nations having experienced decades of American policies that prioritized geopolitical dominance and resource control over human welfare, often resulting in deepened economic crises and political instability throughout the region.

  • Japan’s H3 rocket engine shuts down after launch

    Japan’s H3 rocket engine shuts down after launch

    Japan’s ambitious space program encountered a significant setback on Monday morning when its flagship H3 rocket experienced a critical anomaly during ascent. The launch, conducted by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) from the Tanegashima Space Center, proceeded normally through initial stages before the second-stage engine unexpectedly terminated combustion ahead of schedule.

    The H3 rocket represents Japan’s next-generation launch vehicle, developed as a more cost-effective and competitive alternative to existing rockets in the global space market. This mission carried substantial importance for Japan’s space ambitions and its positioning in the international satellite launch industry.

    While the rocket achieved successful first-stage separation and ignition of the second stage, the premature engine shutdown prevented the vehicle from reaching its intended orbit. JAXA engineers immediately initiated data analysis to determine the root cause of the combustion anomaly. The incident marks another challenge for the H3 program, which has faced developmental hurdles since its inception.

    The failure carries significant implications for Japan’s space logistics capabilities, particularly for resupply missions to the International Space Station and future scientific payloads. Space industry analysts are monitoring how this setback might affect Japan’s competitive stance against other space-faring nations and commercial launch providers.

  • Migratory swans flock to Yellow River wetland in Sanmenxia to spend winter

    Migratory swans flock to Yellow River wetland in Sanmenxia to spend winter

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  • Australia falls silent for Sydney shooting victims

    Australia falls silent for Sydney shooting victims

    Nationwide silence descended across Australia on Sunday evening as citizens gathered in solemn remembrance of the 15 victims killed in the Bondi Beach mass shooting exactly one week prior. The country observed a minute of silence at 6:47 pm, synchronizing with the moment gunfire first erupted during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on December 14, 2025.

    The commemorative events unfolded with profound symbolism as countless Australians lined their windowsills with flickering candles, embodying the Hanukkah theme of ‘light over darkness.’ Flags flew at half-staff nationwide, including above the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, while summer winds whispered through silent gatherings from urban centers to rural communities.

    At Bondi Beach, the epicenter of the tragedy, thousands participated in a candlelight vigil where projected images honored victims ranging from 10 to 87 years old. The emotional ceremony included a rendition of ‘Waltzing Matilda’ dedicated to the youngest victim, whose Ukrainian parents had chosen what they considered ‘the most Australian name’ for their daughter.

    The somber remembrance was occasionally punctuated by expressions of public frustration. Some attendees voiced disapproval toward Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s presence, reflecting growing anger over perceived governmental inadequacies in addressing rising antisemitic incidents preceding the attack.

    Federal and New South Wales governments officially designated December 21 as a national Day of Reflection, marking Australia’s deadliest mass shooting event since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre that claimed 35 lives. The accused perpetrators, identified as a father and son, allegedly targeted the beachside Hanukkah celebration in what authorities describe as a deliberate antisemitic attack.

  • Expressway expands regional linkage

    Expressway expands regional linkage

    In a monumental infrastructure achievement, China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region prepares to inaugurate a transformative 319.7-kilometer expressway by December’s end, featuring the world’s longest expressway tunnel that conquers the formidable Tianshan Mountains.

    The centerpiece of this engineering marvel is the 22.13-kilometer Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, an unprecedented bore through the east-west mountain range that has historically divided northern and southern Xinjiang. This strategic corridor connects regional capital Urumqi, north of the mountains, with Yuli County in the Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture to the south through a complex network of 265 bridges and 17 tunnels constructed since 2019.

    The transportation revolution will dramatically compress travel times across the region. The mountain crossing that once took hours will now require approximately 20 minutes through the Shengli Tunnel, while the journey from Urumqi to Korla—Bayingolin’s major urban center—will be slashed from seven hours to just three.

    According to Guo Sheng, Party Secretary of Xinjiang’s Transport Department, this infrastructure breakthrough addresses persistent transportation bottlenecks that have hindered coordinated regional development for decades. The project represents significant technological innovation in constructing ultra-long highway tunnels under extreme high-altitude, cold-weather mountain conditions, establishing new benchmarks for similar challenging projects globally.

    The enhanced connectivity promises substantial economic and tourism benefits. Liu Heping, head of Bayingolin’s tourism association, reports that local authorities, scenic sites, and hospitality providers are preparing for anticipated visitor surges to the prefecture’s renowned attractions including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bayanbulak National Nature Reserve, Bayanbulak Grassland, and Bosten Lake.

    This expressway forms part of Xinjiang’s broader transportation modernization initiative. Several additional north-south transport projects commenced construction earlier this year, including the Yining-Aksu railway and the Kuitun-Dushanzi-Kuqa expressway. Over the past decade, Xinjiang has developed an integrated transport system spanning 9,557 kilometers of rail connections reaching all 14 prefecture-level regions and over 80% of county-level administrative areas.

    By year’s end, Xinjiang’s total road network will extend approximately 237,000 kilometers, with nearly all county-level areas accessible via expressway or first-class highway. The region boasts comprehensive transportation access with paved roads, bus services, and postal coverage reaching every township and eligible administrative village. Complementing this ground transportation network, Xinjiang operates China’s highest number of regional airports (28) with 665 air routes, handles over half of China-Europe freight trains, and maintains 119 international road transport routes plus 37 international cargo air connections.

  • Solar shelters shrubs to stunt Inner Mongolia’s shifting sands

    Solar shelters shrubs to stunt Inner Mongolia’s shifting sands

    A groundbreaking ecological restoration initiative in China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region is demonstrating remarkable success in combating desertification through an innovative integration of solar energy generation and biological rehabilitation.

    The 700-hectare pilot project in Darhan Muminggan Joint Banner—spanning an area more than double the size of New York’s Central Park—leverages the region’s abundant solar radiation while addressing severe grassland degradation. This integrated approach utilizes elevated solar panels that serve dual purposes: generating clean electricity for nearby industrial hubs including Baotou and Hohhot, while simultaneously providing protective shelter for drought-resistant vegetation growing beneath the installations.

    Regional authorities have implemented this novel strategy after decades of struggling against advancing desertification. The solution emerged through collaborative efforts between environmental experts, private enterprises, and local farming communities. By sowing grass seeds specifically adapted to arid conditions beneath the photovoltaic arrays, the project has initiated a sustainable recovery of previously degraded grasslands.

    The technological infrastructure creates microclimates that reduce soil moisture evaporation and shield young plants from harsh winds, enabling vegetation to establish itself more effectively. This approach represents a significant advancement beyond traditional desertification control methods.

    As the ecological restoration progresses, complementary industries are developing around the renewable energy site, creating economic opportunities alongside environmental benefits. The project stands as a practical implementation of the ‘lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets’ concept, demonstrating how technological innovation can drive environmental conservation while meeting energy demands.

    The timing of this achievement holds particular significance, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the ecological conservation principle that has guided China’s environmental policies. This successful integration of clean energy production with ecological restoration offers a replicable model for other regions facing similar environmental challenges.

  • Why India’s Aravalli hills are at the centre of growing protests

    Why India’s Aravalli hills are at the centre of growing protests

    Northern India has become a hotbed of environmental activism following a controversial Supreme Court decision to redefine the geographical parameters of the Aravalli mountain range. The judicial ruling, which adopted federal government recommendations, now classifies an Aravalli hill as any landform exceeding 100 meters (328 feet) in elevation relative to its surroundings. The definition further designates multiple such formations within 500 meters as constituting an Aravalli range.

    This reclassification has triggered widespread concern among environmental experts who warn that numerous ecologically vital but topographically lower hills risk losing protected status. These scrub-covered formations, while not meeting the new height threshold, serve critical functions in preventing desertification across northwestern India and replenishing groundwater resources that sustain agricultural communities.

    Peaceful demonstrations have emerged in urban centers including Gurugram and Udaipur, uniting residents, farmers, activists, and opposition politicians. Prominent environmental advocate Vikrant Tongad argues that global practice identifies mountain systems by their ecological functions rather than arbitrary elevation metrics. “Any landform geologically connected to the Aravalli system that performs crucial environmental services should receive protection regardless of height,” he emphasized.

    The federal government maintains the new criteria aim to standardize regulations across state boundaries. In official statements, authorities clarified that mining remains prohibited in protected forests, eco-sensitive zones, and wetlands, with only approximately 2% of the 147,000-square-kilometer range potentially eligible for regulated extraction after rigorous environmental review.

    Despite governmental assurances, protest organizations continue mobilizing while exploring legal avenues to challenge the court’s definition, setting the stage for continued confrontation over India’s ancient geological heritage.

  • Saudi Arabia awards Pakistan’s powerful army chief highest national honor after defense pact

    Saudi Arabia awards Pakistan’s powerful army chief highest national honor after defense pact

    In a significant diplomatic gesture, Saudi Arabia has conferred its premier national distinction upon Pakistan’s Chief of Defense Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, during his official visit to Riyadh. The King Abdulaziz Medal of the Excellent Class was presented on Sunday, highlighting the intensifying strategic partnership between the two Islamic nations.

    This honor follows the recent defense agreement signed between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which established a framework for enhanced military cooperation. Notably, Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif previously indicated that this pact could potentially extend to nuclear capabilities if required.

    Field Marshal Munir’s regional tour marks his inaugural international engagement since assuming Pakistan’s newly established supreme military command position, designed to optimize coordination among army, naval, and air force operations.

    The decades-long bilateral relationship encompasses economic, religious, and security dimensions. Saudi Arabia has historically provided financial assistance to stabilize Pakistan’s economy, while Islamabad has committed to safeguarding Islamic holy sites in Mecca and Medina.

    According to official statements, discussions between Munir and Saudi leadership addressed regional security architecture, defense collaboration, and contemporary geopolitical challenges. Saudi officials commended Munir’s strategic vision and professional expertise, while the Pakistani military leader reaffirmed his nation’s dedication to Saudi security and prosperity.

    The military decoration recognizes Munir’s distinguished service record and his contributions to advancing defense cooperation between the two nations. Pakistan’s military characterized the award as symbolizing the profound friendship and shared commitment to regional stability.

  • Formalism eased for grassroots authorities

    Formalism eased for grassroots authorities

    China’s multi-year campaign against bureaucratic formalism has achieved substantial breakthroughs, particularly at the grassroots level where administrative burdens have historically hampered effective governance. The transformation is most evident in communities like Qiyiqiao in Jingmen, Hubei province, where local officials previously struggled under the weight of excessive administrative requirements.

    This shift addresses what Chinese idiom describes as ‘a small horse pulling a heavy cart’—the fundamental mismatch between limited local resources and overwhelming tasks delegated from higher authorities. In Jingmen, communities once displayed up to 44 organizational plaques on their walls, each representing separate reporting requirements, documentation demands, and assessment procedures that consumed administrative capacity.

    The city launched a systematic reform initiative that eliminated approximately 24,000 redundant plaque requirements while transferring specialized responsibilities like air pollution inspection to professional social organizations. More significantly, Jingmen implemented a smart community platform that revolutionizes task assignment procedures. The system now mandates that higher-level departments clearly specify their own responsibilities, outline expectations for grassroots units, and detail support mechanisms before submitting task requests. Applications failing these requirements are automatically rejected, resulting in a 30% reduction in village and community workloads.

    Parallel developments in Hunan province’s Cili county demonstrate how digital transformation is streamlining administrative processes. The Smart Cili platform provides real-time data access that has transformed previously labor-intensive reporting tasks. What once required day-long data collection from 19 villages now generates automated reports within minutes, saving local officials approximately six working days monthly.

    In Anhui province’s Lai’an county, agricultural officials now spend less time preparing for redundant inspections and more time addressing practical farmer concerns. Provincial authorities have consolidated three separate assessments—rural vitalization, food security, and poverty alleviation—into a single comprehensive evaluation, significantly reducing bureaucratic overhead.

    These reforms align with central government directives issued in August 2024 that specifically target seven areas of bureaucratic inefficiency, including document streamlining, meeting reduction, and inspection standardization. President Xi Jinping has emphasized the critical importance of reducing grassroots burdens, stating during a November 2024 village visit that officials must dedicate maximum energy to serving public needs.

    Academic experts highlight the profound implications of these changes. Professor Cui Jing of Central University of Finance and Economics notes that reform efforts ‘guide Party members to stay true to their original aspiration, enhance grassroots governance efficiency, and strengthen public satisfaction.’ Researchers attribute formalism partly to performance evaluation systems that overemphasize documentation, creating incentives for officials to prioritize report preparation over substantive problem-solving.

    As Tsinghua University researcher Ran Aobo observes, the root cause often lies in disconnected leadership setting unrealistic goals. Future solutions may involve cross-sector collaboration, AI-assisted documentation processing, and standardized policy length regulations—all aimed at creating more responsive, efficient governance systems that truly serve public needs.

  • Hangzhou passes first local law promoting health

    Hangzhou passes first local law promoting health

    Hangzhou has established a groundbreaking legal framework for public health advancement with the adoption of China’s first municipal-level health promotion regulation. The legislation, formally approved on December 18 and scheduled for implementation on January 1, represents a significant milestone in urban health policy development.

    The comprehensive regulation comprises 10 chapters with 54 distinct articles that create a structured approach to community wellness. This legislative framework addresses four critical domains: enhanced health services, improved environmental conditions, lifestyle guidance initiatives, and systematic health impact assessments. Notably, weight management has been designated as a primary policy focus within the statute.

    This legislative move aligns with broader national health objectives while establishing Hangzhou as the first Chinese city to transform weight management guidelines into legally binding requirements. The regulation provides concrete institutional support for frontline medical professionals who have previously operated without clear statutory backing.

    Medical practitioners like Zhang Taoye from Caihe Community Healthcare Center report that the legislation offers “much clearer policy handle” for preventive healthcare initiatives. Community health institutions are now empowered to expand services including nutritional counseling and scientific exercise guidance, with potential incentive mechanisms such as health points programs under consideration.

    The regulation mandates the establishment of specialized weight-management clinics or obesity treatment centers across all secondary-level and higher medical institutions in Hangzhou. Healthcare professionals emphasize that these dedicated facilities will advance preventive measures against chronic conditions associated with excess weight, including hypertension and hyperlipidemia.

    Resident response has been overwhelmingly positive. A 40-year-old homemaker surnamed Li appreciates the alignment between the regulation’s emphasis on healthier food options and her family’s daily habits. The legislation also promotes improved access to sports facilities, making healthy lifestyle choices more convenient for urban residents.

    For older demographics, the regulation addresses specific concerns through mandatory nutritional monitoring, with particular attention to minors and seniors. Retiree Shen Mei, 68, welcomes the requirement for community canteens to prioritize balanced nutrition and low-salt, low-fat cooking methods, noting that current offerings sometimes tend toward excessive oil and salt content.

    This pioneering legislation represents a significant step toward institutionalizing health promotion within urban governance frameworks, potentially serving as a model for other Chinese cities seeking to enhance public health through legal mechanisms.