Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • China’s experimental satellite constellation lays foundation for future lunar exploration

    China’s experimental satellite constellation lays foundation for future lunar exploration

    China has achieved a significant breakthrough in space exploration infrastructure with its experimental satellite constellation successfully operating for two consecutive years in a specialized lunar orbit. The Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization (CSU) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences announced this milestone during the 2026 Zhongguancun Forum’s sub-forum on Earth-Moon space development.

    The three-satellite constellation, positioned in the Distant Retrograde Orbit (DRO) within Earth-moon space, represents a pioneering achievement in orbital mechanics and space infrastructure. This orbital region, extending approximately 2 million kilometers from Earth, provides a highly stable environment for spacecraft operations. The constellation consists of DRO-A and DRO-B satellites developed by CAS, which have established successful inter-satellite measurement and communication links with the previously launched DRO-L satellite in near-Earth orbit.

    This project marks the world’s first successful low-energy insertion into the DRO and has demonstrated stable spacecraft residency and efficient maneuvering capabilities within this unique orbital environment. Notably, the mission accomplished the unprecedented feat of touring all Lagrange points in the Earth-moon system during a single flight, showcasing advanced navigation and propulsion technologies.

    The technological verification provided by this constellation establishes critical infrastructure for future lunar exploration missions. According to space experts participating in the forum, these advancements will play a vital role in supporting China’s ambitious space program and its goal of becoming a leading space power.

    The forum brought together more than 200 representatives from over 20 institutions, focusing on key developmental aspects including Earth-moon space infrastructure, cost-effective access to lunar space, and sustainable resource utilization strategies. Ding Chibiao, Vice-President of CAS, emphasized that the Earth-moon space serves as a strategic hub connecting Earth to deep space and represents a new frontier for scientific and industrial transformation.

    Concurrent with these developments, Beijing is positioning itself as a commercial aerospace innovation hub, hosting more than half of China’s core space research institutions. The successful operation of this satellite constellation demonstrates China’s growing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to advancing lunar exploration through international cooperation and technological innovation.

  • A knife-wielding man kills a woman at a Tokyo Pokemon shop before taking his own life

    A knife-wielding man kills a woman at a Tokyo Pokemon shop before taking his own life

    A violent stabbing incident at a prominent Pokémon merchandise store in Tokyo’s bustling Sunshine City shopping complex has resulted in two fatalities, according to authorities. The attack occurred Thursday when an assailant armed with a knife targeted a female employee before turning the weapon on himself.

    Tokyo Metropolitan Police confirmed they responded to emergency calls reporting a knife-wielding individual causing chaos at the popular retail destination. The victim, identified as a woman in her twenties employed at the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo store, sustained critical neck injuries during the assault. The perpetrator subsequently inflicted fatal self-harm using the same weapon.

    Both individuals were transported to nearby medical facilities in critical condition but were pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Law enforcement officials have launched a murder investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.

    The Pokémon Company issued an official statement via social media platform X, announcing the immediate closure of the Mega Tokyo location indefinitely. The corporation emphasized its priority to fully cooperate with ongoing police investigations while providing necessary support to traumatized staff members. Company representatives extended profound apologies to customers for the distress and inconveniences caused by the violent incident.

    Eyewitness accounts published in the Asahi newspaper describe a scene of panic as dozens of shoppers, including children, fled the retail space upon hearing screams and the sound of collapsing display fixtures. One witness reported observing a bloodstained employee and a black-clad man forcing his way behind sales counters.

    Japan’s NHK public broadcasting service documented how neighboring businesses rapidly implemented security protocols, lowering protective shutters to ensure customer safety during the emergency. While Japan maintains stringent firearm regulations and generally experiences low violent crime rates, this event represents another in a series of notable knife-related attacks that have occurred throughout the country in recent years.

  • Afghans hold second mass funeral for victims of an airstrike that hit a Kabul drug treatment center

    Afghans hold second mass funeral for victims of an airstrike that hit a Kabul drug treatment center

    KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghanistan conducted its second mass burial ceremony on Thursday for victims of a devastating airstrike that targeted a drug rehabilitation facility in Kabul earlier this month. Sixty coffins were lowered into individual graves within a massive excavation prepared by bulldozers at the capital’s cemetery.

    The March 16 strike on the 2,000-bed Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital has sparked international concern amid escalating hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Afghan health officials now report the death toll has reached 411, with 263 wounded, according to Health Ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman. The United Nations continues to verify casualty figures while Pakistan maintains it targeted an ammunition depot, not civilian facilities.

    The conflict originated in February with repeated cross-border clashes and airstrikes within Afghan territory. Pakistan alleges Afghanistan provides sanctuary to militant groups conducting operations inside Pakistan, particularly the Pakistani Taliban (TTP). Although distinct from Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban, the TTP maintains close ties with the Kabul government, which denies providing safe havens.

    The situation intensified last month when Pakistan declared open warfare with Afghanistan, raising alarms within the international community about potential resurgence of al-Qaida and Islamic State elements in the region.

    A temporary ceasefire mediated by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar during Eid al-Fitr provided brief respite, but hostilities resumed this week. Afghan officials report renewed fighting on Wednesday resulted in at least two civilian deaths in eastern Afghanistan.

    Meanwhile, the TTP announced it has resumed attacks inside Pakistan after observing its own three-day Eid ceasefire.

    The Omid hospital represented a cornerstone of the Taliban government’s efforts to combat widespread drug addiction stemming from Afghanistan’s opium production and decades of conflict. Located near Kabul’s international airport and adjacent to the former NATO base Camp Phoenix, the facility suffered intense fires that left many victims unrecognizable.

  • 8,406 suggestions from national lawmakers forwarded for review

    8,406 suggestions from national lawmakers forwarded for review

    China’s legislative mechanism has commenced the comprehensive review process for 8,406 formal recommendations submitted during the recently concluded National People’s Congress session. According to Xinhua News Agency, all proposals have been systematically forwarded to 206 specialized government departments for detailed evaluation and implementation planning.

    The recommendations originated from deputies participating in the Fourth Session of the 14th National People’s Congress, which convened in Beijing from March 5 to 12, 2026. Legislative analysts have identified several predominant themes emerging from this year’s submissions, reflecting current national priorities and development objectives.

    Prominent among the recommendations were initiatives targeting the acceleration of digital economy expansion, addressing market competition imbalances, and preserving cultural heritage. Additional focal points included establishing multifaceted social support systems, enhancing educational quality standards, and driving industrial transformation toward green and low-carbon operational models.

    The submission of motions and recommendations constitutes a fundamental responsibility of NPC representatives within China’s governance framework. While motions typically represent formal requests for legislative consideration and decision-making, suggestions serve as advisory opinions directed to relevant administrative bodies to improve operational effectiveness and address sector-specific challenges.

    This systematic process demonstrates China’s approach to incorporating grassroots insights into national policy formulation, ensuring diverse perspectives contribute to the country’s development trajectory across economic, social, and environmental domains.

  • Balen Shah’s political rise in Nepal reflects a broader shift after youth-led protests

    Balen Shah’s political rise in Nepal reflects a broader shift after youth-led protests

    Nepal stands at a historic political crossroads as Balendra Shah, the 35-year-old structural engineer turned rap artist turned mayor of Kathmandu, prepares to assume the role of prime minister following his party’s landslide electoral victory. Shah’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) achieved an unprecedented political mandate, securing approximately two-thirds of the 275 seats in the House of Representatives, the powerful lower chamber of Nepal’s bicameral parliament.

    This remarkable electoral sweep marks the first time in decades that a single party has gained such overwhelming parliamentary dominance. The elected members of RSP formally designated Shah as their leader on Thursday, clearing the path for his appointment by the president and subsequent swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Friday.

    Shah’s ascent represents a fundamental shift in Nepal’s political dynamics, fueled by widespread public disillusionment with established parties accused of systemic corruption and chronic instability. His victory signals a decisive rejection of the traditional political establishment and reflects the growing influence of youth-driven movements that toppled the previous government during last year’s bloody uprising.

    As Kathmandu’s mayor, Shah earned public acclaim for addressing the capital’s garbage management crisis, removing illegal street vendors, and initiating road expansion projects. However, his administration also faced criticism for allegedly demolishing homes and businesses without sufficient planning or notification.

    Before entering politics, Shah gained modest recognition as a rap artist whose music frequently critiqued corruption and social injustice. His tracks “Nepal Smiling” and “Sacrifice” circulated widely on social media platforms, establishing his reputation as a voice against governmental malfeasance.

    Political analysts note that while Shah’s limited national governance experience presents challenges, his substantial parliamentary majority could facilitate legislative progress and reform implementation. His campaign emphasized economic reforms and expanded access to education and healthcare for Nepal’s impoverished communities.

    The new prime minister faces the complex task of managing heightened public expectations while addressing deep-rooted institutional challenges. Supporters view his leadership as a breakthrough from Nepal’s entrenched political order, though questions remain about his ability to translate popularity into effective governance at the national level.

  • China’s ocean-floor push blurs the line between mining and war

    China’s ocean-floor push blurs the line between mining and war

    China is accelerating a comprehensive deep-sea exploration initiative across the Pacific, Indian, and Arctic Oceans that combines scientific research with strategic military preparation, according to recent intelligence assessments. Dozens of state-linked research vessels have conducted extensive seabed surveys near critical maritime zones including Taiwan, Guam, the Philippines, and key international chokepoints.

    These missions, documented by multiple international news organizations, involve sophisticated mapping of underwater terrain, deployment of sensor arrays, and collection of hydrographic data on temperature, salinity, and acoustic conditions. Analysis of vessel movements reveals concerning patterns including frequent disabling of tracking systems and operations beyond licensed zones, suggesting military-civil fusion objectives under China’s strategic MCF doctrine.

    Senior U.S. naval commanders testified before Congress that China is developing an ‘Underwater Great Wall’—a layered surveillance architecture integrating fixed sensors, unmanned systems, and data networks. Vice Admiral Richard Seif stated this system aims to contest U.S. submarine advantages through detailed bathymetric knowledge and seabed sensing capabilities. Rear Admiral Mike Brookes added that environmental data collection directly enhances sonar performance and enables persistent detection in strategic waterways.

    The strategic implications extend beyond military preparedness. China currently holds five of the International Seabed Authority’s 31 exploration contracts, positioning itself as a leader in the emerging deep-sea mining industry. This expansion aligns with China’s dominance in rare earth elements, controlling 60% of global supply and 85% of processing capacity. According to RAND Corporation analysis, China’s seabed mining activities focus on securing critical mineral supply chains and establishing early influence in this developing sector.

    Particular concern centers on Taiwan’s vulnerability, as the island relies almost entirely on undersea internet cables. Experts warn China’s detailed seabed knowledge could enable selective cable disruption, potentially creating a ‘digital quarantine’ that cuts bandwidth by 99% during conflict scenarios. Additionally, China’s nuclear submarine expansion benefits from extensive hydrographic mapping, enabling operations beyond the First Island Chain into the broader Pacific and Indian Oceans.

    This integrated approach represents a fundamental shift in undersea competition, blurring boundaries between commercial exploration and military preparation while creating new dependencies in critical mineral supply chains.

  • China launches national long-term care insurance program

    China launches national long-term care insurance program

    China has officially implemented a nationwide long-term care insurance system following a decade of successful pilot programs, creating what authorities describe as the “sixth pillar” of the country’s social security framework. This landmark initiative aims to alleviate the burden on families caring for China’s rapidly aging population.

    The comprehensive framework, established through joint guidelines issued by the General Offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, sets an ambitious three-year timeline to develop a unified system that encompasses the entire population, irrespective of employment status.

    According to official statistics, preliminary pilot programs have already provided coverage for over 3.3 million disabled citizens while reducing collective caregiving expenses by more than 100 billion yuan (approximately $14.5 billion). The insurance scheme is specifically designed to deliver both services and financial assistance for daily living and medical requirements of individuals experiencing sustained disabilities, typically those lasting six months or longer.

    Wang Wenjun, Deputy Director of the National Healthcare Security Administration, emphasized the transformative impact during a recent press conference: “Professional care services can substantially enhance quality of life for disabled individuals. Basic needs including bathing, haircuts, meal assistance, and dressing changes—previously distant aspirations for bedridden patients—are now becoming accessible, bedside realities through attentive care.”

    Funding mechanisms will incorporate contributions from employers, individual participants, and government subsidies under established regulations, maintaining a consolidated contribution rate of approximately 0.3%. The program additionally permits employed workers to utilize personal medical insurance accounts for premium payments covering immediate family members.

    A fundamental principle of the new insurance system is urban-rural integration. Wang confirmed that “all participants, whether from rural or urban regions, will draw from the same fund pool and receive identical benefits.”

    The initiative also functions as an economic catalyst for associated industries. Wang noted that the system’s establishment has already stimulated new business models and economic growth drivers, including development and leasing of assistive devices, dependency-level assessment services, and private sector involvement in program administration. Since pilot initiatives commenced in 2016, the insurance framework has attracted over 60 billion yuan in private investments toward related sectors.

    This program constitutes a crucial component of Beijing’s broader strategy to address emerging demographic challenges through an expanded national safety net, ensuring sustainable care solutions for China’s aging society.

  • Nepal’s newly elected parliament is sworn in months after a youth-led revolt

    Nepal’s newly elected parliament is sworn in months after a youth-led revolt

    KATHMANDU, Nepal — Nepal’s political establishment witnessed an unprecedented transformation on Thursday as newly elected parliamentarians took their oaths of office, with a remarkable two-thirds majority belonging to a party established less than four years ago. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), fronted by former rapper turned political phenomenon Balendra Shah, achieved a landslide victory in the nation’s first electoral contest following last year’s youth-led uprising.

    The 275-member House of Representatives, which constitutes the powerful lower chamber of Nepal’s parliament, will see these representatives serve five-year terms. The RSP secured an overwhelming mandate through both direct elections and proportional representation, capturing 125 directly elected seats supplemented by 57 additional seats through the proportional system. This combined total of 182 seats dramatically surpasses the second-place Nepali Congress party, which managed only 38 seats.

    Shah, anticipated to be formally nominated as prime minister following a party leadership confirmation, is scheduled to assume office on Friday after presidential appointment. His political ascent began with a surprising victory in the 2022 Kathmandu mayoral race before emerging as a central figure in the 2025 popular revolt that ultimately unseated former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli.

    The RSP’s extraordinary electoral performance represents a direct challenge to Nepal’s traditionally dominant political forces, notably the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist). Last year’s widespread demonstrations, initially sparked by government-imposed social media restrictions, rapidly evolved into a full-scale uprising addressing systemic corruption and governance failures. The protests turned deadly when security forces opened fire on demonstrators attacking government installations, resulting in numerous fatalities and hundreds injured.

  • Ex-Taiwan presidential hopeful sentenced to 17 years for corruption

    Ex-Taiwan presidential hopeful sentenced to 17 years for corruption

    In a landmark judicial ruling that has sent shockwaves through Taiwan’s political landscape, former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je has been sentenced to 17 years imprisonment following his conviction on corruption and campaign finance violations. The Taipei District Court found the 65-year-old political maverick guilty of accepting approximately NT$17.1 million (US$535,000) in bribes connected to a real estate development project during his mayoral tenure, alongside charges of misreporting political donations during his 2024 presidential campaign.

    Ko, who founded the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) and emerged as a significant third-force in Taiwanese politics, maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. His legal team had vigorously contested the allegations, characterizing them as politically motivated maneuvers by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to eliminate opposition voices.

    The sentencing fell significantly short of the 28-year term prosecutors had initially sought, though it nonetheless represents one of the most severe penalties ever imposed on a Taiwanese political figure of Ko’s stature. The former mayor, who was arrested in 2024 but released on bail last September, now faces the prospect of extensive incarceration unless his anticipated appeal proves successful.

    Ko’s political trajectory had been remarkable: his 2024 presidential bid captured over 25% of the popular vote, finishing a competitive third behind winner Lai Ching-te (40%) and another opponent. This performance demonstrated substantial voter appetite for alternatives to the traditional DPP-Kuomintang (KMT) dichotomy that has long dominated Taiwan’s politics.

    Outside the courthouse, tensions flared as supporters gathered to protest what they decried as judicial persecution. Kenny Yang, a 52-year-old supporter, told AFP that regardless of the verdict, Ko’s backers would ‘continue to support him and help him seek justice,’ adding that they ‘cannot allow Taiwan to become a society without a sense of right and wrong.’

    The case has ignited intense debate about political justice in Taiwan, with Ko’s TPP allies accusing the ruling administration of weaponizing the judicial system against opponents. Current TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang has consistently denounced the charges as baseless and politically driven.

    Prior to his legal troubles, Ko had positioned himself as a pragmatic alternative to both the Beijing-skeptic DPP and the China-friendly KMT, criticizing the former for escalating cross-strait tensions while faulting the latter for excessive deference to Beijing. Despite this setback, Ko had previously expressed intentions to pursue the presidency again in 2028, though his political future now appears uncertain.

  • HK’s safe-haven appeal to capital lauded

    HK’s safe-haven appeal to capital lauded

    Amid escalating geopolitical tensions and shifting international dynamics, Hong Kong is reinforcing its position as a premier safe harbor for global capital through its unique combination of institutional stability, growth potential, and technological advancement. The special administrative region’s appeal was prominently showcased during the fourth Wealth for Good Summit, which attracted approximately 400 family office decision-makers and successors from across Asia, Europe, the Americas, Oceania, and Africa.

    Co-hosted by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau alongside Invest Hong Kong, the ‘Building Lasting Legacies’ themed summit facilitated cross-sector dialogues exploring innovative approaches to intergenerational wealth management, cultural legacy development, philanthropic initiatives, and technological innovation.

    Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po emphasized Hong Kong’s distinctive advantages during the summit’s gala dinner, stating: ‘Families seeking to preserve their legacy look for a safe haven—not merely a place to park capital, but a environment offering institutional strengths, legal clarity and credible commitments.’

    The data substantiates Hong Kong’s growing prominence: assets under management surged 13% annually to exceed $4.5 trillion in 2024—equivalent to 11 times the city’s GDP. This momentum persisted through 2025, with Hong Kong-domiciled funds recording robust net inflows of $45.8 billion. The city currently ranks as the world’s second-largest hub for ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

    Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun highlighted the city’s fundamental attractions: ‘Our common law legal system, independent judiciary, open economy, free capital flow, freely convertible currency, straightforward tax regime, and dynamic financial market collectively create an ideal environment for global family offices.’

    Significant regulatory enhancements are underway, with the SAR government preparing to expand preferential tax regimes for funds, family-owned investment holding vehicles, and carried interest by June. These reforms will grant family offices increased flexibility as qualifying investment vehicles expand to include private credit, precious metals, commodities, carbon credits, insurance-linked securities, and digital assets.

    The government has additionally implemented tax incentives to encourage philanthropic activities, while maintaining the absence of estate duty, capital gains tax, or dividend taxes—features particularly appealing to family office managers.

    Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui Ching-yu affirmed: ‘Hong Kong offers the safe harbor, policy stability, and sophisticated ecosystem that ambitious families require to transform vision into lasting impact. We remain fully committed to strengthening this foundation to position Hong Kong as a nexus of legacies and innovation.’

    The results are already materializing: Under Secretary Joseph Chan Ho-lim reported that over 20 family offices utilized InvestHK’s assistance to establish or expand their Hong Kong operations in January and February alone. As of February’s conclusion, InvestHK has facilitated 242 family offices in establishing or expanding their local presence—a 20% increase since September 2023. An additional 156 family offices are presently preparing or have committed to establishing operations in Hong Kong, with 60% originating from the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, and the remainder from Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and other regions.

    Chan further noted that established family offices can leverage Hong Kong’s efficient refinancing platform for share placements, bond issuances, and diverse business operations, thereby expanding market breadth and depth. The evolving family office ecosystem is maturing into a powerful network that connects various family offices with alternative or impact investing opportunities, enabling effective resource integration.