Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • China launches two new satellites

    China launches two new satellites

    China has successfully expanded its Earth observation network with the deployment of two advanced satellites into orbit. The milestone mission occurred on March 26, 2026, utilizing a Long March 2D carrier rocket that launched from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi province at 6:51 am Beijing Time.

    The newly deployed satellites, designated as Siwei Gaojing-2 05 and Siwei Gaojing-2 06, represent China’s continuing advancement in space-based observation technology. These sophisticated instruments were precisely delivered to their predetermined orbital paths, marking another achievement in China’s ambitious space program.

    This launch constitutes the 634th mission in the storied history of the Long March rocket series, demonstrating China’s growing proficiency and reliability in space launch operations. The successful deployment enhances China’s capabilities in high-resolution Earth imaging, which supports numerous applications including urban planning, agricultural monitoring, disaster response, and environmental protection.

    The Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, strategically located in northern China, has become a crucial facility for the country’s space ambitions, particularly for sun-synchronous orbit missions that require specific launch parameters and precision orbital insertion.

  • North Korea, Belarus leaders meet in Pyongyang, sign friendship treaty

    North Korea, Belarus leaders meet in Pyongyang, sign friendship treaty

    In a significant geopolitical development, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un convened in Pyongyang on Thursday to formalize a comprehensive friendship and cooperation agreement. The high-level meeting, marking Lukashenko’s two-day official state visit, resulted in what both leaders characterized as a foundational document elevating bilateral relations to unprecedented levels.

    President Lukashenko proclaimed the newly signed treaty as ‘fundamental’ to the future trajectory of Belarus-North Korea relations, declaring that the partnership was ‘entering a new stage.’ He acknowledged historical limitations in cooperation while expressing sincere satisfaction with the recent intensification of collaborative efforts between the two nations.

    ‘In today’s reality of global transformation, when global powers openly ignore and violate international law, independent countries need to cooperate more closely,’ Lukashenko emphasized during the talks. He stressed the necessity for sovereign nations to ‘consolidate efforts aimed at protecting their sovereignty and improving the well-being of our citizens.’

    Kim Jong Un reciprocated with strong declarations of solidarity, offering ‘full support’ for Belarus while condemning what he characterized as ‘unlawful pressure on Belarus from the Western powers.’ The North Korean leader’s statements highlighted the converging geopolitical positions of both nations amid increasing international isolation.

    The alliance carries substantial strategic implications given both countries’ existing partnerships with Russia. Belarus has functioned as a critical staging area for Moscow’s military operations in Ukraine since February 2022, while recently authorizing the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons on its territory. Simultaneously, North Korea has dramatically shifted its foreign policy toward Moscow, providing substantial military support including troop deployments and weapons transfers to bolster Russia’s campaign in Ukraine.

    This meeting represents the second direct engagement between Lukashenko and Kim, following their previous encounter in Beijing during September 2025. The strengthened partnership signals the emergence of a more formalized anti-Western bloc among nations facing extensive international sanctions and diplomatic pressure.

  • Dispute over truce bid exposes deeper divide

    Dispute over truce bid exposes deeper divide

    A purported 15-point ceasefire plan delivered by the United States to Iran has been met with vehement denial and sharp criticism from Iranian officials, exposing profound diplomatic fractures and conflicting narratives. Iranian military spokespersons from the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters categorically rejected claims of negotiations, characterizing Washington’s move as an attempt to rebrand military setbacks as diplomatic achievements.

    Iran’s official response, conveyed through Tasnim News Agency, dismissed any possibility of agreement with “an aggressor,” asserting that regional stability hinges exclusively on the strength of Iran’s armed forces. The spokesman questioned whether internal US conflicts had escalated to the point where Washington was “negotiating with itself,” and warned that neither new American investments nor a return to previous energy prices would materialize until US leadership acknowledges Iran’s security primacy in the region.

    The diplomatic confusion extends beyond bilateral relations, revealing trans-Atlantic divisions as German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier condemned the US-initiated conflict as “a politically disastrous mistake.” According to Abdul Wahed Jalal Nori of Malaysia’s International Islamic University, this criticism reflects growing European concerns that military-first approaches are undermining diplomatic channels while exposing Europe to secondary economic and security repercussions.

    Regional stakeholders emphasized their indispensable role in any security framework. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi noted the “strong shared interest” between the US and Iran in ending hostilities, while Qatar’s former prime minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani asserted that Gulf Cooperation Council states cannot be excluded from negotiations determining regional futures. He specifically emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz constitutes an international passageway that must remain unconditionally open, not a “bargaining chip.”

    Experts warn that excluding regional powers from negotiations risks undermining long-term enforceability of any agreements. Abdul Wahed noted that any durable arrangement would require a comprehensive regional security architecture rather than limited bilateral understanding, suggesting that initial US assumptions about easily controlling the conflict have given way to unanticipated consequences.

  • Northern China sees unusual warm spell

    Northern China sees unusual warm spell

    Meteorological authorities report that Northern China is currently experiencing an extraordinary warm spell, with temperatures forecasted to reach unprecedented seasonal highs of approximately 25°C (77°F) in specific regions this week. The unusual warming phenomenon began manifesting across most northern territories on Tuesday, with numerous urban centers already recording temperatures exceeding 20°C (68°F).

    According to Weather China, the official platform of China Meteorological Administration, the thermal peak is projected to occur during Wednesday and Thursday. The 20°C isotherm—a meteorological boundary indicating equal temperature points—is anticipated to extend unusually northward, reaching northern Hebei province and western Liaoning province. This pattern suggests central and southern North China along with northern Huanghuai region may experience midday temperatures approaching 25°C.

    Notable milestones include Hohhot in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region potentially recording its first 20°C reading of 2026, while Jinan in Shandong Province might reach 25°C—temperatures typically characteristic of late April or early May in climatological records. Nocturnal temperatures will similarly rise, with central and southern North China and Huanghuai region expected to experience minimum temperatures above 10°C by Thursday.

    Meteorological analyst Tang Xiaojing attributes this anomalous warming to optimal atmospheric conditions: “The warming effect is particularly pronounced in North China, Huanghuai region and Northeast China due to predominantly clear skies or limited cloud cover, which significantly enhances daytime radiative heating.”

    Conversely, southern China remains largely unaffected by this thermal anomaly, with temperatures aligning with seasonal averages. Weather models indicate a potential temperature inversion phenomenon around Wednesday, where northeastern cities including Shenyang, Changchun and Harbin might paradoxically experience higher daytime temperatures than southeastern urban centers like Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing, where highs may not exceed 15°C due to cloud cover and precipitation.

    Residents in northern regions are advised to implement layered clothing strategies as substantial diurnal temperature variations—exceeding 10-15°C—will persist despite daytime warmth. Northeastern areas will maintain near-freezing overnight temperatures while North China experiences single-digit nocturnal readings.

    The China Meteorological Administration confirms that suppressed cold air activity through March’s conclusion will facilitate the persistence and intensification of this unusual early spring warmth across northern territories.

  • India’s fertiliser supplies under strain as war disrupts shipments

    India’s fertiliser supplies under strain as war disrupts shipments

    India’s agricultural sector faces mounting pressure as Middle East shipping disruptions jeopardize critical fertilizer supplies, potentially triggering cascading effects on food production and pricing. The world’s second-largest fertilizer consumer relies heavily on Gulf-region imports that transit through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, where ongoing conflict has severely compromised maritime logistics.

    Current government data indicates urea reserves of approximately 6.2 million tonnes as of mid-March, which analysts consider adequate for the imminent June-September monsoon sowing season under normal conditions. However, industry experts warn that prolonged supply chain disruptions could rapidly deplete these reserves, creating significant shortages during peak agricultural periods.

    The crisis extends beyond inventory concerns to fundamental production challenges. Natural gas—the primary feedstock for urea manufacturing—faces import constraints, with Indian plants currently receiving only 70% of their required volumes following recent government directives. This shortfall has already forced some manufacturers to curtail production operations.

    Farmers in Punjab and Haryana, India’s crucial grain-producing regions, report adequate immediate supplies through cooperative networks and distributor warehouses. Yet agricultural stakeholders express deepening anxiety about long-term availability. “We cannot predict how existing stocks will sustain if geopolitical tensions persist,” noted Manpreet Singh Grewal of a Punjab Agricultural University-affiliated farmers’ collective.

    Global market dynamics exacerbate domestic concerns. International fertilizer prices have surged dramatically in recent weeks, with urea benchmarks and Asian gas prices climbing simultaneously. This trend may substantially increase government subsidy burdens, as New Delhi maintains controlled pricing for agricultural inputs.

    While experts suggest short-term yield impacts might remain limited due to historical over-application in some regions, Siraj Hussain, former federal agriculture secretary, emphasizes that “the government must prepare for potential monsoon harvest shortages.” The situation demands urgent diversification of import sources and enhanced domestic production capabilities, measures Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirms are already underway.

    The ultimate agricultural and economic impact hinges critically on conflict duration, with analysts noting that normalized shipping could stabilize supply chains within weeks. Nevertheless, the episode underscores India’s vulnerability to global geopolitical shocks and the intricate connections between international conflicts, agricultural security, and food price inflation.

  • Iran’s FM says messages exchanged with US through intermediaries, but no talks held

    Iran’s FM says messages exchanged with US through intermediaries, but no talks held

    Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has disclosed that diplomatic communications between Tehran and Washington have occurred through third-party channels in recent days, while firmly maintaining that no direct negotiations have taken place. The minister’s statements, delivered during an interview with state-run IRIB TV on Wednesday, come amid ongoing regional tensions following last month’s joint US-Israeli military operations against Iranian targets.

    Araghchi clarified the nature of these communications, stating, ‘The American side has initiated the transmission of various messages through multiple intermediaries. When friendly nations relay these communications to us and we respond by articulating our positions or issuing necessary warnings, this constitutes neither negotiation nor dialogue. It represents merely an exchange of messages through our allies, during which we have consistently reaffirmed our principled stances.’

    The Foreign Minister revealed that some messages contained Iranian warnings against potential US attacks on critical infrastructure, which he claims prompted Washington to retract its threat to strike Iranian power facilities within a 48-hour window. Araghchi emphasized Iran’s defensive posture, asserting, ‘We did not initiate this conflict and seek its conclusion, but in a manner that prevents its recurrence.’

    Significantly, Araghchi rejected the concept of a ceasefire, describing it as part of a ‘vicious circle’ of negotiation, warfare, and temporary truce. Instead, he stated Iran’s objective is ‘to end this war on our own terms.’ The minister outlined Iran’s current policy as one of continued resistance and national defense, explicitly denying any plans for formal negotiations.

    Regarding the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi characterized the waterway as part of Iranian and Omani territorial waters and indicated Tehran is evaluating ‘new arrangements for safe passage through the strait.’ These comments follow claims by US President Donald Trump that Tehran is negotiating with Washington and desires a settlement to terminate hostilities.

    The backdrop to these diplomatic developments includes the late February joint US-Israeli offensive against Tehran and other Iranian cities, which resulted in the death of then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei alongside senior military officials and civilians. Iran responded with missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli and US assets throughout the Middle East, while implementing strict control measures over Strait of Hormuz transit, prohibiting passage to vessels affiliated with Israel or the United States.

  • Australia bans Iranian tourists with valid visas for six months

    Australia bans Iranian tourists with valid visas for six months

    The Australian government has enacted a significant immigration policy shift by imposing a six-month ban on tourist visa entries for Iranian nationals. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced the immediate implementation of this measure on Wednesday, citing concerns that Iranian visitors might overstay their visas due to deteriorating conditions in their home country.

    The policy will affect approximately 6,800 Iranian visa holders who had previously obtained valid travel documents. Minister Burke emphasized that the decision reflects the government’s intention to maintain control over permanent migration outcomes rather than allowing them to become ‘a random consequence of who had booked a holiday.’

    Notably, the ban contains several exemptions, including provisions for partners and children of Australian citizens. Burke also indicated that ‘sympathetic consideration’ might be extended to parents of citizens, suggesting some flexibility within the framework.

    The controversial decision was announced concurrently with the government’s granting of humanitarian visas to seven members of an Iranian women’s football delegation, five of whom subsequently returned to Iran. Burke defended the simultaneous actions as demonstrating the government’s capacity to balance humanitarian concerns with national interests amid ‘rapidly changing global conditions.’

    However, the policy has drawn sharp criticism from refugee advocates and cross-party politicians. Jana Favero, Deputy CEO of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, condemned the move as ‘a massive betrayal of the Iranian community and a breathtaking moral failure.’ Independent MP Zali Steggall expressed concerns about the ‘sweeping, unchecked powers’ granted to the government through this legislation, warning it undermines confidence in Australia’s migration system.

    The Australian Greens party characterized the decision as revealing the government’s true stance toward the Iranian people amid regional conflicts. The policy specifically targets Iranian citizens and does not apply to nationals of any other country.

  • Southeast Asia revisits nuclear power plans for AI data centers as Iran war disrupts energy supplies

    Southeast Asia revisits nuclear power plans for AI data centers as Iran war disrupts energy supplies

    Southeast Asia is undergoing a profound energy transformation as multiple nations revive dormant nuclear power ambitions to address escalating electricity demands driven by artificial intelligence infrastructure and growing concerns about energy security. This strategic pivot marks a historic departure for a region that has never generated nuclear energy despite decades of consideration.

    The convergence of several critical factors is driving this nuclear renaissance. Surging global oil prices exacerbated by Middle East conflicts have highlighted the vulnerability of traditional energy supplies, while climate commitments necessitate low-carbon alternatives. Simultaneously, the explosive growth of data centers—with Malaysia positioning itself as an AI computing hub attracting investments from Microsoft, Google, and Nvidia—has created unprecedented electricity demands that existing grids struggle to meet.

    Five ASEAN members are leading this nuclear charge: Vietnam is constructing two Russian-backed nuclear plants; Indonesia aims to build small modular reactors by 2034; Thailand targets 600 megawatts of nuclear capacity by 2037; the Philippines is revitalizing a never-operated 1970s nuclear facility with a 2032 target; and Malaysia has set a 2031 goal for atomic energy deployment. Even nations without firm plans, including Cambodia, Singapore, and Brunei, are actively exploring nuclear options.

    This regional movement mirrors global trends, with nearly 40 countries committing to triple nuclear capacity by 2050. According to industry projections, Southeast Asia could contribute nearly a quarter of the 157 gigawatts expected from newcomer nuclear nations by mid-century.

    Despite the momentum, significant challenges remain. Safety concerns stemming from historical disasters at Chernobyl and Fukushima continue to shape public perception, while questions about waste management and supply chains persist. Energy analysts caution that nuclear development requires careful consideration compared to renewable alternatives, particularly for nations building nuclear infrastructure from scratch.

    The International Energy Agency notes that Southeast Asia will account for a quarter of global energy demand growth by 2035, making these energy decisions critically important for both economic development and climate objectives. As the region balances its AI ambitions against energy security and environmental goals, nuclear power has emerged as a potentially transformative solution—though one requiring cautious implementation.

  • Why transport workers are protesting in the Philippines

    Why transport workers are protesting in the Philippines

    Manila’s streets fell silent as thousands of transport workers launched a widespread strike, bringing the capital’s transit system to a virtual standstill. The massive protest movement emerged in response to soaring operational costs and perceived government inaction regarding critical transportation sector reforms.

    Protest organizers representing jeepney drivers and public utility vehicle operators articulated three primary grievances: unsustainable fuel prices exacerbated by global market fluctuations, inadequate government subsidies for public transport operators, and impending modernization requirements that many small-scale operators cannot financially accommodate.

    BBC News Asia Business Correspondent Suranajana Tewari reported from the ground, documenting how the transportation halt created ripple effects throughout Manila’s economy. Essential workers struggled to reach their workplaces, students were unable to attend schools, and commercial activities slowed significantly in normally bustling districts.

    The Philippine government responded by deploying military vehicles to provide emergency transit services and opening dialogue channels with protest leaders. Officials from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board acknowledged the legitimacy of some concerns while emphasizing the necessity of vehicle modernization programs for environmental and safety reasons.

    This transportation crisis highlights broader socioeconomic challenges facing developing nations balancing modernization agendas with grassroots economic realities. The protest’s timing proves particularly sensitive for the administration, occurring amid already elevated inflation rates affecting essential commodities nationwide.

  • ‘We are being choked’: Philippines transport workers strike over fuel costs

    ‘We are being choked’: Philippines transport workers strike over fuel costs

    Manila faces severe transportation disruptions as hundreds of transport workers launch a two-day strike protesting skyrocketing fuel costs, plunging the Philippine capital into chaos. The industrial action, organized by transport union coalition Piston, comes amid a national energy emergency declared by President Ferdinand Marcos following the Iran conflict that erupted on February 28.

    The crisis has seen diesel and petrol prices more than double, pushing many drivers to financial brink. Guillermo Japole, a 62-year-old driver, exemplifies the desperation: “I lined up for more than five hours yesterday for cash aid, but my name was not there. No cash aid, no earnings, no food for the family.” With five school-age children, Japole’s family now faces imminent eviction from their rental home.

    Protesters gathered across multiple locations in Manila, holding signs demanding government intervention. The demonstrations included jeepney drivers—operators of the city’s iconic low-cost mini-buses—alongside motorcycle and car ride-hailing drivers. Many complain they haven’t received the promised 5,000 peso ($83) subsidy from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

    The human impact is starkly visible. Anjo Lilac, a 28-year-old driver, brought his infant daughter Hannah to protests, explaining, “No one will look after her since my wife got a temporary job. Financial aid would help us—for food, house rent and most especially milk for our baby.”

    Veteran driver Ronnie Rillosa, with 30 years behind the wheel, captured the collective despair: “It feels like we are being choked. We don’t need cash aid if the government will cut the prices of fuel, food, electricity, water.”

    The strike has severely affected commuters in one of Asia’s most congested cities. Arnold Irinco, a 52-year-old liaison officer waiting for government-provided free rides, expressed sympathy: “I understand what the protesters are fighting for. This is their livelihood, they have mouths to feed.”

    President Marcos has responded by signing legislation allowing temporary suspension of excise taxes on petroleum when Dubai crude exceeds $80 per barrel for a month. The government has implemented subsidies, reduced ferry services, and introduced a four-day work week for civil servants to conserve fuel.

    The national energy emergency grants the government legal authority to ensure energy stability and protect the economy. A special committee has been formed to oversee distribution of essential goods, and the government can now directly purchase fuel to bolster supplies.

    However, labor coalition Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) criticized the emergency declaration as an “admission” of government failure, expressing concerns about “anti-worker provisions” that could restrict strike activities. In contrast, business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan, chair of several major utilities, supported the emergency powers, noting his companies are feeling the strain of rising energy costs.