Global Pulse

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  • US-Israel strike Iran in joint attack

    US-Israel strike Iran in joint attack

    In a significant escalation of Middle Eastern tensions, the United States and Israel conducted coordinated military strikes against multiple targets in Iran on Saturday. The attacks, targeting sites in Tehran and several other cities including Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah, mark a dangerous new phase in regional instability.

    According to US security officials, the joint operation represents a dramatic intensification of military engagement with Iran. Israeli Defense officials confirmed their forces struck multiple locations within the Iranian capital, where explosions were reported throughout the morning. Iranian officials disclosed to Reuters that several government ministries in southern Tehran were among the targets hit.

    This offensive follows President Donald Trump’s previous military action against Iran in June 2025, when US forces joined Israel in a 12-day conflict that culminated in bombing three Iranian nuclear facilities. While Trump previously characterized those strikes as ‘limited and decisive,’ targeting Tehran directly establishes conditions for potentially extended US military involvement in the region.

    The administration had been preparing for this escalation since January, deploying additional warplanes, air defense systems, and an aircraft carrier to the Middle East. In an interview with Axios, Trump notably referenced dispatching ‘a big armada next to Iran. Bigger than Venezuela’ – drawing parallels to his military campaign against the Latin American nation earlier in the month.

    Despite the military action, Trump has maintained diplomatic channels with Tehran, leaving the path to negotiations open. The administration had considered military action against Iran for nearly a month, initially citing the government’s brutal crackdown on demonstrators that resulted in thousands of casualties. After initially encouraging protestors to ‘take over’ state institutions, Trump later claimed the ‘killing has stopped.’

    Regional experts caution that this latest attack could provoke severe retaliation from Iran. Unlike previous responses – such as the June attack on al-Udeid air base in Qatar, which was conducted with advance warning and limited damage – current circumstances might compel Iran to respond more aggressively. With Tehran already confronting massive domestic protests, US military action could be perceived as an existential threat, potentially triggering attacks on US bases across the region or attempts to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for 20% of global oil shipments.

    The operation follows a pattern similar to Trump’s approach toward Venezuela, where escalating tensions ultimately resulted in the abduction and detention of President Nicolas Maduro. Regional powers including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman had lobbied against military action, while several Gulf states explicitly refused to allow US use of their territory or airspace for attacks on Iran.

  • US-Israel strike Iran in joint attack, Khamenei moved to ‘safe place’

    US-Israel strike Iran in joint attack, Khamenei moved to ‘safe place’

    In a significant escalation of Middle Eastern tensions, Israeli forces executed coordinated military strikes against multiple targets in Tehran on Saturday. The operation, confirmed by US security officials to be a joint initiative with Washington, represents a dramatic turning point in regional geopolitics.

    Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz publicly acknowledged the offensive, characterizing it as a ‘preventive strike’ against Iranian assets. Concurrently, air raid sirens activated across Israel, with military authorities issuing urgent directives for civilians to seek immediate shelter in protected spaces. The nation transitioned to ‘Essential Activity’ status, suspending educational institutions, public gatherings, and non-critical commercial operations.

    Reuters agency reported that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei relocated to a secured facility during the assault. Eyewitnesses described substantial explosions throughout Tehran’s metropolitan area, with visible smoke plumes rising from impact sites.

    US President Donald Trump concurrently advocated for regime transformation in Iran, declaring that ‘Iranian people’s freedom is at hand today.’ He extended offers of immunity to members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, military, and police forces conditional on their disarmament.

    Israeli media outlet Channel 13, citing confidential security sources, revealed the operation underwent months of strategic preparation. The timing appears particularly significant given recent diplomatic engagements – an Iranian informant disclosed to Middle East Eye that negotiations served as camouflage for military planning, evidenced by the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier’s positioning near Haifa preceding the attacks.

    This development follows Israeli Minister Yoav Gallant’s Friday declaration that ‘the coming weeks will shape the coming decades in the Middle East,’ suggesting advanced awareness of impending military actions. The Omani foreign minister had simultaneously claimed breakthrough diplomatic achievements, which now appear overshadowed by armed conflict.

  • Israel says launched ‘preemptive’ strike against Iran

    Israel says launched ‘preemptive’ strike against Iran

    The Israeli Defense Ministry confirmed the execution of a preemptive military strike against Iranian targets early Saturday, characterizing the operation as a necessary defensive measure to neutralize imminent threats to national security.

    In an official statement released following the operation, Israeli authorities justified their actions as a calculated response to credible intelligence indicating preparations for missile attacks against Israeli territory. The precise locations and specific nature of the targets struck within Iran remain undisclosed for operational security reasons.

    Concurrently with the offensive maneuver, Israel’s civil defense network activated emergency sirens nationwide, alerting citizens to prepare for potential retaliatory missile strikes from Iran. The dual development of offensive action and defensive preparedness underscores the heightened state of military tension between the two Middle Eastern powers.

    The escalation occurs against a complex geopolitical backdrop where regional tensions have been steadily intensifying. This military action represents a significant development in the long-standing adversarial relationship between Israel and Iran, which has historically involved proxy conflicts but now appears to be entering a more direct phase of confrontation.

    International observers and diplomatic channels are closely monitoring the situation for potential ripple effects across the region, particularly regarding how Iran’s leadership might respond to what Israel describes as a preemptive defensive action. The operation marks one of the most direct military engagements between the two nations in recent years.

  • New Zealand reaches T20 World Cup semifinals after Pakistan beats Sri Lanka by only 5 runs

    New Zealand reaches T20 World Cup semifinals after Pakistan beats Sri Lanka by only 5 runs

    In a breathtaking conclusion to their Twenty20 World Cup campaign, Pakistan secured a dramatic five-run victory against Sri Lanka in Pallekele on Saturday, only to discover the win wasn’t sufficient to advance them to the semifinals. The mathematical elimination handed New Zealand the final semifinal spot despite the Black Caps not playing.

    Pakistan’s path to advancement required restricting Sri Lanka’s chase to under 148 runs to surpass New Zealand’s net run rate. The match appeared to tilt in Pakistan’s favor when they reduced the hosts to 101-5 in the 12th over. However, a spectacular resurgence led by captain Dasun Shanaka and Pavan Rathnayake dramatically shifted momentum.

    The climax arrived during the final over delivered by Shaheen Shah Afridi. Shanaka unleashed a breathtaking sequence of 4-6-6-6, bringing Sri Lanka within six runs of victory with two deliveries remaining. In a stunning twist, Shanaka misjudged the fifth ball attempting an unconventional scoop shot, then let the sixth ball—a precise yorker—pass assuming it would be called wide. The umpire’s decision not to award a wide sealed Pakistan’s narrow win but simultaneously ended their tournament aspirations.

    Pakistan’s formidable total of 212-8, their highest ever in T20 World Cup history, was built upon a record-shattering opening partnership. Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman combined for 176 runs—the highest partnership in men’s T20 World Cup history—surpassing the previous record set by New Zealand’s Tim Seifert and Finn Allen.

    Farhan’s blistering century (100 off 60 balls) propelled him past Virat Kohli’s single-tournament runs record of 319 set in 2014. The Pakistani opener now stands at 383 runs with two centuries and two half-centuries in the competition. Zaman, promoted to opener for the first time in the tournament, contributed a powerful 84 from 42 deliveries.

    Despite the elimination, Pakistan exits the tournament having demonstrated exceptional batting prowess, while Sri Lanka concluded their campaign with four consecutive defeats despite a spirited final performance that earned applause from their home crowd.

    The semifinal picture now shows England, New Zealand, and South Africa securing their places, with defending champion India—the sole remaining Asian team—facing the West Indies on Sunday to determine the final semifinalist. With Pakistan’s elimination, tournament co-host India will stage both semifinals and the final on March 8.

  • China’s carbon dioxide emissions per 10,000 yuan of GDP down 5% in 2025

    China’s carbon dioxide emissions per 10,000 yuan of GDP down 5% in 2025

    China has demonstrated substantial progress in its decarbonization efforts, with official statistics revealing a notable 5% year-on-year reduction in carbon dioxide emissions per 10,000 yuan of GDP during 2025. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released comprehensive data on Saturday indicating the nation’s accelerated transition toward sustainable economic development.

    The statistical report further detailed a 5.1% decline in energy consumption per 10,000 yuan of GDP, calculated after excluding raw material usage and non-fossil energy consumption. This parallel improvement underscores China’s effective implementation of energy efficiency measures across industrial and economic sectors.

    Clean energy generation achieved remarkable momentum, with hydropower, nuclear, wind, and solar power collectively producing nearly 4.25 trillion kilowatt-hours – representing a robust 14.4% increase compared to 2024. This surge in renewable energy output has been instrumental in displacing fossil fuel-based electricity generation.

    The transportation sector exhibited particularly impressive transformation, with new energy vehicle manufacturing reaching 16.52 million units, marking a 25.1% production increase. By December 2025, China’s NEV fleet had expanded to 43.97 million vehicles, adding 12.57 million zero-emission vehicles to its roads within a single year.

    Environmental monitoring data corroborated these advancements, showing improved air quality across China’s urban centers. Among 339 cities at prefecture level and above, 72.6% met national air quality standards, reflecting the tangible benefits of reduced emissions and cleaner energy infrastructure.

  • Overview: Tangible gains during China’s 14th Five-Year Plan period

    Overview: Tangible gains during China’s 14th Five-Year Plan period

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  • Foreigners entering China visa-free up 49.5% in 2025

    Foreigners entering China visa-free up 49.5% in 2025

    China has witnessed a remarkable surge in visa-free foreign arrivals, with official statistics revealing a substantial 49.5% year-on-year increase for 2025. According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Saturday, February 28, 2026, the country welcomed 30.08 million international visitors under its visa exemption policies last year.

    The dramatic growth in inbound tourism follows China’s strategic expansion of its visa-waiver programs, which now include numerous European and Asian countries. This policy shift represents a significant reversal from the strict border controls maintained during the pandemic years, signaling China’s renewed commitment to global connectivity and international exchange.

    Tourism analysts attribute the impressive numbers to multiple factors, including streamlined entry procedures, enhanced promotional efforts showcasing China’s cultural heritage and modern attractions, and improved tourism infrastructure across major cities and historical sites. The hospitality sector has reported corresponding increases in hotel occupancy rates and tourism-related spending, providing a substantial boost to local economies.

    This opening initiative aligns with China’s broader economic strategy to stimulate domestic consumption through international tourism while fostering people-to-people diplomacy. The successful implementation of these policies demonstrates China’s evolving approach to global engagement and its recognition of tourism’s role in economic development and cross-cultural understanding.

  • Various forms of job fairs held across China

    Various forms of job fairs held across China

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  • Snowscapes, vineyards, and beyond: the rural vitalization in China’s villages

    Snowscapes, vineyards, and beyond: the rural vitalization in China’s villages

    In the frostbitten landscapes of Northeast China, where winter temperatures frequently plunge below -20°C, a remarkable transformation is underway. The village of Xuexiang (Snow Town) in Heilongjiang Province, once a quiet forestry community, now bustles with tourists drawn to its spectacular winter scenery despite the bitter cold.

    This dramatic change represents a tangible success story within China’s comprehensive Rural Vitalization Strategy, initiated at the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2017. The national policy aims to achieve fundamental modernization of agriculture and rural regions by 2035.

    Wang Xindan, the village’s publicity official, attributes this renaissance to strategic government support. “The rural vitalization strategy has transformed our community into a year-round tourism destination,” Wang noted. The village’s recognition as one of “China’s top 10 most beautiful villages” underscores its successful metamorphosis from a commercial forestry settlement to a thriving tourist attraction.

    The initiative extends beyond winter destinations to encompass diverse agricultural regions. In various Chinese provinces, vineyards and other specialty agricultural sites have similarly experienced revitalization through targeted development programs. These efforts collectively represent a national movement to bridge urban-rural development gaps, create sustainable economic opportunities in countryside regions, and preserve cultural heritage while embracing modernization.

  • Xinjiang Story: Powering up Xinjiang’s winter boom

    Xinjiang Story: Powering up Xinjiang’s winter boom

    In the snow-covered landscapes of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, an energy revolution is quietly powering one of China’s most remarkable tourism transformations. While international skiers carve through pristine slopes at Jikepulin International Ski Resort, power station manager Qi Fan and his team maintain vigilant watch over the region’s electrical infrastructure, ensuring the winter economy remains energized.

    The remote village of Hemu, nestled in Altay’s border region, has undergone a dramatic metamorphosis from seasonal destination to year-round tourism hub. Where once five transformers sufficed for the entire village, now 162 units distribute electricity to meet unprecedented demand. During the recent Chinese New Year holiday, Qi’s team addressed over 30 emergency calls within a two-hour period, navigating knee-deep snow to maintain uninterrupted power for approximately 500 clients including restaurants, homestays, and the massive ski resort.

    This power expansion supports a tourism surge that has rewritten Hemu’s economic trajectory. Where businesses previously shuttered during harsh winters with temperatures plunging to -40°C, the 2021 opening of Jikepulin’s 103 ski runs has created a winter hotspot attracting up to 5,000 daily visitors. International tourists like American visitor Briona Bonner experience diverse offerings from Xinjiang snacks to Sichuan hotpot alongside world-class skiing facilities.

    The numerical evidence underscores this transformation: Hemu’s electricity consumption surpassed 130 million kWh in 2025, quadrupling the 2020 figure. This growth aligns with regional development showing 101 skiing venues across Xinjiang by August 2025, including six top-level resorts. The expansion forms part of China’s national strategy to cultivate a 1.2 trillion yuan ice-and-snow economy by 2027, recognizing winter sports and tourism as significant economic drivers.

    As new hotels and infrastructure continue development, Qi’s team maintains their vigilant preparation for nightly peaks when returning skiers illuminate the village with bonfires and celebrations—a testament to how reliable power has enabled a remote community to harness its winter potential and participate in China’s broader economic vision.