Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Is vaccine against deadly Nipah virus forthcoming?

    Is vaccine against deadly Nipah virus forthcoming?

    In a landmark development for global pandemic preparedness, the University of Oxford has initiated the world’s first Phase II clinical trial for a Nipah virus vaccine candidate. The trial, launched in Bangladesh—a region plagued by recurrent outbreaks—represents a critical advancement in combating one of the world’s deadliest pathogens, for which no approved vaccines or treatments currently exist.

    The study involves 306 healthy adult participants aged 18-55 and is being conducted through a strategic partnership between Oxford’s Pandemic Sciences Institute, the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B), and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), which is providing primary funding. The research aims to evaluate both the safety profile and immune response generated by the ChAdOx1 NipahB vaccine.

    Professor Sarah Gilbert, a leading vaccinologist at Oxford, emphasized the trial’s significance: “This initiative in Bangladesh marks a pivotal advancement in our efforts to develop countermeasures against Nipah virus, a formidable health threat that continues to claim lives during periodic outbreaks.”

    Professor Brian Angus, Chief Investigator at the Oxford Vaccine Group, highlighted the importance of conducting trials in affected regions: “Initiating Phase II trials in countries experiencing regular Nipah outbreaks ensures that vaccine development remains both effective and contextually relevant to those most vulnerable.”

    Dr. Kent Kester, CEPI’s Executive Director of Vaccine Research, noted that Oxford’s candidate represents the most progressed vaccine initiative against the highly lethal Nipah virus, calling the trial “the culmination of years of cutting-edge research and international scientific cooperation.”

    The Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, produced the trial vaccines in collaboration with CEPI. Dr. K Zaman, Senior Scientist at ICDDR,B and Principal Investigator in Bangladesh, emphasized that hosting this trial aligns with their two decades of Nipah surveillance and research, representing a natural progression of their scientific commitment to global health security.

  • PLA conducts combat readiness patrols around China’s Huangyan Island

    PLA conducts combat readiness patrols around China’s Huangyan Island

    The People’s Liberation Army of China has executed comprehensive combat readiness patrols in the maritime vicinity of Huangyan Island, according to an official announcement dated January 31, 2026. This strategic military operation demonstrates China’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and maintaining regional stability in the South China Sea.

    The patrols, characterized as routine exercises, form part of the PLA’s regular training schedule aimed at enhancing operational preparedness. Military analysts indicate these maneuvers serve multiple purposes: testing rapid response capabilities, validating defense coordination systems, and asserting China’s territorial claims in accordance with international law.

    Defense experts note that such patrols represent standard practice for naval forces worldwide to maintain combat readiness. The timing coincides with increased regional military activities by various nations, though Chinese officials emphasized these exercises are defensive in nature and not targeted at any specific country.

    Historical context reveals that Huangyan Island has been administered by China for decades, with the PLA regularly conducting lawful activities in surrounding waters. The latest patrols align with China’s long-standing policy of peaceful development and maritime security maintenance through measured military presence.

    Regional security observers have documented increased naval diplomacy and confidence-building measures between China and neighboring countries in recent years, suggesting these patrols represent continuity rather than escalation in China’s defense posture.

  • US-Iran tensions raise regional concerns as Tehran signals willingness for talks

    US-Iran tensions raise regional concerns as Tehran signals willingness for talks

    Amid escalating US-Iran tensions that have triggered regional alarm, diplomatic channels show signs of activation as Tehran conditionally expresses willingness to return to negotiation tables. The situation has prompted urgent calls for de-escalation from Middle Eastern leaders who fear broader regional instability.

    Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has positioned Ankara as a potential mediator, offering facilitation services during a phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Erdogan emphasized Turkey’s commitment to constructive diplomacy aimed at resolving the mounting crisis.

    President Pezeshkian articulated Iran’s diplomatic stance, emphasizing “dignity-based diplomacy” grounded in international law and mutual respect. In separate discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Iranian leader clarified that Tehran seeks engagement rather than confrontation, while simultaneously criticizing Western powers for their perceived lack of genuine diplomatic commitment.

    Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, during meetings in Istanbul with Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, reiterated Tehran’s conditional openness to negotiations. “We are prepared for talks with the United States,” Araghchi stated, “but only if they are fair and not conducted under threat.” He emphasized that Iran would not negotiate its defensive capabilities while acknowledging that logistical details regarding format, location, and agenda remain unresolved.

    The diplomatic movements coincide with heightened military posturing. US President Donald Trump announced the deployment of a “massive armada” toward Iranian waters, larger than the fleet recently sent to Venezuela and led by the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln. Simultaneously, the US guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black made a port call in Eilat, highlighting continued US-Israeli military coordination.

    Regional leaders expressed grave concerns about potential consequences. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi warned that military confrontation could yield severe security and economic repercussions across the region. Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, in discussions with Araghchi, committed to preventing Azerbaijani territory or airspace from being used against Iran or neighboring states.

    Despite the tensions, regional analysts suggest that direct military conflict may not be inevitable. Qatari political analyst Faleh Al Hajri observed that current indicators suggest the Trump administration is “using time as a weapon, brandishing force to raise the cost of Iran’s refusal” rather than having made a definitive decision to wage war.

    The diplomatic landscape further complicated as Iran’s top security official Ali Larijani visited Moscow for discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on economic cooperation and significant regional issues, though specific details remained limited.

  • Travelling amid Nipah scare? UAE doctors say no need to panic

    Travelling amid Nipah scare? UAE doctors say no need to panic

    Medical professionals across the United Arab Emirates are urging residents to maintain perspective regarding recent Nipah virus reports while emphasizing practical preventive measures for travelers. Contrary to widespread anxiety, physicians confirm that cancellation of travel plans remains unnecessary for most individuals.

    Dr. Vinod Tahilramani, specialist at Medcare Medical Centre in Motor City, emphasizes the statistical rarity of Nipah infection: “This remains an exceptionally uncommon condition that the majority of travelers will never encounter. The general public should proceed with their scheduled itineraries without undue concern.”

    Unlike highly contagious pathogens such as COVID-19 or influenza, Nipah virus demonstrates limited transmission capabilities. Infection typically requires direct exposure to bodily fluids of infected individuals or occurs within specific high-risk environments, particularly healthcare facilities during active outbreaks.

    Regarding airport screening implementations in various countries, medical experts acknowledge these measures provide an additional security layer by identifying visibly ill passengers, particularly those exhibiting fever. However, physicians note the limitations of such screenings since early Nipah symptoms often mimic common viral infections.

    “While screening contributes to safety protocols, it cannot guarantee complete protection,” Dr. Tahilramani notes. “This underscores the critical importance of personal awareness and prompt medical consultation when necessary.”

    Travelers visiting regions with reported cases should implement straightforward precautions:
    – Avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals
    – Maintain rigorous hand hygiene practices
    – Refrain from consuming uncovered street-vendor fruits
    – Avoid raw or improperly regulated food products
    – Limit non-essential hospital visits in outbreak zones
    – Healthcare workers should employ full protective equipment including masks and gloves

    Post-travel vigilance remains equally crucial. Dr. Deepak Dube, internal medicine specialist at International Modern Hospital Dubai, explains: “Initial presentation may resemble ordinary viral fever, but neurological symptoms including confusion, excessive drowsiness, seizures, or behavioral changes require immediate medical attention.”

    Medical professionals advise that fever accompanied by confusion or seizures warrants urgent care. Affected individuals should avoid public gatherings and explicitly inform healthcare providers of recent travel history.

    The consensus among UAE medical experts emphasizes informed preparedness rather than alarm. Through awareness, practical precautions, and timely medical response, travelers can mitigate risks while maintaining normal travel schedules.

  • Coordinated attacks by Baloch separatists kill 10 security personnel in Pakistan

    Coordinated attacks by Baloch separatists kill 10 security personnel in Pakistan

    QUETTA, Pakistan (AP) — In a significant escalation of violence, separatist militants from Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province executed a series of coordinated attacks targeting critical security installations across southern Pakistan early Saturday. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), an outlawed separatist group, claimed responsibility for the unprecedented multi-pronged offensive that struck a high-security prison, multiple police stations, and paramilitary facilities.

    According to official statements from Pakistani authorities, intense gunbattles resulted in the deaths of at least 10 security personnel and 58 insurgents. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the security force casualties while praising their response that neutralized dozens of attackers across multiple locations. Government spokesperson Shahid Rind indicated that most attacks were successfully thwarted by security forces.

    The assault represented one of the most extensive coordinated operations in recent memory, with attacks occurring nearly simultaneously across Balochistan. Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar reported that militants employed grenades against police vehicles in Quetta, the provincial capital, killing two officers and prompting emergency declarations at all regional hospitals.

    In one of the most significant breaches, dozens of insurgants stormed a prison in Mastung district, facilitating the escape of over 30 inmates. Additional attacks targeted the provincial headquarters of paramilitary forces in Nushki district, government administrative offices in Dalbandin, and security posts in Balincha, Tump and Kharan districts. Militants also attempted highway abductions of bus passengers in Pasni and Gwadar regions.

    The BLA released propaganda videos showcasing female combatants participating in the assaults, marking a strategic communications effort to highlight gender inclusion within their ranks. The group, designated as a terrorist organization by both Pakistan and the United States, has been accused of receiving support from India—a allegation New Delhi consistently denies.

    This escalation follows Pakistan’s military operations earlier in the week that killed 41 insurgents in raids on militant hideouts. Provincial Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti reported that security forces have eliminated approximately 700 insurgents over the past year. The violence also disrupted transportation infrastructure as insurgents destroyed railway tracks, forcing suspension of train services from Balochistan to other regions.

    Balochistan has experienced prolonged separatist insurgency seeking independence from Islamabad’s central government, with both Baloch separatists and the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) intensifying attacks in recent months. Pakistan maintains that these militant groups operate from Afghan territory, a claim consistently rejected by Kabul’s Taliban administration.

  • Japanese PM’s provocations condemned

    Japanese PM’s provocations condemned

    Tokyo witnessed significant domestic opposition to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s controversial Taiwan statements and military expansion policies during a Thursday gathering of Japanese societal leaders. The event highlighted growing concerns that Takaichi’s refusal to retract her provocative comments regarding Taiwan Strait contingencies has substantially elevated regional tensions and damaged bilateral relations with China.

    Former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama delivered a stern warning that Takaichi’s remarks fundamentally undermine the 1972 Japan-China Joint Statement, which explicitly recognizes Taiwan as China’s internal affair. He characterized her statements as essentially declaring military intervention intentions regarding Taiwan, representing a severe departure from established diplomatic foundations that have normalized and sustained Japan-China relations for decades.

    The controversy originated from Takaichi’s January 26th television appearance on TV Asahi, where she asserted that the US-Japan security alliance would ‘collapse’ if Japan failed to respond to hypothetical attacks on US forces in the Taiwan Strait. These comments echoed her earlier November 7th Diet statements suggesting potential Japanese military involvement in Taiwan scenarios, made shortly before dissolving the House of Representatives and calling snap elections.

    Takakage Fujita, secretary-general of the Association for Inheriting and Propagating the Murayama Statement, expressed alarm that Japan is pursuing military buildup along an ‘extremely dangerous road.’ He suggested Takaichi’s dissolution of parliament aimed primarily to consolidate her political base and advance her agenda of transforming Japan into a ‘military power.’

    Yuko Tanaka, former president of Hosei University, warned that Japan faces resurgence of ‘new militarism’ manifested through rapidly expanding defense budgets without stable fiscal foundations. She noted discussions have progressed beyond the 2% GDP defense spending target to proposals reaching 3.5% or even 5%, funded primarily through government bond issuance that accelerates national debt growth.

    Experts cautioned that deteriorating China-Japan relations, combined with yen depreciation and precarious public finances, could push Japan toward economic recession even before potential military conflicts materialize. The gathering participants unanimously emphasized that China-Japan friendship remains Japan’s most crucial guarantee for peace and security, urging withdrawal of Takaichi’s statements and opposing any attempts to provoke aggressive military actions.

  • Friendship built through music, travel

    Friendship built through music, travel

    PHILADELPHIA – As the Lunar New Year approaches, the Philadelphia Orchestra and China National Tourist Office have collaboratively orchestrated a powerful symphony of cultural diplomacy through a special concert series and tourism promotion event at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

    The ‘Ni Hao! China’ celebration, merging traditional Chinese music with tourism promotion, created a vibrant Spring Festival atmosphere that underscored five decades of artistic collaboration between the two nations. Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng emphasized the universal language of art during a pre-concert reception, noting that ‘people-to-people exchanges serve as a bridge’ between cultures.

    ‘When strings are struck and songs take flight, the beauty of art resonates between our two peoples,’ Ambassador Xie stated, highlighting art’s unique capacity to foster mutual understanding and trust. He pointed to recent cinematic successes including ‘Ne Zha 2’ in American markets and ‘Zootopia’ in China as evidence of thriving cultural exchange with significant economic benefits.

    The event featured a photographic exhibition titled ‘On the Road in China — China and the Philadelphia Orchestra,’ documenting the ensemble’s historic 1973 debut as the first American orchestra to perform in China and their subsequent twelve tours. Veteran violinist Davyd Booth, who has visited China approximately fifteen times since that inaugural trip, expressed his fortune in witnessing the country’s remarkable development and modernization.

    Philadelphia Orchestra President and CEO Ryan Fleur emphasized the enduring legacy of cultural exchange, noting his nearly twenty personal visits to China and the orchestra’s tradition of Spring Festival concerts since 2019. The celebration also included performances by the Central Conservatory of Music Chinese Orchestra, providing American audiences with authentic cultural experiences.

    China National Tourist Office Director Ma Yunfei highlighted the orchestra’s special relationship with China, noting that their exchanges have ‘always been about more than music—they are about openness and learning from one another.’ The event concluded with enthusiastic audience responses and expressions of interest in future travel to China, demonstrating music’s continuing power to build international friendship bridges.

  • Fishing ban revives Yangtze finless porpoises

    Fishing ban revives Yangtze finless porpoises

    China’s landmark fishing moratorium on the Yangtze River has yielded remarkable ecological dividends, with the endangered finless porpoise population surging to 1,426 individuals according to the 2025 census data released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. This represents a significant increase of 177 porpoises since the last survey in 2022, demonstrating the effectiveness of conservation measures implemented since the ten-year fishing ban commenced in 2021.

    The Yangtze finless porpoise, China’s only freshwater cetacean and a national first-class protected species, had experienced catastrophic decline from approximately 2,700 individuals in the early 1990s to a mere 1,012 by 2017 due to anthropogenic pressures. Vice-Minister Zhang Zhili characterized the species’ recovery as “reflecting the overall improvement of biodiversity in the river basin and the gradual restoration of ecological vitality in our mother river.”

    Complementing wild population recovery, China has established a comprehensive conservation network comprising five protected zones housing over 150 relocated porpoises, with more than 10 calves born annually. Scientific breakthroughs include the establishment of a freshwater cetatean sperm bank by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Hydrobiology, providing crucial technical support for breeding programs.

    Despite progress, the species remains critically endangered at roughly half its 1990s population level. An enhanced action plan aims to boost wild populations to approximately 1,700 by 2030 and 2,000 by 2035.

    The porpoise’s recovery signals broader ecological rehabilitation. Monitoring data reveals 351 fish species identified throughout the Yangtze basin from 2021-2025—43 more than pre-ban levels. The aquatic biological integrity index has shown substantial improvement, while unit fish biomass reached 2.4 kilograms in the main stream during 2025, doubling density compared to 2020 baseline measurements.

    Notably, the Chinese high fin banded shark, a nationally protected Class II species, has resumed natural reproduction after two decades of absence, recorded in both 2024 and 2025. Academician Gui Jianfang, head of the fishing ban’s midterm assessment expert group, projected continued aquatic recovery over the next five years while acknowledging that comprehensive ecological restoration will require sustained effort, particularly in stretches with severely fragmented habitats.

  • Foreign diplomats hail Yunnan’s opening-up efforts

    Foreign diplomats hail Yunnan’s opening-up efforts

    Diplomatic representatives from South and Southeast Asian nations have unanimously commended Yunnan Province’s groundbreaking achievements in advancing regional connectivity and international cooperation during China’s 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025). The consensus emerged during discussions surrounding Yunnan’s government work report presented at the provincial people’s congress, with envoys expressing strong anticipation for enhanced collaboration during the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030).

    Yunnan’s strategic positioning as China’s gateway to South and Southeast Asia has yielded remarkable results through multifaceted opening-up initiatives. The landmark China-Laos Railway has emerged as a cornerstone achievement, facilitating unprecedented cross-border mobility with 64 million passenger journeys and 74 million metric tons of freight transportation since its inauguration. Lao Consul General Pongdong Paxaphacdy characterized the railway’s impact as “exceeding expectations” in boosting bilateral trade and tourism development.

    The province’s connectivity expansion extends beyond rail infrastructure to encompass waterway networks. Thailand’s Consul General Bhavivarn Noraphallop highlighted the newly operational Guanlei Port in Xishuangbanna, which has processed 260,000 tons of import-export goods valued at over $370 million since December 2024, recording year-on-year growth exceeding 70% in volume and 124% in value.

    Medical diplomacy has emerged as another significant dimension of Yunnan’s international outreach. Bangladeshi Consul General Md Khaled recounted the successful treatment of three children with congenital heart diseases at Fuwai Yunnan Hospital, emphasizing the profound human impact of cross-border healthcare cooperation. “I witnessed the transformative joy on the faces of these children and their families,” Khaled noted.

    Myanmar’s Consul General U Thwin Htet Lin praised Yunnan’s “comprehensive and pragmatic” development approach, particularly its focus on high-quality growth, people-centered policies, and regional openness. The diplomat highlighted Myanmar’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, education, and tourism with the geographically proximate province.

    Vietnamese Consul General Nghiem Viet Chung advocated for streamlined visa procedures and improved transportation links to capitalize on Yunnan’s growing popularity among Vietnamese tourists, suggesting these measures could significantly increase visitor numbers.

    The diplomatic community’s assessment reflects broad recognition of Yunnan’s successful integration of infrastructure development, economic cooperation, and humanitarian initiatives in its regional engagement strategy.

  • Pokemon card event at controversial shrine to Japanese war dead canceled after China protests

    Pokemon card event at controversial shrine to Japanese war dead canceled after China protests

    A Pokemon card game tournament scheduled to take place at Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine has been abruptly canceled following intense criticism from China. The Pokemon Company issued formal apologies in both Japanese and Chinese after its official website promoted the event at the controversial site, which honors Japan’s war dead, including convicted war criminals from World War II.

    The company clarified that the event was privately organized by a certified Pokemon player targeting children, but its promotion on the corporate website represented a significant oversight. “It was an event that should not have been held to begin with,” the company stated, acknowledging “a lack of our understanding” in sharing the event notice. All related information has been removed from their platforms.

    Chinese state media responded vehemently to the initial announcement, with the People’s Daily warning on Weibo that “brands that disregard history and hurt the feelings of the Chinese people will ultimately be abandoned by the market.” The commentary emphasized that enterprises must “take social responsibility and not make light of the heavy weight of history in the name of entertainment.”

    The incident occurs amid escalating tensions between Japan and China, particularly following recent remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding potential Japanese involvement should China take military action against Taiwan. While Takaichi previously visited Yasukuni regularly, she has abstained from prayers at the shrine since assuming office in October.

    The Pokemon Company, affirming its commitment to connecting people through Pokemon, pledged increased sensitivity toward all stakeholders moving forward.