Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Hengshan Mountain glistens with iconic winter rime scenery

    Hengshan Mountain glistens with iconic winter rime scenery

    Hengshan Mountain in China’s Hunan Province has emerged as a breathtaking winter destination following recent snowfall, with its iconic rime scenery creating an ethereal landscape that has captivated visitors. The mountain, traditionally known as Nanyue, has undergone a dramatic transformation into what observers describe as a crystalline paradise.

    The natural phenomenon occurs when moisture in the air freezes upon contact with surfaces, creating intricate ice formations that adorn trees and vegetation. This spectacular effect results from the unique meteorological conditions characterized by low temperatures combined with exceptionally high humidity levels in the mountain region.

    Historical records indicate this winter spectacle, officially designated as the “Nanyue rime,” typically manifests between November and March each year. Meteorological data reveals the phenomenon graces the mountain for approximately 63 days during the winter season, creating extended opportunities for visitors to witness this natural marvel.

    The aesthetic beauty of the ice-encased landscape has long served as inspiration for Chinese cultural expression. Throughout history, numerous poets and artists have drawn creative inspiration from the mountain’s winter transformation, incorporating its distinctive beauty into traditional artworks and literary compositions.

    Recent visitor numbers have surged significantly following the latest snowfall, with tourists flocking to capture photographs of the shimmering landscape. The mountain’s management has reported increased attendance during this seasonal period, with many travelers specifically timing their visits to coincide with optimal viewing conditions for the rime formation.

  • Mainland warns Taiwan leader against provoking conflict

    Mainland warns Taiwan leader against provoking conflict

    The Chinese mainland has delivered a forceful condemnation of Taiwan’s leadership, characterizing their recent actions as dangerously provocative moves toward independence. Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin articulated Beijing’s position on Monday, December 15, 2025, directly addressing what he termed the “most dangerous poison” threatening Taiwan’s stability.

    The remarks came in response to statements by Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te, who had previously suggested that mainland China might attempt to forcibly take Taiwan by 2027. Lai had emphasized the necessity for Taiwan to prepare for worst-case scenarios while maintaining hope for peaceful resolutions.

    Jiang systematically refuted these claims, asserting that Lai has consistently exaggerated mainland military capabilities and intentionally heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait. The spokesperson characterized Lai’s rhetoric about preparedness as a calculated strategy to foster war anxiety among Taiwan residents, thereby creating justification for pursuing independence agendas and provoking conflict.

    “The Lai authorities’ provocations for ‘independence’ represent the most toxic element currently endangering and potentially destroying Taiwan,” Jiang stated during the briefing. He emphasized that peaceful reunification with mainland China remains the optimal pathway to ensure Taiwan’s lasting stability and security.

    The defense spokesperson called upon Taiwanese compatriots to recognize the extreme dangers inherent in their leadership’s push toward independence and military preparation. He urged firm opposition to separatist activities and advocated for collective efforts to maintain cross-strait peace and stability, which he directly linked to the security and welfare of Taiwan’s citizens.

  • Alonso remains in the hot seat after Real Madrid’s hard-fought win

    Alonso remains in the hot seat after Real Madrid’s hard-fought win

    A pressure-laden victory for Real Madrid on Sunday has potentially secured manager Xabi Alonso’s position for the immediate future. In a hard-fought La Liga encounter at Mendizorroza stadium, Madrid edged past a resilient Deportivo Alaves with a 2-1 scoreline, courtesy of goals from Kylian Mbappé and Rodrygo Goes.

    The win, only the club’s third across all competitions in their last nine outings, carries significant weight. It narrows the gap to arch-rivals and league leaders Barcelona back to a four-point margin, ensuring the title race remains intensely competitive heading into the winter break. This result arrived on the heels of a damaging midweek Champions League home defeat to Manchester City, which had sparked widespread media speculation that Alonso’s tenure was contingent on a positive result against Alaves.

    Mbappé, returning to the starting lineup after being sidelined with a knee injury against City, initially appeared hampered but grew into the game. He broke the deadlock in the 25th minute with a spectacular strike into the top corner, set up by a precise pass from Jude Bellingham. Alaves, however, refused to capitulate. They seized control of the game’s tempo and found a deserved equalizer in the 68th minute through Carlos Vicente, who expertly finished after beating Antonio Rüdiger.

    With the specter of another disappointing result looming, Brazilian forward Rodrygo emerged as the late hero, tapping in a cross from Vinícius Júnior to secure the crucial three points. The goal, his second in consecutive matches, ended a prolonged personal scoring drought and triggered wild celebrations from a visibly relieved Alonso on the touchline.

    Post-match, Alonso acknowledged the challenge, stating, ‘It was a hard-fought game… Alaves play with a lot of intensity.’ He reiterated that he retains the full support of his squad amidst the external pressure, emphasizing the collective need to build on this result. The coach also expressed bewilderment that a potential penalty claim for Vinícius Júnior was not reviewed by the VAR officiating team.

    In other La Liga developments, Villarreal’s fixture was postponed due to adverse weather, and Real Oviedo dismissed their manager following a heavy defeat. Barcelona’s 2-0 victory over Osasuna ensures they will remain at the summit of the league entering the new year.

  • Heavy rains, unstable weather: Oman announces distance learning for some schools

    Heavy rains, unstable weather: Oman announces distance learning for some schools

    Educational institutions across Oman’s Musandam governorate will transition to distance learning on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in response to deteriorating weather conditions throughout the Gulf region. The Omani Ministry of Education and Teaching mandated the shift for all government, private, and international schools as a precautionary measure against heavy rainfall and atmospheric instability.

    The decision comes as a low-pressure system settles over the Arabian Peninsula, generating substantial cloud cover and intermittent precipitation across multiple countries. Meteorological authorities in the United Arab Emirates have similarly forecast significant rainfall for Tuesday, prompting official advisories urging citizens to exercise heightened caution during travel.

    This weather pattern represents a continuation of unstable conditions that began on Sunday, with forecasts indicating persistent atmospheric disturbances throughout the week. The proactive educational response reflects evolving regional protocols following the severe flooding incidents of 2024, which catalyzed widespread implementation of robust remote work and learning policies across Gulf Cooperation Council nations.

    Both governmental and private sector organizations have increasingly prioritized resident safety through flexible operational arrangements during extreme weather events. The current meteorological situation demonstrates the region’s improved preparedness and adaptive response mechanisms when facing environmental challenges.

  • Hong Kong court sentences UK media tychoon Jimmy Lai to life in prison

    Hong Kong court sentences UK media tychoon Jimmy Lai to life in prison

    A Hong Kong court has delivered a landmark verdict, sentencing 78-year-old British media magnate Jimmy Lai to life imprisonment for severe national security violations. The ruling concludes a protracted legal battle that has drawn intense international scrutiny to Hong Kong’s judicial landscape.

    The three-judge panel found Lai guilty on multiple charges, including two counts of conspiracy to commit foreign collusion under the National Security Law imposed by Beijing in 2020. Additionally, he was convicted on one count of conspiracy to publish seditious publications, stemming from 161 separate items published across various platforms that allegedly promoted disaffection against the government.

    The prosecution successfully argued that Lai, founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, orchestrated systematic campaigns urging foreign nations to implement sanctions and hostile measures against both Hong Kong and China. Evidence presented during the 150-day trial included op-eds bearing Lai’s byline, talk show footage, and testimony linking him to overseas political figures including former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

    Lai’s legal journey began with his initial arrest in August 2020, just two months after the National Security Law took effect. Following tightened bail regulations for national security defendants in 2021, he remained in pretrial custody, with authorities confirming he was held in solitary confinement at his own request.

    The trial faced significant delays, including last-minute intervention from Beijing that barred Lai’s British defense attorney from participating in the proceedings. During his testimony, Lai vigorously denied the charges, stating he never attempted to influence foreign policy regarding Hong Kong and China. His description of himself as a ‘political prisoner’ drew direct rebukes from the presiding judges.

    The case has sparked diplomatic tensions, with Western nations condemning the verdict as indicative of eroding freedoms in the former British colony. Lai’s family has simultaneously raised concerns about his deteriorating health in custody, claims that Hong Kong authorities have firmly rejected while asserting he has received comprehensive medical care.

  • Former senior official of Shenzhen under investigation

    Former senior official of Shenzhen under investigation

    In a significant anti-corruption development, Chinese disciplinary authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into Dai Beifang, the former chairman of Shenzhen’s Political Advisory Body. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and National Supervisory Commission jointly announced on Monday that the 69-year-old veteran official is under scrutiny for suspected severe breaches of Party discipline and national laws.

    Dai Beifang, whose entire 52-year career unfolded within Shenzhen’s political apparatus, occupied numerous influential positions throughout his tenure. His extensive portfolio included leadership roles as Secretary of the Shenzhen Municipal Communist Youth League Committee, Party Chief of Yantian District, and membership on the Standing Committee of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee. He further headed several critical municipal departments including Publicity, General Office, and Organization.

    The Guangdong native ascended to the position of Shenzhen’s Deputy Party Chief in November 2012 and subsequently chaired the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Shenzhen Municipal Committee from June 2015 until his retirement in September 2020. Following his departure from official government service, Dai transitioned to a leadership role in the philanthropic sector as president of the Shenzhen Charity Federation.

    This investigation represents the latest development in China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, particularly highlighting the scrutiny of retired officials who previously held substantial regional power. Dai’s case demonstrates the authorities’ continued commitment to investigating alleged misconduct regardless of an official’s retirement status or previous contributions.

    The probe follows established procedures for disciplinary reviews conducted by the CCDI, which typically involve thorough examination of potential ethical and legal violations. Such investigations can lead to various outcomes including internal Party disciplinary measures or formal legal proceedings depending on the severity of findings.

  • Palestinian prisoner dies in Israeli custody amid surge in torture-related deaths

    Palestinian prisoner dies in Israeli custody amid surge in torture-related deaths

    A deepening human rights crisis is unfolding within Israeli detention facilities as another Palestinian prisoner, 26-year-old Sakhr Ahmad Khalil Zaoul from Bethlehem, has died in custody. Palestinian authorities reported his death on Sunday, marking the latest in a sharply escalating pattern of fatalities among detainees.

    Zaoul had been placed under administrative detention—imprisonment without formal charges or trial—at the notorious Ofer prison in June. His family stated he was in perfect health at the time of his arrest. His death follows closely that of 21-year-old Abdul Rahman al-Sabateen, whose passing was confirmed just days earlier.

    The Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners Society issued a joint statement condemning what they described as ‘systematic extermination’ of Palestinian prisoners, facilitated by explicit governmental endorsement. They detailed conditions ‘beyond all description,’ including torture, starvation, medical neglect, sexual abuse, and denial of basic rights.

    These allegations are supported by harrowing firsthand accounts. Palestinian journalist Sami al-Saai, speaking at a meeting organized by the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA), disclosed that he was subjected to beatings, threats, and multiple sexual assaults during his detention in Megiddo prison from February to June 2024.

    Human rights organizations have long documented systemic abuses in Israeli prisons, but reports indicate a severe intensification since October 2023. The controversial policy of administrative detention has been applied increasingly during this period, subjecting detainees to particularly harsh conditions and violent assaults.

    Current estimates suggest at least 9,300 Palestinians are held in Israeli prisons, though actual numbers may be higher due to Israel withholding information on hundreds detained in Gaza. Palestinian groups report that at least 100 detainees have died under these conditions, with the true figure likely higher.

    International condemnation is growing. Israeli human rights group B’Tselem has characterized the facilities as ‘torture camps,’ while Israel’s own Public Defender’s Office acknowledged earlier this month that conditions have deteriorated significantly, with prisoners enduring extreme hunger, overcrowding, and systematic violence.

    The UN Committee Against Torture published a report last month expressing deep concern about what it described as ‘organized and widespread torture and ill-treatment’ in Israeli prisons, noting a grave intensification since October 2023 that suggests a ‘de facto state policy.’

  • UAE to increase Manila flights to meet rising passenger demand

    UAE to increase Manila flights to meet rising passenger demand

    The United Arab Emirates and the Philippines have solidified an enhanced aviation agreement that will significantly increase flight connectivity between the two nations. Following bilateral consultations between the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Philippines’ Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), authorities have granted additional flight entitlements to UAE carriers.

    This expanded air services agreement enables UAE national airlines including Etihad Airways and Emirates to operate additional flights to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The decision responds to consistently strong passenger demand and reinforces the robust aviation partnership between the two countries.

    The enhanced connectivity builds upon longstanding bilateral relations characterized by dynamic civil aviation cooperation. The agreement reflects mutual interests in expanding commercial flight operations, which officials anticipate will further stimulate tourism, trade, and people-to-people exchanges.

    A significant factor driving this aviation expansion is the substantial Filipino community residing and working in the UAE, which creates consistent demand for air travel between the two nations. The expanded flight allocations are expected to accommodate growing passenger traffic while supporting the development of the civil aviation sector in both countries.

    The agreement represents a strategic advancement in UAE-Philippines aviation relations, highlighting how bilateral cooperation can address market demands while fostering economic and cultural connections through enhanced air transport capabilities.

  • Lyon ready to roar again for Australia in third Ashes Test

    Lyon ready to roar again for Australia in third Ashes Test

    Australian cricket veteran Nathan Lyon has expressed his eagerness to return to the national squad for the pivotal third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval, following his unexpected exclusion from the Brisbane match that ended his 14-year consecutive home Test appearance streak. The 38-year-old off-spinner, who once served as ground staff at the iconic Adelaide venue before evolving into Australia’s most prolific Test off-spinner, is poised to rejoin captain Pat Cummins in the lineup for Wednesday’s encounter.

    Despite openly acknowledging his disappointment at being dropped for the Gabba Test, Lyon maintains a forward-looking perspective regarding his role in the current series. ‘Every opportunity that there’s a Test match on, I want to be a part of it. I love playing cricket,’ Lyon stated during a media interaction after being inducted into the stadium’s ‘Avenue of Honour’ on Monday. He emphasized moving past the setback, focusing instead on his potential contributions in the upcoming match.

    With Australia holding a commanding 2-0 series lead, Lyon has had minimal bowling opportunities thus far, delivering merely two overs across the opening Tests. The seasoned spinner anticipates greater involvement at Adelaide Oval, where he boasts an impressive record of 63 Test wickets. ‘I haven’t really had the opportunity to get my teeth into this Test series yet, but that opportunity will hopefully come soon,’ Lyon added.

    Adelaide Oval head groundsman Damian Hough, Lyon’s former supervisor during his groundstaff days, indicated the pitch preparation would likely favor spin bowling. ‘Spin needs to play a part here. It always has,’ Hough commented, highlighting the historical significance of spin at the venue and expressing desire for spin to play a meaningful role in Australian pitches nationwide.

    The Brisbane omission has temporarily halted Lyon’s pursuit of bowling milestones, leaving him at 562 Test wickets—just one dismissal shy of equaling legendary pace bowler Glenn McGrath’s tally as Australia’s second-most prolific Test wicket-taker. Despite his age, Lyon remains unequivocal about his continued international aspirations, stating: ‘I’ve played 140 Test matches. I feel like I don’t have a point to prove to anyone.’ The veteran cricketer reaffirmed his commitment to representing Australia, emphasizing his clarity of role within the team and his enduring passion for the sport.

  • Beijing: Japanese fighter jets harassed pre-notified exercise zone

    Beijing: Japanese fighter jets harassed pre-notified exercise zone

    In a significant escalation of tensions between the two Asian powers, China’s Defense Ministry has presented detailed evidence countering Japan’s claims regarding recent military encounters in the East China Sea. Defense Ministry spokesman Jiang Bin disclosed that Chinese naval vessels had provided explicit prior notification to Japanese counterparts about scheduled carrier-based aircraft training exercises.

    The confrontation centers around allegations made earlier this month by Japan’s defense ministry that Chinese military aircraft had engaged in radar locking maneuvers against Japanese fighter jets during training operations conducted by the CNS Liaoning aircraft carrier and its accompanying task group. Jiang characterized these accusations as baseless and politically motivated.

    According to the Chinese account, on December 6th, Chinese warship 101 formally notified Japanese warship 116 about planned flight training operations, with the Japanese vessel acknowledging receipt of the communication. A subsequent message specified that training would commence at 3:00 PM local time, continue for approximately six hours, and occur primarily south of the Chinese aircraft carrier—again with Japanese confirmation of understanding.

    Despite these explicit notifications, Jiang stated that Japanese fighter jets repeatedly intruded into the designated training zone, creating hazardous conditions and engaging in what China considers deliberate harassment. The spokesman asserted that Japan bears complete responsibility for any safety compromises resulting from these incursions.

    Jiang further accused Japan of systematic deception, claiming Tokyo has ‘repeatedly misled its own public and the international community’ by portraying routine Chinese military exercises as security threats while casting itself as the victim rather than the instigator. The spokesman suggested these actions might represent a calculated diversion from recent controversial statements about Taiwan made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

    The Chinese defense spokesman raised concerns about Japan’s broader strategic intentions, questioning whether the incidents reflect attempts to ‘create excuses to break away from the post-war system, to loosen restrictions on its military development, and to revive the specter of its militarist past.’

    China has called on Japan to address fundamental issues in bilateral relations and ‘earnestly reflect on and rectify its wrongdoings,’ warning that political manipulations aimed at evading responsibility would prove unsuccessful.