Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Australia set for biggest overhaul of gun laws in decades

    Australia set for biggest overhaul of gun laws in decades

    In the wake of the devastating Sydney Bondi Beach massacre that claimed 15 lives, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the most significant firearms law overhaul in decades. The federal cabinet convened Monday afternoon to initiate immediate reforms following Sunday’s horrific shooting during Hanukkah celebrations.

    Prime Minister Albanese declared that “strong, decisive and focused action was needed on gun law reform as an immediate action” in response to the tragedy. The national government has mobilized a coordinated effort with state and territory leaders, tasking police ministers and attorneys-general with developing comprehensive policy options.

    The proposed measures include implementing strict limits on the number of firearms any individual may possess, eliminating open-ended firearms licensing, restricting legal firearm categories, and enhancing the use of criminal intelligence in administrative licensing decisions. These reforms aim to address critical gaps in the existing system, which failed to prevent the Bondi Beach attack despite Australia’s established National Firearms Register created after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre that killed 35 people.

    The urgency of these reforms is underscored by the revelation that the Bondi Beach shooter, Sajid Akram, had been deemed “fit and proper” to hold an A/B category gun license a decade earlier. Akram and his son subsequently used six legally owned firearms to carry out Sunday’s attack on beachgoers, exposing fatal flaws in the current regulatory framework.

  • International volunteers participate in blood donation event in Shanghai

    International volunteers participate in blood donation event in Shanghai

    Shanghai witnessed a remarkable display of international solidarity as 90 expatriate volunteers from diverse nations converged at the Shanghai Blood Center for a special blood donation event on Sunday. The initiative, jointly organized by the Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Shanghai Blood Center in collaboration with Bloodline—a volunteer organization comprising foreign blood donors—transformed the medical facility into a vibrant multicultural celebration.

    The event featured an array of cultural performances including traditional dances and musical presentations, creating a festive atmosphere that underscored the universal importance of blood donation. This gathering not only promoted the critical need for life-saving donations but also exemplified Shanghai’s characteristic openness, inclusiveness, and humanitarian spirit.

    Among the participants was Ashish Maskay, a Nepalese surgeon and founder of Bloodline, who marked a significant personal milestone with his 60th blood donation in Shanghai. Having worked in the city for over twenty years, Maskay expressed profound honor in contributing to the community’s health infrastructure. His organization, established in 2017, has motivated thousands of expatriates to participate in similar life-saving initiatives.

    The diplomatic community also showed strong support, with Sri Lanka’s Consul General in Shanghai Pamoda Gooneratne and her team actively participating. They provided nutritional support including traditional Sri Lankan tea and biscuits for donors, while some staff members joined the donation drive. Gooneratne emphasized that blood donation is considered a noble act in Sri Lankan culture and expressed delight at seeing similar values embraced in Shanghai.

    German national Dennis Olschewski, a repeat donor and seven-year Shanghai resident, articulated the universal ethos behind blood donation: ‘I consider it the right thing to do and a perfect way to give back to the community. There are always people in need of blood, and perhaps someone around me or I myself might be the one who needs it someday.’ This sentiment echoed throughout the event, highlighting how humanitarian causes transcend national and cultural boundaries.

  • UAE announces amendments to corporate, business tax law

    UAE announces amendments to corporate, business tax law

    The United Arab Emirates has enacted significant amendments to its Federal Decree-Law on Corporate and Business Taxation, introducing substantial changes to tax credit utilization mechanisms and settlement procedures. These reforms, announced on December 15, 2025, establish a structured framework for calculating and settling corporate tax liabilities while enhancing clarity regarding incentive programs.

    The revised legislation grants taxable entities the right to claim payments for unutilized tax credits derived from approved incentives and reliefs, subject to specific conditions and procedural requirements. The new provisions establish a hierarchical settlement sequence that prioritizes withholding tax credit balances under Article 46, followed by available foreign tax credits pursuant to Article 47. Subsequent utilization involves other incentive balances determined by Cabinet decisions, with any remaining liabilities settled according to Article 48 provisions.

    Additionally, the amendments empower the Federal Tax Authority to withhold amounts from corporate tax revenues, including potential top-up tax collections, to facilitate approved claims settlement. This authority operates under directives issued by the Authority’s Board of Directors, creating a more streamlined and transparent tax administration system. These changes represent the UAE’s continued commitment to refining its business taxation environment while maintaining its competitive position as a global commercial hub.

  • Israeli troops shoot settler suspected of attempted knife attack on soldiers

    Israeli troops shoot settler suspected of attempted knife attack on soldiers

    In a rare incident highlighting the complexities of military engagement protocols, Israeli security personnel opened fire on a fellow Israeli citizen within the occupied West Bank on Monday. The event transpired at a Kedumim settlement fuel station, adjacent to Qalqilya, after soldiers perceived the individual, a man in his early twenties, as an imminent threat poised to execute a knife assault.

    Initial reports from Israeli media outlets, including Channel 14, indicate the settler was brandishing a knife toward troops, prompting a soldier to discharge their weapon to neutralize the perceived danger. The Israeli military confirmed the event, classifying it as an ‘attempted stabbing attack’ and stating the individual was ‘armed with a knife.’ They further noted that the precise circumstances surrounding the incident remain under official examination. Unverified accounts suggest the man may have been experiencing mental health difficulties.

    This occurrence unfolds against a backdrop of intense criticism directed at the Israeli military’s open-fire regulations in the West Bank. Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem has characterized these policies as increasingly ‘permissive and reckless,’ particularly since October 2023. This framework frequently authorizes lethal force against Palestinians based solely on suspicion of an impending attack.

    The gravity of these protocols is underscored by staggering statistics: over 1,000 Palestinians, among them 217 children, have lost their lives to Israeli forces in the West Bank in the subsequent period. Human rights advocates have persistently condemned what they label a systemic ‘shoot-to-kill’ practice targeting Palestinians.

    A particularly grave incident last month in Jenin involved Israeli forces executing two unarmed Palestinians at point-blank range after they had surrendered, an act captured on video and described by the United Nations as a potential ‘summary execution’—a grave breach of the Geneva Convention and international law.

  • Wellington College China leads dialogue on collaborative education for the future

    Wellington College China leads dialogue on collaborative education for the future

    Wellington College China has initiated a groundbreaking dialogue on collaborative education, hosting its inaugural Parents as Partners Conference at Wellington College International Shanghai. The event brought together nearly 300 participants, including students, parents from multiple educational institutions, and industry leaders, creating a dynamic forum for reimagining education in an era of global transformation.

    Founder and Chairman Joy Qiao Ying delivered a visionary address highlighting the evolving definition of talent amidst profound worldwide changes. Drawing from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s recent report “Education for Human Flourishing: A Conceptual Framework,” Qiao outlined five essential competencies for future success: appreciating the world, understanding the world, acting in the world, ethical competence, and adaptive problem solving.

    “These competencies represent not merely skills for children to acquire, but wisdom that parents must cultivate through thoughtful guidance and meaningful companionship,” Qiao emphasized during her presentation.

    The conference featured interactive roundtable discussions where parents shared personal narratives and professional experiences, exploring diverse perspectives on igniting children’s intrinsic motivation. This innovative platform fostered mutual listening and understanding, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to expanding communication channels between educators and families.

    Through this pioneering initiative, Wellington College China aims to strengthen the educational ecosystem by creating synergistic partnerships between schools and families, ultimately empowering students to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape with confidence and capability.

  • China denounces Japan for hyping up regular military training

    China denounces Japan for hyping up regular military training

    BEIJING — China’s Ministry of National Defense has issued a firm rebuttal to Japanese officials regarding their portrayal of Chinese military exercises as threatening regional security. Defense Spokesperson Jiang Bin addressed the matter on Monday, December 15, 2025, characterizing Japan’s comments as a deliberate diversion tactic.

    The diplomatic response came following Japanese statements concerning recent flight operations conducted by Chinese carrier-based aircraft. Jiang emphasized that these activities represent standard military training procedures that fall entirely within China’s sovereign rights. The spokesperson further asserted that such routine exercises should not be misrepresented as provocative actions.

    Jiang Bin explicitly stated that attempts to redirect attention from substantive issues through what he termed ‘baseless allegations’ would prove unsuccessful. The defense official’s remarks underscore growing tensions between the two Asian powers regarding military transparency and regional security perceptions.

    This exchange occurs amid ongoing regional discussions about military modernization and operational patterns in East Asian waters. China maintains that its military activities serve purely defensive purposes and conform to international norms governing naval operations.

  • Intl forum explores the integration of AI in basic education

    Intl forum explores the integration of AI in basic education

    Shanghai became the epicenter of educational innovation this weekend as the China International Conference on Basic Education (CICBE) 2025 convened nearly 400 international experts to chart the future of artificial intelligence in classrooms worldwide. The two-day summit, jointly organized by the Chinese Society of Education, Beijing Foreign Studies University, Shanghai Normal University, and Jiading district government, produced a groundbreaking global initiative for responsible AI adoption in learning environments.

    The conference’s centerpiece emerged as the “Initiative on Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Educational Innovation,” a six-pillar framework advocating for proactive technology integration, equitable access, AI-enhanced governance, collaborative mission fulfillment, ethical standardization, and international cooperation. This comprehensive document represents the first globally-coordinated effort to establish guardrails for AI’s educational applications.

    In his virtual address, China’s Vice-Minister of Education Ren Youqun outlined three transformational principles: ensuring inclusive access through “Digital for Good” initiatives, fostering innovation capabilities in new generations, and promoting open global collaboration in educational governance. His remarks were echoed by Chinese Society of Education President Zhu Zhiwen, who noted AI’s profound reshaping of “human production, lifestyle and education.”

    Academic heavyweights including Turing Award laureate John Edward Hopcroft provided nuanced perspectives, with the computer science pioneer observing that while “AI can serve as a powerful assistant to teachers,” it cannot replace the “essential human connection at the heart of education.” Indiana University Professor Curtis J Bonk demonstrated cutting-edge self-directed learning tools, while UNESCO Chairholder Daniel Burgos presented ethical frameworks for educational AI implementation.

    The conference structured its exploration through five specialized sub-forums examining AI’s role in educational equity, pedagogical transformation, and teacher empowerment, featuring nearly 70 experts from 13 nations. The event concluded with field visits to Shanghai’s innovative educational institutions, offering firsthand observation of technology integration practices in Jiading district’s schools and innovation hubs.

  • Saudi Arabia considering €10 billion bid to buy FC Barcelona: Goal.com

    Saudi Arabia considering €10 billion bid to buy FC Barcelona: Goal.com

    Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly preparing a monumental €10 billion offer to acquire FC Barcelona, according to Spanish media reports cited by Goal.com. This potential move represents the latest ambitious play in global football by the Saudi wealth fund, which already maintains ownership of Premier League side Newcastle United and has attracted numerous elite players to the Saudi Pro League.

    The reported interest emerges against the backdrop of Barcelona’s protracted financial crisis, which has plagued the club since the COVID-19 pandemic devastated its revenue streams. The Catalan giants have struggled under the weight of approximately €1.45 billion in debt, inherited from former president Josep Maria Bartomeu’s administration. These financial constraints have forced the club to implement drastic measures, including activating economic levers, renegotiating player contracts, and navigating La Liga’s stringent salary cap regulations.

    Despite these off-pitch challenges, Barcelona maintains its competitive excellence on the field. The club recently secured both La Liga and Copa del Rey titles and entered the current 2025-2026 season as strong contenders across all competitions under manager Hansi Flick.

    However, any acquisition attempt faces fundamental structural obstacles due to Barcelona’s unique membership model. Unlike conventional football club ownership structures, Barcelona operates as a collective entity owned by its socios (members), who retain control over governance and presidential elections. This model effectively prevents any individual or foreign entity from obtaining full ownership, rendering a complete takeover legally impossible.

    Analysts suggest that while PIF could potentially explore investment opportunities in Barcelona’s commercial operations, the club’s core identity and ownership structure remain protected from external acquisition. This potential investment represents the continuing globalization of football ownership while highlighting the enduring tradition of fan-controlled governance models in European football.

  • China to cover all ‘out-of-pocket expenses’ for childbirth from 2026

    China to cover all ‘out-of-pocket expenses’ for childbirth from 2026

    In a sweeping policy shift addressing demographic challenges, China’s National Healthcare Security Administration has declared comprehensive coverage for all out-of-pocket childbirth expenses starting in 2026. The landmark initiative will provide nationwide reimbursement for policy-covered medical services encompassing prenatal examinations and delivery procedures, effectively eliminating personal financial burdens for expecting families.

    The announcement, detailed in an official administrative report released Saturday, represents Beijing’s most aggressive measure to date in countering persistent population decline. China recorded its first population decrease in decades during 2022, with subsequent years through 2024 maintaining this downward trajectory despite previous intervention attempts.

    Demographic analysts attribute the sustained reduction to multiple structural factors including decades of one-child policy enforcement (1980-2015), accelerated urbanization patterns, and contemporary economic pressures. Soaring childcare and education costs coupled with employment instability and broader economic deceleration have further discouraged family formation among younger generations.

    This healthcare expansion builds upon existing provincial initiatives already implemented in Jilin, Jiangsu, and Shandong provinces where near-total childbirth cost coverage has been tested. The national rollout coincides with broader governmental commitments announced last March to address both aging population concerns and youth challenges through childcare subsidies and tuition-free preschool education.

    Previous pronatalist measures included extended maternity leave provisions, financial incentives, tax benefits, and housing subsidies. However, these incremental steps failed to reverse the demographic trend significantly, prompting more comprehensive intervention through direct medical cost elimination.

    The policy implementation will unfold against a backdrop of concerning demographic projections. Experts anticipate continuing birth rate declines that threaten to shrink China’s workforce while simultaneously expanding elderly populations—a dual challenge that could strain already burdened local government finances nationwide.

  • How KUMON is strengthening learning in Abu Dhabi schools

    How KUMON is strengthening learning in Abu Dhabi schools

    ABU DHABI – What began as a pilot educational program in 1998 has evolved into one of Abu Dhabi’s most enduring academic partnerships, fundamentally transforming learning methodologies for over 30,000 students. The KUMON program, initially launched through collaboration with JODCO (now INPEX/JODCO) and currently supported by ADNOC, represents a pioneering three-party corporate social responsibility initiative that now reaches approximately 6,000 learners annually.

    The program’s digital transformation through KUMON Connect has revolutionized classroom dynamics. Students utilizing iPads and stylus pens receive instantaneous feedback on handwritten answers, creating immediate correction cycles that enhance comprehension within single class periods. Educators report remarkable improvements in student focus duration and mathematical confidence, with many pupils demonstrating enhanced mental calculation capabilities for multi-step problems.

    These qualitative observations are substantiated by quantitative data, with MAP Growth assessment scores surpassing District Norm benchmarks by eight points. The digital platform’s implementation, initially accelerated as a pandemic-response measure, has since become a global model, currently supporting approximately 300,000 students worldwide.

    Beyond technological innovation, the program’s success hinges on a meticulously coordinated human ecosystem. School administrators, homeroom teachers, classroom assistants, parents, and KUMON specialists maintain continuous collaboration through regular progress reviews. Detailed data analysis of learning volume, accuracy patterns, and concentration levels enables precise intervention strategies tailored to individual student needs.

    This educational framework aligns with global shifts toward self-directed learning methodologies. The program emphasizes autodidactic principles where students independently discover solutions and develop problem-solving capabilities—a critical skill set in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and digital tools.

    Future expansion plans involve deepening partnerships with ADNOC and INPEX/JODCO to extend these learning methodologies to additional schools across the emirate. The initiative ultimately aims to develop academically confident, independent learners capable of contributing to the UAE’s global standing in coming decades.