Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Thailand says Cambodian rocket fire has caused its first civilian death in new border fighting

    Thailand says Cambodian rocket fire has caused its first civilian death in new border fighting

    A lethal escalation in the longstanding border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has resulted in the first confirmed civilian death from direct combat operations. On Sunday, a rocket attack originating from Cambodian territory struck a residential area in Thailand’s Sisaket province, killing 63-year-old villager Don Patchapan and destroying multiple homes.

    The incident occurred in Kantharalak District, where Associated Press journalists witnessed the aftermath including a completely bandaged victim being transported via ambulance and neighboring structures engulfed in flames. Thai military authorities confirmed the rocket landed near a school in a populated zone, prompting government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat to condemn Cambodia for ‘cruel and inhumane’ tactics targeting civilian areas.

    This tragedy marks a significant escalation in hostilities that reignited on December 7th after initial skirmishes wounded two Thai soldiers. The core dispute centers on competing territorial claims to border regions containing ancient temple ruins. Both nations have deployed advanced military capabilities, with Cambodia utilizing imprecise BM-21 rocket systems capable of firing 40 rockets simultaneously across 30-40 kilometer ranges, while Thailand has conducted airstrikes using fighter aircraft and surveillance drones.

    Official casualty reports indicate at least 16 Thai military fatalities and an estimated 221 Cambodian soldier deaths, though Phnom Penh has dismissed these figures as disinformation while acknowledging 11 civilian casualties. The conflict has displaced approximately 500,000 residents from border communities.

    The renewed fighting has effectively nullified a ceasefire agreement previously brokered by the United States in October. Despite former President Donald Trump’s announcement of renewed peace efforts on Friday, both Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian leadership have denied committing to de-escalation. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reinforced his nation’s stance through social media, expressing pride in national resilience against ‘aggression from neighboring countries.’

    The conflict has now expanded beyond land borders, with naval engagements reported in the Gulf of Thailand between Thai warships and Cambodian coastal defenses on Saturday, indicating potential for broader regional instability.

  • ILT20: Jahangir’s 99 steers Capitals to a thrilling nine-run win over ADKR

    ILT20: Jahangir’s 99 steers Capitals to a thrilling nine-run win over ADKR

    In a display of exceptional cricketing prowess, the Dubai Capitals clinched a nail-biting nine-run triumph against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at Zayed Cricket Stadium on Saturday. The match, part of the ongoing DP World ILT20 season, will be remembered for Shayan Jahangir’s magnificent innings that fell just one run short of a century.

    The Capitals’ innings began precariously with early wickets threatening their stability. However, the course of the game shifted dramatically when Jahangir partnered with Jordan Cox to construct a game-changing 115-run stand. Cox contributed a steady 29 runs from 30 deliveries before Jahangir took complete command of the crease.

    Jahangir’s spectacular performance featured 10 boundaries and five maximums, demonstrating both technical precision and raw power. His 99-run contribution not only anchored the Capitals’ innings but also set a new tournament record for the highest score by an associate player in ILT20 history. The team finished their allotted 20 overs at 196/5, setting a challenging target.

    The Knight Riders’ response was hampered by consistent wicket losses throughout their innings, though Andre Russell provided late drama with an explosive unbeaten 53 from just 33 deliveries. His heroic effort, including powerful hitting in the final overs, brought momentary hope to the Abu Dhabi camp. However, the Capitals’ bowling unit maintained composure under pressure, with Waqar Salamkheil claiming three crucial wickets for 34 runs.

    Jahangir, awarded Player of the Match, expressed his pride in representing American cricket on the international stage: ‘I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the win. Performances like these will bring greater recognition to US cricket, where the sport is making strong progress.’

    Capitals captain Dasun Shanaka praised his team’s resilience: ‘Jahangir showed tremendous character after a difficult powerplay. Having experienced players like Nabi in critical moments made my leadership decisions considerably easier.’

    The victory marks the Capitals’ second consecutive win this season, significantly boosting team morale and positioning them favorably in the tournament standings.

  • Three US personnel killed in Islamic State attack on convoy in central Syria

    Three US personnel killed in Islamic State attack on convoy in central Syria

    A deadly assault on a joint U.S.-Syrian military convoy in central Syria has resulted in significant casualties, marking a severe escalation in regional security concerns. According to U.S. Central Command, three American personnel—two army soldiers and one civilian interpreter—were killed when a lone gunman opened fire during a ‘key leader engagement’ operation in the town of Palmyra on Saturday. Three additional U.S. service members sustained injuries in the attack.

    The suspected Islamic State attacker was subsequently neutralized by accompanying ‘partner forces,’ as confirmed by U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth via social media. While IS has not formally claimed responsibility for the assault, preliminary assessments from senior U.S. officials indicate the armed group as the probable perpetrator. The incident occurred in an area beyond Syrian government control, highlighting the persistent volatility in the region.

    Syrian state media SANA, citing security sources, reported that two Syrian service members were wounded in the exchange and were evacuated by U.S. helicopters to the Al-Tanf base near the Iraqi border. The U.S. military has announced it will withhold the identities of the deceased until 24 hours after next-of-kin notifications are completed.

    Tom Barrack, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria, condemned the attack, stating: ‘We mourn the loss of three brave U.S. service members and civilian personnel and wish a speedy recovery to the Syrian troops wounded in the attack. We remain committed to defeating terrorism with our Syrian partners.’

    This violence occurs weeks after Syria and the U.S.-led coalition announced enhanced political cooperation against IS, coinciding with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s White House visit. U.S.-led forces have intensified counter-IS operations in recent months, frequently collaborating with Syrian security forces who reported arresting over 70 suspected IS affiliates nationwide last month. The United States maintains several hundred troops in northeastern Syria as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts.

  • High-end car sales sink in China as its economy slows, taking a toll on European automakers

    High-end car sales sink in China as its economy slows, taking a toll on European automakers

    A significant transformation is underway in China’s automotive sector as consumer preferences increasingly favor affordable domestic vehicles over premium European imports. This shift presents substantial challenges for established luxury automakers including Porsche, Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW that have traditionally dominated the high-end segment of the world’s largest car market.

    Multiple economic factors are driving this market realignment. China’s prolonged property downturn has diminished consumer appetite for major discretionary purchases, while cultural shifts have made affluent buyers more discreet about displaying wealth. According to Paul Gong, Head of China Automotive Industry Research at UBS, these trends have created a more price-sensitive consumer base.

    The Chinese government’s trade-in subsidy program, offering approximately 20,000 yuan ($2,830) for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle purchases, has further accelerated this transition. Consumers are increasingly selecting entry-level vehicles where this discount represents a more significant percentage of the total price—a category predominantly filled by Chinese manufacturers.

    S&P Global Ratings’ China Autos Director Claire Yuan confirms that slowing economic growth has directly impacted premium vehicle demand. Market data reveals that premium car sales (typically priced above 300,000 yuan or $42,400) have declined from 15% market share in 2023 to 13% through the first three quarters of 2025, reversing years of expansion.

    Chinese manufacturers, particularly electric vehicle leader BYD, have capitalized on this shift through aggressive technological innovation and competitive pricing strategies. These domestic brands have demonstrated remarkable competitiveness even in premium segments, with their overall market share reaching nearly 70% of passenger car sales in the first eleven months of this year.

    The impact on European manufacturers has been substantial: Mercedes-Benz reported a 27% year-on-year sales decline in China during the July-September quarter, while BMW and Mini sales dropped 11.2% through September 2025. Ferrari experienced a 13% shipment decrease to Greater China, its only declining market globally.

    The secondary market reflects similar pressures, with luxury vehicles experiencing significant depreciation. A Beijing Porsche dealership reported a 2024 Panamera model with minimal mileage selling for approximately 950,000 yuan ($134,300)—a substantial discount from its original 1.4 million yuan ($198,454) price tag. Dealers across premium brands report similar valuation declines amid what Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius describes as ‘hyper-competition’ in the Chinese market.

    Despite record monthly production exceeding 3.5 million units in November, domestic auto sales have contracted by 4% year-on-year as regional subsidy programs expire. This combination of economic pressure, competitive domestic alternatives, and changing consumer behavior has fundamentally altered China’s automotive landscape, creating an increasingly challenging environment for foreign luxury brands.

  • Two American troops, interpreter killed in Syria in ambush attack

    Two American troops, interpreter killed in Syria in ambush attack

    In a devastating attack in central Syria on Saturday, two American military personnel and a local interpreter were killed by a lone ISIS gunman. The ambush occurred during a joint US-Syrian patrol operation near the historic city of Palmyra, marking the first such incident since the recent political upheaval in Syria.

    US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the fatalities through an official statement on social media platform X, revealing that three additional troops sustained injuries during the engagement. According to Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, the soldiers were participating in ‘key leader engagement’ activities supporting counter-terrorism initiatives when the attack unfolded.

    The assailant, identified as an alleged Islamic State operative, was subsequently ‘engaged and killed’ by partner forces according to CENTCOM. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterized the perpetrator as ‘the savage who perpetrated this attack’ in his own social media response.

    The complex operational environment was highlighted by a Pentagon official speaking anonymously, who noted the attack occurred in ‘an area where the Syrian President does not have control.’ Syrian state media SANA initially reported multiple casualties among both US and Syrian service members, citing security sources who described the operation as a ‘joint field tour’ in territory formerly controlled by Islamic State militants.

    According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the meeting represented part of broader American efforts to ‘strengthen its presence and foothold in the Syrian desert.’ Anonymous military sources indicated the shooting occurred during direct negotiations between Syrian and American officers at a Syrian base in Palmyra, with witnesses reporting gunfire originating from within the military installation.

    Medical evacuation helicopters promptly transported the wounded to the US-operated Al-Tanf base in southern Syria. The timing is particularly significant following last month’s diplomatic milestone that saw Damascus formally join the US-led global coalition against ISIS during President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to Washington.

    US forces maintain strategic deployments across northeastern Kurdish-controlled regions and at the Al-Tanf garrison near the Jordanian border, continuing their counter-terrorism mission despite the evolving security landscape.

  • UAE Lottery: Three players bag Dh100,000 each; check out winning numbers

    UAE Lottery: Three players bag Dh100,000 each; check out winning numbers

    The UAE Lottery has concluded its 28th Lucky Day draw, marking the continuation of its newly implemented weekly Saturday schedule. Three fortunate participants each secured Dh100,000 prizes through the Lucky Chance segment of the popular lottery program.

    The winning numbers for the December 13th draw were officially released as 13, 23, 21, 16, 8, and 5, with the Lucky Month number designated as 5. The three grand prize winners in the Lucky Chance category were identified by their unique identification codes: DE8150622, CC5326319, and BB2657706.

    This draw represents a significant transition in the UAE Lottery’s operational framework. The organization recently implemented substantial modifications to its prize structure and scheduling format during its first anniversary celebration. The updated system now features a consolidated weekly draw every Saturday with revised prize allocations, including a Dh30 million grand prize and Dh5 million secondary prize.

    The November 29th draw historically concluded the original format after 26 consecutive draws, distributing over Dh147 million in total prizes throughout its initial cycle. The previous system produced more than 100,000 winners and created five millionaires who each claimed Dh1 million prizes during the program’s inaugural year.

    Lottery officials confirmed that 180 participants have already successfully claimed prizes through the Lucky Chance identification system to date. The transition to weekly draws aims to create more frequent winning opportunities for participants while maintaining the lottery’s commitment to substantial prize distributions.

  • First it was K-pop, now it’s K-food. Here’s how to bring Korean cooking into your kitchen

    First it was K-pop, now it’s K-food. Here’s how to bring Korean cooking into your kitchen

    In a London apartment filled with the pungent aroma of fermentation, Korean-American chef Judy Joo guides a group of food writers through the ancient art of kimchi-making. The scene represents more than just a cooking class—it symbolizes Korean cuisine’s remarkable journey into the British mainstream.

    Participants don plastic gloves to massage vibrant red paste into cabbage wedges, learning techniques passed down through generations like culinary heirlooms. The session, connected to Ocado’s new Korean food aisle, reflects a broader cultural shift occurring across the United Kingdom.

    Korean food’s arrival in Britain has been both gradual and deliberate. Unlike other Asian cuisines that initially faced cultural confusion—often mistaken for variations of Chinese food—Korean gastronomy has carved its own distinct identity. The transformation began accelerating after South Korea’s 2009 “Global Hansik” campaign, which invested government resources in international restaurant promotion and chef training.

    The current Korean culinary wave rides alongside the broader Hallyu cultural movement. Netflix’s popular competition show “Culinary Class Wars” returns for its second season after dominating global non-English charts, while food-centered dramas showcase innovative fusion dishes to international audiences.

    Supermarket metrics confirm the trend: Waitrose reports a 60% year-on-year increase in “Korean BBQ” searches and a 70% sales surge for gochujang paste. Kimchi ranks among the retailer’s fastest-growing international products.

    Nutritionist Emer Lowry explains the scientific appeal: “Fermented foods like kimchi have entered mainstream consciousness not just for their complex flavors, but for demonstrated benefits including improved digestion and healthier gut microbiomes.”

    Social media analytics reveal deepening engagement. According to food giant CJ’s Bibigo division, UK TikTok posts mentioning Korean food have surged from under 10,000 in 2023 to over 17,000 in 2025, indicating organic, curiosity-driven interest.

    In North London’s Cálong restaurant, Chef Joo Won represents the next evolution: adapting traditional Korean techniques to British ingredients. His culinary philosophy embraces thoughtful adaptation rather than rigid authenticity. “If an ingredient doesn’t suit Korean seasoning,” he notes, “there’s no need to force gochujang onto it.”

    Beyond restaurants, grassroots movements flourish. Yoonsun Chang’s LoKoLi supper clubs offer intimate experiences centered on jeong (Korean hospitality) and inyeon (meaningful connections formed at the table). Her guests increasingly seek the domestic aspects of Korean culture—table settings, everyday dishes, and their stories—rather than just popular music and dramas.

    The cultural impact becomes evident in unexpected places. Chang observes that pubs and restaurants now use authentic kimchi instead of generic pickles in their “kimchi burgers,” indicating genuine integration rather than superficial appropriation.

    For British YouTubers Armand and Max, exposure to Korean food through the “Korean Englishman” channel fundamentally changed their eating habits. “The flavor profiles were completely different from anything we’d experienced,” Max recalls. “Fermented cabbage, kimchi—we’d never had anything like it.”

    Back in Judy Joo’s kitchen, as cabbages transform into future fermented delicacies, participants leave with more than just jars of kimchi—they carry pieces of a cultural tradition that has found a new home in British culinary landscape. While Korean food hasn’t replaced traditional British takeaways, it has undoubtedly secured its place in the nation’s diverse gastronomic identity.

  • I’m Muslim but I mark Shabbat’: How an Indian man is keeping a Jewish legacy alive

    I’m Muslim but I mark Shabbat’: How an Indian man is keeping a Jewish legacy alive

    In the heart of Kochi’s historic Jew Town, where cobbled lanes echo with centuries of multicultural heritage, Thaha Ibrahim maintains an extraordinary cultural legacy. The 55-year-old Muslim embroidery artisan now operates what remains as the final Jewish embroidery shop in this southern Indian city—once known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea for its significance as a spice trade hub.

    His establishment still bears the sign ‘Sarah Cohen’s Home,’ honoring the Jewish woman who became his mentor and surrogate mother. Their unconventional friendship defied religious and economic boundaries, spanning nearly four decades until Sarah’s death in 2019 at age 96. Thaha first began assisting in the shop in 2000, eventually taking full ownership according to Sarah’s final wishes.

    The shop’s origins trace back to the early 1980s when Thaha, then a teenage school dropout selling postcards to tourists, encountered the Cohens by chance. Initially met with skepticism by Sarah, their relationship transformed when Thaha demonstrated natural talent for embroidery—a skill likely inherited from his tailor father. Under Sarah’s guidance, he mastered creating traditional Jewish items including kippahs (skullcaps), challah covers, and menorahs.

    Jew Town itself tells a story of vanishing heritage. Once home to 2,500 Jews in the 18th century, the community has dwindled to a single remaining Jewish resident today. Jewish settlement in Kerala dates back 2,000 years during King Solomon’s reign, with later waves of Sephardic Jews arriving in 1492 fleeing Spanish persecution. These communities collectively became known as Cochin Jews, living under the protection of local rulers in what was historically a multicultural trading center.

    The exodus accelerated after Israel’s establishment in 1948, with most families seeking better economic opportunities or marriage prospects abroad. Scholar Anna Zacharias notes that religious persecution was never a factor in multicultural Kochi, where Jews maintained their identity while integrating through speaking Malayalam and participating in local culture.

    Thaha honors his promise to preserve Sarah’s legacy with profound respect for Jewish traditions. He closes the shop on Shabbat, lights the traditional Friday evening lamp despite being a practicing Muslim, and regularly visits Sarah’s grave at the Jewish cemetery. ‘To me, it’s not about religion but about humanity,’ he reflects—a testament to intercultural bonds that endure beyond religious divisions.

  • London police will not probe former Prince Andrew over Giuffre allegation

    London police will not probe former Prince Andrew over Giuffre allegation

    The Metropolitan Police Service has formally concluded its assessment into allegations against the Duke of York, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, announcing it will pursue no criminal investigation regarding claims he utilized royal protection officers to discredit his accuser. This decision marks another significant development in the long-running saga involving the British royal family and the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

    Commander Ella Marriott, a senior Metropolitan Police official, stated that a comprehensive review of available evidence failed to establish grounds for misconduct or criminal proceedings. The assessment specifically addressed allegations that emerged in the posthumously published memoir of Virginia Giuffre, which detailed claims that Andrew directed his taxpayer-funded security detail to investigate her for a potential smear campaign in 2011.

    Despite this closure, the legal challenges for the former prince may not be entirely over. Commander Marriott noted that the force remains open to reviewing any new evidence that might emerge from ongoing court document unsealing proceedings in the United States. This statement leaves a conditional avenue for future investigation should substantial information come to light.

    The police decision follows King Charles III’s historic October move to strip his brother of royal titles and military affiliations, effectively removing him from official royal duties. The monarch additionally revoked Andrew’s residence privileges at the royal estate in Windsor, signaling the firmest institutional response to the controversy to date.

    Giuffre’s memoir, published following her tragic death in April at age 41, contained detailed accounts of alleged sexual encounters with Andrew, including instances she claimed occurred while she was a minor. These allegations initially sparked widespread public condemnation and intensified scrutiny of Andrew’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

    The Metropolitan Police’s announcement represents the latest chapter in a story that continues to unfold through American legal channels, where additional court documents related to the Epstein case remain pending release.

  • The Mask, Pulp Fiction star Peter Greene passes away at 60

    The Mask, Pulp Fiction star Peter Greene passes away at 60

    Peter Greene, the acclaimed character actor celebrated for his compelling performances in cinematic classics including ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘The Mask’, has died at the age of 60. His passing was confirmed on Friday, December 12th, after he was discovered deceased in his Lower East Side apartment in New York City.

    Greene’s manager, Gregg Edwards, formally verified the tragic news in an official statement. The specific circumstances and cause of his death have not been publicly disclosed at this time.

    The New Jersey-born performer launched his on-screen career with a 1990 guest spot on NBC’s crime series ‘Hardball’. His journey into feature films commenced two years later with a role in ‘Laws of Gravity’, sharing the screen with Edie Falco.

    Greene’s breakthrough arrived in the mid-1990s with a series of iconic performances. He memorably portrayed the sinister antagonist Dorian Tyrell opposite Jim Carrey in the 1994 blockbuster ‘The Mask’. That same year, he delivered a powerful performance as Zed in Quentin Tarantino’s groundbreaking film ‘Pulp Fiction’.

    His extensive filmography includes significant roles in ‘Clean Shaven’ (1993), ‘The Usual Suspects’ (1995), ‘Kiss & Tell’ (1997), ‘Blue Streak’ (1999), and the critically acclaimed drama ‘Training Day’ (2001) where he acted alongside Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke.

    Beyond his film work, Greene established a substantial television presence with recurring roles in ‘The Black Donnellys’, ‘Life on Mars’, and ‘Chicago P.D.’. His most recent appearances included the John Wick prequel series ‘The Continental’ in 2023 and an episode of ‘Dope Thief’ earlier this year.

    Peter Greene is survived by his sister and brother. The entertainment industry mourns the loss of a distinctive talent whose contributions to film and television left an indelible mark on popular culture.