Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Hamas, Israel edge toward 2nd phase ceasefire

    Hamas, Israel edge toward 2nd phase ceasefire

    Significant progress emerges in the Israel-Hamas peace process as both parties indicate readiness to advance toward the second phase of their truce agreement. Palestinian militant group Hamas has expressed unprecedented willingness to discuss disarmament terms, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledges the challenging road ahead in achieving Gaza’s demilitarization.

    Bassem Naim, a Hamas political bureau member, articulated the group’s openness to a comprehensive approach during discussions with The Associated Press in Qatar. While welcoming the potential deployment of a United Nations stabilization force along border regions to monitor ceasefire compliance, Naim explicitly rejected any international military presence within Palestinian territories.

    The diplomatic developments follow reports that U.S. President Donald Trump intends to announce the transition to Phase Two of the Gaza peace process before Christmas. This phase addresses the most contentious elements of the agreement, including Hamas’s disarmament and Gaza’s demilitarization.

    Netanyahu, during a Jerusalem news conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, confirmed that Israel anticipates moving to the second phase shortly after recovering the remains of deceased hostage Ran Gvili. The Israeli leader credited military pressure and Trump’s diplomatic engagement with Arab and Muslim nations for compelling Hamas to negotiate.

    Despite these diplomatic advances, tensions persist on the ground. Israeli forces reportedly stormed a UN relief agency headquarters in East Jerusalem, while settlers continued land operations in the northern Jordan Valley. These actions have raised concerns among Arab and Muslim-majority nations, particularly following Israel’s announcement about opening the Rafah crossing, which prompted eight countries to issue statements rejecting Palestinian displacement.

    Regional analysts warn that Israel’s objections to proposed stabilization force participants—specifically Türkiye and Qatar—and its continued military operations threaten to undermine the entire peace process. Haydar Oruc, a Middle East researcher, emphasized that Israel must cease attacks, permit humanitarian access, and allow interim administration establishment to facilitate successful transition to Phase Two.

  • Thai airstrikes target border with Cambodia

    Thai airstrikes target border with Cambodia

    Military tensions between Thailand and Cambodia reached a dangerous new level on Monday as Thai fighter jets conducted aerial assaults along their shared border, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing territorial dispute. The Royal Thai Air Force confirmed deploying F-16 aircraft to strike what it identified as Cambodian fire-support positions, command centers, and logistical routes that allegedly threatened Thai sovereignty.

    The aerial offensive follows weekend ground clashes in the Ubon Ratchathani Province that resulted in the death of at least one Thai soldier and multiple casualties on both sides. Thai military spokesperson Jackkrit Thammavichai asserted that Cambodia had mobilized heavy weaponry and repositioned combat units, necessitating what he described as ‘carefully executed defensive measures.’

    Cambodia’s Defense Ministry vehemently denied these allegations, stating that their forces had not violated any ceasefire agreements and rejecting claims of heavy weapons deployment. According to reports from Agence France-Presse, the recent hostilities have claimed the lives of at least four Cambodian civilians, with Defense Ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata accusing Thai forces of targeting non-combatants.

    The humanitarian consequences are rapidly mounting, with approximately 400,000 residents evacuated across four Thai border provinces and the closure of hundreds of educational institutions. On the Cambodian side, 377 schools serving nearly 78,600 students have suspended operations indefinitely.

    Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declared that military operations would continue ‘as necessary according to the situation,’ while Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen urged restraint among frontline troops. The economic implications are already causing concern among analysts, with Kiatnakin Phatra Securities economist Pipat Luengnaruemitchai warning of potential damage to tourism and trade networks.

    Academic voices including Professor Puangthong Pawakapan of Chulalongkorn University have called for neutral observers to monitor the conflict and prevent further escalation, emphasizing that the violence ‘benefits no one—especially border communities and the long-term economic stability of both nations.’

  • China launches new internet satellite group

    China launches new internet satellite group

    China has successfully deployed its fifteenth cluster of low-orbit internet satellites in a landmark launch operation conducted Tuesday morning. The mission originated from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi Province at precisely 6:11 am Beijing Time (2211 GMT Monday).

    A modified Long March-6 carrier rocket propelled the latest satellite constellation into predetermined orbit, marking another significant advancement in China’s ambitious space-based internet infrastructure project. This deployment represents the 613th flight mission within the Long March rocket family’s operational history, underscoring China’s growing capabilities in space technology and telecommunications.

    The newly launched satellites will join an expanding network designed to provide global internet coverage from low Earth orbit. This strategic initiative aims to deliver high-speed connectivity to remote and underserved regions worldwide while enhancing China’s technological presence in the increasingly competitive space communications sector.

    Space industry analysts note that this consistent deployment rhythm demonstrates China’s methodical approach to building critical space infrastructure. The successful mission further solidifies China’s position as a major player in the global race to develop next-generation satellite internet services, competing with other international satellite constellations currently under development.

  • Rendezvous with rich heritage

    Rendezvous with rich heritage

    In an inspiring fusion of tradition and modernity, Yang Yuxiao has transformed her career path from international trade to cultural preservation. After five years working as a Paris-based trader specializing in crafts and artworks, the French-educated professional made a pivotal decision in 2016 to return to her roots in Linhai, Zhejiang province. Her mission: to reinvigorate the ancient art of Linhai paper-cutting, recognized as part of Zhejiang’s intangible cultural heritage since 2007.

    Yang assumed leadership of the Zhang Xiujuan Paper Cutting Museum, founded by her mother who serves as a respected bearer of this cultural tradition. Confronting the challenges of preserving delicate paper artworks vulnerable to humidity and fading, Yang pioneered innovative solutions that have secured 13 national patents. Her breakthrough came with developing paper-cutting techniques using alternative materials including silk and cashmere cotton, creating both durable and marketable products.

    Beyond material innovations, Yang has strategically expanded the art form’s applications through contemporary product designs featuring traditional patterns. Her creations now adorn functional items including fashion accessories, bags, coasters, and traditional Chinese cloud shoulders (shawls). This commercial approach has generated sustainable revenue through gift orders while preserving artistic integrity.

    The enterprise operates through a multi-tiered production system: collectible pieces crafted by Yang and her mother, alongside cultural gifts produced by approximately 30 project-based artisans. Yang has additionally established educational initiatives that provide vocational training to local villagers, having conducted over 150 sessions with more than 2,000 participants. Her international outreach includes livestreamed classes attracting global students from the United States, Spain, Hungary, and beyond, complemented by cultural exchange programs including a recent visit to South Korea.

    At 36, Yang balances innovation with tradition, stating: ‘To sustain our intangible cultural heritage work, we need products that can support us financially.’ Her vision continues to evolve toward making Linhai paper-cutting relevant to younger generations through everyday integration rather than merely wall decorations, ensuring this family legacy thrives through contemporary relevance.

  • High-skilled generation

    High-skilled generation

    In a remarkable display of dedication to professional excellence, China’s young skilled workers are redefining vocational achievement through intense preparation and national competition. The recently concluded Third Vocational Skills Competition in Zhengzhou, Henan province, served as the culminating platform for these efforts, featuring 3,420 competitors across 106 specialized events.

    The story of Li Minghui, a 29-year-old instructor from Henan Technician College of Medicine and Health, exemplifies the extraordinary commitment required to excel in these prestigious competitions. For nearly two years, Li maintained a rigorous training schedule that blurred the lines between weekdays and weekends, often working until 10 PM nightly. Her perseverance culminated in a gold medal achievement in early childhood care—a category demanding both technical precision and emotional intelligence.

    Li’s preparation extended far beyond basic technical rehearsal. She dedicated countless hours to mastering subtle techniques, including the exact pressure required to support an infant’s head, neck, and spine, and developed specialized methods for infant care using only wrist strength and hollow palm techniques. “The smallest details matter tremendously in this profession,” Li emphasized, noting that procedures like artificial respiration require complete mouth and nose coverage while maintaining perfect rhythm.

    The competition itself presented multifaceted challenges across six rounds covering four core modules. Participants demonstrated expertise in artificial feeding, environmental disinfection, medication administration, and traditional Chinese infant massage (tuina), while also performing CPR with exact compression depth requirements. Beyond technical execution, competitors had to maintain emotional connections with simulated infants and respond professionally to standardized ‘parents’ identifying potential safety concerns.

    This national skills showcase represents China’s strategic investment in vocational education, backed by substantial resources, legal reforms, and focused development of high-end skills for emerging industrial sectors. With 66 events serving as selection trials for the WorldSkills Competition, the event highlights China’s growing emphasis on vocational excellence as a cornerstone of national development.

  • National games for the disabled boost regional ties

    National games for the disabled boost regional ties

    In an unprecedented demonstration of regional collaboration, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has launched the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities alongside the 9th National Special Olympic Games. This landmark event, which commenced on Monday, represents the first joint hosting of China’s premier disability sports competitions across multiple administrative regions, signaling a new era of coordinated development and social inclusion.

    The games feature an extensive competitive program comprising 46 major sporting categories and 1,876 subevents, blending 11 mass participation sports with nine Paralympic disciplines. A record-breaking contingent of 7,824 athletes from 34 national delegations has registered for the events, supported by over 11,000 participants including technical officials, coaches, and support staff—marking a substantial 30 percent increase from previous editions.

    Executive deputy-general Yong Zhijun emphasized the event’s significance beyond athletic competition, noting it showcases China’s advancements in disability support during the 14th Five-Year Plan period while strengthening regional integration. ‘This collaboration powerfully demonstrates the strengths of the “one country, two systems” framework while promoting coordinated growth throughout the Greater Bay Area,’ Yong stated at a Guangzhou press conference.

    Infrastructure preparation has been comprehensive, with Guangdong utilizing 36 competition venues—22 repurposed from last month’s 15th National Games and 14 specifically configured for disability sports. All facilities meet rigorous national accessibility standards, featuring ramps, tactile paving, adapted toilets, wheelchair seating, sign language interpretation systems, and smart information services to ensure full participation.

    Regional cooperation extends beyond Guangdong, with Hong Kong hosting four events including boccia, wheelchair fencing, and Paralympic table tennis, while Macao oversees badminton competitions. Both special administrative regions have implemented specialized support systems, with Macao establishing green channels at border ports for expedited clearance and Hong Kong emphasizing the games’ role in breaking down physical and administrative barriers through resource sharing.

    The human dimension remains central to the event, with approximately 1,500 volunteers receiving specialized training in sign language communication and assistance techniques for participants with varying disabilities. These volunteers will provide comprehensive support across competition services, venue logistics, and hospitality functions throughout the games period.

  • Key mechanism on crop improvement unlocked

    Key mechanism on crop improvement unlocked

    Chinese researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in plant biology by identifying a fundamental mechanism that governs the function of plant stem cells. This breakthrough, published in the prestigious journal Science, reveals how mechanical properties of plant cell walls regulate stem cell activity—a finding with profound implications for future crop improvement strategies.

    The research team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences demonstrated that the cell wall, traditionally considered a static structural component, dynamically participates in plant development. They discovered that pectin, the primary cell wall component, exhibits a bimodal distribution in stem cell regions at plant shoot tips. Mature cell walls maintain rigidity through highly methylesterified pectin, while newly formed walls during cell division remain soft and flexible due to de-methylesterified pectin.

    Central to this process is the identification of PME5, a key enzyme that softens pectin through precise regulation. The researchers uncovered a sophisticated nuclear sequestration mechanism where PME5 messenger RNA remains confined within the nucleus until cell division occurs. During division, nuclear disassembly releases the mRNA, enabling immediate translation into the PME5 enzyme that targets new cell walls at exactly the right time and location.

    This decade-long research project revealed that this regulatory mechanism is not unique to PME5 but shared by several related enzymes. The bimodal wall pattern was observed across diverse crop species, indicating it represents a fundamental aspect of plant growth architecture. The findings provide both theoretical foundation and technological pathway for programming stem cell activity to optimize plant structures, potentially leading to enhanced crop yields, improved quality, and greater resilience against environmental stresses.

    The discovery opens new avenues for agricultural innovation, offering scientists the ability to potentially design plants with larger grains, increased tillers, and bigger fruits. This advancement holds significant promise for addressing global food security challenges by enabling more precise control over crop development processes.

  • Guangdong blueprint aims to drive GBA’s integrated growth

    Guangdong blueprint aims to drive GBA’s integrated growth

    Guangdong Province has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to propel the integrated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), positioning itself as the primary engine for regional advancement. The blueprint, released as part of the province’s recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), outlines ambitious plans to transform the 11-city cluster into a global innovation and industrial hub through enhanced collaboration with Hong Kong and Macao.

    The strategic framework emphasizes three core pillars for achieving deeper integration: strengthening infrastructure connectivity, aligning regulatory mechanisms, and fostering people-to-people exchanges. Guangdong will work closely with the two special administrative regions to establish multilayered consultation channels and develop a comprehensive cooperation architecture that facilitates seamless regional coordination.

    Key cooperation platforms in Qianhai, Hengqin, and Nansha will receive heightened focus as testing grounds for policy innovation and regional integration. The Hengqin cooperation zone will accelerate integration with Macao through an optimized ‘separate line management’ system and accelerated development of four target industries: sci-tech research and high-end manufacturing, traditional Chinese medicine, cultural tourism and conventions, and modern finance. This initiative directly supports Macao’s strategic objective of economic diversification.

    Nansha will evolve into a hub for high-tech and port-adjacent industries, while Guangzhou’s free trade zone transforms into a comprehensive service center for Chinese enterprises expanding overseas.

    Academic experts highlight the GBA’s potential to emerge as the world’s largest economic hub and a global leader in technological innovation by 2035. Professor Zheng Yongnian of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen) notes that while Guangdong still faces technological gaps, the province should focus on building large-scale scientific systems to nurture productive forces and accelerate applied technology commercialization.

    However, challenges remain in cross-boundary factor flows, including professional qualification recognition, cross-boundary financing, and data transfer mechanisms. As Assistant Professor Dai Zhipeng of Shenzhen MSU-BIT University observes, ‘Cross-boundary integration not only involves regulatory frameworks but also social and administrative systems. The fundamental breakthrough lies in system and rule alignment.’

  • US isn’t winning trade war despite drop in its imports from China

    US isn’t winning trade war despite drop in its imports from China

    Despite imposing aggressive tariffs on Chinese imports since April, the United States finds itself confronting an unexpected outcome: China’s global trade surplus has surged to unprecedented levels rather than diminishing. Over the eight-month period following President Trump’s tariff implementation, Chinese exports to the US witnessed a dramatic 26% year-on-year decline. However, this apparent victory for American trade policy has been overshadowed by China’s remarkable adaptability in global markets.

    Analysis of the recently released US National Security Strategy reveals a notable moderation in tone toward China, suggesting administration officials may be acknowledging the complex realities of the trade conflict. The document, while critical of previous administrations’ China policies, emphasizes aspirations for ‘balance’ and ‘reciprocity’ rather than confrontational rhetoric. This represents a significant departure from earlier hardline positions.

    The strategic report acknowledges China’s recycling of approximately $1.3 trillion in trade surpluses into loans across developing nations, creating new economic and security challenges for the US and its allies. It calls for coordinated efforts with European and Asian partners to address China’s economic practices while advocating for reforms in multilateral development institutions to better serve American interests.

    Chinese analysts have detected this subtle shift in Washington’s approach, interpreting the moderated language as recognition of China’s growing economic resilience. Despite the substantial decline in direct US-China trade, Chinese manufacturers have successfully diversified export routes through ASEAN nations, the European Union, and other markets. This strategic pivot has enabled China to achieve a 5.4% increase in overall exports, reaching $3.41 trillion in the first eleven months of the year, with a record trade surplus of $1.08 trillion.

    The complex trade dynamics continue to evolve as both nations reassess their positions. While the US maintains its focus on protecting economic interests, China’s demonstrated capacity to navigate trade barriers suggests the conflict may be entering a new phase of strategic recalibration rather than resolution.

  • China is watching Trump’s Venezuela campaign closely

    China is watching Trump’s Venezuela campaign closely

    The Trump administration’s escalating campaign against Venezuela has reached a critical juncture with the U.S. president declaring the nation’s airspace ‘closed’—a move historically associated with impending military interventions. This development has triggered significant geopolitical repercussions, particularly from China, which has firmly opposed the declaration as a violation of international norms and national sovereignty.

    Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian articulated Beijing’s position on December 3, emphasizing rejection of any pretext for interfering in Venezuela’s internal affairs. This stance aligns with China’s broader strategy to expand its influence across Latin America, a region traditionally dominated by U.S. interests. The Trump administration’s threats potentially jeopardize China’s substantial economic and political investments throughout the hemisphere.

    China’s deepening ties with Latin America represent a decades-long expansion, with Brazil exemplifying this strategic partnership. Despite initial expectations that President Jair Bolsonaro’s right-wing government would align with Washington, China emerged as Brazil’s largest trading partner by 2020, accounting for over 30% of its exports. This relationship has only strengthened under Bolsonaro’s successor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, particularly as the U.S.-China trade war made Brazil a crucial alternative source of agricultural products like soybeans.

    Venezuela itself has become increasingly dependent on Chinese markets, with China becoming the primary destination for Venezuelan oil. Current estimates suggest China purchases approximately 268,000 barrels daily, though actual figures may be higher due to mislabeling practices aimed at circumventing U.S. sanctions. This energy relationship supports China’s efforts to diversify its natural resource sources and maintain manufacturing advantages.

    The White House’s December 2 statement reaffirming commitment to the Monroe Doctrine—and introducing a new ‘Trump Corollary’ emphasizing U.S. control in the hemisphere—signals a deliberate challenge to Chinese influence. However, China’s primarily economic engagement in Latin America remains transactional rather than alliance-based, creating potential strains with regional partners who might expect stronger support during crises.

    Despite military non-interventionism, China stands to benefit from increased regional tensions through expanded arms sales. Venezuela already purchases Chinese military equipment ranging from riot gear to missiles, with other nations including Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador following similar paths. As the Trump administration recalibrates U.S. military presence per its National Security Strategy, China carefully monitors developments that could affect its carefully cultivated influence in Latin America.