Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • ICC approves ex Philippine President Duterte’s request to skip pre-trial hearing

    ICC approves ex Philippine President Duterte’s request to skip pre-trial hearing

    The International Criminal Court’s Pre-Trial Chamber I has authorized former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to absent himself from the upcoming confirmation of charges hearing scheduled for February 23-27, 2026. This judicial decision permits the proceedings to advance despite the defendant’s non-attendance, marking a significant development in the high-profile case concerning Duterte’s controversial war on drugs campaign.

    The prosecution team, led by Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang, had formally contested Duterte’s petition in a comprehensive six-page submission dated February 19. The legal opposition argued that the former leader’s justification—centered on non-recognition of the court’s jurisdiction and claims of political persecution—failed to meet the necessary legal standards for excusal from physical appearance.

    Court documents reveal Duterte’s defense characterized the charges as “an outrageous lie” fabricated by political adversaries, while simultaneously asserting that his involvement with the ICC proceedings amounted to being “kidnapped” by the judicial process. These statements, according to prosecution analysis, demonstrate Duterte’s continued rejection of the court’s legitimacy and authority.

    The upcoming hearing represents a critical phase in determining whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed to full trial regarding allegations of crimes against humanity connected to Duterte’s anti-drug initiative, which reportedly resulted in thousands of fatalities during his presidential term from 2016 to 2022.

  • IMF rebukes China’s model with its own credibility in tatters

    IMF rebukes China’s model with its own credibility in tatters

    The International Monetary Fund confronts a deepening legitimacy crisis as its traditional neoliberal prescriptions face irrelevance in the Trump era and prove inadequate for addressing China’s unique economic challenges. This crisis emerges as the IMF urges Beijing to abandon its state-driven industrial model while navigating a global landscape transformed by geopolitical adventurism and economic nationalism.

    The Fund’s latest assessment identifies China’s export-heavy growth strategy as fundamentally distorting global trade patterns. IMF executives specifically highlight Beijing’s allocation of approximately 4% of GDP to corporate subsidies in critical sectors, creating worldwide economic imbalances. They emphasize that transitioning to consumption-led growth represents China’s ‘overarching priority,’ noting that the nation’s substantial current-account surplus generates ‘adverse spillovers to trading partners.’

    China’s economic dilemmas extend beyond trade imbalances. IMF Asia Pacific Deputy Director Thomas Helbling identifies the property sector crisis as the ‘elephant in the room,’ with unfinished properties severely undermining investor confidence. The institution advocates for comprehensive structural reforms including central government financing to address presold unfinished housing and strengthened social protection systems to reduce precautionary savings.

    BNP Paribas strategist Chi Lo observes China’s economy remains stuck in a liquidity trap, requiring fiscal policy to ‘do the heavy lifting’ in reviving public confidence. Despite recognizing the need for rebalancing since before Xi Jinping’s 2013 rise to power, progress toward demand-led domestic growth remains sluggish.

    The core challenge involves convincing 1.4 billion citizens to reduce savings and increase spending—a transformation requiring robust social safety nets that have thus far been underdeveloped. With approximately 70% of household wealth tied to real estate, property sector stabilization becomes crucial for maintaining 5% growth targets.

    IMF China economist Sonali Jain-Chandra notes China’s remarkable development has ‘relied too much on investment as opposed to consumption,’ identifying the service sector as an ‘underexploited driver of growth.’ However, credit expansion remains subdued, with November 2025 marking the first consecutive monthly household loan contraction since records began in 2005.

    The People’s Bank of China faces political constraints in addressing these challenges, including concerns that yuan depreciation could exacerbate trade tensions with Washington. Meanwhile, Trump administration policies—including tariffs and economic coercion—further complicate China’s transition while rendering traditional economic theories increasingly inadequate for contemporary global dynamics.

  • Australia leaves T20 World Cup after crushing Oman

    Australia leaves T20 World Cup after crushing Oman

    In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, Australia decisively defeated Oman by nine wickets during their final T20 World Cup group stage match in Pallekele on Friday. The match, rendered inconsequential after Australia’s unexpected elimination from tournament contention, saw the team achieve their winning target of 105 runs in a mere 9.4 overs.

    The Australian bowling attack, led by Adam Zampa’s remarkable comeback performance of 4-21, efficiently dismantled Oman’s batting lineup, restricting them to 104 runs in 16.2 overs. This represented a significant turnaround for Zampa, who had previously failed to take wickets against both Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.

    Captain Mitchell Marsh delivered an explosive batting demonstration, achieving a half-century off just 26 balls during the power play segment. His unbeaten 64 runs from 33 deliveries, featuring seven boundaries and four sixes, propelled Australia to a comprehensive victory. Travis Head provided substantial support with 32 runs from 19 balls before being dismissed with only 12 runs required for victory.

    The match began decisively for Australia when Xavier Bartlett (2-27) struck on the very first delivery, dismantling Aamir Kaleem’s leg stump. Oman’s captain Jatinder Singh, who had provocatively declared pre-match that it was “the best time to crush” Australia, managed only 17 runs before being cleanly bowled by Bartlett.

    Despite the crushing defeat, Oman’s Wasim Ali contributed a respectable 32 runs from 33 deliveries, helping his team surpass the 100-run threshold. Glenn Maxwell supplemented Australia’s bowling dominance with figures of 2-13 during the middle overs.

    Australia concludes their tournament in third position within Group B, while Oman finished their campaign without a victory in four matches. The tournament now advances to the Super Eight stage, commencing Saturday with Pakistan facing New Zealand in Colombo.

  • The Supreme Court struck down some of Trump’s most sweeping tariffs. Which levies are impacted?

    The Supreme Court struck down some of Trump’s most sweeping tariffs. Which levies are impacted?

    In a landmark 6-3 ruling on Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a significant judicial check on presidential authority by striking down core components of former President Donald Trump’s expansive tariff regime. The court determined Trump exceeded his executive powers when invoking the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify imposing new import taxes on goods from nearly every nation worldwide.

    The controversial tariffs, which Trump ceremoniously dubbed ‘Liberation Day’ measures, implemented a baseline 10% tax on most countries and threatened reciprocal tariffs of up to 50% on dozens of others. The administration justified these measures by declaring a national emergency based on longstanding U.S. trade deficits, though notably even nations with which the U.S. maintains trade surpluses faced taxation.

    While the ruling dismantles the IEEPA-based tariff architecture, numerous sector-specific levies remain intact under different legal authorities. The Trump administration had concurrently deployed Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act, citing national security concerns to impose duties on steel, aluminum, automobiles, copper, lumber, and even household goods including kitchen cabinets and furniture.

    The decision particularly affects trade relationships with major economic partners including the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, China, Brazil, and India. Each faced unique tariff structures under Trump’s multi-front trade campaign. Notably, ‘trafficking tariffs’ targeting immigration and drug concerns impacted North American neighbors, while additional duties were applied to Brazil concerning its domestic politics and to India regarding its energy purchases from Russia.

    Despite the judicial setback, the ruling leaves intact the president’s broader authority to implement aggressive trade policies through alternative mechanisms, ensuring continued uncertainty in global trade relations.

  • ‘I deeply apologise’: South Korea’s ex-President Yoon regrets declaring martial law

    ‘I deeply apologise’: South Korea’s ex-President Yoon regrets declaring martial law

    In a landmark judicial ruling with profound political implications, former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life imprisonment for orchestrating an attempted insurrection. The Seoul Central District Court delivered the verdict on Thursday, convicting Yoon of subverting the nation’s constitutional order through his unprecedented December 2024 declaration of martial law.

    The court established that Yoon had unlawfully deployed military forces to storm the National Assembly in a brazen attempt to detain political opponents. This extraordinary intervention, which lasted approximately six hours before being overturned by parliamentary vote, triggered widespread public protests and created a constitutional crisis.

    On Friday, through legal representatives, the former president issued a formal apology expressing regret for ‘the frustration and hardships’ caused to citizens. ‘I deeply apologise to the people for the frustration and hardships I have caused them, due to my own shortcomings, despite my resolve to save the nation,’ Yoon stated.

    However, the former prosecutor-turned-president simultaneously condemned the judicial process as ‘predetermined’ and characterized the conviction as political retaliation. Yoon questioned whether an appeal would be meaningful ‘in an environment where judicial independence could not be guaranteed,’ while urging supporters to ‘unite and rise.’

    Legal representatives clarified that these statements did not indicate an intention to forgo appellate proceedings. Prosecutors had previously sought capital punishment—a remarkable request given South Korea’s de facto moratorium on executions since 1997. The prosecution team expressed some ‘regret’ over the life sentence verdict but remained undecided regarding appeal plans.

    This case represents one of the most dramatic falls from power in South Korea’s democratic history, marking the first time a former president has received a life sentence for insurrection-related charges. The proceedings have exposed deep political divisions and raised fundamental questions about presidential authority versus constitutional safeguards.

  • Top 3 Clinics for Endolift Treatment in Dubai for Skin Tightening

    Top 3 Clinics for Endolift Treatment in Dubai for Skin Tightening

    Dubai has emerged as a leading destination for advanced non-surgical aesthetic treatments, with Endolift laser therapy gaining significant popularity among those seeking facial rejuvenation and skin tightening solutions. This minimally invasive procedure utilizes ultra-fine laser technology to stimulate collagen production and reduce subcutaneous fat without surgical intervention.

    Three established clinics in Dubai have distinguished themselves in providing exceptional Endolift treatments:

    Enfield Royal Clinic stands out for its integration of cutting-edge technology with personalized patient care. The facility employs experienced dermatologists who conduct comprehensive facial assessments to develop tailored treatment plans. The clinic maintains nationwide 24/7 availability and offers a luxury treatment environment at accessible pricing structures.

    Tajmeel Clinic has built its reputation on combining advanced technical equipment with a strong emphasis on patient comfort and procedural accuracy. The clinic provides a comprehensive suite of cosmetic and dermatological services, with Endolift representing one of their signature non-invasive treatments designed to enhance skin radiance without recovery downtime.

    Dynamic Clinic completes the trio with its focus on delivering technologically advanced yet affordable aesthetic solutions. The clinic’s medical practitioners specialize in achieving subtle skin tightening and rejuvenation effects through Endolift, supported by continuous patient support services and flexible scheduling options.

    The Endolift procedure itself involves the insertion of a microscopic laser fiber beneath the skin’s surface, where thermal energy triggers natural collagen regeneration while simultaneously reducing localized fat deposits. Clinical benefits include significant skin texture improvement, enhanced facial contours, and long-lasting firmness results typically maintained for several months.

    As a FDA-cleared treatment modality, Endolift presents minimal risk factors compared to surgical alternatives, requires no significant recovery period, and demonstrates compatibility with diverse skin types. Prospective patients are advised to consult directly with qualified medical professionals to determine individual suitability and expected outcomes based on specific aesthetic goals and physiological considerations.

  • Where to get doctor at home services in Dubai.

    Where to get doctor at home services in Dubai.

    Dubai has transformed healthcare accessibility through its advanced doctor-at-home service network, providing professional medical care directly to residents’ doorsteps. This innovative healthcare model delivers qualified physicians to patients’ homes for non-emergency medical situations, operating outside conventional clinic hours to ensure round-the-clock availability.

    The service offers substantial advantages over traditional clinic visits, particularly eliminating travel requirements and extensive waiting times. This proves especially beneficial for elderly patients with mobility limitations, immunocompromised individuals, and busy professionals with constrained schedules. Medical teams typically arrive within 30 minutes of request, performing comprehensive assessments, diagnostic testing, and immediate treatment in the comfort of patients’ homes.

    Treatment capabilities encompass diverse medical services including medication administration, intravenous antibiotic therapy, wound care management, minor surgical procedures, physiotherapy interventions, and comprehensive IV nutrient therapy. The service accommodates various patient demographics including families with children experiencing common illnesses, recovery patients requiring follow-up care, and tourists needing immediate medical attention while visiting Dubai.

    Patient safety and quality assurance remain paramount, with healthcare providers recommending thorough verification of physician credentials and review analysis before service engagement. This healthcare innovation represents Dubai’s commitment to advancing medical accessibility while maintaining highest standards of professional medical care delivered directly to residents’ homes.

  • S. Korea’s ex-president Yoon apologizes to public for own shortcomings

    S. Korea’s ex-president Yoon apologizes to public for own shortcomings

    In a historic ruling that has sent shockwaves through South Korea’s political landscape, former President Yoon Suk-yeol has been sentenced to life imprisonment on charges of insurrection. The Seoul Central District Court delivered its verdict on Thursday, concluding that Yoon’s declaration of emergency martial law in December 2024 constituted an attempt to subvert the constitutional order.

    The court determined that the deployment of military forces to the National Assembly building represented the crucial element in the case, effectively preventing the legislative body from functioning for a substantial duration. This unprecedented move marked the first time in South Korea’s history that troops were directed toward the parliamentary complex during a political crisis.

    Following the court’s decision, the disgraced former leader issued a public apology on Friday, expressing remorse for what he described as ‘personal shortcomings’ that led to public frustration and hardship. However, Yoon maintained that his controversial decision to implement martial law was motivated solely by national interests and concern for the South Korean people.

    The political turmoil began on December 3, 2024, when Yoon declared emergency measures that were subsequently revoked by the National Assembly within hours. The constitutional court upheld an impeachment motion in April 2025, formally removing Yoon from office. His indictment under detention in January 2025 made him the first sitting president in South Korean history to be arrested and charged with criminal offenses.

    Yoon continues to protest the court’s characterization of his actions as insurrection, insisting that his ‘desperate decision to save the nation’ has been unfairly maligned. The case represents a significant chapter in South Korea’s ongoing evolution of democratic institutions and constitutional governance.

  • Sweet Surprise by Aster raises awareness on hidden sugar as UAE’s new levy takes effect

    Sweet Surprise by Aster raises awareness on hidden sugar as UAE’s new levy takes effect

    In response to the UAE’s newly implemented volumetric sugar tax system, Aster Clinics UAE has launched a comprehensive public health campaign titled ‘Sweet Surprise by Aster’ alongside the establishment of its Diabetes 360 Care Clinic in Al Qusais. The initiative represents a strategic alignment with national efforts to combat rising diabetes and obesity rates through enhanced public education and early screening programs.

    The volumetric taxation approach, effective since January 1, 2026, replaces the previous flat excise duty with a tiered system that imposes levies based on sugar content per 100ml in beverages. This policy shift creates financial incentives for both manufacturers and consumers to prioritize lower-sugar alternatives amid concerning health statistics: approximately one in three UAE adults currently live with diabetes or prediabetes, while 27.3% exceed recommended sugar consumption guidelines.

    Aster’s program operates within the framework of Dubai’s 10X initiative, championing a future-ready healthcare model that emphasizes early detection and prevention. The Diabetes 360 Care Clinic employs data analytics and artificial intelligence to identify potential health risks before symptoms manifest, marking a significant shift from reactive treatment to proactive health management.

    The campaign specifically addresses the challenge of hidden sugar consumption, with research indicating that over a quarter of UAE adults regularly consume sugar-sweetened beverages. This exceeds World Health Organization recommendations that free sugars should constitute less than 10% of total daily energy intake, approximately 25-50 grams for adults.

    Through community engagement and educational outreach, Aster aims to transform public awareness into tangible action, encouraging behavioral changes that support long-term health outcomes and sustainable wellness practices across the Emirates.

  • Philippines suspends classes for EDSA People Power 40th anniversary

    Philippines suspends classes for EDSA People Power 40th anniversary

    Multiple prominent academic institutions across the Philippines have announced suspensions of classes and administrative operations on February 25, 2026, to mark the 40th anniversary of the historic EDSA People Power Revolution. This significant milestone commemorates the 1986 non-violent uprising that led to the overthrow of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and the subsequent inauguration of Corazon Aquino as president.

    Despite the official government designation of February 25 as a special working day, several universities have independently declared academic holidays to enable their communities to participate in anniversary events and reflect on this pivotal moment in Philippine history. The revolution, characterized by massive peaceful demonstrations along Epifano delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), fundamentally transformed the nation’s political landscape four decades ago.

    Institutional participation includes Ateneo de Manila University, which has established a University Holiday to facilitate involvement in EDSA commemorative activities. Similarly, De La Salle Philippines has suspended classes and work across its member institutions to support mobilization efforts connected to the anniversary observance.

    The University of Santo Tomas, University of the East (with suspensions at both Manila and Caloocan campuses), Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Mapúa University (affecting Intramuros, Makati, and Ayala Malls Manila Bay locations), and Adamson University have all implemented similar measures. These institutions have not only canceled academic sessions but also encouraged students, faculty, and staff to engage in reflection and activities honoring the revolution’s legacy of democratic change and peaceful protest.