Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Oil tanker ‘armada’ moves to Red Sea with closure of Strait of Hormuz

    Oil tanker ‘armada’ moves to Red Sea with closure of Strait of Hormuz

    A significant redirection of global oil transport is underway as a fleet of up to 30 large crude carriers converges on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port of Yanbu. This massive logistical shift comes in response to Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for Gulf energy exports that typically handles approximately 22 million barrels of oil and refined products daily.

    The strategic East-West Pipeline, stretching 1,200 kilometers from Saudi Arabia’s Abqaiq oil field to Yanbu, has emerged as the primary alternative route for Gulf oil exports. Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser confirmed the kingdom has substantially increased crude flows through this pipeline infrastructure. According to International Energy Agency data, exports through Saudi western ports surged to 5.9 million barrels per day by March 9th—a dramatic increase from the 1.7 million barrels per day recorded in 2025.

    This emergency rerouting follows escalating tensions in the region, including attacks on at least six vessels in the Gulf this week, with two fuel tankers set ablaze in Iraqi waters. Despite U.S. President Trump’s assertions that Iran’s naval capabilities had been ‘destroyed,’ Tehran has demonstrated its serious intent to block the strategic waterway.

    Energy experts note that the East-West Pipeline was specifically designed for this contingency. ‘This is exactly what it was designed to do—bypass the strategic chokepoint of Hormuz if Iran shut it down and make Saudi Arabia the producer of last resort,’ stated Jim Krane of Rice University’s Baker Institute.

    However, the Red Sea alternative introduces its own geopolitical complexities. Approximately 75% of Saudi crude exports destined for Asian markets must now navigate the Bab el-Mandeb Strait twice—once to collect oil and again to deliver it—placing them within potential reach of Houthi forces. These Iranian-backed militants previously turned the Red Sea into a ‘no-go zone’ for vessels following the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza conflict.

    Even with both Saudi Arabia’s and the UAE’s bypass pipelines operating at maximum capacity—the latter exporting through Fujairah at 2.4 million barrels per day—a substantial gap of approximately 12 million barrels per day remains, leaving countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq effectively blocked from exporting their oil.

  • Iran’s new supreme leader says US bases in Gulf must close or will be attacked

    Iran’s new supreme leader says US bases in Gulf must close or will be attacked

    In his inaugural address as Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has delivered a stark warning to regional powers, demanding the immediate closure of all US military installations throughout the Middle East. The statement, broadcast through Iran’s state-controlled IRIB network, marked the first public communication from the successor to the assassinated Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

    The reclusive leader, who had remained unseen since the outbreak of recent hostilities, articulated a dual-track approach to regional relations. While expressing Tehran’s commitment to ‘unity and warm relations with its neighbors,’ Khamenei simultaneously issued an unambiguous threat: ‘The countries of the region must close down the US military bases; otherwise, we will be forced to attack them again.’

    Strategic waterways emerged as a central component of Iran’s declared defense strategy. Khamenei explicitly reaffirmed Iran’s continued utilization of the ‘lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz’ – the critical maritime passage through which approximately 20% of global oil output and one-third of liquefied natural gas shipments transit. This declaration follows over a week of effective closure, with Iranian forces threatening to attack any vessel attempting navigation through the strategic chokepoint.

    The new Supreme Leader outlined an expanded conception of military engagement, referencing ‘other fronts’ where Iran possesses strategic advantages. He specifically acknowledged potential coordination with Ansar Allah (Houthi) forces in Yemen and armed factions in Iraq, though concrete intervention from these groups remains unconfirmed.

    Khamenei announced comprehensive support measures for conflict casualties, promising free medical treatment and financial compensation funded through war reparations. In a significant escalation of financial rhetoric, he declared: ‘We will take war reparations from the enemy for the war it imposed on us. If the enemy refuses, we will seize as much of its assets as we deem appropriate; and if that is not possible, we will destroy an equivalent amount of its property.’

    The leadership transition follows the February 28th airstrike that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with several family members, including the new leader’s wife Zahra Adel, his mother Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, and other relatives. Born in 1969 in the religious center of Mashhad, Mojtaba Khamenei represents both dynastic continuity and theological legitimacy as the grandson of Shia scholar Sayyed Javad Khamenei.

    His background reflects deep integration within Iran’s power structures. Educated in Qom’s prestigious seminaries under prominent Islamic scholars, Khamenei built his reputation through theological teaching rather than governmental service. His marriage to Zahra Haddad-Adel, daughter of influential conservative politician Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel, further solidified his position within Iran’s ruling elite, despite his avoidance of elected office.

  • Consumer rights protection disputes in new business models surge in Guangzhou

    Consumer rights protection disputes in new business models surge in Guangzhou

    Judicial authorities in Guangzhou have documented a substantial surge in consumer rights protection cases stemming from digital and emerging service sectors throughout 2025. The Guangzhou Intermediate People’s Court disclosed that disputes linked to novel business formats—including live-stream e-commerce, online education platforms, and digital gaming—have emerged as rapidly growing areas requiring judicial intervention.

    Wu Xiang, Deputy Party Chief of the court, highlighted these trends during a press briefing held on March 12, ahead of International Consumer Rights Day. While the overall number of consumer cases remained stable at over 37,000 annually, the composition of disputes has shifted markedly toward new economic models.

    Prepaid consumption controversies continue to pose significant challenges, particularly regarding refund difficulties. Furthermore, the court identified growing vulnerabilities among elderly and minor consumers, such as deceptive live-stream marketing targeting seniors and training institutions that evade financial obligations after collecting fees from minors.

    In response to these evolving challenges, the court released ten representative cases covering critical areas like prepaid services, e-commerce livestreaming, and gaming consumption. These典型案例 aim to establish judicial precedents and guide consumers and businesses through the legal complexities of emerging commercial practices.

  • French vloggers explore highland scenery and Tibetan culture in Yunnan

    French vloggers explore highland scenery and Tibetan culture in Yunnan

    French travel influencers Nicolas and Mathilde recently documented their immersive journey through Shangri-La, Yunnan province, showcasing the region’s majestic highland landscapes and profound Tibetan cultural heritage. Their expedition offers international audiences a window into the authentic traditions preserved in this Himalayan border region.

    The vloggers initiated their cultural exploration through gastronomy, sampling traditional Tibetan butter tea and local noodle specialties. They described the savory butter tea as an acquired taste that embodies the region’s pastoral heritage, while acknowledging the noodles’ unique flavor profile that distinguishes Tibetan cuisine from other Chinese culinary traditions.

    At the heart of their experience stood the monumental prayer wheel of Shangri-La, where they observed visitors from diverse national and ethnic backgrounds participating in this spiritual practice. The couple expressed how this collective ritual generated authentic feelings of human unity and cross-cultural warmth beyond linguistic barriers.

    Their cultural immersion deepened at Dukezong Ancient Town’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Center, where they attempted Thangka painting—a meticulous Tibetan Buddhist art form. The vibrant mineral pigments, precise brush techniques, and spiritual symbolism embedded in this centuries-old practice revealed what they described as ‘the profound depth of Eastern aesthetics and living historical continuity’.

    The vloggers noted Yunnan’s remarkable ethnic diversity, particularly the distinctive traditions maintained by Tibetan and Naxi communities. From intricately woven textiles to preserved linguistic patterns and ceremonial customs, each ethnic group presented what they characterized as ‘continuous discovery and fascination’.

    Nicolas and Mathilde concluded that Shangri-La represents a rare convergence of breathtaking natural scenery and living cultural heritage. They emphasized that every landscape vista and human interaction contributed to what they deemed an unforgettable journey through one of Asia’s most culturally preserved regions.

  • Muslim countries condemn Israel’s ‘unjustified’ closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque

    Muslim countries condemn Israel’s ‘unjustified’ closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque

    In a significant diplomatic move, eight Muslim-majority nations have issued a forceful joint condemnation of Israel’s controversial closure of Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque compound during the holy month of Ramadan. The foreign ministers of Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates declared the restrictions constitute a “flagrant violation of international law” and asserted Israel holds “no sovereignty” over the occupied city or its sacred sites.

    The coordinated statement, released Wednesday, characterized Israel’s security measures as “illegal and unjustified,” specifically condemning what they termed ongoing “provocative actions” against Muslim worshippers. The ministers demanded immediate reopening of the mosque gates and lifting of access restrictions to Jerusalem’s Old City, urging international pressure on Israel to cease these violations.

    The closure initiative emerged following Israel’s recent aerial strikes against Iran in coordination with the United States, an escalation that has heightened regional tensions. Israeli authorities justified the comprehensive shutdown of all religious sites—including the Western Wall and Church of the Holy Sepulchre—as necessary for public safety amid security concerns.

    This development has effectively prevented Palestinian worshippers from accessing Islam’s third holiest site during Ramadan’s peak spiritual period, when tens of thousands typically gather for Friday prayers. Palestinian officials accuse Israel of exploiting regional conflicts to impose unprecedented restrictions on Muslim religious rights, with Hamas labeling the move a “dangerous historical precedent.”

    The diplomatic communique reinforced that the entire compound remains “exclusively” for Muslim worship under the legal authority of Jordan’s Islamic Waqf administration. This reaffirmation addresses growing concerns about the erosion of long-standing governance arrangements that preserve Al-Aqsa’s Islamic character amid expanding Israeli control and Jewish access to the sensitive site since Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem.

  • Iranians fear fragmentation as rumours swirl about US backing Kurdish groups

    Iranians fear fragmentation as rumours swirl about US backing Kurdish groups

    Amid ongoing regional hostilities involving Israel and the United States, many Iranians are confronting anxieties that extend beyond immediate military threats to deeper concerns about national disintegration and ethnic conflict. Citizens across Iran report growing fears that external powers might exploit longstanding ethnic tensions to destabilize the country’s territorial integrity.

    These apprehensions have been amplified by recent remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting Iran’s borders might not remain unchanged after the current conflict—comments that have circulated widely on Persian-language social media platforms. Particularly alarming to many is the potential involvement of armed Kurdish groups operating from bases in northern Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

    Keyvan, a 42-year-old Tehran resident, expresses a common concern: “They have been planning to break up Iran for years. Not just Israel, even the United States.”

    In recent weeks, unverified reports have circulated about possible preparations by Iranian Kurdish opposition groups based in Iraq. While prominent Kurdish figures like Bafel Talabani, leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, have dismissed the likelihood of cross-border operations, other Kurdish leaders have suggested increased probability of action under current conditions.

    According to research from Minority Rights Group International, Kurds constitute approximately 10% of Iran’s population, primarily residing in border provinces. Several Iranian Kurdish opposition movements, which Tehran designates as terrorist organizations, have maintained bases in northern Iraq for decades.

    The formation of a coalition of Iranian Kurdish opposition parties just before the current conflict began—with the stated aim of overthrowing Iran’s government—has further heightened tensions. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps has repeatedly launched strikes against militant camps across the Iraqi border, and a 2023 security agreement between Iran and Iraq aimed to disarm and relocate these groups.

    Despite historical grievances and complaints of discrimination among Sunni communities in Iran, many residents emphasize national unity when facing external threats. Bahram, a 65-year-old resident of Sanandaj in Iran’s Kurdistan province, states: “When the issue is Iran, there is no difference between Shia and Sunni, Kurdish or Persian.”

    The conflict has caused some Iranians who previously supported foreign pressure on their government to reconsider their positions. Zohreh, a 43-year-old mother, explains: “We were exhausted by the crimes of the Islamic Republic… but now when I listen to the speeches of Israel’s prime minister and the American president, I realise they are criminals too.”

    Analysts warn that external conflict could intensify ethnic tensions within Iran if instability spreads across its borders. Although U.S. officials have denied reports suggesting Washington might support Kurdish militant incursions, many Iranians remain deeply skeptical of such assurances, fearing their country could slide into civil war and fragmentation.

  • Village in Jiangxi gives 100,000 yuan bonus to residents turning 100

    Village in Jiangxi gives 100,000 yuan bonus to residents turning 100

    The rural community of Jinshun in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, has implemented an extraordinary welfare policy that grants residents a substantial one-time bonus of 100,000 yuan (approximately $13,800) upon reaching their 100th birthday. This initiative forms part of a comprehensive senior citizen support program that has garnered significant public attention following its disclosure during China’s National People’s Congress sessions.

    Among the program’s beneficiaries is a remarkable 103-year-old female resident who maintains exceptional health with preserved auditory and visual acuity, continuing to hand-knit woolen items. Earlier this year, village representatives personally delivered the financial award to her home, where she expressed delight, characterizing the substantial sum as “very durable” in its value.

    The policy gained national prominence when Luo Laichang, NPC deputy and Jinshun Village Party Secretary, detailed the program during an open panel discussion of the Jiangxi delegation at the fourth session of the 14th NPC on March 6. Official sources indicate four village residents are projected to become centenarians this year, qualifying them for this distinctive honor.

    According to village officials cited by China News Service, the centenarian bonus constitutes one component within an expansive welfare framework comprising twenty distinct benefit categories. This comprehensive livelihood program addresses multiple societal dimensions including elderly care, educational support, assistance for vulnerable demographics, and broader community wellbeing.

    The village’s structured longevity recognition system provides graduated financial awards: 6,000 yuan at age 90, 12,000 yuan at age 95, culminating in the 100,000 yuan centenarian reward. Additional benefits include distributions from village-operated enterprises, seasonal gifts for retired residents during Spring Festival, special allowances for the Double Ninth Festival, alongside scholarship programs and educational assistance grants.

  • ‘Ride to spring’ becomes a major tourist attraction in Chongqing

    ‘Ride to spring’ becomes a major tourist attraction in Chongqing

    A scenic cable car journey soaring above expansive rapeseed and plum blossom fields has emerged as Chongqing’s latest tourism sensation, captivating visitors with what locals have poetically dubbed the ‘ride to spring’. This aerial attraction forms the centerpiece of Meixin Wine Town’s inaugural spring flower festival in Fuling district, approximately 50 kilometers from central Chongqing.

    The experience offers breathtaking panoramic views where vibrant yellow rapeseed blossoms merge with delicate plum blooms, creating a spectacular floral tapestry against the backdrop of the Yangtze River and an impressive hillside Ferris wheel. Viral photographs capturing this unique perspective have generated significant online buzz, drawing urban dwellers seeking immersive natural experiences.

    Park management emphasizes the project’s dual purpose: showcasing the region’s ecological beauty while advancing rural revitalization through integrated cultural tourism initiatives. The destination has rapidly gained popularity as a comprehensive spring outing location, combining natural appreciation with diverse recreational activities that boost local consumption and sustainable tourism development.

  • British tourist faces Dubai prison sentence for ‘filming Iranian missiles’

    British tourist faces Dubai prison sentence for ‘filming Iranian missiles’

    Dubai authorities have initiated a stringent legal action against a 60-year-old British national, arresting him on charges related to recording and disseminating footage of recent Iranian missile strikes. The tourist, whose identity remains undisclosed, was taken into custody Monday night alongside approximately twenty other individuals accused of similar online activities.

    The arrest stems from the United Arab Emirates’ intensified campaign against what it classifies as rumor-mongering and provocative propaganda. Official charges cite violations of cybercrime legislation specifically prohibiting content that could potentially undermine public security or incite panic among residents. If convicted, the accused faces a maximum prison term of two years.

    According to reports, the Londoner promptly deleted the contested video upon request and maintained that he had no intention of violating Emirati laws. This case emerges amid heightened regional tensions, with Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Dubai infrastructure including the international airport and the renowned Fairmont hotel on Palm Jumeirah.

    The situation has raised concerns among advocacy organizations. Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, warned that UAE cybercrime statutes possess broad applicability, enabling prosecution of individuals who merely share or comment on controversial content. She further highlighted potential risks of indefinite detention under national security provisions, possibly involving restricted embassy access and human rights violations.

    Andreas Krieg, Associate Professor at King’s College London’s Defence Studies Department, criticized the approach as counterproductive, noting that such measures might undermine Dubai’s efforts to reassure its substantial expatriate community during periods of regional instability.

    The government’s crackdown coincides with efforts to manage the emirate’s international reputation as a secure business and tourism destination. Meanwhile, Western social media influencers in Dubai have predominantly shared content supporting local leadership and government responses to the security challenges.

  • Lawmakers with disabilities advocate AI and robotics to improve lives

    Lawmakers with disabilities advocate AI and robotics to improve lives

    Three Chinese legislators with disabilities are spearheading a transformative movement to harness cutting-edge technologies—including artificial intelligence, brain-computer interfaces, and advanced robotics—to dramatically improve quality of life and employment prospects for China’s 85 million disabled citizens. Their advocacy emerged as a significant theme during the recent National People’s Congress sessions.

    Jia Hongguang, a national lawmaker who lost both arms in childhood, delivered powerful testimony about technological empowerment. During the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympics torch ceremony, he utilized a robotic arm to grasp an object for the first time in nearly three decades. “That moment was profoundly emotional,” recalled Jia, who now champions AI and robotic solutions to create entrepreneurial and vocational opportunities for people with disabilities.

    Concurrently, NPC Deputy Wang Jiapeng is advancing legislative efforts to establish robust special education frameworks. He emphasized that “comprehensive legal safeguards are fundamental to ensuring people with disabilities receive quality education, which directly correlates with meaningful employment outcomes.”

    Another advocate, NPC Deputy Wen Xiaoyan, proposed reforming driving license restrictions by leveraging autonomous vehicle technology. She highlighted how domestic electric vehicles with self-driving capabilities could significantly enhance mobility independence. “The most substantial barriers often exist in our perceptions. We must eliminate self-imposed limitations,” Wen asserted.

    These initiatives represent a growing recognition that technological innovation, coupled with supportive policy, can dismantle longstanding accessibility challenges and foster greater social inclusion.