Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Xi says China ready to uphold UN-centered intl system with Finland

    Xi says China ready to uphold UN-centered intl system with Finland

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, Chinese President Xi Jinping articulated China’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Finland during a high-level meeting with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Beijing on Tuesday. The discussions centered on reinforcing the international framework with the United Nations at its core and upholding a legal-based global order.

    President Xi emphasized the necessity of Sino-Finnish collaboration in addressing pressing global challenges, highlighting shared responsibilities in maintaining international stability. ‘China stands ready to work with Finland to defend the multilateral system that has served as the foundation of international cooperation since the post-World War II era,’ Xi stated during the bilateral talks.

    The Chinese leader further elaborated on the vision for a ‘more equitable and orderly multipolar world,’ advocating for economic globalization that delivers widespread benefits rather than exacerbating existing inequalities. This approach, Xi noted, aligns with both nations’ interests in sustainable development and inclusive growth.

    Significantly, Xi characterized the relationship between China and Europe as fundamentally cooperative rather than adversarial, dismissing notions of inherent conflict between the Eastern and Western powers. ‘We are natural partners in building a more stable international environment,’ Xi affirmed, pointing to historical ties and contemporary economic complementarities.

    The meeting also explored avenues for deepening cooperation across multiple sectors including trade, technology, environmental protection, and innovation. Both leaders expressed optimism about the potential for enhanced bilateral relations to contribute positively to Eurasian stability and global governance reform.

    Prime Minister Orpo’s official visit to China marks an important step in strengthening Nordic-China relations at a time of evolving geopolitical dynamics across the European continent. The discussions are expected to pave the way for increased high-level exchanges and concrete agreements in the coming months.

  • Philippines grounds ferry operator’s fleet after deadly sinking

    Philippines grounds ferry operator’s fleet after deadly sinking

    Philippine authorities have imposed an immediate suspension on all passenger vessels operated by Aleson Shipping Lines following the catastrophic sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin 3 that claimed 18 lives. The dramatic maritime disaster occurred during early morning hours on Monday off the southwestern coast of Mindanao, with 344 passengers and crew aboard the ill-fated ferry.

    Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced the comprehensive grounding order on Tuesday, revealing that the maritime regulator and coast guard would conduct an intensive safety audit over the next ten days. The decisive action comes as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a full-scale investigation into the tragedy. “If it turns out the shipowners were deficient, they will expect the full force of the law,” Lopez stated during a press briefing, emphasizing the government’s zero-tolerance approach to maritime safety violations.

    The sunken vessel now rests approximately 76 meters (249 feet) beneath the ocean surface, creating challenging conditions for recovery operations. Coast Guard Commandant Ronnie Gavan confirmed that 10 individuals remain missing, including the ship’s captain, eight crew members, and a safety marshall. Search-and-rescue missions continue as priority, with 16 technical divers and remotely operated vehicles being deployed from Manila to assist in both recovery efforts and the forthcoming investigation.

    Disturbingly, this incident marks the second tragedy on nearly identical routes within three years. In 2023, the Lady Mary Joy 3 ferry fire resulted in 31 fatalities—another vessel owned by the same shipping company. Lopez disclosed that Aleson Shipping Lines has experienced 32 recorded safety “incidents” at sea, though specific details were not immediately provided.

    Survivor accounts paint a troubling picture of potential negligence. Aquino Sajili, a 53-year-old lawyer who survived the sinking, recounted to AFP that crew members failed to alert passengers as the vessel began tilting dangerously. “No one from the crew alerted us,” Sajili described, noting how passengers rushed to one side in a desperate attempt to counterbalance the listing ship before hearing a “loud snap” that preceded rapid submersion. Survivors spent hours floating in life jackets awaiting rescue, with Sajili indicating that legal action against the shipping company appears inevitable.

    The Philippines continues to grapple with maritime safety challenges in its extensive archipelago nation, where inter-island ferries serve as vital transportation links between more than 7,000 islands. This latest incident recalls previous tragedies including the 2015 Leyte Island capsizing (60+ fatalities) and the 1987 Dona Paz collision with an oil tanker—the world’s worst peacetime maritime disaster claiming over 4,000 lives.

  • Journalists invited to cover the 2026 two sessions

    Journalists invited to cover the 2026 two sessions

    China has officially commenced media accreditation procedures for the upcoming 2026 ‘Two Sessions,’ the nation’s most significant annual political gathering. According to a joint announcement from the National People’s Congress Committee and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee, the media center in Beijing will become operational on February 27th in preparation for the events.

    The political calendar confirms the Fourth Session of the 14th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee will convene on March 4th, followed by the Fourth Session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) commencing on March 5th. Official statements emphasize that journalistic coverage will incorporate diverse methodologies, with particular priority given to on-site reporting.

    International media representatives currently stationed in China must submit their accreditation requests directly to the press center. Correspondents based overseas may apply through Chinese diplomatic missions in their host countries or via visa agencies authorized by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Journalists from Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions should process applications through the central government’s liaison offices in their respective territories, while Taiwanese reporters must coordinate through the State Council’s Taiwan Affairs Office.

    The application portal will remain accessible until February 3rd, with comprehensive information available through official channels at www.npc.gov.cn and www.cppcc.gov.cn. These parallel sessions represent China’s paramount political event, convening national legislators and political advisors to examine government and judicial performance reviews, deliberate critical socioeconomic policies, and formulate legislative amendments concerning national development and citizen welfare.

  • Indian rupee crosses Rs25 threshold against UAE dirham in early trade

    Indian rupee crosses Rs25 threshold against UAE dirham in early trade

    The Indian rupee experienced significant downward pressure in early Tuesday trading, crossing the psychologically critical threshold of 25 against the UAE dirham. Opening at 91.82 against the US dollar (equivalent to 25.01907 versus the dirham), the currency showed a modest recovery of 8 paise from its record low, though concerns about its continued weakness persist.

    Market analysts attribute the rupee’s persistent decline to multiple factors, including substantial equity outflows that have reached nearly $4 billion for January. This represents a 1.18% decline for the currency just last week, bringing it perilously close to the 92.00 per dollar mark for the first time in history.

    The Reserve Bank of India has actively intervened to stabilize the currency, though traders report the central bank has adopted a strategy of supplying dollars at various levels rather than defending any specific exchange rate threshold. This approach has failed to halt the rupee’s slide, suggesting deeper underlying pressures beyond portfolio flows.

    Additional factors contributing to the currency’s weakness include increased bullion imports and growing depreciation expectations that have amplified dollar demand. The sustained decline has created a self-reinforcing cycle where expectations of further depreciation drive additional dollar buying, putting further downward pressure on the rupee.

    The breach of the 25-to-dirham threshold represents a significant psychological milestone for markets and may signal continued volatility ahead for the Indian currency amid global economic uncertainties and domestic market challenges.

  • French lawmakers approve bill banning social media for children under 15

    French lawmakers approve bill banning social media for children under 15

    French legislators have overwhelmingly passed groundbreaking legislation prohibiting social media access for children under 15, marking a significant shift in digital child protection policy. The National Assembly approved the measure with a decisive 130-21 vote late Monday, positioning France as a European leader in youth digital safety initiatives.

    The comprehensive bill, which also extends mobile phone restrictions to high school environments, represents one of President Emmanuel Macron’s final major policy initiatives before his term concludes next year. Macron championed the legislation, declaring that “our children’s brains are not for sale—neither to American platforms nor to Chinese networks” and emphasizing that youthful “dreams must not be dictated by algorithms.”

    This legislative action aligns with broader European movements addressing digital safety concerns. The French proposal has been carefully crafted to comply with the EU’s Digital Services Act, which establishes rigorous online protection standards. Notably, the British government recently announced similar considerations regarding social media restrictions for teenagers.

    Support for the measure transcended traditional political divisions within the fractured National Assembly, though some left-wing critics raised civil liberties concerns. The legislation follows previous French laws prohibiting phone usage in primary and middle schools.

    Alarming statistics from France’s health watchdog reveal the urgency behind these measures: 90% of adolescents aged 12-17 access the internet daily via smartphones, with 58% actively engaged on social platforms. Research indicates extensive smartphone usage ranging from two to five hours daily among half of French teenagers.

    The health agency’s December report documented serious consequences including diminished self-esteem and increased exposure to content promoting self-harm, substance abuse, and suicide. Several French families have initiated legal proceedings against TikTok, alleging connections between platform content and teenage suicides.

    The legislation exempts educational resources, scientific directories, and open-source software platforms from restrictions. Australia’s implementation of similar age restrictions has already resulted in social media companies blocking approximately 4.7 million accounts belonging to minors, sparking international debates balancing technology use, privacy concerns, and mental health protection.

    The bill now advances to Senate consideration, with Macron advocating for expedited approval to implement the restrictions by the upcoming September school year.

  • Xi’s vision for China’s winter sports

    Xi’s vision for China’s winter sports

    China Daily Information Co (CDIC) maintains rigorous copyright control over all digital materials published through its platforms, according to the company’s publicly available terms of use. The comprehensive protection extends to textual content, photographic images, multimedia information, and all other proprietary materials appearing on the company’s websites.

    Explicit written authorization from CDIC represents the only legitimate pathway for republication or utilization of protected content in any form. This stringent copyright enforcement framework underscores the company’s commitment to intellectual property protection in the digital publishing landscape.

    The publication platform recommends optimal viewing through browsers supporting 1024*768 resolution or higher, ensuring premium user experience for site visitors. CDIC operates under official publishing license No. 0108263 and maintains registration number 130349 with relevant authorities.

    Beyond content protection policies, China Daily provides information regarding corporate background, advertising opportunities, contact channels, and employment prospects including specialized sections for expatriate recruitment. The organization maintains an active presence across multiple digital platforms, encouraging audience engagement through various follow options.

  • 10 still missing after ferry carrying 344 sinks in S Philippines

    10 still missing after ferry carrying 344 sinks in S Philippines

    Rescue operations continue in the southern Philippines as authorities search for ten missing individuals following the sinking of the inter-island ferry M/V Trisha Kerstin 3. The vessel, which capsized early Monday in waters off Basilan province, was carrying 344 passengers and crew according to revised figures released by the Philippine Coast Guard on Tuesday.

    The maritime disaster has claimed 18 confirmed lives while rescue teams have successfully recovered 316 survivors from the treacherous waters. The Coast Guard adjusted initial passenger counts downward from 359 after verification revealed 15 individuals listed on boarding manifests never actually embarked on the ill-fated voyage.

    Coast guard personnel were photographed attending to survivors in the aftermath of the tragedy, providing emergency medical care and transportation to safety. The incident represents one of the most significant maritime accidents in the region in recent years, raising questions about safety protocols for inter-island transportation in the Philippine archipelago.

    The sinking occurred in a region known for challenging maritime conditions, though the exact cause of the disaster remains under investigation. Search and recovery operations continue with coast guard assets deployed across the affected area, working against time and weather conditions to locate the remaining missing persons.

  • S Korea says no official notice on Trump’s tariff hike plan, trade minister to visit US

    S Korea says no official notice on Trump’s tariff hike plan, trade minister to visit US

    South Korean officials have stated they have received no formal communication from Washington regarding President Donald Trump’s announced plan to increase tariffs on select South Korean goods from 15% to 25%. The presidential office in Seoul confirmed this lack of official notification on Tuesday, following Trump’s Monday declaration.

    In response to the potential economic measure, South Korea is mobilizing its diplomatic and trade resources. An interagency meeting is scheduled to convene later today to coordinate the government’s approach. Furthermore, Trade Minister Kim Jung-kwan, currently concluding an official visit to Canada, will extend his travel itinerary to include the United States for urgent discussions with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

    President Trump justified the proposed tariff escalation by accusing the South Korean legislature of failing to enact a previously agreed bilateral trade pact. This development threatens to destabilize recent trade accommodations between the two nations.

    According to reports from Yonhap News Agency, a foundation for this agreement was established during the October summit in Gyeongju. A resulting joint fact sheet outlined a compromise: The United States would reduce tariffs on South Korean products, including automobiles, contingent upon South Korea committing to $350 billion in investments within the US. A subsequent memorandum, signed on November 14, detailed that these tariff reductions would be applied retroactively from the first day of the month in which the relevant implementation legislation was submitted to South Korea’s National Assembly.

    The ruling Democratic Party did submit the required special bill on US investment on November 26. Honoring the agreement, the US retroactively lowered tariffs on South Korean automobiles to 15% effective December 4. The announced tariff hike appears to reverse this recent progress, creating fresh uncertainty in US-South Korea trade relations.

  • China’s social security funds post 10-trillion-yuan balance at end of 2025

    China’s social security funds post 10-trillion-yuan balance at end of 2025

    China’s social security framework has achieved a monumental financial milestone, with official data revealing a collective balance of 10.2 trillion yuan (approximately $1.46 trillion) across key insurance programs by the conclusion of 2025. This substantial reserve encompasses the nation’s basic pension schemes, unemployment insurance, and work-related injury compensation systems.

    The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security disclosed these figures on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, highlighting the robust financial health of China’s social safety net. In a parallel development, the ministry reported that professionally managed basic pension funds have surpassed 2.98 trillion yuan through investment entrustment programs, demonstrating sophisticated financial stewardship of public reserves.

    This financial achievement represents a significant strengthening of China’s social welfare infrastructure, providing enhanced security for millions of workers and retirees nationwide. The substantial fund balance indicates successful long-term planning and management of social insurance resources, ensuring sustainable support for citizens facing retirement, unemployment, or workplace injuries.

    The growth trajectory of these funds reflects China’s continuing economic stability and strategic fiscal policies aimed at maintaining comprehensive social protection systems. This financial buffer becomes increasingly critical as demographic shifts and economic transitions present new challenges to social welfare programs globally.

  • Australia swelters in a record heat wave as temperatures near 50 C

    Australia swelters in a record heat wave as temperatures near 50 C

    Australia’s southeastern regions endured unprecedented extreme heat on Tuesday as temperatures approached the 50°C threshold (122°F), creating hazardous conditions across Victoria state. Preliminary recordings from rural monitoring stations in Hopetoun and Walpeup indicated highs of 48.9°C (120°F), potentially surpassing the historic temperatures recorded during Victoria’s catastrophic 2009 Black Saturday bushfires that claimed 173 lives.

    While no heat-related fatalities were reported Tuesday, emergency authorities remained on high alert as three separate bushfires burned uncontrolled across the state. Melbourne, Victoria’s capital, narrowly missed breaking its all-time temperature record, but the urban heat effect transformed the typically bustling Australian Open venue into a near-deserted landscape.

    The extreme conditions forced tournament organizers to implement comprehensive heat safety protocols. Matches on exposed outer courts were postponed while the retractable roofs on primary arenas remained closed throughout the day. During the quarterfinal match between Aryna Sabalenka and Iva Jovic—the final contest held under direct sunlight—both athletes utilized ice packs and portable cooling devices during breaks to combat the oppressive conditions.

    Event staff provided photographers with specialized heat-protection equipment, including insulated cushions for hot seating surfaces and protective towels to prevent camera malfunction and hand burns. Spectators congregated around massive misting stations and climate-controlled indoor areas, contributing to a dramatic attendance drop from Monday’s 50,000 visitors to just 21,000 on Tuesday.

    The current heatwave represents the latest in a series of extreme temperature events during Australia’s record-breaking summer, with previous records from the destructive 2019 bushfire season already being exceeded in New South Wales and South Australia earlier this week. Meteorological services predict gradual temperature moderation beginning Wednesday, though elevated heat conditions are expected to persist through the weekend.