Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Parcel deliveries in China surpass 180 billion mark

    Parcel deliveries in China surpass 180 billion mark

    China’s express delivery industry achieved an unprecedented milestone this week, with annual parcel volume exceeding 180 billion items for the first time in history. The State Post Bureau announced Monday that this record-breaking figure was reached on Sunday, highlighting the sector’s extraordinary growth trajectory and its increasing importance to the national economy.

    The landmark parcel—a smart learning device ordered by Shenzhen resident Li Xiaojun—underwent a fully automated journey representative of China’s advanced logistics infrastructure. Processed at JD.com’s automated warehouse, the package was transported via unmanned vehicle before final doorstep delivery, demonstrating the sophisticated integration of technology throughout the supply chain.

    At JD’s Pineshan grid warehouse station in Shenzhen, automation has become fundamental to operations. Station manager An Jixing reported handling approximately 15,000 parcels daily with five unmanned vehicles that manage over 1,000 orders. “These vehicles significantly reduce staff travel time, alleviate workload pressures, and enable longer community service hours, resulting in markedly improved customer experiences,” An explained.

    Recipient Li Xiaojun expressed surprise at his accidental role in the national milestone. “I placed the order yesterday and received it today—incredible efficiency for my child’s educational device,” he remarked. “Both my family’s shopping and factory business depend heavily on courier services, though I never realized annual volumes reached such astronomical levels.”

    Courier Zhang Fan, who delivered the historic package, described how automation has transformed his profession. Serving over 2,000 households, he noted that unmanned vehicles now bring parcels within hundreds of meters rather than requiring 6-kilometer trips for package retrieval. “This allows greater focus on delivery quality, customer interaction, and collection services,” Zhang emphasized.

    The industry’s technological transformation extends throughout the logistics chain: warehouse robots manage inventory operations, AI-powered vision systems scan parcels within milliseconds at sorting centers, and large language models optimize transportation routing. Drones and unmanned vehicles are expanding through pilot programs to further reduce operational costs.

    With monthly averages exceeding 16 billion parcels and peak daily volumes reaching 777 million items (over 6,200 parcels per second), China’s courier sector demonstrates extraordinary scale. Liu Jiang of the State Post Bureau’s research center attributed this growth to macroeconomic policies and national market integration. “The industry’s scale effect has made it crucial for driving consumption, domestic demand, and economic stability,” Liu stated, noting technology’s role as “a powerful engine injecting lasting vitality.”

    Shenzhen has emerged as an innovation leader within the sector, deploying 180 unmanned vehicles capable of handling 100,000+ daily parcels. According to Liu Xiaoqing of Shenzhen Municipal Postal Administration, the city has invested over 150 million yuan ($21 million) in equipment upgrades this year alone. Their drone delivery system now operates eight bases with 500+ routes, achieving two-hour intra-city delivery and three-hour service throughout the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

    The industry appears poised to exceed official 2025 targets of 190 billion parcels and 1.5 trillion yuan in revenue, having already surpassed the 180 billion mark within the first eleven months of 2025. This performance underscores the resilience and continued expansion of the world’s largest express delivery market.

  • Nation makes strides in climate governance

    Nation makes strides in climate governance

    China has dramatically transformed its role in global environmental governance, evolving from a participating nation to a definitive leader in climate action, according to officials and experts speaking at a recent seminar on Ecological Civilization in Xiamen. The gathering brought together provincial leaders, national ministry officials, researchers, and business representatives to discuss China’s expanding contributions to building a sustainable global future.

    Substantial environmental progress within China provides the foundation for this leadership claim. Public satisfaction with ecological conditions has remained above 90% for four consecutive years, demonstrating successful environmental protection alongside continued economic advancement. Air quality metrics show particularly dramatic improvement: concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in major cities have plummeted by 56% compared to a decade ago, while heavily polluted days have decreased by an impressive 92%—representing the world’s most rapid air quality enhancement.

    The green transition has simultaneously fueled economic growth, with China dominating the global new energy vehicle market for ten straight years. The nation’s forest coverage has expanded to over 25%, accounting for a quarter of the planet’s new green growth. These domestic achievements are now complemented by extensive international cooperation through multiple channels.

    China has established 55 climate-focused South-South cooperation agreements with 43 developing nations while providing professional training to participants from over 120 countries. This effort aims to transform developing nations from passive recipients to active participants in global climate rule-making, advocating for equitable responsibility distribution and opposing green trade barriers.

    Juncao technology exemplifies China’s practical contributions to global sustainability. This innovative, adaptable grass hybrid developed by Professor Lin Zhanxi serves multiple purposes—growing edible mushrooms, providing livestock feed, and enabling ecological restoration. Introduced to 109 countries, it has particularly benefited less developed regions through over 400 training sessions for 16,000 international trainees. The technology’s symbolic significance was highlighted when King Tupou VI of Tonga personally planted Juncao during a recent visit to Fujian, with many now calling it ‘friendship grass’ for its role in strengthening international bonds and improving livelihoods.

  • Chinese and Japanese boats face off near disputed islands as feud worsens

    Chinese and Japanese boats face off near disputed islands as feud worsens

    A maritime confrontation near the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands has intensified diplomatic friction between China and Japan, with both nations offering conflicting accounts of the incident. The uninhabited islands, administered by Japan but claimed by China under the name Diaoyu Islands, have long represented a geopolitical flashpoint in East Asia.

    According to China’s Coast Guard spokesperson Liu Dejun, Chinese vessels intercepted and issued warnings to a Japanese fishing boat that had ‘illegally entered Chinese territorial waters’ on Tuesday. The CCG stated it implemented ‘necessary law enforcement measures’ to protect what it considers sovereign territory, demanding Japan cease ‘all acts of infringement and provocation.’

    Contradicting this narrative, Japan’s Coast Guard reported that it had actually expelled two Chinese vessels that approached a Japanese fishing boat in the early hours of Tuesday. Japanese authorities stated their patrol ships monitored the situation until the Chinese vessels departed several hours later, ensuring the safety of their fishing vessel.

    This maritime incident occurs against a backdrop of rapidly deteriorating bilateral relations. The diplomatic downturn follows controversial remarks last month by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a known China critic, who suggested Tokyo might consider military action should China attack Taiwan. Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and maintains a policy of potential reunification by force.

    The East China Sea tensions have been escalating for over fifteen years despite a 2008 principle agreement for joint resource exploitation. China has increasingly tested Japanese resolve through frequent coast guard deployments, with last year marking the third consecutive record for Chinese government vessel sightings in the contested waters. The previous patrol occurred on November 16, when Chinese vessels conducted what they described as ‘lawful patrol operations to uphold rights and interests.’

    The growing rift between Asia’s two largest economies has extended beyond diplomatic channels, affecting daily life and economic relations between the two nations while raising concerns about regional stability.

  • India tells smartphone makers to put state-run cyber safety app on new devices

    India tells smartphone makers to put state-run cyber safety app on new devices

    In a landmark move affecting one of the world’s largest telecommunications markets, the Indian government has mandated the compulsory pre-installation of its state-developed Sanchar Saathi application on all new smartphones. The directive, issued by India’s Department of Telecommunications, provides manufacturers a 90-day compliance window to integrate this non-removable cybersecurity tool into devices destined for the Indian market, which serves over 1.2 billion mobile subscribers.

    The government justification centers on enhancing telecom cybersecurity by combating device fraud through International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) verification. Officials cite India’s substantial second-hand device market as particularly vulnerable, noting that stolen or blacklisted phones with duplicate IMEI numbers frequently resurface in consumer hands. The pre-loaded application enables users to authenticate handsets, report lost or stolen devices, and identify suspected fraudulent communications.

    However, digital rights organizations and cybersecurity experts have raised significant concerns about the implementation. The Internet Freedom Foundation characterizes the mandate as transforming every smartphone into ‘a vessel for state mandated software that the user cannot meaningfully refuse, control, or remove.’ Technical concerns focus on the application’s broad system permissions and its design as an immutable component within device operating systems, potentially creating surveillance vulnerabilities by bypassing standard inter-app security protocols.

    Industry compliance presents additional challenges, particularly for manufacturers like Apple that historically resist third-party software mandates. While Android devices dominate India’s market (approximately 95.5% share according to Counterpoint Research), Apple’s estimated 4.5% market share represents significant leverage in negotiations. Reuters reports the technology giant intends to formally communicate its reservations to Indian authorities rather than comply with the directive.

    This development places India alongside nations like Russia, which implemented similar pre-installation requirements for state-backed applications earlier this year, highlighting the growing global tension between national security objectives and digital privacy rights in telecommunications policy.

  • Ryukyu’s historical tributary ties with China highlighted

    Ryukyu’s historical tributary ties with China highlighted

    A significant historical exhibition currently underway at Dalian’s Lushun Museum in Liaoning Province presents compelling evidence of the Ryukyu Islands’ historical status as a tributary state to China during both the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. The exhibition features a meticulously crafted replica of a 1629 imperial edict from Emperor Chongzhen of the Ming Dynasty, with the original document preserved in the museum’s archival collection.

    The imperial decree, issued during the second year of Emperor Chongzhen’s reign, formally confirms Shang Feng’s legitimate succession to the Ryukyu throne following the death of King Shang Ning. The historical document praises the deceased monarch’s demonstrated loyalty and service to the Ming court while instructing the new ruler to exercise prudent governance, protect his domain, and maintain Ryukyu’s established tributary obligations to the Chinese empire.

    The edict concludes with an elaborate enumeration of imperial gifts designated for Ryukyu and officially authorizes Ming envoys to confer Emperor Chongzhen’s formal investiture upon the new king. This exhibition not only highlights the extensive historical and political connections between imperial China and the Ryukyu archipelago but also documents historical instances of Japanese aggression toward the islands, which are situated northeast of China’s Taiwan region.

    The display provides visitors with tangible historical evidence of the sophisticated tributary system that characterized East Asian international relations for centuries, offering crucial context for understanding contemporary geopolitical discussions regarding the region’s historical dynamics.

  • More than 1,200 dead from floods in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand as rescue efforts intensify

    More than 1,200 dead from floods in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand as rescue efforts intensify

    Emergency response teams across Southeast Asia are battling challenging conditions to reach survivors and recover victims following devastating monsoon floods that have claimed over 1,200 lives across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The catastrophic weather event has left more than 800 people missing as rescue operations face significant obstacles due to damaged infrastructure and continuing adverse weather patterns.

    In the hardest-hit nation of Indonesia, catastrophic flooding has resulted in at least 659 confirmed fatalities with 475 individuals still unaccounted for. Rescue personnel on Sumatra island confront severely compromised access routes where roads have been completely washed away and critical bridges have collapsed. Despite deployment of helicopter and marine assets, officials report deteriorating weather conditions and infrastructure damage are substantially hampering relief efforts.

    Sri Lanka faces similarly dire circumstances with 390 confirmed deaths and 352 people missing in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah. The country’s Disaster Management Center reported that military-led rescue teams continue searching devastated regions despite multiple access challenges created by landslide-blocked roads and destroyed bridge networks.

    Thailand has recorded 181 fatalities with cleanup operations now underway across southern provinces where massive flooding affected approximately 1.5 million households representing nearly 4 million residents. Government authorities have initiated infrastructure restoration efforts while simultaneously establishing emergency public kitchens and preparing compensation distributions totaling 239 million baht ($7.4 million) for 26,000 affected citizens.

    Regional meteorological agencies warn of potentially worsening conditions with additional rainfall forecast in coming days, particularly concerning for Sri Lanka where residents in central Kandy are already relying on bottled water from natural springs due to compromised water systems.

  • Hong Kong leader orders investigation into deadly fire that killed 151

    Hong Kong leader orders investigation into deadly fire that killed 151

    Hong Kong authorities have initiated a sweeping investigation into the catastrophic fire at Wang Fuk Court housing complex that claimed at least 151 lives, marking the city’s deadliest structural blaze in over seven decades. Chief Executive John Lee announced the formation of an independent judicial committee to examine the systemic failures that led to the tragedy, which engulfed seven of eight tower blocks undergoing renovation last Wednesday.

    The fire’s rapid propagation across multiple buildings occurred through flammable protective netting that failed to meet safety standards, with the inferno requiring 40 hours and over 2,000 firefighters to fully extinguish. Authorities have arrested 13 individuals, including construction company directors, on suspicion of manslaughter, while the buildings department has suspended 30 private projects pending safety reviews.

    Critical safety failures emerged during initial investigations, with fire alarms in all eight blocks found non-functional during the blaze. The tragedy has exposed significant gaps in renovation safety protocols, particularly concerning elderly residents who comprise nearly 40% of the complex’s 4,600 inhabitants.

    Controversy has intensified as police detained three individuals, including a former district councilor and a 24-year-old petitioner seeking an independent inquiry. The online petition gathered over 10,000 signatures before being removed from platforms. Human rights organizations including Amnesty International have condemned the arrests as suppressing legitimate inquiry.

    Chief Executive Lee defended the government’s response, stating ‘criminals that commit offences must be taken to justice’ while acknowledging the need for comprehensive reform. The official investigation is expected to take three to four weeks as forensic teams continue recovering victims from the devastated complex.

  • AI’s impact could worsen gaps between world’s rich and poor, a UN report says

    AI’s impact could worsen gaps between world’s rich and poor, a UN report says

    BANGKOK (AP) — The United Nations Development Program has issued a stark warning that artificial intelligence risks creating a modern-day “Great Divergence” mirroring the inequalities of the industrial revolution, unless urgent measures are taken to ensure equitable access to the technology.

    According to a comprehensive report released Tuesday, while AI promises unprecedented productivity gains and technological advancement, these benefits are disproportionately flowing to wealthy nations and communities. The analysis draws historical parallels to the 19th century industrialization period when Western nations rapidly modernized while others were left behind in technological progress.

    The report emphasizes that the most pressing concern isn’t merely how AI might replace human jobs, but how it will impact vulnerable populations including those struggling with basic access to electricity and internet connectivity, older citizens, and people displaced by conflict or climate disasters. These groups risk becoming “invisible” in data systems that fail to account for their unique circumstances and needs.

    Despite these challenges, the UN identifies significant potential for AI to address critical development issues. The technology could revolutionize farming through improved advisory services, enable rapid medical diagnostics including X-ray analysis within seconds, enhance weather forecasting accuracy, and streamline damage assessments in disaster-prone regions.

    “As a general-purpose technology, AI systems that analyze poverty, health, and disaster risks enable faster, fairer, and more transparent decisions, turning data into continuous learning and public value,” the report states.

    However, the implementation of AI brings substantial environmental and security concerns. Data centers required for AI operations consume enormous amounts of electricity and water, potentially undermining climate goals by increasing carbon emissions. The technology also raises serious ethical questions regarding privacy violations, cybersecurity threats—including AI-powered hacking—and the proliferation of deepfakes that can spread misinformation or facilitate criminal activity.

    The regional disparities are particularly stark across Asia-Pacific. While nations like China, Japan, South Korea and Singapore are well-positioned to capitalize on AI advancements, countries including Afghanistan, the Maldives and Myanmar lack the fundamental infrastructure, reliable power, and technical skills needed to participate in the AI revolution. Approximately one-quarter of the Asia-Pacific population remains without internet access, potentially excluding millions from digital payment systems, digital IDs, and educational opportunities essential for economic participation.

    The report concludes that AI is becoming “the region’s next essential infrastructure, like power, roads, and schools,” but with both faster benefits and sharper risks. It calls for governments to implement transparent regulations, invest in digital infrastructure and education, ensure fair competition, and establish social protections to prevent vulnerable populations from being “stranded on the wrong side of an AI-driven global economy.”

    The ultimate goal, according to the UN, is to democratize access to AI capabilities so that every nation and community can benefit while protecting those most vulnerable to technological disruption.

  • India mandates pre-installation of government cyber safety app on all smartphones

    India mandates pre-installation of government cyber safety app on all smartphones

    India’s telecommunications ministry has issued a sweeping directive requiring all smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the government-developed ‘Sanchar Saathi’ cybersecurity application on new devices. The mandate, announced Monday, gives device makers a 90-day compliance window and explicitly prohibits users from uninstalling the application. Additionally, the order extends to existing smartphones through mandatory software updates, significantly expanding the regulation’s reach beyond new market offerings.

    The Ministry of Communications justified the measure as essential protection for India’s 1.2 billion mobile users against cyber fraud and telecommunications security threats. Official data indicates the application, launched in January, has already facilitated the recovery of over 700,000 lost devices and garnered more than 5 million downloads since its introduction.

    However, digital privacy advocates have raised substantial concerns regarding user consent and potential surveillance implications. Nikhil Pahwa, founder of technology policy platform MediaNama, characterized the move as governmental ‘testing of waters’ that could pave the way for more intrusive applications. ‘Once a government app is forcibly pre-installed on our devices, what prevents future implementations that might enable surveillance?’ Pahwa questioned, emphasizing that smartphones represent personal spaces where users traditionally maintain choice over content.

    The directive is anticipated to encounter significant opposition from international smartphone manufacturers, particularly U.S.-based Apple, whose established policies prohibit pre-installation of third-party applications, including those mandated by governments. This development aligns with similar initiatives observed in other nations, including Russia’s requirement for pre-installed MAX messaging service, which critics identify as possessing surveillance capabilities.

  • Trump warns Israel not to prevent Syria’s ‘evolution’

    Trump warns Israel not to prevent Syria’s ‘evolution’

    In a significant diplomatic development, former U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a subtle caution to Israel regarding its military actions in Syria, emphasizing the importance of preserving Syria’s path toward stability. Through a post on his TruthSocial platform, Trump expressed satisfaction with current developments in Syria while urging Israel to maintain constructive dialogue with its neighbor.

    The comments followed a recent Israeli military operation in southern Syria that resulted in substantial casualties. Syrian media reported that Israeli forces conducted a raid on the village of Beit Jinn, located approximately 50 kilometers from Damascus, killing at least 13 people. The operation triggered defensive actions from local villagers and required Israeli air support to extract ground troops, according to reports. The Israeli military confirmed six soldiers were wounded during the engagement.

    This incident interrupted a period of relative calm in Israeli-Syrian relations that had persisted since the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government late last year. Israel has subsequently expanded its military presence, occupying a United Nations buffer zone and establishing positions on strategic high ground including Mount Hermon. Regional experts note Israel has simultaneously attempted to position itself as a protector of Syria’s Druze minority by providing arms to local leaders.

    The geopolitical landscape has grown increasingly complex with the Trump administration hosting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House in November—a remarkable diplomatic gesture given Sharaa’s former leadership of a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. Sharaa’s participation in counter-Islamic State coalition talks during his visit potentially strengthens his position against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which continue to guard IS prisoners with U.S. support.

    Regional dynamics further complicate the situation, with Sharaa enjoying support from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The Gulf states provide financial assistance to Syria’s government while Turkey engages in military training and contemplates a defense agreement with Damascus. The United States has attempted to mediate between Turkey and Israel to prevent clashes in Syrian territory.

    Despite U.S.-mediated talks between Israel and Syria regarding border security arrangements, former U.S. Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford indicated negotiations have stalled due to Israel’s reluctance to withdraw from occupied territories. The fundamental question remains what incentives Syria would have for agreeing to a security arrangement that doesn’t address Israeli occupation concerns.