Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • China’s first research center focusing on foreign-related criminal affairs opens in Shanghai

    China’s first research center focusing on foreign-related criminal affairs opens in Shanghai

    Shanghai has become home to China’s inaugural research institution dedicated to foreign-related criminal affairs with the establishment of the Center for Foreign-Related Criminal Rights Protection and Risk Prevention. The groundbreaking facility commenced operations at the East China University of Political Science and Law, marking a significant advancement in China’s approach to international legal challenges.

    The newly launched center will concentrate on several critical domains including governance of cross-border money laundering activities, regulatory frameworks for international capital movements, and tax-related criminal risks affecting overseas operations. Additional focus areas encompass criminal governance mechanisms for digital currencies and cross-border financial transactions, international asset recovery protocols, anti-smuggling initiatives, overseas compliance standards, and transnational criminal dispute resolution.

    According to Director Sun Wanhuai, who also heads the Criminal Justice College at the university, the center will serve as both a think tank platform for legal rights protection and risk prevention, and as a collaborative ecosystem integrating industry expertise, academic research, and practical application. The institution aims to facilitate enhanced international cooperation through optimized mechanisms for case study sharing, joint research initiatives, and specialized talent development programs.

    University Vice-President Luo Peixin emphasized the center’s broader significance, noting its potential to protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and citizens operating abroad while simultaneously strengthening corporate international competitiveness and soft power. The establishment of this research facility represents a strategic response to China’s growing need for sophisticated foreign-related legal expertise and aligns with national efforts to enhance the country’s global legal standing.

  • Qatar Emir, US’ Trump discuss ‘de-escalation’ as Iran threat lingers

    Qatar Emir, US’ Trump discuss ‘de-escalation’ as Iran threat lingers

    In a significant diplomatic development, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and United States President Donald Trump convened a high-level telephone discussion on Wednesday focusing on regional security stabilization. The conversation centered on mounting tensions in the Gulf region following Washington’s explicit threats of military action against Iran.

    The Qatari royal court disclosed that both leaders examined the prevailing regional climate and evaluated international initiatives directed toward conflict de-escalation and the reinforcement of regional security architectures. The dialogue emphasized the critical importance of bolstering diplomatic channels and peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms to address ongoing regional crises.

    This diplomatic exchange occurred against the backdrop of resumed indirect negotiations between American and Iranian officials in Oman last Friday. These talks represent the first substantive engagement between the parties since Tehran’s violent suppression of domestic protests prompted Washington to deploy a naval task force, spearheaded by an aircraft carrier, to strategic waters in the Middle East.

    The timing of these parallel diplomatic maneuvers suggests coordinated international efforts to prevent further escalation in one of the world’s most volatile regions. Qatar, maintaining diplomatic relations with both Washington and Tehran, continues to position itself as a mediator in regional conflicts, leveraging its unique geopolitical standing to facilitate dialogue between adversarial nations.

  • The 81-Year-Old ‘Guardian of the Great Wall’

    The 81-Year-Old ‘Guardian of the Great Wall’

    At 81 years of age, Mei Jingtian embodies an extraordinary legacy of preservation, having devoted 43 years to the uncompensated protection of China’s iconic Great Wall. This remarkable volunteer has spent nearly half a century traversing treacherous terrain and navigating hazardous pathways in his self-appointed role as cultural custodian of one of humanity’s most renowned architectural marvels.

    Mei’s profound connection to the ancient structure transcends conventional conservation efforts. Where others might perceive mere stone and mortar, he recognizes a living testament to Chinese heritage—a sacred trust demanding vigilant stewardship for future generations. His unwavering commitment has transformed him into a symbolic guardian during this Chinese New Year period, capturing national attention as an exemplar of cultural dedication.

    Through extreme weather conditions and physical challenges that would deter most individuals, Mei has persistently monitored sections of the wall, documented deterioration, and advocated for preservation measures. His grassroots efforts represent a deeply personal crusade against the relentless forces of time and neglect that threaten this UNESCO World Heritage site.

    The narrative of this octogenarian conservator emerges not merely as a story of archaeological preservation, but as a powerful testament to individual agency in cultural protection. Mei Jingtian stands as living proof that the most significant conservation initiatives often begin with single individuals who refuse to let history crumble into oblivion.

  • Dubai’s tourism industry achieves third successive record-breaking year with 19.59 million international visitors in 2025

    Dubai’s tourism industry achieves third successive record-breaking year with 19.59 million international visitors in 2025

    Dubai has cemented its status as a premier global destination by achieving an unprecedented third consecutive record-breaking year in tourism, welcoming 19.59 million international overnight visitors throughout 2025. This represents a robust 5% increase from the 18.72 million arrivals recorded in 2024, according to official data released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

    The city’s tourism sector demonstrated exceptional momentum by surpassing the 2 million visitor mark in a single calendar month for the first time in its history during December 2025, setting a powerful trajectory for 2026. This remarkable achievement was attributed to strategic global partnerships, innovative marketing campaigns, and a diverse portfolio of major events that showcased Dubai’s multifaceted appeal.

    His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, emphasized that this sustained growth reflects the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the ambitious targets outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. “Dubai’s success stems from our commitment to building a globally connected city that offers distinctive experiences while creating substantial opportunities for visitors and residents alike,” stated Sheikh Hamdan.

    Regional market analysis revealed Western Europe maintained its position as Dubai’s largest source market, contributing 4.1 million visitors (21% share), followed closely by the GCC region with 2.99 million arrivals (15%). The city’s diversified tourism strategy effectively attracted visitors from both traditional and emerging markets, with significant growth recorded across all major regions including CIS/Eastern Europe (2.89 million), South Asia (2.89 million), and the Americas (1.40 million).

    Dubai’s hospitality sector demonstrated exceptional performance with average hotel occupancy reaching 80.7% in 2025, up from 78.2% the previous year. The city’s hotel inventory expanded to 154,264 rooms across 827 establishments, positioning Dubai ahead of other global destinations such as Bangkok, New York, Paris, and Singapore in terms of room capacity. Notable new property openings included Ciel Dubai Marina (the world’s tallest hotel), Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, and Mandarin Oriental Downtown.

    The emirate’s tourism ecosystem received multiple international accolades throughout 2025, including recognition as the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere and ranking among the world’s top ten safest cities. Dubai’s culinary scene gained global recognition with three hotels featured in The World’s 50 Best Hotels list and two restaurants ranking among The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

    Infrastructure developments played a crucial role in supporting this growth, with Dubai International Airport maintaining its position as the world’s busiest airport for international passengers for the eleventh consecutive year. Future developments including the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport and the construction of the Dubai Metro Blue Line are expected to further enhance the city’s accessibility and tourism capacity.

    Sustainability initiatives achieved significant milestones, with the Dubai Sustainable Tourism drive recognizing 153 hotels for their environmental practices. The Dubai Can initiative eliminated 42.7 million single-use plastic bottles through its network of 65 water refill stations, while the DUBAI REEF project advanced with over 47% of planned reef modules deployed to support marine conservation.

    As Dubai looks toward 2026 and beyond, the emirate remains focused on accelerating its D33 vision through continued infrastructure development, cultural preservation, and sustainable urban planning, ensuring its position at the forefront of global tourism innovation.

  • Filipino farmers, environmentalists score victory against British mining firm

    Filipino farmers, environmentalists score victory against British mining firm

    In a significant environmental victory, residents of Dupax del Norte in the northern Philippines have successfully compelled government authorities to suspend mineral exploration activities by British mining subsidiary Woggle Corporation. The community’s persistent resistance, maintained through months of police confrontations and arrests, culminated in the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) issuing an immediate cease-and-desist order against the mining operations.

    MGB Director Michael Cabalda justified the suspension by citing ongoing blockades along access roads that prevented safe entry to exploration sites, creating concerns regarding public safety and order. The order remains effective until normalization of conditions allows for lawful exploration activities to resume safely.

    Woggle Corporation, a subsidiary of Metals Exploration, holds substantial interests in local gold and nickel deposits. The company faced widespread criticism for obtaining court orders against community opposition that resulted in mass arrests of protesters.

    Environmental organizations and indigenous rights advocates have celebrated the suspension as a triumph of collective action. Indigenous rights group Katribu welcomed the development while emphasizing the temporary nature of the victory and pledging continued solidarity until Woggle Corporation completely withdraws from the region.

    Regional support organization Taripnong Cagayan Valley cautioned that the temporary suspension might represent a strategic pause rather than a permanent solution, warning that the company could employ military or police support to resume operations through alternative means. The group called for a permanent ban on mining activities in the area to protect both environmental integrity and indigenous rights.

  • UAE council flags mass student absences before public holidays; new policies tackle issue

    UAE council flags mass student absences before public holidays; new policies tackle issue

    The United Arab Emirates has launched a comprehensive crackdown on student absenteeism, particularly targeting the widespread practice of skipping school on Fridays and days preceding public holidays. The issue gained national attention during a Federal National Council session where Dr. Moza Al Shehhi raised concerns about the detrimental impact of these ‘mass absences’ on educational standards and social values.

    Education Minister Sarah Al Amiri presented compelling data demonstrating significant improvements since implementing new measures. Overall attendance during the first term reached 94.7%, with 86% of students achieving perfect attendance—a remarkable increase from the previous 3.8% rate.

    The ministry’s multi-faceted approach includes Ministerial Resolution No.79 of 2025, which standardizes attendance tracking and strengthens disciplinary procedures. A key deterrent involves counting absences on Fridays and pre-holiday periods as double infractions. The policy establishes a 15-day annual limit for unjustified absences, with consequences including withheld report cards and mandatory parental written commitments.

    Enhanced technological solutions feature prominently in the new system, with electronic monitoring and instant parent notifications ensuring real-time accountability. Chronic absence cases now receive individualized assessment and may be referred to child protection authorities when necessary.

    FNC Speaker Saqr Ghobash emphasized shared responsibility, stating that while ministerial efforts are commendable, parental involvement remains crucial. He invoked traditional practices where students required parental accompaniment to return after absences, highlighting the cultural dimension of attendance accountability.

    The comprehensive reforms represent part of broader initiatives to elevate educational quality and institutional responsibility throughout the UAE’s school system, with continued field monitoring and policy refinement planned to sustain progress.

  • China urges Lithuania to adhere to one-China principle and align with “right side of history”

    China urges Lithuania to adhere to one-China principle and align with “right side of history”

    In a firm diplomatic stance, China has called upon Lithuania to promptly rectify its position on Taiwan and align with the “right side of history,” reinforcing the one-China principle as an fundamental tenet of international relations. The appeal was formally issued by Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for China’s State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, during a regular press briefing in Beijing on Wednesday.

    Zhu emphasized that the one-China principle represents both a broad international consensus and a foundational norm governing global diplomacy, reflecting the collective will of people worldwide. Her statements came in direct response to recent remarks by Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene, who characterized her country’s 2021 decision to permit Taiwan to establish a representative office in Vilnius as a strategic miscalculation.

    The Lithuanian leader had previously acknowledged the diplomatic misstep, stating that her nation had essentially “jumped in front of a train and lost” through the controversial move. This admission has opened new possibilities for bilateral dialogue between the two countries.

    In a complementary development, China’s Foreign Ministry expressed openness to renewed discussions with Lithuanian officials on Friday, while simultaneously urging Vilnius to translate its stated willingness to improve relations into tangible actions and policy adjustments. The coordinated messaging from multiple Chinese government departments underscores the consistency and seriousness of Beijing’s position on matters of territorial integrity and diplomatic protocol.

  • UAE minister announces school bus trips now capped at 45–60 minutes

    UAE minister announces school bus trips now capped at 45–60 minutes

    The United Arab Emirates has implemented stringent new regulations limiting school bus journey durations nationwide. Education Minister Sarah Al Amiri announced definitive caps of 45 minutes for kindergarten students and 60 minutes for all other pupils during a Federal National Council session on Tuesday.

    The policy change follows mounting concerns raised by parents and council members regarding excessive travel times affecting student welfare. FNC member Naama Abdullah Al Sharhan brought attention to cases where students endured two hours or more on daily commutes, prompting ministerial intervention.

    Minister Al Amiri revealed compelling compliance data, indicating that 98.5% of school transport services adhered to these time limits during the first academic term. This represents a substantial improvement from previous years, with the education system achieving a 50% reduction in average journey times across the board.

    The minister clarified that while her ministry maintains no official records of routes exceeding two hours, the new caps establish clear operational parameters. Exceptions may occur during unforeseen circumstances such as traffic incidents or severe weather conditions, though these remain rare occurrences.

    Operational challenges were acknowledged, particularly late student registrations that disrupt careful route planning. To address systemic issues, the ministry has established a dedicated transport quality unit within its organizational structure. This specialized team conducts regular route reviews and monitors daily operations to ensure compliance and address complaints.

    The developments reflect growing emphasis on student welfare within UAE education policy, with transportation efficiency becoming an increasingly prominent aspect of educational quality discussions.

  • Spring Festival Adventures: Visiting dad on duty

    Spring Festival Adventures: Visiting dad on duty

    China Daily Information Co (CDIC) asserts full copyright protection over all content published on its platform. This comprehensive protection extends to textual materials, photographic images, multimedia information, and all other published elements. The company explicitly prohibits any republication or utilization of this content in any form without obtaining prior written authorization from CDIC. The publication operates under formal registration number 130349 and maintains multimedia online publishing license 0108263. The platform recommends optimal viewing with browsers set to 1024*768 resolution or higher. Additionally, the website provides information regarding corporate background, advertising opportunities, contact details, and employment prospects including expatriate positions. The organization also maintains an active presence across various social media channels for audience engagement.

  • Thai police arrest gunman after two injured in school siege

    Thai police arrest gunman after two injured in school siege

    Thai authorities have successfully resolved a dangerous hostage situation at Phatong Prathan Keeriwat School following a two-hour standoff with an armed teenager. The incident unfolded on Wednesday afternoon when an 18-year-old male suspect entered the educational facility near Hat Yai city and commenced shooting, wounding at least two individuals before taking teachers and students hostage.

    According to official reports, the violence erupted shortly before 5:00 PM local time when the assailant forced his way into the school premises. The institution’s principal sustained gunshot injuries and was among those transported to medical facilities for emergency treatment. A female student was also shot during the confrontation, while another pupil suffered injuries after leaping from the building in a state of panic-induced desperation.

    Specialized police units immediately cordoned off the area and initiated crisis negotiation protocols. After prolonged discussions with law enforcement officials, the teenage suspect ultimately surrendered without further violence and was taken into custody. Multiple ambulances were dispatched to the scene and evacuated those affected once the situation was secured.

    While investigative authorities have not yet determined the precise motivation behind the attack, preliminary media reports indicate the perpetrator might have harbored personal grievances against a specific teacher at the institution.

    This distressing event highlights Thailand’s persistent challenges with firearm-related violence, where both legal and illegal gun possession remains prevalent nationwide. The Southeast Asian nation has witnessed several devastating shooting incidents in recent years, including last year’s food market tragedy in Bangkok that claimed five lives, a 2023 shopping mall shooting by a 14-year-old that resulted in two fatalities and five injuries, and the horrific 2022 kindergarten massacre in northeastern Thailand where a former police officer killed 36 people, predominantly young children.