Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Smallest last quarter moon of 2026 observed in China’s Heilongjiang

    Smallest last quarter moon of 2026 observed in China’s Heilongjiang

    Astronomical observers in Northeast China were treated to a rare celestial spectacle on March 11, 2026, as the smallest last quarter moon of the year graced the night skies over Jiayin County, Heilongjiang province. This lunar phenomenon, captured in stunning detail by Xinhua photographers, represented the most diminished final quarter phase observable throughout 2026.

    The last quarter moon, characterized by its distinctive half-illuminated appearance, follows a unique celestial schedule unlike other lunar phases. This particular phase emerges around midnight and remains visible until approximately noon the following day, offering extended observation opportunities for both professional astronomers and amateur stargazers.

    Scientific analysis indicates that the apparent size variation of the moon results from its elliptical orbit around Earth. During periods when the moon reaches its apogee—the farthest point from Earth in its orbital path—it presents a noticeably smaller visual diameter. The March 11th occurrence coincided with such an orbital position, creating the most miniature appearance of the final quarter phase for the entire year.

    The photographic documentation of this event provides valuable comparative data for astronomical researchers studying lunar orbital mechanics and visual perception phenomena. Such observations contribute to our understanding of celestial mechanics while simultaneously offering breathtaking visual experiences for astronomy enthusiasts worldwide.

  • Cambodia aims to shut down all online scam centers there by the end of April

    Cambodia aims to shut down all online scam centers there by the end of April

    Cambodian authorities have announced an ambitious timeline to eradicate the nation’s notorious online scam operations by the conclusion of April, marking a significant escalation in the battle against transnational cybercrime. Senior Minister Chhay Sinarith, overseeing the Commission for Combating Online Scams, revealed in an exclusive interview that since July, the government has identified 250 suspected scam centers and successfully neutralized approximately 200 facilities—representing an 80% closure rate.

    The comprehensive crackdown has yielded substantial results: 79 legal cases initiated against 697 alleged orchestrators and accomplices, alongside the repatriation of nearly 10,000 trafficked workers from 23 nations. Fewer than 1,000 individuals remain awaiting official repatriation procedures, with many others having independently returned home following raids.

    This criminal ecosystem, which flourished during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, has been linked to severe human rights abuses. Foreign nationals recruited under false pretenses often find themselves trapped in near-slavery conditions, forced to perpetrate romance and cryptocurrency scams against global victims. UN experts estimate these operations defraud victims worldwide of tens of billions annually.

    Cambodian police demonstrated their renewed vigilance Tuesday with a raid on a Phnom Penh high-rise, apprehending 60 Cambodian and Chinese nationals engaged in fraudulent investment schemes targeting European victims. Authorities displayed confiscated equipment including uniforms and fabricated Japanese police credentials used to intimidate targets.

    While previous enforcement efforts yielded limited results, the current campaign benefits from strengthened international cooperation with key partners including China and the United States. Post-April operations will focus on preventing criminal networks from reestablishing footholds, addressing a problem that has expanded from its circa-2012 VOIP scam origins into a global phenomenon reaching Africa and Latin America.

  • From Marx to mosque: how Iran reshaped global extremism

    From Marx to mosque: how Iran reshaped global extremism

    The seismic 1979 Iranian Revolution fundamentally altered the Middle Eastern political landscape, overthrowing a Western-supported monarchy to establish the world’s first modern theocratic Islamic Republic. This watershed moment not only transformed regional dynamics but also catalyzed a new era of political extremism that continues to reverberate decades later.

    In his groundbreaking work “The Revolutionists,” Guardian international security correspondent Jason Burke presents the Iranian Revolution as the ignition point for a powerful new energy that swept across the Muslim world. The revolution’s aftermath witnessed the dramatic acceleration of religious extremism throughout Islamic societies, simultaneously marginalizing older leftist revolutionary movements that had previously dominated anti-establishment discourse.

    The book meticulously traces two distinct but interconnected waves of extremism that emerged from this transformative period. The first originated from secular, predominantly left-wing revolutionary movements that proliferated during the late 1960s and early 1970s, particularly those centered on the Palestinian cause. The second gained momentum toward the decade’s end, spilling into the 1980s as violent Islamist militancy directed against Western political influence and secular modernity.

    Burke provides penetrating profiles of the era’s most notorious figures, including Leila Khaled of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), who participated in landmark aircraft hijackings that pioneered a new form of political theater. Similarly, he examines Hamid Ashraf of the Organization of Iranian People’s Fedai Guerrillas, whose remarkable survival skills under intense persecution made him an obsession for Iranian authorities.

    The narrative expands beyond individual actors to reconstruct the vast transnational ecosystem that sustained these movements. Despite divergent ideologies—one secular and anti-imperialist, the other religious and theocratic—both streams shared a fundamental conviction that established power structures could be overthrown through violent means.

    Burke’s research demonstrates how these revolutionaries operated within broader global transformations, from media expansion to superpower rivalry infrastructures. The book documents how extremists, weapons, and funding circulated across borders, with groups like West Germany’s Red Army Faction training alongside Palestinian guerrillas in Jordan.

    The 1979 Iranian Revolution demonstrated that militant religious mobilization could successfully topple a major regional power and defy global superpowers. This seismic event prompted a dramatic evolution in extremist tactics, shifting from the largely theatrical violence of the early 1970s—designed primarily to attract attention—to the mass-casualty atrocities that became familiar in subsequent decades.

    Burke concludes with a crucial warning: while we may vehemently disagree with the changes these violent actors sought, dismissing their motivations as mere fanaticism prevents us from understanding the complex forces that drive political extremism—an oversight we make at our peril.

  • Deputies highlight Yunnan’s dynamic culture-tourism interplay

    Deputies highlight Yunnan’s dynamic culture-tourism interplay

    During the 2026 National People’s Congress sessions, representatives showcased Yunnan Province’s innovative approach to tourism development through cultural preservation. The discussion emerged as travelers increasingly seek authentic experiences beyond generic internet travel clichés.

    China Daily reporter Yan An, drawing from personal experience in Yunnan, engaged with multiple NPC deputies about the province’s groundbreaking strategies. The conversations revealed how Yunnan is redefining sustainable tourism by deeply integrating cultural elements into visitor experiences.

    NPC deputy Bamo, an expert in intangible cultural heritage protection, emphasized that meaningful tourism cannot exist independently from its cultural foundations. This perspective aligns with China’s 15th Five-Year Plan draft outline, which explicitly advocates for ‘shaping tourism with culture and showcasing culture through tourism.’

    The provincial model demonstrates how cultural assets—from ethnic traditions to historical practices—can enhance tourist engagement while simultaneously preserving indigenous heritage. This dual approach addresses both economic development needs and cultural conservation imperatives, creating a symbiotic relationship between visitors and local communities.

    Yunnan’s methodology represents a significant shift from conventional tourism models, focusing instead on creating memorable, culturally immersive experiences that benefit both travelers and heritage bearers. The province’s success offers a replicable framework for other regions seeking to develop sustainable, culturally-grounded tourism economies.

  • Escalating conflict would produce no winners, only push the Middle East into a ‘dangerous abyss’: China’s Defense Ministry

    Escalating conflict would produce no winners, only push the Middle East into a ‘dangerous abyss’: China’s Defense Ministry

    China’s Defense Ministry has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating tensions in the Middle East, asserting that intensified conflict would yield no victorious parties while potentially plunging the region into what it describes as a ‘dangerous abyss.’ The statement emerged as part of China’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to promote stability in conflict zones.

    The ministry emphasized that military escalation fundamentally undermines regional security and threatens global economic stability. Chinese officials highlighted their nation’s consistent position advocating for peaceful resolution mechanisms through diplomatic channels and multilateral engagement.

    This declaration aligns with China’s broader foreign policy approach emphasizing non-interference, conflict de-escalation, and sustainable political solutions. The Defense Ministry’s statement specifically cautioned against the proliferation of advanced weapon systems and emerging technologies in conflict areas without proper safeguards.

    Analysts interpret this positioning as reflecting China’s growing role as a strategic stakeholder in Middle Eastern stability, particularly given its significant energy imports and Belt and Road Initiative investments throughout the region. The statement stopped short of prescribing specific solutions but reiterated China’s commitment to supporting United Nations-led peace initiatives.

    The warning comes amid increasing global concerns about potential regional escalation patterns and their implications for international security architectures. China’s defense establishment appears to be positioning itself as a voice for restraint amid complex geopolitical maneuvering by various international actors in the Middle East.

  • Military use of AI should remain human-led to prevent it from spiraling out of control: China’s Defense Ministry

    Military use of AI should remain human-led to prevent it from spiraling out of control: China’s Defense Ministry

    China’s Defense Ministry has articulated a firm position on the military application of artificial intelligence, emphasizing that human oversight must remain paramount in combat systems. This stance was formally communicated during a recent press briefing, where defense officials warned against the potential dangers of autonomous weapons operating without human control.

    The ministry’s statement represents a significant contribution to the ongoing global dialogue regarding ethical frameworks for AI in warfare. Chinese defense authorities contend that maintaining human command authority is essential for preventing catastrophic escalations and ensuring international security stability. This perspective aligns with growing international concerns about autonomous weapons systems potentially making life-or-death decisions without meaningful human intervention.

    China’s position emerges amid rapid technological advancements in military applications of artificial intelligence worldwide. The defense ministry’s statement suggests Beijing seeks to position itself as a responsible stakeholder in the development of international norms governing lethal autonomous weapons systems. This approach contrasts with some nations’ more aggressive pursuit of fully autonomous combat capabilities.

    The Chinese perspective emphasizes that while AI can enhance military efficiency and decision-making processes, ultimate authority must remain with human operators. This balanced approach acknowledges AI’s potential benefits while advocating for safeguards against uncontrolled escalation in conflict scenarios. The statement comes as United Nations discussions continue regarding potential regulatory frameworks for autonomous weapons systems.

  • National political adviser proposes to enhance talent cultivation for elite engineers in China

    National political adviser proposes to enhance talent cultivation for elite engineers in China

    A prominent Chinese political adviser has called for comprehensive reforms to strengthen the cultivation of elite engineering talent, highlighting critical gaps between academic training and industrial requirements. Xin Sijin, Chairman of the University Council at Wuhan University of Technology and a national political adviser, presented a detailed proposal during the ongoing political advisory session emphasizing the urgent need for deeper industry-education integration.

    Xin identified several systemic challenges currently hindering the development of top-tier engineers, including insufficient collaborative training bases, limited access to real-world engineering practice opportunities, and inadequate industry participation in educational programs. Despite initiatives launched since 2010 to enhance practical training through specialized undergraduate disciplines for elite engineers, significant obstacles remain in achieving genuine industry immersion.

    The adviser specifically advocated for stronger partnerships between universities and leading enterprises, urging corporations to open their research and development environments to students. “We should regularly publish lists of actual engineering challenges and encourage academic teams to address these practical issues,” Xin stated, emphasizing that this approach would significantly enhance students’ problem-solving capabilities.

    Xin also highlighted the transformative potential of digital tools in bridging practical training gaps and called for improved management and quality monitoring of joint training programs. “Strengthening the ability to solve complex engineering problems through alternating work and study cycles is absolutely essential,” he added.

    Noting that few engineering postgraduates currently experience long-term integration within corporate research environments, Xin proposed national-level incentives to encourage more active enterprise participation. He framed talent cultivation as a societal responsibility rather than merely an academic task, stating that “training engineers impacts the future development of our entire nation.”

    Wuhan University of Technology has already implemented innovative collaboration models with industries spanning construction, automotive, and transportation sectors. Through joint R&D centers, students conduct primary research and select thesis topics directly from industrial applications, providing valuable practical experience that bridges theoretical knowledge with real-world challenges.

  • Major Thai industrial estate developer announces plans to boost growth in ASEAN

    Major Thai industrial estate developer announces plans to boost growth in ASEAN

    Amata Corporation, Thailand’s premier industrial estate developer, has announced a comprehensive organizational restructuring designed to harness its strong financial position for accelerated expansion across Southeast Asia. The strategic move comes as the company positions itself to capitalize on the growing influx of foreign direct investment into ASEAN nations.

    Founder and Chairman Vikrom Kromadit revealed that the restructuring includes high-level executive appointments and strategic recruitment initiatives. The reorganization aims to strengthen Amata’s operations across Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos, where the company currently manages industrial cities hosting over 1,600 factories and commercial establishments.

    The company has set an ambitious target of 2,800 rai (approximately 1,100 hectares) in land sales for the current year, driven by increasing demand from Asian investors and the broader trend of manufacturing diversification into ASEAN markets. “ASEAN is rapidly emerging as a preferred investment destination, particularly for high-technology, digital innovation, and future-oriented industries that require sophisticated infrastructure and comprehensive business ecosystems,” Kromadit stated during a press briefing in Bangkok.

    Key appointments include Yasuo Tsutsui as Chief Executive Officer of Industrial Estate Thailand and Acting Chief Marketing Officer of Amata Corp, effective March 1. Osamu Sudo has been named Deputy Chief Executive Officer of affiliate company Amata Vietnam, signaling the company’s commitment to strengthening its regional leadership.

    The restructuring follows a remarkably successful financial year, with Amata reporting a consolidated net profit of 3.15 billion baht ($100 million) for the previous year—a substantial 28 percent year-on-year increase. Chief Financial Officer Dendao Komolmas attributed this performance to enhanced profitability from Vietnam operations and improved efficiency margins across all business segments.

    Geographically, Thailand is expected to contribute 1,650 rai of the sales target, primarily attracting advanced technology investors within the Eastern Economic Corridor. Vietnam is projected to account for 550 rai, supporting manufacturing relocations across diverse sectors including electronics and environmentally sustainable businesses. The newly established Laos operations target 600 rai for agricultural processing and logistics development.

    Despite the optimistic outlook, Kromadit acknowledged the need for vigilance regarding geopolitical uncertainties, particularly the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, which requires close monitoring in the coming weeks.

  • Thailand to open new parliament on Saturday

    Thailand to open new parliament on Saturday

    BANGKOK – Thailand’s political landscape enters a new chapter as the nation prepares to convene its freshly elected parliament this Saturday, March 14, following last month’s decisive general election. The official proclamation, published in the Royal Gazette on Wednesday and bearing the endorsement of King Maha Vajiralongkorn alongside Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s countersignature, marks a significant constitutional milestone.

    The February 8th electoral contest resulted in a substantial victory for the Bhumjaithai Party under Prime Minister Anutin’s leadership, which secured a commanding 191 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives. The People’s Party emerged as the second-largest faction with 120 seats, while the Pheu Thai Party captured 74 seats, completing the tripartite political structure that will shape the upcoming parliamentary session.

    This convening adheres to Section 121 of Thailand’s constitution, which mandates parliament must assemble within 15 days following the formal certification of election outcomes, thereby initiating the first annual ordinary session. The legislative agenda will commence with the newly constituted House of Representatives convening on March 15 to elect critical leadership positions, including the speaker and deputy speaker positions that will oversee parliamentary proceedings.

    The political process will further advance on March 19 when the assembly is expected to conduct a decisive vote to determine Thailand’s next prime ministerial candidate, setting the course for the nation’s governance in the coming legislative period.

  • Iran war on same disastrous path as Iraq war

    Iran war on same disastrous path as Iraq war

    Two decades after the United States launched its invasion of Iraq, the strategic outcome stands as a stark lesson in the limitations of military power. While American forces achieved their immediate tactical objectives with remarkable efficiency—decapitating Saddam Hussein’s regime within 21 days and establishing total air dominance—the political aftermath reveals a profound strategic failure.

    Despite expending $2 trillion and 4,488 American lives, the United States ultimately transformed Iraq into an authoritarian state firmly within Iran’s sphere of influence. Iranian-backed militias now operate openly on Iraqi soil, with many holding official positions within the government structure. This paradoxical outcome stems from a critical misunderstanding that has plagued American foreign policy: the conflation of military destruction with effective governance.

    The critical turning point came in April 2003 when L. Paul Bremer, head of the Coalition Provisional Authority, issued two fateful orders: Order 1 dissolved the ruling Baath Party and purged all senior members from government positions, while Order 2 disbanded the Iraqi army without disarming it. These decisions effectively eliminated Iraq’s administrative class and created a pool of 400,000 armed, unemployed soldiers who would fuel the insurgency.

    Meanwhile, Iran had spent the previous two decades cultivating Shia political networks, exile parties, and militia groups. When the U.S. dismantled Iraq’s existing institutions, Tehran’s well-established networks were positioned to fill the vacuum. The U.S.-backed opposition figures like Ahmed Chalabi and the Iraqi National Congress enjoyed Washington’s favor but lacked domestic legitimacy and governing experience.

    This pattern repeats across American military interventions. In Libya, the Obama administration’s 2011 regime change brought enduring political instability rather than democratic transformation. The fundamental error remains the assumption that destroying existing orders creates space for improvement, when in reality it creates opportunities for the best-organized, best-armed, and most-willing actors to seize control.

    The contemporary implications for Iran are equally sobering. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps—controlling 30-40% of Iran’s economy and maintaining parallel state infrastructure—represents the organization most likely to fill any power vacuum. External attacks typically produce rally-around-the-flag effects, fusing regime and nation even when citizens despise their leaders.

    With 92 million people, active proxy networks, and an unverified stockpile of highly enriched uranium, Iran presents exponentially greater challenges than Iraq did in 2003. The fundamental question remains unanswered: who would govern 92 million Iranians after regime collapse? Military destruction without a coherent theory of governance represents not strategy but strategic bankruptcy.