Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Drone and fireworks show staged in Macao to celebrate Spring Festival

    Drone and fireworks show staged in Macao to celebrate Spring Festival

    China Daily Information Co (CDIC) has established comprehensive copyright protection protocols for all content published across its digital platforms. The company’s stringent policies explicitly prohibit the republication or utilization of any materials—including textual content, photographs, and multimedia information—without obtaining prior written authorization from CDIC.

    The copyright notice, which dates back to 1994, underscores the organization’s long-standing commitment to intellectual property protection. The publication recommends optimal viewing experience through browsers with 1024*768 resolution or higher, ensuring consumers access content in its intended format.

    CDIC maintains multiple regulatory certifications, including Online Multimedia Publishing License 0108263 and Registration Number 130349, demonstrating compliance with China’s digital publishing regulations. The media organization additionally provides information regarding corporate operations, advertising opportunities, contact channels, and employment prospects for both domestic and international professionals through its dedicated portal sections.

  • Year of the Horse, full speed ahead

    Year of the Horse, full speed ahead

    As China welcomed the Year of the Horse in February 2026, the nation erupted in vibrant celebrations marking the Lunar New Year. The festivities showcased a rich tapestry of cultural traditions and modern innovations across the country.

    In Macao, a spectacular drone and fireworks display illuminated the night sky, creating a mesmerizing technological spectacle that drew thousands of spectators. Meanwhile, in Shanxi province, tourists flocked to the historic Zhaoyu Ancient City to experience traditional Spring Festival celebrations amidst well-preserved architectural heritage.

    The unique horse culture of Inner Mongolia took center stage at a winter photography festival, where the region’s equestrian traditions were displayed against breathtaking snowy landscapes. This celebration held particular significance during the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac, symbolizing strength, speed, and perseverance.

    Cultural institutions reported record engagement, with China’s science and technology museums attracting over 3.5 million visits during the holiday period. The surge in domestic tourism also set new records, particularly in cross-border travel between mainland China and special administrative regions, leading to unprecedented traffic on major transportation corridors.

    The celebrations extended beyond China’s borders, with Chinese tourists spreading festive vibes internationally while maintaining deep connections to their cultural roots. The panda, China’s national treasure, continued to capture public imagination as these beloved animals became integrated into daily life narratives during the holiday season.

    Despite the celebrations, authorities remained vigilant about public safety, issuing warnings about forest fire risks in Guangdong province following several incidents. The mixed pattern of traditional observance and modern adaptation characterized China’s approach to one of its most important cultural festivals, demonstrating both the preservation of heritage and embrace of innovation.

  • China’s sci-tech museums draw over 3.5m visits during Spring Festival holiday

    China’s sci-tech museums draw over 3.5m visits during Spring Festival holiday

    China’s network of science and technology museums experienced unprecedented popularity during the recent Spring Festival holiday, recording a remarkable 3.5 million visits across the nine-day celebration period. The China Science and Technology Museum (CSTM) in Beijing reported these figures on Monday, highlighting how these institutions successfully merged educational content with cultural festivities to create engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

    The flagship Beijing facility alone attracted over 200,000 visitors with its special Year of the Horse themed exhibitions. Nationwide, regional science museums developed customized programming that blended traditional Chinese zodiac symbolism, intangible cultural heritage elements, and interactive technology demonstrations. These carefully crafted experiences allowed families to explore scientific concepts while simultaneously participating in Lunar New Year traditions.

    According to CSTM officials, the institution will continue to pioneer innovative approaches to science communication throughout 2026. This strategic direction aims to enhance public engagement with scientific concepts and support China’s broader objectives of achieving greater self-reliance in science and technology through improved science literacy among the population. The successful holiday programming demonstrates how cultural institutions can effectively combine entertainment with education to stimulate public interest in scientific fields.

  • S. Korea’s ex-president Yoon files appeal against life sentence for insurrection

    S. Korea’s ex-president Yoon files appeal against life sentence for insurrection

    In a significant legal development, former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has formally appealed the life imprisonment verdict handed down for his role in orchestrating an insurrection during his presidency. The appeal was filed Tuesday with the Seoul Central District Court through Yoon’s legal representatives, according to reports from Yonhap News Agency.

    The case stems from Yoon’s controversial declaration of emergency martial law on December 3, 2024—an action the courts subsequently deemed unconstitutional as it occurred absent any legitimate national emergency, armed conflict, or comparable crisis situation. The extraordinary measures included deploying martial law troops and police forces to block the National Assembly’s efforts to revoke the declaration, alongside attempted detentions of prominent political leaders including parliamentary leadership and major party officials.

    Yoon’s declaration proved remarkably short-lived, with the National Assembly overriding and revoking the martial law order within hours of its implementation. The constitutional crisis culminated in April 2025 when the Constitutional Court upheld impeachment proceedings, resulting in Yoon’s removal from office. His January 2025 indictment while still in office marked an unprecedented moment in South Korean political history, representing the first instance of a sitting president facing arrest and criminal charges.

    South Korean law mandates that individuals convicted of leading an insurrection face only two possible sentences: life imprisonment or capital punishment. The upcoming appellate process will now determine whether the original court’s life sentence will stand or be modified in what has become one of the most consequential political-legal cases in the nation’s modern history.

  • Surge in mainland-SARs tourism drives traffic records on sea bridge

    Surge in mainland-SARs tourism drives traffic records on sea bridge

    The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge, has experienced unprecedented traffic volumes during the recent Spring Festival period, recording three consecutive days of record-breaking vehicle movements. On February 24-26, 2026, the infrastructure marvel witnessed daily traffic figures reaching 27,000, 27,100, and ultimately peaking at 29,500 trips respectively.

    This remarkable surge stems from a significant increase in bidirectional tourism between mainland China and the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao. Official data from Guangdong’s transportation authorities reveals that during the first seven days of the nine-day holiday period, the bridge accommodated over 161,000 vehicle crossings, representing a substantial 20% increase compared to the previous year.

    The increased traffic patterns reflect the successful implementation of cross-boundary vehicle programs initiated in 2023 and late 2025. These policies permit single-license vehicles from Hong Kong and Macao to access Guangdong province, while conversely enabling mainland vehicles to enter Hong Kong’s urban areas. During the festival, northbound vehicles from Hong Kong constituted more than half of total bridge traffic, with Saturday alone seeing over 15,300 such trips.

    For many families, this marked the first extended holiday period since the implementation of the latest travel facilitation measures. Guangzhou resident Mr. Wang, who secured his travel quota two weeks in advance, noted the enhanced flexibility for family travel that personal vehicle transportation provides.

    The bridge has simultaneously served as a major tourist attraction in its own right, with immigration authorities reporting approximately 10,000 participants in dedicated bridge tours during the holiday period. Meanwhile, the infrastructure has facilitated over 372,000 trips by residents from Hong Kong and Macao visiting family and enjoying short excursions in Guangdong.

    Transportation expert Gary Zhang Xinyu, former chairman of the Hong Kong Legislative Council’s rail transport subcommittee, described the traffic increase as “remarkably significant, even somewhat unexpected.” He emphasized that the phenomenon demonstrates both the substantial potential for cross-boundary travel and the powerful impact of policy measures on stimulating tourism demand and transforming travel patterns within the Greater Bay Area.

  • Forest fires spark safety warnings in Guangdong

    Forest fires spark safety warnings in Guangdong

    Authorities in Guangdong province have escalated fire safety measures following a concerning increase in forest fires triggered by illegal fireworks usage. The provincial emergency management department reported multiple wildfire outbreaks across Wuhua county in Meizhou on February 16, all originating from villagers discharging fireworks near forested zones. Although these particular incidents were contained without casualties, they revealed systemic vulnerabilities in current prevention frameworks.

    The provincial forest fire prevention headquarters convened an emergency video conference on Saturday, mandating comprehensive reforms to break the cycle of recurrent outbreaks. Officials have been directed to strengthen accountability mechanisms and address underlying weaknesses in fire management systems. The new strategy emphasizes intensified source control through systematic risk inspections and specialized operations targeting unlawful fire use.

    Simultaneously, the initiative expands public education campaigns across multiple channels to disseminate fire prevention legislation and safety knowledge. Local governments are enhancing emergency preparedness through refined contingency planning, regular drills, and developing integrated monitoring systems combining aerial, spatial, and ground surveillance technologies. Supervision protocols will feature immediate rectification orders with follow-up inspections to ensure implementation efficacy.

    This regulatory tightening follows tragic fireworks accidents in Jiangsu and Hubei provinces during the Spring Festival period, claiming 20 lives total. The State Council Work Safety Committee consequently issued national directives strengthening oversight throughout fireworks supply chains, particularly regarding sales and discharge activities. Multiple provinces including Liaoning have implemented stringent new regulations prohibiting hazardous practices near retail locations and establishing strict customer capacity limits.

    Several regions have introduced public reward programs encouraging citizen participation in identifying illegal activities. Zhangzhou city and Xiapu county in Fujian province are offering financial incentives for reporting violations, while Inner Mongolia has established reward tiers ranging from 3,000 to 300,000 yuan for tips leading to penalties.

  • OIC to hold emergency talks on Israel

    OIC to hold emergency talks on Israel

    The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has announced an urgent ministerial gathering scheduled for Thursday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, responding to escalating tensions in the Palestinian territories. This emergency session comes amid heightened Israeli administrative control measures across the West Bank and controversial statements from senior American diplomatic officials.

    According to the OIC’s Sunday declaration, foreign ministers will address what the organization characterizes as illegal Israeli occupation policies designed to advance settlement expansion and territorial annexation. The meeting specifically targets recent Israeli administrative procedures classifying West Bank territories as ‘state property’—a move perceived as facilitating systematic land appropriation.

    Simultaneously, the OIC joined numerous Arab and Muslim-majority nations in formally condemning remarks by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who during a recent interview endorsed Israeli territorial claims over extensive Middle Eastern regions, including occupied Palestinian territories.

    Professor Ayman Yousef of Arab American University in Jenin described the current situation as ‘exceptionally complex,’ noting ‘unprecedented settlement expansion, land confiscation, and settler violence against Palestinians’ accompanied by institutionalized discrimination. Yousef characterized the Israeli government as ‘the most radical supporter of settler activities’ and labeled Huckabee’s comments as ‘fundamentalist rhetoric.’

    Raed Jarrar, advocacy director at Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), demanded the ambassador’s immediate dismissal, while former UN human rights official Saul Takahashi interpreted Huckabee’s statements as reflective of broader US disregard for Palestinian rights, Middle Eastern sovereignty, and international legal standards.

    Despite planned diplomatic responses, experts expressed skepticism about tangible outcomes. Yousef questioned whether participating nations would demonstrate unified opposition, particularly those engaged in the US-led ‘Board of Peace’ initiative, noting the irony that ‘they have to draw in even their funds.’ Takahashi similarly warned that countries hoping to influence US policy toward Palestinian interests were undertaking ‘a very risky gamble.’

  • Niche towns attract droves of visitors

    Niche towns attract droves of visitors

    A significant shift in travel patterns emerged during China’s recent Spring Festival holiday, as tourists increasingly bypassed major metropolitan centers in favor of lesser-known towns and cities offering authentic cultural experiences. The extended nine-day holiday period, spanning from February 15 to February 24, 2026, witnessed unprecedented visitor numbers to destinations celebrated for their distinctive heritage, culinary traditions, and Neo-Chinese architectural blends.

    Datong in Shanxi province exemplified this trend, experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity following the release of the video game ‘Black Myth: Wukong’ in 2024. Visitors like Beijing resident Sha Anna reported being captivated by the city’s lantern shows viewed from ancient walls and its renowned knife-cut noodles. ‘The city left us with memories of historical legacies and human touch,’ she remarked, planning a return visit for next year’s celebrations.

    Travel data from platform Tuniu revealed dramatic increases: Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County in Hainan and Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan saw tourist numbers double compared to previous years. Similarly, Chaozhou in Guangdong, along with Shangrao and Jingdezhen in Jiangxi, experienced 100% year-on-year growth in visitor numbers.

    The phenomenon extended beyond domestic tourism. Qunar reported a 20% year-on-year increase in flight bookings to mainland China by international travelers holding non-Chinese passports. These visitors, primarily from South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, and the United States, sought immersive cultural experiences rather than traditional sightseeing, with destinations like Jinggangshan in Jiangxi and Altay in Xinjiang gaining prominence alongside Shanghai and Beijing.

    Meanwhile, outbound travel also flourished during the extended holiday. Chinese tourists favored destinations with shorter flight times, favorable visa policies, and mild climates, including Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong. Italy, host of the recently concluded Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, saw a 64% increase in flight bookings from Chinese travelers during the holiday’s initial days.

    The global recognition of Spring Festival as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2024 has further amplified international interest in China’s traditional celebrations, creating a robust tourism ecosystem that benefits both emerging destinations and travelers seeking authentic experiences.

  • Skywalker unveiled in Yunnan’s treetops

    Skywalker unveiled in Yunnan’s treetops

    In the dense canopy of Yunnan’s Gaoligong Mountains, a remarkable primatological discovery continues to shape conservation efforts two decades after its initial documentation. The story begins in March 1997 when ranger Li Jiahong first heard an unfamiliar call echoing through the mountainous terrain—a sound that would launch an eight-year quest to identify its source.

    The breakthrough came on May 16, 2005, when Li captured the first clear photograph of what would later be scientifically recognized as a new gibbon species: the Skywalker hoolock gibbon (Hoolock tianxing). This represented only the second new gibbon species identified worldwide in the past century and marked the first such discovery named by Chinese researchers.

    Professor Fan Pengfei of Sun Yat-sen University led the formal scientific team that confirmed the species through morphological analysis, DNA evidence, and dental studies completed in 2017. The naming convention—’tianxing’ or ‘Skywalker’—reflects the gibbon’s extraordinary arboreal locomotion, appearing to walk through the treetops as if moving through the sky itself.

    With fewer than 200 individuals remaining in China and fragmented habitats, conservation has become the priority. Research teams now monitor family groups, record vocal fingerprints, and employ innovative methods including using recorded calls to help isolated gibbons find mates. The species exhibits fascinating social structures, maintaining monogamous relationships and demonstrating child-rearing practices remarkably similar to human families.

    The gibbon’s significance has transcended scientific circles, becoming woven into local identity and economy. Baoshan authorities have integrated conservation with development, earning designation as the ‘Home of the White-Browed Gibbon’ from the China Wildlife Conservation Association. The region’s coffee industry has embraced the connection through ‘Huke Manor’—a plantation named for the onomatopoeic rendering of the gibbon’s call—where ‘gibbon coffee’ supports both local economy and conservation awareness.

    From unknown vocalization to globally recognized species, the Skywalker gibbon’s journey represents a successful model of scientific discovery, cultural integration, and sustainable conservation practice.

  • Iran, US to resume nuclear talks

    Iran, US to resume nuclear talks

    Geneva prepares to host a critical third round of nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran, even as significant obstacles threaten to undermine the diplomatic process. The talks resume against a backdrop of intensified US military presence in the Middle East and fundamental disagreements over the core framework of a potential nuclear agreement.

    Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi confirmed the diplomatic engagement, expressing satisfaction with the progress while urging both parties to exert additional effort toward finalizing a deal. Oman has consistently served as a key mediator between the longstanding adversaries, having previously facilitated indirect discussions and hosted the most recent dialogue in Geneva.

    Iranian leadership conveyed tempered optimism regarding the renewed negotiations. President Masoud Pezeshkian described recent diplomatic exchanges as producing “encouraging signals” through social media channels, simultaneously emphasizing Tehran’s preparedness to confront any potential escalation. Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi indicated the possibility of direct discussions with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, maintaining that a diplomatic resolution remains achievable.

    The central contention points revolve around Iran’s insistence on maintaining its peaceful nuclear program and securing relief from US sanctions, particularly regarding uranium enrichment rights. Araghchi reaffirmed Tehran’s position that any agreement must recognize these rights while reserving Iran’s ability to respond defensively to potential attacks against American bases in the region.

    The diplomatic landscape has been complicated by provocative rhetoric from US officials. Witkoff publicly questioned why Iran had not yet “capitulated” to American demands regarding nuclear program limitations, comments that prompted a sharp rebuke from Iranian officials who emphasized their nation’s sovereignty.

    Substantial gaps persist between negotiating positions, with Washington seeking additional concessions including limitations on long-range missile development and reduced support for regional militia groups. Iranian officials characterize these demands as challenging to reconcile with national security interests, while simultaneously calling for a realistic timetable for sanctions removal.

    The negotiations represent the latest attempt to revive diplomatic engagement since the US unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Previous indirect talks collapsed primarily over disputes regarding uranium enrichment restrictions, which Iran maintains are exclusively for peaceful purposes despite Western suspicions of weapons development.