Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • TSMC to make advanced AI semiconductors in Japan in boost for its chipmaking ambitions

    TSMC to make advanced AI semiconductors in Japan in boost for its chipmaking ambitions

    In a strategic move reshaping global semiconductor manufacturing, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has confirmed plans to produce cutting-edge 3-nanometer semiconductors at its second Japanese facility in Kumamoto Prefecture. This decision positions Japan as a critical hub for advanced chip manufacturing amid soaring artificial intelligence-related demand worldwide.

    The announcement came during a high-level meeting in Tokyo between TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who characterized the development as highly significant for Japan’s economic security. The 3nm chips, representing the industry’s most advanced technology, will primarily serve AI applications, robotics, and autonomous driving systems—sectors specifically designated as strategically vital by the Japanese government.

    This expansion represents a substantial advancement from TSMC’s first Kumamoto plant, which began mass production of less sophisticated chips in late 2024. The company’s Japanese investment coincides with parallel expansions in Arizona, United States, creating a diversified global manufacturing footprint to address the explosive growth in AI-driven computing requirements.

    Japan’s aggressive semiconductor policy, featuring substantial subsidies for domestic chipmaker Rapidus alongside incentives for international partners like TSMC, demonstrates the nation’s determined effort to regain competitiveness in advanced chip manufacturing. Despite emerging concerns about potential overinvestment in AI infrastructure, TSMC leadership maintains confidence in the sustainability of demand, recently announcing plans to increase capital spending by up to 40% this year, with projected investments reaching $52-56 billion by 2026.

  • China’s netizens surpass 1.12 billion: report

    China’s netizens surpass 1.12 billion: report

    China’s digital ecosystem has achieved a monumental milestone, with the nation’s online population now exceeding 1.12 billion users according to the latest official report. The data, released on February 5, 2026, reveals not only massive internet penetration but also substantial adoption of cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies across the country.

    The comprehensive digital report highlights that approximately 602 million Chinese citizens have engaged with generative AI platforms and tools, demonstrating remarkable technological adoption rates. This represents one of the world’s largest concentrations of AI-literate users within a single national market.

    This unprecedented digital expansion reflects China’s sustained investments in technological infrastructure, digital literacy programs, and innovation ecosystems over the past decade. The convergence of widespread internet access and advanced AI adoption positions China at the forefront of the global digital transformation, with implications for economic development, social connectivity, and technological innovation.

    The massive user base creates unique opportunities for digital economy growth, e-commerce expansion, and technological innovation while simultaneously presenting challenges in cybersecurity, digital governance, and technological ethics. This digital landscape transformation is reshaping how Chinese citizens work, communicate, and access information, fundamentally altering the social and economic fabric of the nation.

  • Ramadan 2026 fasting hours in UAE: A week-by-week guide

    Ramadan 2026 fasting hours in UAE: A week-by-week guide

    The United Arab Emirates is preparing for a comparatively milder Ramadan experience in 2026, with fasting durations projected to be significantly shorter than previous years. According to astronomical calculations, the holy month is expected to commence on February 19, 2026, though official confirmation rests with the UAE’s Moon Sighting Committee who will verify the crescent moon sighting.

    The Islamic Hijri calendar’s lunar nature causes Ramadan to shift approximately 10-12 days earlier annually, directly influencing fasting durations. This cyclical variation means worshippers will experience different seasonal conditions throughout their spiritual journey.

    Fasting in Islam entails complete abstinence from food and drink from the Fajr (dawn) prayer until Maghrib (sunset). Many observant Muslims additionally observe imsak, ceasing consumption about ten minutes before the official Fajr call as a precautionary measure.

    Week-by-week analysis reveals a gradual progression in fasting length:
    – Week 1: Initial fasts will last approximately 12 hours and 46 minutes, ranking among the shortest of the month
    – Week 2: Durations cross the 13-hour threshold as sunset times gradually delay
    – Week 3: Mid-month fasting reaches 13 hours and 5 minutes
    – Final Week: Peak fasting extends to 13 hours and 27 minutes, still notably shorter than the nearly 14-hour fasts experienced during 2025’s Ramadan

    The 2026 Ramadan will conclude with iftar occurring around 6:33 PM, offering relief compared to later seasonal observances. This temporal shift provides a different spiritual dynamic for Muslims undertaking their annual fast.

  • Top political advisor meets Taiwan delegates to CPC, KMT think tank forum

    Top political advisor meets Taiwan delegates to CPC, KMT think tank forum

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, China’s senior political leadership has convened with Taiwanese representatives at a high-level forum in Beijing, signaling continued cross-strait communication channels. Wang Huning, Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee and member of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau Standing Committee, hosted delegates from Taiwan’s Kuomintang (KMT) party on February 4, 2026.

    The meeting followed a collaborative think tank symposium organized by research institutions affiliated with both the Communist Party of China and the Chinese Kuomintang. Wang emphasized Beijing’s commitment to strengthening multilateral exchanges with Taiwanese political parties, civil organizations, and citizens across various sectors. The senior official articulated China’s position that peaceful development across the Taiwan Strait remains contingent on mutual adherence to the 1992 Consensus and unequivocal opposition to Taiwanese independence movements.

    Wang further encouraged expanded economic cooperation, explicitly inviting Taiwanese enterprises and compatriots to participate in China’s 15th Five-Year Plan implementation. The dialogue emphasized cross-strait collaboration in tourism, industrial development, technological innovation, healthcare, and environmental protection sectors.

    Representing the Taiwanese delegation, KMT Vice-Chairman Hsiao Hsu-tsen responded with aspirations for enhanced bilateral consultation mechanisms, advocating for dialogue over confrontation. The delegation expressed shared interest in national rejuvenation objectives, with over 100 experts and representatives from both sides participating in the preceding forum discussions.

  • Taiwan public opinion says CPC-KMT think tank forum benefits cross-Strait peace

    Taiwan public opinion says CPC-KMT think tank forum benefits cross-Strait peace

    TAIPEI – A landmark think tank forum between the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) and Taiwan’s Kuomintang (KMT) has concluded in Beijing, generating substantial optimism among Taiwanese political analysts and media regarding its potential to foster peaceful development across the Taiwan Strait. The dialogue, which produced 15 joint consensus points aimed at revitalizing cross-Strait exchanges, has been widely interpreted as a significant diplomatic advancement.

    Co-organized by research institutions affiliated with both parties, the forum assembled over 100 delegates spanning diverse sectors including tourism, industrial development, technological innovation, healthcare, and environmental conservation. This broad participation underscored a mutual commitment to addressing practical issues affecting citizens on both sides.

    Taiwan’s United Daily News highlighted in a recent editorial that the forum’s emphasis on livelihood-oriented agendas resonates deeply with public expectations in Taiwan, where economic cooperation and civil exchanges are highly prioritized. The publication noted that the pragmatic focus aligns with mainstream Taiwanese sentiment favoring constructive engagement over political confrontation.

    Echoing this perspective, Chi Hsing, publisher of The Observer magazine, stated that the mainland’s approach demonstrates a sustained commitment to peaceful integration through concrete confidence-building measures. The 15 consensus agreements specifically target the normalization of cross-Strait personnel exchanges, enhanced collaboration in emerging industries, and deepened cooperation in healthcare, ecological protection, and disaster response mechanisms.

    Further analysis by Taiwan’s China Times characterized the forum as having transmitted encouraging signals that may pave the way for improved mutual understanding. Teng Che-wei, Chairman of the Taipei International Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that these proposals reflect growing public demand for tangible cooperation beyond ideological differences.

    Commentator Hsieh Chih-chuan described the dialogue as an invaluable communication channel under current circumstances, suggesting that investing in developmental cooperation rather than military expenditure would better serve the interests of both societies. The forum collectively urged Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party authorities to acknowledge the strong public appetite for engagement and remove existing restrictions on cross-Strait exchanges.

  • Insurance fraud by psychiatric hospitals under probe

    Insurance fraud by psychiatric hospitals under probe

    Chinese authorities in Hubei province have initiated a sweeping investigation into multiple private psychiatric hospitals implicated in a sophisticated insurance fraud operation that exploited the national healthcare system. The probe follows explosive revelations that these institutions systematically recruited patients without legitimate medical needs to illegally drain public insurance funds.

    According to official statements released Wednesday, a specialized task force comprising disciplinary inspection, health, public security, and healthcare security agencies has been assembled to conduct comprehensive investigations. The joint operation promises severe legal and disciplinary consequences for confirmed violations, emphasizing full accountability for those responsible.

    The investigation was triggered by an extensive undercover report published by Beijing News, which uncovered widespread fraudulent practices at facilities including Hong’an Psychiatric Hospital in Xiangyang and Yiling Kangning Psychiatric Hospital in Yichang. Investigators documented how hospitals lured patients—particularly elderly individuals—with promises of completely free long-term care, then used their personal information to submit fabricated insurance claims for treatments either unnecessary or never administered.

    The scheme operated through multiple fraudulent methods: hospital staff allegedly created false diagnoses for patients with minor issues like alcohol dependency, billed for high-cost treatments never performed, and even listed their own employees as hospitalized patients. Most remarkably, institutions implemented a ‘false discharge’ system—cycling patients through paper-only discharges and readmissions to avoid triggering insurance audits for prolonged stays.

    In response to these findings, the National Healthcare Security Administration has mandated immediate self-inspections for all psychiatric institutions nationwide. Facilities must submit written review reports and return illicitly obtained funds by March 15. The administration further announced that psychiatric institutions will become priority targets for unannounced inspections throughout the year, with serious violations potentially leading to criminal investigations.

  • China’s top legislature convenes standing committee session

    China’s top legislature convenes standing committee session

    The Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) convened its 20th plenary session on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People. Presided over by NPC Standing Committee Chairman Zhao Leji, the session marked a significant procedural meeting of China’s highest legislative body.

    The assembly conducted formal reviews of parliamentary membership qualifications, culminating in the approval of a comprehensive report detailing the credentials of certain NPC deputies. The voting process followed standard legislative protocols, with committee members exercising their statutory responsibilities to validate representative eligibility.

    This routine legislative session demonstrates the ongoing operational continuity of China’s parliamentary system. The meeting’s agenda focused specifically on internal governance matters rather than proposing new legislation or policy directives. Such procedural reviews represent essential maintenance of legislative standards within China’s political framework.

    The session occurred during a period of increased legislative activity ahead of anticipated parliamentary developments later in the year. These regular meetings ensure the proper functioning of China’s legislative mechanisms and uphold constitutional processes governing representative eligibility and legislative oversight.

  • Indian teacher who created hundreds of learning centers wins $1 million Global Teacher Prize

    Indian teacher who created hundreds of learning centers wins $1 million Global Teacher Prize

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Rouble Nagi, an Indian educator and social activist renowned for establishing hundreds of learning centers and creating educational murals in impoverished communities, was honored with the prestigious $1 million Global Teacher Prize on Thursday. The ceremony took place during the World Governments Summit in Dubai, which attracts international leaders annually.

    Through her Rouble Nagi Art Foundation, she has launched over 800 learning centers aimed at providing structured education to out-of-school children while also supporting those already enrolled in formal schooling. Nagi’s innovative approach includes painting large-scale murals that visually teach subjects such as literacy, science, mathematics, and history, making learning accessible in public spaces.

    The Varkey Foundation, founded by Sunny Varkey—who also established the for-profit GEMS Education network operating schools across Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE—sponsors the award. Nagi becomes the tenth recipient since the prize’s inception in 2015.

    Nagi intends to allocate the prize money toward building a vocational training institute that will offer free skill-development programs. Previous winners of the Global Teacher Prize include educators from Kenya, Palestine, Canada, and Saudi Arabia—each recognized for their extraordinary contributions to underserved communities.

    GEMS Education, one of the world’s largest private school operators, has played a significant role in the educational landscape of Dubai, where private institutions serve the children of the expatriate workforce driving the local economy.

  • Food security, poverty watch top priorities

    Food security, poverty watch top priorities

    China has unveiled its pivotal No. 1 Central Document for 2026, establishing comprehensive strategies for agricultural advancement and rural development. The policy framework identifies food security safeguards and systematic poverty prevention as paramount objectives while charting a course toward enhanced agricultural modernization.

    At a press briefing on Wednesday, Han Wenxiu, Director of the Office of the Central Rural Work Leading Group, elaborated on the document’s core initiatives. These encompass elevating overall agricultural productivity, implementing dynamic poverty monitoring systems, stimulating farmer income growth, and fostering sustainable rural communities conducive to both living and industry.

    The policy introduces a groundbreaking nationwide monitoring mechanism designed to preemptively identify households at risk of relapsing into poverty. This system facilitates rapid intervention through tailored support programs while employing dynamic exit protocols to avoid permanent stigmatization once households achieve stability.

    To bolster farming incomes, the government will reinforce grain pricing mechanisms through minimum purchase prices, sustain subsidies for arable land conservation and agricultural machinery, and expand insurance coverage against both natural disasters and market volatility. The document additionally emphasizes developing distinctive county-level industries aligned with local resources, integrating processing capabilities with e-commerce platforms.

    Employment stabilization measures feature prominently, with enhanced support for migrant workers through skills training, organized labor programs, and stringent enforcement against wage arrears—particularly during peak periods like the Spring Festival holiday. The policy further seeks to unlock rural property value by revitalizing underutilized assets while strengthening land use protections.

    Financial and resource support mechanisms will maintain continuity, preserving cross-regional cooperation frameworks and specialized village work teams as enduring components of China’s rural development strategy.

  • UN chief urges parties to honor truce

    UN chief urges parties to honor truce

    United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has intensified his appeal for complete implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, citing alarming reports of continued violence and restricted humanitarian access. The urgent call comes as fresh casualties mount and medical evacuations face obstruction.

    Guterres emphasized through his official X account that over 500 Palestinian lives have been lost since the October ceasefire arrangement, demanding full compliance with international humanitarian protocols and unimpeded large-scale relief operations. The Secretary-General reaffirmed the two-state solution as the sole viable path toward sustainable peace, stressing that “the occupation must end” and Palestinian rights must be recognized within international legal frameworks.

    Diplomatic efforts gained momentum as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman convened in Riyadh, jointly endorsing the second phase of a comprehensive Gaza peace initiative. Both leaders pressed the global community to exert pressure on Israeli authorities to ensure civilian protection and adherence to international law.

    However, Israel’s position remains firm following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s meeting with US special envoy Steve Witkoff. The Israeli government explicitly rejected any future governance role for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, maintaining uncompromising demands for Hamas disarmament, Gaza demilitarization, and achievement of all military objectives before reconstruction commences.

    On the ground, Al Jazeera reported at least 18 Palestinian fatalities from renewed Israeli attacks across Gaza on Wednesday, with eleven casualties concentrated in Gaza City’s al-Tuffah and al-Zaytoun neighborhoods. Simultaneously, the Rafah border crossing became a point of contention as Israeli authorities allegedly blocked medical evacuations after the World Health Organization canceled third-group travel arrangements.

    Palestinian Red Crescent Society spokesperson Raed Al-Nams confirmed that despite completed procedures and prepared patients at Khan Younis hospital, only 50 patients and companions have exited since Monday’s border reopening.

    University of Malaya research fellow Belal Alakhras characterized the situation as beyond diplomatic complexity, warning that “the weaponization of basic necessities” represents a dangerous international precedent that could normalize brutal tactics in conflict zones.

    Israeli coordination agency COGAT countered allegations of border closure, asserting that Rafah crossing operated normally Wednesday morning. The agency attributed evacuation delays to the WHO’s failure to submit required coordination details, promising facilitated transfers once proper documentation arrives.

    The Israel Defense Forces reported ceasefire violations after a reserve officer sustained severe injuries from terrorist gunfire during operations near the US-brokered Yellow Line demarcation boundary in northern Gaza.