Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • UN rights chief calls on Israel to end ‘apartheid system’ in West Bank

    UN rights chief calls on Israel to end ‘apartheid system’ in West Bank

    In an unprecedented condemnation, the United Nations human rights chief has formally characterized Israel’s administration of the occupied West Bank as an “apartheid system” that systematically discriminates against Palestinians. The landmark 42-page report from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, released Wednesday, documents what it describes as intensifying violations of international law through a comprehensive system of racial discrimination and segregation.

    UN Rights Chief Volker Turk stated that Israel has created “a systematic asphyxiation of the rights of Palestinians” through decades-long discriminatory practices that have dramatically accelerated since late 2022. The report details how Israeli authorities maintain two distinct legal systems—one for Israeli settlers and another for Palestinians—creating what Turk called “a particularly severe form of racial discrimination and segregation that resembles the kind of apartheid system we have seen before.”

    The investigation documents numerous violations including unlawful killings, arbitrary detentions, torture, settlement expansion, land confiscation, movement restrictions, home demolitions, and forcible transfers. Between 2005 and September 2025, Israeli military forces killed 2,321 Palestinians in the West Bank, including 496 children, while during the same period, 205 Israelis were killed.

    Since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, the situation has deteriorated significantly with Israeli troops and settlers killing over 1,000 Palestinians in the West Bank alone. The report notes an alarming increase in extrajudicial killings with “almost complete impunity”—of more than 1,500 Palestinian killings recorded between 2017 and 2023, Israeli authorities opened just 112 investigations, resulting in only one conviction.

    The document provides harrowing accounts of gratuitous violence, including the shooting of an eight-year-old boy in the back of the head as he ran away and a 15-year-old shot twice in the chest while attempting to light a small device that posed no threat to armored vehicles. Soldiers provided no medical assistance as the children died.

    Economic and social impacts are equally severe. Movement restrictions have caused the loss of 306,000 jobs, with unemployment reaching 31.7% for men and 33.7% for women by early 2025. Education has been devastated—85% reduction in traffic across the West Bank affected at least 782,000 students, with girls disproportionately impacted due to safety concerns at checkpoints.

    The report also documents systematic torture and sexual violence in detention, including anal rape with objects, forced nudity, and genital beatings. Israeli authorities dismissed the report as “absurd and distorted,” claiming it reflects the UN’s “inherently politically driven fixation on vilifying Israel.”

    The UN rights office called on Israel to immediately end all discriminatory laws and practices, dismantle all settlements, evacuate settlers, and respect Palestinian self-determination rights, concluding that the separation and subordination of Palestinians appears “intended to be permanent… to maintain oppression and domination.”

  • Trump doubles down on Venezuelan oil with sales and vessels seizure

    Trump doubles down on Venezuelan oil with sales and vessels seizure

    In a significant escalation of economic pressure on Venezuela, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced he would personally oversee the proceeds from the sale of millions of barrels of Venezuelan oil. The declaration came via social media, where Trump revealed that interim Venezuelan authorities would transfer 30-50 million barrels of sanctioned, high-quality oil to the United States for market-price sale.

    Trump emphasized that the substantial revenue generated—equivalent to 30-50 days of Venezuela’s current production—would be under his direct presidential control. He stated these funds would be allocated to benefit both Venezuelan citizens and American interests. This move represents a dramatic expansion of U.S. involvement in Venezuela’s energy sector, which the administration characterizes as an ‘indefinite’ commitment.

    The U.S. Energy Department subsequently clarified that this initial seizure merely inaugurates a broader strategy. All future Venezuelan oil sales will be processed through U.S.-controlled accounts at internationally recognized financial institutions. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, speaking at a Miami conference, confirmed the permanent nature of this arrangement, stating the U.S. would market Venezuela’s oil production ‘indefinitely, going forward’ to drive necessary political changes in the country.

    The geopolitical implications are substantial. This policy has already triggered confrontations with global powers, notably evidenced by the U.S. seizure of a Russian-flagged tanker linked to Venezuela’s oil trade in the Atlantic—an operation supported by Britain’s Royal Air Force. Despite Russian naval vessels providing escort, U.S. forces boarded the tanker, escalating tensions with the nuclear-armed nation amid ongoing Ukraine negotiations.

    The White House attempted to minimize the incident’s diplomatic ramifications, characterizing the vessel as ‘stateless’ due to false flag representation and emphasizing its judicial seizure status. Meanwhile, the oil industry notes that Venezuelan heavy crude is particularly suited to U.S. Gulf refineries (which Trump renamed the ‘Gulf of America’), potentially benefiting American consumers through increased gasoline and diesel availability amid persistent inflation concerns.

    This aggressive approach recalls 20th-century ‘gunboat diplomacy’ and fundamentally alters Venezuela’s economic sovereignty over its world-leading oil reserves, which constitute approximately 17% of global supplies. The policy follows a U.S. blockade that crippled Venezuela’s already struggling energy sector and the subsequent abduction of President Nicolás Maduro, who now awaits trial in New York.

  • Trump not ruling out boots on the ground in Venezuela, Greenland

    Trump not ruling out boots on the ground in Venezuela, Greenland

    The White House has indicated that President Donald Trump maintains an open stance on employing additional military measures in Venezuela while simultaneously pursuing strategic territorial acquisition in the Arctic region. During a press briefing on Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt articulated the administration’s position that all options remain viable for advancing U.S. interests.

    Leavitt confirmed that while diplomacy remains the preferred initial approach, the president retains the authority to deploy military force when deemed necessary. This statement follows what the administration characterizes as a successful law enforcement operation resulting in the extraction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, who currently faces trial in New York City on federal charges. The operation, which involved U.S. special forces and airstrikes on Venezuelan military targets, reportedly resulted in approximately 80 casualties among security forces and civilians.

    Concurrently, the administration has revived historical discussions regarding the acquisition of Greenland from Denmark, framing the potential territorial transfer as a national security imperative to counter Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic. Although European officials have expressed strong reservations about such a move, the White House maintains that this initiative aligns with strategic interests pursued by multiple U.S. administrations since the 19th century.

    In related developments, the United States and United Kingdom militaries have intercepted multiple oil tankers allegedly violating sanctions against Venezuela. The seized vessels, identified as ‘Bella 1’ and ‘Sofia,’ were described as stateless ships attempting to circumvent restrictions on Venezuelan oil exports. Administration officials emphasized that crew members face prosecution under U.S. federal law.

    The administration has also announced a controversial arrangement whereby proceeds from the sale of millions of barrels of Venezuelan oil will be managed directly by President Trump. According to Leavitt, this agreement with Venezuelan interim authorities will benefit both American and Venezuelan citizens, with funds being distributed at the discretion of the U.S. government through secured banking channels. The administration has already initiated global marketing efforts for the confiscated crude oil.

  • Pakistan, Saudi in talks on JF-17 jets-for-loans deal, sources say

    Pakistan, Saudi in talks on JF-17 jets-for-loans deal, sources say

    Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are engaged in advanced negotiations regarding a significant defense arrangement that would convert approximately $2 billion of Saudi loans into a comprehensive fighter jet procurement package, according to sources familiar with the discussions. This development represents a substantial deepening of military cooperation between the two nations following their landmark mutual defense agreement signed in September.

    The proposed arrangement, potentially valued at up to $4 billion according to one informed source, centers on the provision of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets—light combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China and manufactured in Pakistani facilities. While the JF-17 constitutes the primary component under consideration, additional military equipment options remain part of the ongoing dialogue.

    This strategic negotiation occurs against a backdrop of Pakistan’s acute financial challenges and Saudi Arabia’s broader initiative to diversify its security partnerships amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East. The mutual defense pact, activated following Israel’s strikes on Hamas targets in Doha, formally commits both nations to treat any aggression against either country as an attack on both.

    Pakistan’s Air Chief Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu recently conducted bilateral talks in Saudi Arabia focusing specifically on military cooperation, as reported by Saudi media outlet SaudiNews50. The JF-17’s combat-proven status, having been deployed during Pakistan’s conflict with India in May—the most significant hostilities between the neighbors in decades—significantly enhances its market appeal according to military analysts.

    Retired Air Marshall Amir Masood noted that Pakistan is currently negotiating with six countries regarding defense equipment provisions, including electronic and weapons systems for the JF-17 platform. The aircraft’s cost-effectiveness and combat verification make it particularly attractive to international buyers.

    This potential agreement continues a long-standing security relationship that has seen Pakistan provide military training and advisory support to Saudi Arabia, while the kingdom has repeatedly offered financial assistance during Pakistan’s economic difficulties. In 2018, Riyadh extended a $6 billion support package including central bank deposits and deferred oil payments, with subsequent rollovers including a $1.2 billion deferment last year.

    Pakistan has significantly expanded its defense export outreach recently, securing a $4 billion weapons agreement with Libya’s eastern-based Libyan National Army last month—one of its largest arms sales ever—and engaging in discussions with Bangladesh regarding potential JF-17 sales. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated that the success of Pakistan’s weapons industry could fundamentally transform the country’s economic prospects, potentially reducing dependence on International Monetary Fund support within six months.

  • In 24 hours, exploring Jeddah with an airline pilot

    In 24 hours, exploring Jeddah with an airline pilot

    As an experienced long-haul airline pilot with twenty years of aviation career, I have been privileged to access numerous global destinations that might otherwise remain unexplored. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s vibrant Red Sea coastal city, has become a monthly destination that captivates me with its unique blend of ancient heritage and contemporary energy. This port city, familiar to Mecca-bound pilgrims for nearly fourteen centuries, now increasingly attracts international tourists seeking its cultural treasures.

    My recent journey began with an overnight flight from London, tracing a route over Venice, Athens, and Alexandria before following the Nile’s illuminated settlements and crossing the Red Sea to arrive at sunrise. After brief rest at the crew hotel, I commenced my exploration at Brew92° café on Sari Road, where Jeddah’s rich coffee culture meets modern specialty brewing. The establishment’s name references their preferred 92° Celsius brewing temperature, and the space blends industrial aesthetics with traditional Arabian hospitality. Sipping a Costa Rican Hacienda Copey blend, I observed Jeddah’s cosmopolitan lunch crowd transitioning between business meetings and casual gatherings.

    The historical core of Al Balad, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, constituted my primary destination. This seventh-century district served as Mecca’s designated port under Caliph Uthman ibn Affan and flourished as Islam expanded globally. Despite Jeddah’s transformation into a modern metropolis following oil discovery, Al Balad preserved its labyrinthine alleys, traditional roshan tower houses with intricate teak latticework, and historic merchant quarters. At the landmark Beit Nassif—a former merchant home converted into museum—I learned about the legendary neem tree that once served as the city’s informal address system during pre-irrigation times.

    My cultural immersion continued at Suq Bab Makkah market, named for the historic Mecca Gate where pilgrims traditionally began their inland journey. Following local guide Ayat Alsharif’s recommendation, I acquired golden sukkari dates—ideally complemented by tahini dipping—as culinary souvenirs for flight crew colleagues. Lunch at Minaa café featured fuul panini, the Egyptian fava bean stew ubiquitous across Middle Eastern breakfast tables, enjoyed alongside artisans preserving traditional window-making techniques.

    Jeddah’s recently redeveloped corniche presented a stunning waterfront transformation featuring cycling paths, palm-lined promenades, and accessibility-enhanced beaches. The architectural marvel of Al Rahma mosque appeared to float above Red Sea waves at dusk, while practical prayer facilities dotted the coastline. Unlike Western beach culture, Jeddah’s shoreline thrives with multigenerational family gatherings and nocturnal summer activities. As sunset prayer calls echoed, I concluded my layover sharing Egyptian flatbreads and lahma bil basal stew with crewmates, reflecting on Jeddah’s remarkable synthesis of ancient heritage and contemporary vision.

  • A new Bollywood film spotlights a forgotten India-China battle

    A new Bollywood film spotlights a forgotten India-China battle

    A new Bollywood production titled ‘120 Bahadur’ (Hindi for ‘120 Bravehearts’) has brought renewed attention to one of the most heroic yet overlooked engagements of the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Starring Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh, the film dramatizes the legendary last stand of Indian soldiers at the Rezang La pass in Ladakh’s freezing Himalayan heights.

    Despite underperforming commercially, the cinematic portrayal has successfully highlighted what military historians consider the only redeeming chapter in an otherwise disastrous conflict for India. Dialogue writer Sumit Arora explained the production’s motivation: ‘We felt it was profoundly important to tell this story and honor those who lived it. While taking some cinematic liberties, our film remains fundamentally faithful to historical events.’

    The historical context reveals deepening tensions between the neighboring nations, fueled by border disputes and India’s granting of asylum to the Dalai Lama following the 1959 Tibetan uprising. China’s month-long offensive, which it characterized as a ‘self-defense counter-attack,’ resulted in devastating losses for India—approximately 7,000 casualties and 38,000 square kilometers of territory surrendered before China’s unilateral ceasefire.

    The Battle of Rezang La, fought at 16,000 feet on November 18, 1962, saw 120 soldiers from the Charlie Company of the 13 Kumaon battalion face overwhelming Chinese forces estimated at 3,000 troops. Despite being poorly equipped with semi-automatic rifles and limited ammunition, and lacking proper cold-weather gear, the company mounted an extraordinary defense from 3:30 AM to 8:15 AM.

    Tragically, initial reports of their valor were met with skepticism by military command amid the broader defeat. As author and former naval officer Kulpreet Yadav notes, ‘Morale was catastrophically low following the war’s outcome, with thousands captured as prisoners—including a brigadier. Nobody believed such a heroic last stand was possible.’

    The truth emerged three months later when a shepherd discovered the frozen battlefield—bodies preserved in snow, destroyed bunkers, and empty shell casings telling the story of the ferocious engagement. Only five soldiers survived. Major Singh received posthumously India’s highest military honor, the Param Vir Chakra, while twelve others were awarded gallantry medals.

    Journalist Rachna Bisht’s research reveals heartbreaking details: soldiers from plains regions had never experienced snow, suffered from altitude sickness, and fought in inadequate clothing against temperatures of -24°C. Survivor accounts describe Major Singh, despite multiple stomach wounds, continuing to command until ordering his subordinates to leave him behind.

    The company’s sacrifice prevented Chinese forces from capturing the strategically vital Chushul airstrip, potentially altering the map of Ladakh significantly. Today, the pass remains disputed territory, but the soldiers’ legacy endures through memorials, renamed military units, and now through cinematic tribute—ensuring that what Bisht calls ‘great glory achieved in a war mostly remembered with shame’ is not forgotten.

  • Watch: UAE Minister attends Christmas celebration at Abu Dhabi’s Coptic Orthodox Church

    Watch: UAE Minister attends Christmas celebration at Abu Dhabi’s Coptic Orthodox Church

    In a powerful demonstration of religious harmony, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, attended Christmas celebrations at Abu Dhabi’s Coptic Orthodox Church on January 6, 2026. The event marked a significant moment in the nation’s ongoing commitment to interfaith dialogue and cultural diversity.

    The minister’s participation in the traditional Christmas observance highlighted the UAE’s distinctive approach to fostering mutual respect among different religious communities. During his address, Sheikh Nahyan extended warm Christmas greetings to congregants and conveyed special regards to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

    Father Bishoy Fakhry, Pastor of St. Anthony’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi, expressed profound appreciation for the UAE leadership’s consistent promotion of tolerance values. He noted that the minister’s presence symbolized the country’s deeply ingrained principles of religious acceptance and human fraternity.

    Sheikh Nahyan’s speech emphasized the UAE’s pride in its authentic Islamic heritage that actively encourages respect among all faith traditions. “We present to the world a distinguished model of human tolerance and peaceful coexistence for the benefit of all,” he stated, underscoring the nation’s vision of building a cohesive society through interreligious understanding.

    The minister further articulated how prayer and spiritual reflection serve as essential components in creating robust social frameworks. He characterized the Christmas celebration as evidence of the UAE’s conviction that diverse religious practices contribute significantly to national strength and global harmony.

    This gathering also highlighted the strong bilateral relations between Egypt and the UAE, with Sheikh Nahyan describing the event as a living embodiment of the flourishing connection between the two nations. He extended messages of peace and fraternity to the Egyptian community residing in the UAE and expressed optimism for continued progress in inter-Arab cooperation.

    The Christmas celebration at the Coptic Orthodox Church stands as a testament to the UAE’s evolving social landscape, where religious diversity is not merely tolerated but actively embraced as a cornerstone of national identity and international diplomacy.

  • Starc dismisses Bethell for 154 as England sets Australia 160 to win final Ashes test

    Starc dismisses Bethell for 154 as England sets Australia 160 to win final Ashes test

    SYDNEY — A dramatic morning session at the Sydney Cricket Ground saw Mitchell Starc dismantle England’s tail-end resistance, setting Australia a challenging but achievable target of 160 runs to claim victory in the fifth and final Ashes test.

    England resumed Day 5 at 302-8, holding a slender lead of 119 runs, with their hopes largely resting on young batsman Jacob Bethell, who resumed his innings at 142. The 22-year-old Barbados-born player added just 12 more runs to his overnight score before falling to Starc’s relentless pace attack, caught behind after a magnificent 265-ball innings that spanned six and a half hours.

    Australia’s bowling unit immediately capitalized on the new ball, with Starc and Scott Boland creating significant problems for the English batsmen. Bethell experienced a brief reprieve at 151 when he successfully reviewed an lbw decision against Boland, with DRS technology indicating the ball would have sailed over the stumps.

    Starc’s clinical performance continued as he cleanly bowled Josh Tongue for just 6 runs, wrapping up England’s innings at 342 and finishing his own remarkable series with 31 wickets at an average of 19.9.

    The match now hangs in balance as Australia prepares for what promises to be a tricky run chase on a deteriorating pitch showing variable bounce. England faces additional challenges with captain Ben Stokes nursing an injury that may limit his bowling capabilities in the decisive final innings.

    Despite Australia having already retained the Ashes urn with victories in the first three tests, England remains determined to narrow the series margin following their drought-breaking win in Melbourne.

  • How tariff disruption will continue reshaping the global economy in 2026

    How tariff disruption will continue reshaping the global economy in 2026

    The global economic landscape continues to be reshaped by Trump administration tariffs as the world anticipates the April summit between President Trump and China’s Xi Jinping. While Trump maintains that tariffs have boosted U.S. jobs, wages, and economic growth, international economists present a more nuanced assessment of their worldwide impact.

    The International Monetary Fund has revised its 2026 global growth forecast downward to 3.1%, citing trade tensions as a contributing factor. IMF head Kristalina Georgieva characterized the situation as “better than we feared, worse than it needs to be,” noting that current growth rates remain insufficient to meet global aspirations for improved living standards.

    According to Maurice Obstfeld, former IMF chief economist now with the Peterson Institute, the global economy avoided worst-case scenarios primarily because most nations refrained from aggressive retaliation against U.S. tariffs. China’s forceful response did prompt quick U.S. concessions, preventing full-scale trade disaster. Nevertheless, after five negotiation rounds, the world’s two largest economies maintain more trade restrictions than when Trump began his second term.

    The economic consequences have been multifaceted: increased business costs, investment uncertainty, and efficiency losses that accumulate over time. These effects have been partially offset by lower interest rates, dollar depreciation, creative corporate workarounds, and extensive tariff exemptions. This complex dynamic helps explain why UNCTAD reported global trade values reached over $35 trillion in 2025 despite the tensions.

    U.S. economic performance shows resilience with 4.3% growth in the third quarter of 2025—the strongest in two years. Bank of America senior economist Aditya Bhave attributes 0.3-0.5% of U.S. inflation to tariffs, noting that the full impact may not yet be realized in the consumer-driven economy that constitutes 26% of global GDP.

    Beyond U.S.-China relations, other significant trade developments include the potential renegotiation of the USMCA agreement, EU member states’ vote on a South American trade deal, and an impending U.S. Supreme Court ruling on tariff legality.

    Commodity markets also factor into the economic equation, with Goldman Sachs predicting an 8% decline in Brent crude prices to approximately $56 per barrel due to robust U.S. and Russian production. Meanwhile, Red Sea shipping disruptions linked to regional conflicts have forced rerouting around Africa, increasing transport costs.

    As preparation continues for the April summit, American Chamber of Commerce in China chair James Zimmerman notes that while expectations remain modest, sustained dialogue is crucial. Key issues extend beyond tariffs to include rare earth metals sourcing, semiconductor access, Chinese manufacturing overcapacity, and EU concerns about growing dependence on cheap Chinese imports.

    Despite Trump’s emphasis on reindustrialization, U.S. manufacturing employment has slightly declined to just under 12.7 million since his second term began. Obstfeld suggests that consumer resilience and massive AI investments—not tariffs—have primarily driven stock market highs and economic growth, indicating that trade restrictions will likely remain a persistent feature of policy discussions.

  • Thyssenkrupp weighs phased sale of steel unit to Jindal Steel, sources say

    Thyssenkrupp weighs phased sale of steel unit to Jindal Steel, sources say

    German industrial conglomerate Thyssenkrupp is exploring a multi-phase divestiture of its steel manufacturing subsidiary to Indian steel giant Jindal Steel International, according to sources familiar with negotiation details. The potential transaction, currently under advanced discussion, would represent a significant strategic shift for both corporations within the global steel industry landscape.

    Jindal Steel International, the global steel division of the Naveen Jindal Group, initiated formal due diligence procedures in October following preliminary acquisition proposals for Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe (TKSE), currently ranked as Europe’s second-largest steel production entity. This development follows Jindal’s previous European market expansion through its 2024 acquisition of Czech steel producer Vitkovice Steel.

    The contemplated acquisition framework involves an initial transfer of majority ownership, potentially comprising 60% of TKSE equity, with subsequent phased acquisitions of the remaining stake. This incremental approach would enable Thyssenkrupp to systematically address approximately €2.5 billion in pension liabilities associated with the steel unit, historically identified as a substantial obstacle in previous divestiture attempts.

    Market response to the potential transaction manifested immediately through Thyssenkrupp’s equity performance, with shares surging 4.9% to lead Frankfurt’s midcap index following reports of the progressing negotiations. Financial analysts noted this development suggests concrete progress after years of unsuccessful attempts to identify suitable acquisition partners for the industrial asset.

    Thyssenkrupp’s corporate leadership has publicly characterized Jindal Steel as an optimal strategic partner, attributing renewed acquisition interest to comprehensive restructuring initiatives implemented at TKSE facilities. The conglomerate maintains alternative strategic options should current negotiations prove unsuccessful, though specific details regarding contingency plans remain undisclosed.

    A Jindal Steel technical delegation is scheduled for January site evaluations at TKSE’s primary Duisburg manufacturing complex, following rescheduling from originally planned December visits. Both corporations have declined to elaborate on specific negotiation terms, emphasizing the preliminary nature of current discussions and ongoing due diligence examinations.