Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • French lawmakers approve bill banning social media for children under 15

    French lawmakers approve bill banning social media for children under 15

    French legislators have overwhelmingly passed groundbreaking legislation prohibiting social media access for children under 15, marking a significant shift in digital child protection policy. The National Assembly approved the measure with a decisive 130-21 vote late Monday, positioning France as a European leader in youth digital safety initiatives.

    The comprehensive bill, which also extends mobile phone restrictions to high school environments, represents one of President Emmanuel Macron’s final major policy initiatives before his term concludes next year. Macron championed the legislation, declaring that “our children’s brains are not for sale—neither to American platforms nor to Chinese networks” and emphasizing that youthful “dreams must not be dictated by algorithms.”

    This legislative action aligns with broader European movements addressing digital safety concerns. The French proposal has been carefully crafted to comply with the EU’s Digital Services Act, which establishes rigorous online protection standards. Notably, the British government recently announced similar considerations regarding social media restrictions for teenagers.

    Support for the measure transcended traditional political divisions within the fractured National Assembly, though some left-wing critics raised civil liberties concerns. The legislation follows previous French laws prohibiting phone usage in primary and middle schools.

    Alarming statistics from France’s health watchdog reveal the urgency behind these measures: 90% of adolescents aged 12-17 access the internet daily via smartphones, with 58% actively engaged on social platforms. Research indicates extensive smartphone usage ranging from two to five hours daily among half of French teenagers.

    The health agency’s December report documented serious consequences including diminished self-esteem and increased exposure to content promoting self-harm, substance abuse, and suicide. Several French families have initiated legal proceedings against TikTok, alleging connections between platform content and teenage suicides.

    The legislation exempts educational resources, scientific directories, and open-source software platforms from restrictions. Australia’s implementation of similar age restrictions has already resulted in social media companies blocking approximately 4.7 million accounts belonging to minors, sparking international debates balancing technology use, privacy concerns, and mental health protection.

    The bill now advances to Senate consideration, with Macron advocating for expedited approval to implement the restrictions by the upcoming September school year.

  • Xi’s vision for China’s winter sports

    Xi’s vision for China’s winter sports

    China Daily Information Co (CDIC) maintains rigorous copyright control over all digital materials published through its platforms, according to the company’s publicly available terms of use. The comprehensive protection extends to textual content, photographic images, multimedia information, and all other proprietary materials appearing on the company’s websites.

    Explicit written authorization from CDIC represents the only legitimate pathway for republication or utilization of protected content in any form. This stringent copyright enforcement framework underscores the company’s commitment to intellectual property protection in the digital publishing landscape.

    The publication platform recommends optimal viewing through browsers supporting 1024*768 resolution or higher, ensuring premium user experience for site visitors. CDIC operates under official publishing license No. 0108263 and maintains registration number 130349 with relevant authorities.

    Beyond content protection policies, China Daily provides information regarding corporate background, advertising opportunities, contact channels, and employment prospects including specialized sections for expatriate recruitment. The organization maintains an active presence across multiple digital platforms, encouraging audience engagement through various follow options.

  • 10 still missing after ferry carrying 344 sinks in S Philippines

    10 still missing after ferry carrying 344 sinks in S Philippines

    Rescue operations continue in the southern Philippines as authorities search for ten missing individuals following the sinking of the inter-island ferry M/V Trisha Kerstin 3. The vessel, which capsized early Monday in waters off Basilan province, was carrying 344 passengers and crew according to revised figures released by the Philippine Coast Guard on Tuesday.

    The maritime disaster has claimed 18 confirmed lives while rescue teams have successfully recovered 316 survivors from the treacherous waters. The Coast Guard adjusted initial passenger counts downward from 359 after verification revealed 15 individuals listed on boarding manifests never actually embarked on the ill-fated voyage.

    Coast guard personnel were photographed attending to survivors in the aftermath of the tragedy, providing emergency medical care and transportation to safety. The incident represents one of the most significant maritime accidents in the region in recent years, raising questions about safety protocols for inter-island transportation in the Philippine archipelago.

    The sinking occurred in a region known for challenging maritime conditions, though the exact cause of the disaster remains under investigation. Search and recovery operations continue with coast guard assets deployed across the affected area, working against time and weather conditions to locate the remaining missing persons.

  • S Korea says no official notice on Trump’s tariff hike plan, trade minister to visit US

    S Korea says no official notice on Trump’s tariff hike plan, trade minister to visit US

    South Korean officials have stated they have received no formal communication from Washington regarding President Donald Trump’s announced plan to increase tariffs on select South Korean goods from 15% to 25%. The presidential office in Seoul confirmed this lack of official notification on Tuesday, following Trump’s Monday declaration.

    In response to the potential economic measure, South Korea is mobilizing its diplomatic and trade resources. An interagency meeting is scheduled to convene later today to coordinate the government’s approach. Furthermore, Trade Minister Kim Jung-kwan, currently concluding an official visit to Canada, will extend his travel itinerary to include the United States for urgent discussions with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

    President Trump justified the proposed tariff escalation by accusing the South Korean legislature of failing to enact a previously agreed bilateral trade pact. This development threatens to destabilize recent trade accommodations between the two nations.

    According to reports from Yonhap News Agency, a foundation for this agreement was established during the October summit in Gyeongju. A resulting joint fact sheet outlined a compromise: The United States would reduce tariffs on South Korean products, including automobiles, contingent upon South Korea committing to $350 billion in investments within the US. A subsequent memorandum, signed on November 14, detailed that these tariff reductions would be applied retroactively from the first day of the month in which the relevant implementation legislation was submitted to South Korea’s National Assembly.

    The ruling Democratic Party did submit the required special bill on US investment on November 26. Honoring the agreement, the US retroactively lowered tariffs on South Korean automobiles to 15% effective December 4. The announced tariff hike appears to reverse this recent progress, creating fresh uncertainty in US-South Korea trade relations.

  • China’s social security funds post 10-trillion-yuan balance at end of 2025

    China’s social security funds post 10-trillion-yuan balance at end of 2025

    China’s social security framework has achieved a monumental financial milestone, with official data revealing a collective balance of 10.2 trillion yuan (approximately $1.46 trillion) across key insurance programs by the conclusion of 2025. This substantial reserve encompasses the nation’s basic pension schemes, unemployment insurance, and work-related injury compensation systems.

    The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security disclosed these figures on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, highlighting the robust financial health of China’s social safety net. In a parallel development, the ministry reported that professionally managed basic pension funds have surpassed 2.98 trillion yuan through investment entrustment programs, demonstrating sophisticated financial stewardship of public reserves.

    This financial achievement represents a significant strengthening of China’s social welfare infrastructure, providing enhanced security for millions of workers and retirees nationwide. The substantial fund balance indicates successful long-term planning and management of social insurance resources, ensuring sustainable support for citizens facing retirement, unemployment, or workplace injuries.

    The growth trajectory of these funds reflects China’s continuing economic stability and strategic fiscal policies aimed at maintaining comprehensive social protection systems. This financial buffer becomes increasingly critical as demographic shifts and economic transitions present new challenges to social welfare programs globally.

  • Australia swelters in a record heat wave as temperatures near 50 C

    Australia swelters in a record heat wave as temperatures near 50 C

    Australia’s southeastern regions endured unprecedented extreme heat on Tuesday as temperatures approached the 50°C threshold (122°F), creating hazardous conditions across Victoria state. Preliminary recordings from rural monitoring stations in Hopetoun and Walpeup indicated highs of 48.9°C (120°F), potentially surpassing the historic temperatures recorded during Victoria’s catastrophic 2009 Black Saturday bushfires that claimed 173 lives.

    While no heat-related fatalities were reported Tuesday, emergency authorities remained on high alert as three separate bushfires burned uncontrolled across the state. Melbourne, Victoria’s capital, narrowly missed breaking its all-time temperature record, but the urban heat effect transformed the typically bustling Australian Open venue into a near-deserted landscape.

    The extreme conditions forced tournament organizers to implement comprehensive heat safety protocols. Matches on exposed outer courts were postponed while the retractable roofs on primary arenas remained closed throughout the day. During the quarterfinal match between Aryna Sabalenka and Iva Jovic—the final contest held under direct sunlight—both athletes utilized ice packs and portable cooling devices during breaks to combat the oppressive conditions.

    Event staff provided photographers with specialized heat-protection equipment, including insulated cushions for hot seating surfaces and protective towels to prevent camera malfunction and hand burns. Spectators congregated around massive misting stations and climate-controlled indoor areas, contributing to a dramatic attendance drop from Monday’s 50,000 visitors to just 21,000 on Tuesday.

    The current heatwave represents the latest in a series of extreme temperature events during Australia’s record-breaking summer, with previous records from the destructive 2019 bushfire season already being exceeded in New South Wales and South Australia earlier this week. Meteorological services predict gradual temperature moderation beginning Wednesday, though elevated heat conditions are expected to persist through the weekend.

  • China to introduce policy documents to address the impact of AI and promote employment: ministry

    China to introduce policy documents to address the impact of AI and promote employment: ministry

    The Chinese government is formulating comprehensive policy measures to mitigate artificial intelligence’s disruptive impact on employment markets while harnessing technological advancements for economic growth. According to announcements from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, these forthcoming documents will establish frameworks for workforce adaptation during the AI transition period.

    The strategic initiative addresses growing concerns about automation’s potential to displace workers across multiple sectors. Rather than resisting technological progress, the policy approach emphasizes creating synergies between AI development and employment stability. The ministry’s announcement indicates China will pursue balanced development where technological innovation complements rather than replaces human workers.

    Key components of the policy package include retraining programs for vulnerable occupations, incentives for companies that combine AI implementation with workforce expansion, and social protection measures for workers during transition periods. The government is particularly focused on developing new employment opportunities that emerge alongside AI technologies, ensuring that productivity gains benefit both businesses and employees.

    This proactive stance reflects China’s broader strategy of managing technological disruption through policy intervention. The ministry emphasized that while AI presents challenges, it also creates new categories of jobs and industries that will require strategic preparation and workforce development. The policy documents will provide guidelines for educational institutions, private enterprises, and local governments to collaboratively address the employment implications of AI adoption.

    The timing of this announcement coincides with accelerated AI integration across China’s manufacturing, service, and technology sectors, making workforce planning an urgent governmental priority.

  • Why more property buyers are choosing Sharjah for second homes

    Why more property buyers are choosing Sharjah for second homes

    Sharjah’s real estate market is experiencing a significant transformation as GCC nationals increasingly select the emirate for their secondary residences. According to industry executives, this trend is driven by Sharjah’s exceptional market stability and consistent capital appreciation rates, which outperform neighboring markets.

    Recent data from the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department reveals substantial investment activity, with GCC nationals channeling Dh3.4 billion into 2,055 properties throughout the previous year, positioning them among the top investor demographics.

    Lamia Al Jewaied, Head of Studies and Research Bureau at the Registration Department, noted a noticeable influx of GCC nationals and tourists who now perceive Sharjah as an ideal location for secondary homes. “The affordability factor, particularly in developments like Al Mamsha, serves as a primary motivator for these investment decisions,” she explained during an interview at the recently concluded Acres 2026 exhibition.

    The emirate’s property market has demonstrated robust performance with price appreciations ranging between 10-12% last year, with projections indicating similar growth patterns for the current year.

    Yousif Ahmed Al Mutawa, Chief Real Estate Officer at Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), confirmed the emirate’s growing appeal among GCC investors. This sentiment was echoed by Noreen Nasralla, Senior Vice President for Marketing Strategy and Branding at Alef Group, who highlighted the market’s evolution toward more end-users and serious investors rather than speculative buyers.

    A notable development in Sharjah’s real estate landscape involves the expansion of waterfront properties following legislative changes that permit all nationalities to purchase freehold properties in designated communities. Abdullah Al Zarouni, Director of the Real Estate Transactions unit, reported over ten new waterfront projects registered during 2024-2025.

    Industry experts emphasize that waterfront developments represent particularly valuable investments due to their limited supply and high demand. George Raymond Khouzami, CEO of Al Thuriah Real Estate Group, noted that these properties maintain strong investment value, deliver superior rental returns, and offer enhanced liquidity upon resale. Farid Jamal, Chief Commercial Officer at Ajmal Makaan, added that coastal tourism initiatives further amplify the economic and real estate value of these waterfront developments.

  • University of Chinese Academy of Sciences unveils the School of Space Exploration

    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences unveils the School of Space Exploration

    In a significant advancement for China’s space education infrastructure, the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences officially inaugurated its groundbreaking School of Space Exploration in Beijing on Tuesday. This specialized institution represents a strategic initiative to develop elite talent for the nation’s rapidly expanding space program.

    The newly established school will function as an interdisciplinary hub integrating aerospace engineering, astrophysics, planetary science, and space technology development. Its curriculum is designed to address the complex challenges of contemporary space exploration, including satellite technology, deep space missions, and sustainable space infrastructure.

    This educational initiative aligns with China’s ambitious space agenda, which has recently achieved remarkable milestones including lunar sample return missions, the construction of the Tiangong space station, and planned crewed missions to the Moon. The school will leverage the extensive research capabilities of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, providing students with access to cutting-edge facilities and mentorship from leading space scientists.

    The establishment of this specialized institution responds to growing demand for highly skilled professionals in the global space sector, which has expanded beyond government programs to include commercial space ventures and international collaborative projects. Educational analysts note that this represents China’s commitment to developing domestic expertise rather than relying on foreign-trained specialists.

    The school’s inaugural class will include graduate and doctoral students selected through competitive admission processes, with programs emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical application through research partnerships with China’s space industry leaders.

  • Senior CPC official urges high-quality development of social work

    Senior CPC official urges high-quality development of social work

    In a significant national address, senior Communist Party of China official Cai Qi has articulated a comprehensive vision for advancing social work development through strengthened Party mechanisms. The high-level meeting convened in Beijing on January 26, 2026, brought together social work department leadership from across the nation to coordinate governance strategies.

    Cai Qi, who holds dual positions on the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau and the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, emphasized the critical importance of pursuing a distinctly Chinese approach to social governance. The address outlined several key priorities for development, including the substantial improvement of social governance frameworks and the refinement of institutional mechanisms governing social work practices.

    A central theme emerged around expanding Party influence within emerging economic sectors and new forms of employment. The official stressed the necessity of enhancing organizational coverage and Party work within these dynamic areas, particularly focusing on new economic and social organizations. This expansion aims to bolster the Party’s inspirational capacity and strengthen its cohesive influence among rapidly evolving workforce demographics.

    Additionally, the address highlighted the imperative of constructing efficient governance systems that foster vitality at primary operational levels. This grassroots emphasis signals a recognition that effective social work implementation requires robust foundational structures capable of responding to local needs while maintaining alignment with national strategic objectives.

    The meeting represents part of ongoing efforts to modernize China’s social governance capabilities while maintaining the Party’s guiding role across all sectors of society.