Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Pakistan’s polio cases fell by half in 2025 despite attacks on vaccination teams

    Pakistan’s polio cases fell by half in 2025 despite attacks on vaccination teams

    ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s national health authorities have announced a remarkable 59% reduction in polio cases for 2025, marking significant progress in the country’s prolonged eradication campaign. Official data reveals only 30 confirmed polio infections throughout the year, compared to 74 cases documented during the previous year’s reporting period.

    The encouraging statistics were released by the government-operated Polio Eradication Initiative following the conclusion of Pakistan’s final nationwide vaccination drive targeting approximately 45 million children. Anwarul Haq, Coordinator of the National Emergency Operations Centre for Polio Eradication, confirmed to international media that no fresh infections have been detected anywhere across the country since September 2025.

    This epidemiological achievement comes despite persistent security challenges that have plagued vaccination efforts for decades. Militant groups continue to target health workers and their security details based on conspiracy theories alleging vaccination campaigns represent Western plots to sterilize Muslim children. Since the 1990s, over 200 polio workers and protecting police officers have been killed in such attacks.

    Health authorities reported reaching over 98% of the target population during the most recent vaccination campaign. However, access limitations remain particularly acute in certain districts of the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where security constraints and community resistance continue to hamper immunization activities.

    Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan maintain the dubious distinction of being the world’s only remaining countries where wild poliovirus transmission persists. Health officials acknowledge both the substantial momentum gained and the lingering vulnerabilities in the decades-long eradication effort. While vaccination coverage has dramatically improved and case numbers have plummeted, low-level transmission in inaccessible regions continues to pose significant risks of resurgence.

    The government has announced plans to launch the first anti-polio campaign of the new year during February’s first week, maintaining continuous pressure on the virus through sustained immunization efforts.

  • In a breakneck digital era, the ancient art of Peking opera works hard to keep flourishing

    In a breakneck digital era, the ancient art of Peking opera works hard to keep flourishing

    In a striking display of artistic precision, Peking opera performer Zhang Wanting captivates a Beijing theater audience with an extraordinary balancing act. Perched on the narrow handle of a rosewood chair, the 30-year-old actress executes a gravity-defying pose known as ‘tanhai’ (gazing over the sea) while adorned in traditional warrior costume. This remarkable feat represents the culmination of over a decade’s dedication to mastering one of Peking opera’s most demanding physical disciplines.

    Zhang’s journey began in China’s Hebei province at age seven, when she first encountered the art form at a local cultural center. Recognizing both talent and determination in the young performer, she pursued professional training at a theater school in Jiangsu province. Like most Peking opera artists, Zhang started her rigorous training regimen before dawn each day, building the physical strength and flexibility essential to the craft.

    The signature chair technique she now performs originates from the Song School of Peking opera, founded in the early 20th century. This innovative tradition elevated female martial roles to center stage through creative stunts and refreshed performance styles. Zhang studied directly under Song Danju, daughter of the school’s founder, learning the specialized chair sequence that combines martial arts with acrobatic movements adapted from northwestern Chinese folk opera.

    Mastering the technique required conquering both physical and psychological challenges. Zhang spent an entire semester practicing on a chair handle merely 8.5 centimeters wide, developing the balance and courage necessary for the performance. Each movement demanded months of repetition—for the jumping sequence alone, she performed approximately 50 daily leaps through the chair’s narrow frame, often finishing rehearsals with trembling muscles and bruised thighs.

    Despite growing competition from digital entertainment, young artists like Zhang continue to preserve and evolve Peking opera traditions. As a professional performer with Beijing’s prestigious Jingju Theatre Company, she has delivered over 150 shows in nine years, continually refining her technique while staying true to the art form’s emotional core. For Zhang, the ultimate reward remains the audience’s applause—a validation of both technical excellence and artistic expression.

  • ROK leader’s visit to help boost bilateral ties

    ROK leader’s visit to help boost bilateral ties

    In a significant diplomatic development, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung will commence a four-day state visit to China beginning Sunday, marking his first official trip to the country since assuming office in June 2025. This visit represents the first by a South Korean head of state since 2019, signaling a potential thaw in bilateral relations between the two Northeast Asian neighbors.

    The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed the visit through spokesman Lin Jian, who emphasized the strategic importance of the two nations as key regional partners. “Under the strategic guidance of both heads of state, this visit is anticipated to significantly advance the China-ROK strategic cooperative partnership,” Lin stated during a regular press briefing.

    Accompanying President Lee will be a substantial delegation of over 200 South Korean business leaders, including executives from corporate giants Samsung Electronics, SK Group, Hyundai Motor Group, and LG Group. This substantial commercial contingent underscores the economic dimension of the visit, with both nations preparing to discuss cooperation in multiple sectors including supply chain security, investment frameworks, digital economy initiatives, transnational crime prevention, and environmental protection measures.

    The timing of the visit coincides with the 10th anniversary of the China-ROK free trade agreement, with both parties having agreed to accelerate second-phase negotiations to deepen economic integration. Bilateral trade reached $328.08 billion in 2024, reflecting a 5.6% year-on-year increase despite global economic headwinds.

    Recent reciprocal visa facilitation measures have further strengthened people-to-people exchanges. China implemented visa-free entry for South Korean tourists and business visitors in November 2024, with South Korea reciprocating for Chinese group tourists in September 2025, resulting in a notable surge in cross-border travel.

    This visit builds upon the momentum generated by the meeting between President Lee and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, last November. According to Professor Zhan Debin of Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, while President Xi’s previous visit to South Korea helped stabilize bilateral relations, President Lee’s upcoming visit aims to “explore ways to make further progress on the basis of that stability,” particularly through enhanced economic cooperation and cultural exchanges.

  • Reflective New Year festivities grow popular

    Reflective New Year festivities grow popular

    Across China, traditional New Year festivities are undergoing a significant transformation as citizens increasingly favor contemplative and culturally enriching experiences over conventional celebrations. This cultural shift reflects a growing desire among Chinese people, particularly younger generations, to mark the annual transition with purpose and personal significance.

    In Beijing, Tao Dance Theater’s artistic director Tao Ye has pioneered “The World of Movements,” an immersive dance event where participants use physical expression to process memories and embrace the future. “The concept of crossing into a new year functions as a ritualistic renewal,” Tao explained. “It represents pushing forward while sharing this collective moment with others.” Participant Tian Tian described how dance “transforms time into a tangible experience, anchoring me in the present and offering a real sense of existence.”

    Beyond the capital, diverse regions have developed unique approaches to meaningful celebration. In Shanxi province, theater enthusiasts attending the dance drama “The Palace Through Time” receive complimentary access to the historic Yongle Palace, the Yuan Dynasty Taoist temple that inspired the production. This innovative pairing creates an immersive cultural journey bridging ancient heritage with contemporary artistic expression.

    The ancient water town of Wuzhen in Zhejiang province has reimagined its New Year programming with participatory theatrical performances that engage visitors in unfolding narratives. According to organizer Zhou Jianhong, “Wuzhen provides a space to reconnect with others, with the world, and with oneself. We offer people an opportunity to step away from daily noise and engage in life’s most fundamental ritual of renewal.”

    For families seeking nature-centered transitions, destinations like Luya Mountain in Shanxi provide winter landscapes for hiking, skating, and skiing. Beijing resident Liu Mengying, who plans to hike with her children, noted this represents a conscious choice after last year’s museum visit, emphasizing quality bonding and memory creation.

    Museums nationwide continue to contribute to this reflective trend with special exhibitions encouraging contemplation of history, nature, and cultural heritage. These culturally rich alternatives to traditional countdown events demonstrate China’s evolving celebration customs, where meaningful experiences increasingly take precedence over conventional festivities.

  • Thailand releases 18 Cambodian prisoners of war as part of ceasefire agreement

    Thailand releases 18 Cambodian prisoners of war as part of ceasefire agreement

    In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Thailand has repatriated 18 Cambodian prisoners of war following the successful implementation of a bilateral ceasefire agreement. The release occurred Wednesday at the Chanthaburi-Pailin border checkpoint, precisely where defense ministers from both nations formalized the truce last Saturday.

    Thai authorities characterized the prisoner transfer as “a demonstration of goodwill and confidence-building” conducted in strict adherence to international humanitarian principles. Cambodia’s Defense Ministry welcomed the development, stating it “creates an environment conducive to peace, stability, and the full normalization of relations for the benefit of both nations.”

    The soldiers’ captivity had become a major obstacle to reconciliation following two rounds of destructive combat over contested border territories. Thailand had previously justified their detention under Geneva Convention provisions permitting prisoner retention until hostilities conclude. Throughout their five-month imprisonment, the soldiers received regular visits from the International Committee of the Red Cross and were afforded all protections guaranteed by international humanitarian law.

    Cambodian officials had leveraged the detention to galvanize nationalist sentiment during the conflict. The government explicitly promised both the soldiers’ families and the Cambodian public that “no soldier would be left behind.”

    The current ceasefire agreement stipulated prisoner release upon 72 hours of sustained peace following Saturday’s noon enactment. Although this period concluded Tuesday, Thai authorities implemented a brief evaluation delay citing concerns over 250 Cambodian drones operating along the border.

    Disputes persist regarding the circumstances of the soldiers’ capture on July 31, coinciding with an initial ceasefire brokered by Malaysia. Cambodian accounts describe soldiers approaching Thai positions with friendly post-combat greetings, while Thai officials maintain the group demonstrated hostile intent while entering disputed territory. Originally capturing 20 soldiers, Thailand repatriated two individuals earlier for medical reasons.

    The conflict has exacted a heavy toll, with Thailand reporting 26 military fatalities, one civilian death, and 44 additional civilian casualties since December 7. The current ceasefire represents the third diplomatic attempt to resolve tensions, following earlier agreements mediated by Malaysia and advanced through economic pressure from the Trump administration.

  • China factory activity picks up in December as orders rebound ahead of holidays

    China factory activity picks up in December as orders rebound ahead of holidays

    China’s manufacturing sector has broken an eight-month contraction streak with December data indicating a return to expansion, according to official surveys released Wednesday. The National Bureau of Statistics reported the official purchasing managers index (PMI) climbed to 50.1 this month, narrowly crossing the 50-point threshold that separates expansion from contraction. A parallel private sector survey mirrored this reading at 50.1.

    The unexpected rebound reflects multiple factors including a temporary truce in U.S.-China trade tensions and manufacturers accelerating production ahead of the extended Lunar New Year holidays in mid-February. High-tech manufacturing demonstrated particularly robust performance, registering a PMI of 52.5 in December—a significant 2.4 percentage point increase from November.

    Sector-specific analysis revealed equipment manufacturing and consumer goods industries both reached 50.4 PMI readings. The food, textiles, apparel, and electronics sectors performed especially well with measures exceeding 53 points.

    However, the recovery remains uneven. While large manufacturers increased output, small and mid-sized enterprises—which employ the majority of China’s workforce—continued to contract. The RatingDog research firm noted that despite overall order improvements, new export sales declined slightly and hiring weakened.

    RatingDog founder Yao Yu cautioned that while manufacturing regained growth at year-end, “the improvement was marginal, with the impact of promotions and new products appearing impulse-driven and their sustainability requiring observation.”

    Economists point to persistent structural challenges including a prolonged property sector slump, industrial overcapacity, and squeezed profit margins due to rising raw material costs. Exporters responded by raising prices for the first time in three months to offset these higher costs.

    Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics suggested the upturn might be temporary, noting limited policy appetite for substantial demand-side stimulus amid ongoing property and industrial capacity headwinds expected to persist through 2026.

  • Thailand releases 18 Cambodian soldiers held since July

    Thailand releases 18 Cambodian soldiers held since July

    In a significant diplomatic development, Thailand has repatriated 18 Cambodian military personnel who had been detained since July following intense border hostilities. The prisoner transfer, executed on Wednesday, forms a crucial component of the freshly brokered ceasefire agreement established last Saturday between the Southeast Asian neighbors.

    The handover operation, momentarily postponed due to Thai allegations of ceasefire violations involving unauthorized drone incursions, ultimately proceeded under substantial diplomatic persuasion from China. The released soldiers, clad in civilian attire, received an emotional welcome as they crossed through the designated border checkpoint into Cambodian custody.

    This exchange follows weeks of renewed armed conflict along the contentious border region that displaced approximately one million residents and reignited longstanding territorial disputes. The current ceasefire framework mandates both nations to maintain existing frontlines, prohibit military reinforcements, and facilitate the safe return of displaced civilians to border communities.

    Cambodia’s Defense Ministry characterized the soldiers’ return as a constructive measure toward fostering “mutual trust and confidence,” while Thailand’s Foreign Ministry described the action as a “demonstration of goodwill” expecting reciprocal cooperation from Phnom Penh.

    The border tensions, rooted in century-old territorial disagreements, escalated dramatically this year following nationalist demonstrations at a disputed temple complex. Previous ceasefire attempts, including a Trump-brokered agreement in October, collapsed earlier this month when renewed clashes erupted. Despite previous failures, current indications suggest the latest truce arrangement is maintaining stability along the border region.

  • China drills feed info war targeting faith in Taiwan’s defenses

    China drills feed info war targeting faith in Taiwan’s defenses

    The Chinese People’s Liberation Army has initiated a new series of comprehensive military exercises encircling Taiwan, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions following Washington’s approval of an $11 billion arms package to Taipei. These maneuvers, conducted by the PLA’s Eastern Theater Command, incorporate advanced joint operations featuring naval flotillas and aircraft conducting simulated strikes against maritime and terrestrial targets, air superiority missions, and anti-submarine warfare protocols.

    The military demonstrations coincide with sophisticated information warfare campaigns designed to undermine confidence in Taiwan’s defensive capabilities. According to analyses from overseas military commentators, Beijing’s strategy aims to convince international audiences that Taiwanese forces would be incapable of withstanding a concerted PLA assault.

    This recent surge in military posturing directly responds to the United States’ December 18 announcement of its largest-ever arms sale to Taiwan, including sophisticated rocket artillery systems, long-range missiles, self-propelled howitzers, and unmanned surveillance platforms.

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemned the weapons transfer as a provocative measure supporting what he termed ‘Taiwan independence’ elements. ‘The Taiwan question represents China’s internal affair and sits at the core of our national interests,’ Wang stated during the Symposium on the International Situation and China’s Foreign Relations. ‘Achieving complete national reunification constitutes both a lawful action to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity and a historical mission we must fulfill.’

    Academic analyses from institutions like Wuhan University’s Institute of Taiwan Studies characterize Taiwan’s leadership under Lai Ching-te as intensifying independence efforts through military enhancement and American alignment, describing this approach as ‘walking further down the wrong road of destroying Taiwan.’

    The Pentagon’s recent assessments outline four potential invasion scenarios Beijing might consider: coercive measures short of open warfare, joint firepower strike campaigns, sustained blockade operations, and comprehensive amphibious invasion. Concurrently, classified US military evaluations suggest American forces could face significant challenges in a Taiwan conflict scenario, citing China’s advanced hypersonic weapons inventory and counter-space capabilities.

    Information warfare tactics have evolved beyond traditional propaganda methods, with recent revelations exposing sophisticated influencer recruitment strategies. An Italian-based military commentator disclosed offers of substantial compensation to promote narratives questioning Taiwan’s defensive capabilities while maintaining apparent neutrality. These efforts align with broader psychological operations aimed at diminishing Taiwanese morale and resistance willingness before potential military action.

  • Watch: Moderate rains hit RAK; police urge residents to take safety precautions

    Watch: Moderate rains hit RAK; police urge residents to take safety precautions

    Ras Al Khaimah experienced moderate rainfall on December 30, 2025, prompting local police to issue urgent safety advisories to residents. The precipitation event, which occurred during evening hours, led authorities to caution citizens against approaching wadis, standing water pools, and areas prone to flash flooding.

    According to meteorological reports from the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), an orange alert was activated between 11:06 PM and 4:00 AM, indicating potential hazards from strong winds, thunderstorms, and cumulonimbus cloud formations. The advisory specifically emphasized reduced driving speeds and compliance with official instructions from emergency response units.

    This weather event follows previous rainfall incidents on December 18 that resulted in property damage across RAK. Multiple residential properties reported water infiltration, while vehicles sustained damage from falling tree branches and debris. Many residents described the previous incident as unexpectedly severe, with most discovering the extent of damage only upon morning inspection.

    The NCM further forecasted persistent strong winds expected to continue through New Year’s Eve celebrations on December 31. While no precipitation was predicted for year-end festivities, meteorological officials anticipated cloudy conditions with wind speeds remaining elevated. Temperature projections indicated daytime highs of 22°C alongside nighttime lows reaching 8°C in interior regions, creating notably cooler conditions for New Year’s celebrations.

    Tourists and residents preparing for outdoor celebrations were advised to monitor updated weather bulletins and prepare for potentially disruptive wind conditions during nighttime events.

  • Global shares trade mixed with some exchanges closed ahead of the New Year

    Global shares trade mixed with some exchanges closed ahead of the New Year

    Financial markets worldwide presented a fragmented picture during year-end holiday trading sessions, with several major exchanges across Europe and Asia remaining closed for seasonal observances. Among active European indices, France’s CAC 40 declined by 0.5% to reach 8,130.14 while Britain’s FTSE 100 retreated 0.2% to 9,923.59. Asian markets demonstrated divergent trajectories with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dropping 0.9% to 25,630.54, while Taiwan’s Taiex surged 0.9% to 28,963.60. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 remained nearly unchanged with a marginal decline. Tokyo and South Korean markets scheduled extended closures through the New Year period, with Wall Street maintaining limited Wednesday operations before its Thursday holiday closure.

    Energy markets witnessed subtle adjustments as U.S. crude prices decreased by 16 cents to $57.79 per barrel, with international benchmark Brent crude experiencing a comparable decline to $61.18. Currency markets reflected modest fluctuations with the U.S. dollar strengthening to 156.55 Japanese yen from 156.36 yen, while the euro weakened slightly against the dollar to $1.1727.

    Market analysts identified persistent concerns regarding inflationary pressures and central bank policy directions as key factors influencing trading sentiment. The Federal Reserve’s December meeting minutes revealed internal divisions regarding economic threat assessments, contributing to market uncertainty. Financial experts including Sung Won Sohn, economics professor at Loyola Marymount University, emphasized that central banks must exercise caution amid labor shortages and interest rate uncertainties, predicting continued market volatility requiring sophisticated risk management strategies from businesses and investors.