Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Turkey plans offshore energy exploration deal with Syria in 2026

    Turkey plans offshore energy exploration deal with Syria in 2026

    Turkey is advancing its strategic energy partnership with Syria, with plans to formalize a significant offshore exploration agreement in 2026. Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced the initiative during an interview with Turkish digital news platform GDH on Monday, revealing that this future pact would focus on assessing potential energy resources in maritime territories along the Syrian coastline.

    This development builds upon a comprehensive framework agreement signed earlier this year, establishing a foundation for bilateral energy cooperation between Ankara and Damascus. Minister Bayraktar clarified that the 2026 agreement would enable seismic research activities to evaluate the region’s resource potential, though he emphasized that this does not automatically guarantee subsequent drilling operations.

    The Turkish-Syrian energy collaboration has accelerated remarkably since December 2024, transforming Turkey into a key energy player in Syria following the stabilization of President Bashar al-Assad’s government. The partnership reached a milestone on May 29, 2025, with the signing of a major agreement encompassing natural gas, electricity, mining, and petroleum sectors, with provisions for technical coordination, information exchange, and joint investment initiatives.

    Notable projects already underway include a natural gas pipeline connecting Kilis and Aleppo, completed in June 2025, which will enable Turkey to supply Syria with two billion cubic meters of natural gas annually. This infrastructure is projected to generate approximately 1,300 megawatts of electricity capacity.

    Further enhancing energy integration, both nations are constructing a 400-kilovolt high-voltage transmission line to connect their power grids, scheduled for operation by early 2026 with capacity to support 500 MW of electricity imports.

    The partnership extends to substantial private sector involvement, evidenced by a $7 billion strategic cooperation agreement between Turkey’s Kalyon Holding and Cengiz Holding, Qatar’s UCC, and American company Power International. This consortium plans to develop natural gas combined-cycle power plants totaling 4,000 MW capacity across multiple Syrian locations, complemented by a 1,000-MW solar power plant in the Vidyan al-Rabi region.

    This expanding energy alliance may raise concerns among regional neighbors, particularly Greece and Cyprus, who might view these developments as potentially leading to the establishment of an exclusive economic zone that could heighten tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

  • Bondi Beach attack hero says wanted to protect ‘innocent people’

    Bondi Beach attack hero says wanted to protect ‘innocent people’

    In a remarkable display of courage amidst tragedy, Syrian-born fruit seller Ahmed al Ahmed has been recognized as a national hero for his actions during the deadly Bondi Beach terrorist attack. The Sydney resident, who emigrated from Syria in 2007, single-handedly disarmed one of the two assailants during their December 14 rampage that claimed 15 lives and injured dozens at a Hanukkah celebration.

    Speaking exclusively to CBS News in an interview published Monday, Ahmed recounted the pivotal moment when he instinctively rushed toward the gunfire. “My target was just to take the gun from him, and to stop him from killing a human being’s life and not killing innocent people,” the father of two stated, demonstrating extraordinary composure despite sustaining multiple gunshot wounds during the confrontation.

    The attack, described by authorities as an antisemitic terrorist act, was carried out by father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram. Sajid, a 50-year-old Indian national who entered Australia in 1998, was fatally shot by police during the incident. His 24-year-old son Naveed, an Australian-born citizen, remains in custody facing numerous charges including terrorism and 15 counts of murder.

    Ahmed’s heroic actions unfolded as he was simply getting coffee at the beach. Surveillance footage captured the moment he strategically maneuvered between parked vehicles before tackling the assailant from behind. “I jumped on the gunman’s back, holding him with my right hand,” Ahmed recalled, adding that he demanded the attacker relinquish his weapon.

    The emotional toll remains evident as Ahmed expressed both pride and sorrow: “I know I saved lots, but I feel sorry for the lost.” His physical recovery has involved multiple surgeries to address shoulder injuries sustained during the struggle.

    In recognition of his bravery, the Australian government has expedited visa processing for Ahmed’s family members. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke commended Ahmed’s actions, stating: “Ahmed has shown the courage and values we want in Australia.”

    The hero’s uncle Mohammed, speaking from the family’s hometown of Al-Nayrab, Syria, expressed profound pride: “His act is a source of pride for us and for Syria.” This sentiment echoes across Australia where Ahmed’s selfless intervention has become a symbol of hope and unity against violence.

  • Bondi victims’ families demand national probe into antisemitism

    Bondi victims’ families demand national probe into antisemitism

    Families of the Bondi Beach massacre victims have issued a forceful demand for a comprehensive national investigation into Australia’s antisemitism crisis and systemic security failures. The appeal comes exactly two weeks after the December 14th terrorist attack that claimed 15 lives during a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney.

    Seventeen grieving families collectively addressed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese through an open letter, insisting on the immediate establishment of a Commonwealth Royal Commission. They seek examination of critical breakdowns in law enforcement, intelligence operations, and policy frameworks that enabled the deadly assault. The perpetrators, identified as father-son duo Sajid and Naveed Akram, specifically targeted the Jewish community event, leaving dozens wounded in what authorities have classified as an antisemitic terrorist act.

    The families articulated their demand with emotional intensity: “We need to know why clear warning signs were ignored, how antisemitic hatred and Islamic extremism were allowed to dangerously grow unchecked, and what changes must be made to protect all Australians going forward.” They emphasized that their lost loved ones—parents, spouses, children, and grandparents—were celebrating the festival of light and joy in a public space that should have guaranteed safety.

    Prime Minister Albanese has maintained resistance to federal-level inquiries, advocating instead for immediate action rather than “years for answers.” He expressed profound sympathy for the families while emphasizing his priority to “build unity and social cohesion” during this challenging period. The government has proposed a state-level royal commission led by New South Wales, where the tragedy occurred, alongside potential reforms to firearm regulations and hate speech laws.

    Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke reinforced the administration’s position, warning that a national commission could inadvertently platform extremist voices and revisit traumatic antisemitic incidents from recent years—a move he deemed counterproductive to national unity and security.

    The victims’ families, supported by prominent Jewish community leaders and legal experts, dismissed these responses as insufficient. Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, asserted that only a royal commission possesses the necessary coercive powers to uncover the truth and implement preventive measures. The families concluded their plea with a powerful statement: “You owe us answers. You owe us accountability. And you owe Australians the truth.”

    Regarding the perpetrators, 50-year-old Sajid Akram—an Indian national who entered Australia on a 1998 visa—was fatally shot by police during the attack. His Australian-born son Naveed, 24, remains in custody facing multiple charges including terrorism, 15 counts of murder, and planting an explosive device with intent to harm. He has not yet entered a formal plea.

  • Alaa Abd el-Fattah pushes back against calls to revoke his UK citizenship

    Alaa Abd el-Fattah pushes back against calls to revoke his UK citizenship

    British-Egyptian political activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah has issued a formal response to UK politicians demanding the revocation of his citizenship, following their citation of controversial social media posts from 2010. The 44-year-old prominent figure of Egypt’s 2011 Arab Spring uprising, recently released from imprisonment and reunited with his family in Britain, finds himself at the center of a new political storm.

    Opposition politicians, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, have highlighted decade-old posts allegedly containing antisemitic content and calls for violence against Zionists, police, and British forces in Iraq. Farage has reportedly escalated the matter by filing a report with the Metropolitan Police’s counterterrorism unit, while Badenoch has publicly advocated for stripping Abd el-Fattah’s citizenship through the Daily Mail.

    In a detailed statement addressing the controversy, Abd el-Fattah expressed being ‘shaken’ by the attacks so soon after his family reunion. While acknowledging that some posts appear ‘shocking and hurtful’ when viewed out of context, he offered an unequivocal apology, characterizing the messages as ‘expressions of a young man’s anger and frustrations’ during regional conflicts including the wars on Iraq, Lebanon, and Gaza, alongside rising police brutality against Egyptian youth.

    The activist vehemently denied allegations of homophobia and Holocaust denial, explaining that controversial tweets were actually intended to ridicule such positions rather than endorse them. He noted having ‘paid a steep price’ for his public support of LGBTQ rights in Egypt and emphasized his secular, non-religious background despite some British media outlets incorrectly labeling him an ‘alleged Islamist extremist.’

    Abd el-Fattah’s political journey includes significant involvement in the 2011 Arab Spring demonstrations that ousted Hosni Mubarak, followed by imprisonment after Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s 2013 military coup. Despite being pardoned and released earlier this year, his history includes multiple arrests and sentences totaling years of detention on charges human rights organizations describe as politically motivated.

    Human rights advocates have raised alarms about the potential consequences of this campaign. Ahmed Attalla of the Egyptian Front for Human Rights warned that forced return to Egypt could subject Abd el-Fattah to ‘yet another cycle of arbitrary detention’ through fabricated charges, noting that the case is being instrumentalized by right-wing groups and pro-government media in Egypt. The situation highlights broader concerns about Egypt’s human rights record, where Freedom House ranks the country 18th out of 100 for political freedom, and Human Rights Watch documents ‘wholesale repression’ of peaceful dissent.

    The UK Home Office has not responded to inquiries regarding potential deportation proceedings, leaving the activist’s legal status in uncertainty amid what Attalla describes as ‘an increasingly unstable global environment’ and rising far-right influence.

  • Palestinians ‘drowning’ as rain and wind uproot more Gaza tents

    Palestinians ‘drowning’ as rain and wind uproot more Gaza tents

    Severe winter weather has plunged Gaza into unprecedented humanitarian crisis as torrential rains and gale-force winds ravage the besieged territory. The catastrophic conditions have claimed multiple young lives and destroyed tens of thousands of makeshift shelters, compounding the devastation wrought by two years of conflict.

    Tragic fatalities continue to mount amid the extreme weather. Two-month-old Arkan Firas Musleh succumbed to hypothermia on Monday, while seven-year-old Atta Mai drowned after falling into a flooded well near Gaza City. Since the rainy season began earlier this month, at least three children have died from exposure and 17 others perished in structural collapses triggered by severe storms.

    The Shelter Cluster reports over 42,000 tents and temporary shelters suffered damage between December 10-17 alone, displacing approximately 250,000 vulnerable individuals. Civil defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal revealed that 90% of tents have been either swept away or inundated by floodwaters, while more than 110 residential buildings have experienced partial collapses.

    Amro Akram, a 20-year-old displaced in Khan Younis, described the unbearable conditions: ‘We are drowning. The sound of children suffering in the rain is unbearable. A person feels powerless to help.’ After his own tent was destroyed earlier this month, Akram sought refuge in his sister’s shelter, which also flooded on Monday.

    The humanitarian crisis is intensified by Israel’s blockade, which has restricted vital supplies. The Gaza-based Government Media Office alleges Israel has failed to meet its ceasefire agreement obligations, allowing only approximately 20,000 trucks entry since October instead of the mandated 48,000. This shortage has created critical deficits in food, medicine, water, and fuel, paralyzing hospitals, bakeries, and sanitation facilities.

    The UN Relief and Works Agency characterized the situation as ‘man-made’ despite the natural origin of Storm Byron, noting that ‘months of war and displacement have forced people in Gaza to live amid collapsing ruins.’ With nearly 90% of Gaza’s infrastructure already destroyed during the conflict and 71,000 Palestinians killed, the territory now faces what officials describe as ‘a slow death’ from compounded humanitarian failures.

  • UAE scientists discover cause of extreme summer heat in Arabian Gulf

    UAE scientists discover cause of extreme summer heat in Arabian Gulf

    Scientists at NYU Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala ACCESS Center have made a groundbreaking discovery identifying the precise climatic mechanisms responsible for extreme summer temperatures in the Arabian Gulf. Their research, published in late December 2025, reveals how specific atmospheric conditions combine to create dangerous marine heatwaves that threaten the region’s fragile ecosystems.

    The study demonstrates that marine heatwaves occur when two major wind systems undergo simultaneous shifts: the weakening of northwesterly Shamal winds coincides with the strengthening of the Indian summer monsoon. This atmospheric combination increases humidity over the Gulf, creating conditions that trap heat at the ocean surface and elevate sea temperatures to critical levels.

    Unlike other ocean systems where marine heatwaves typically form under clear skies and intense sunlight, the Arabian Gulf’s extreme temperatures develop under humid, hazy conditions. The research further establishes connections between Gulf warming and large-scale climate patterns, particularly noting that extreme warming is more probable during La Niña events—when the tropical Pacific Ocean cools—and when the North Atlantic Oscillation enters a weakened phase.

    Dr. Zouhair Lachkar, senior scientist at NYU Abu Dhabi and lead study author, emphasized the unexpected nature of their findings: ‘Our research reveals surprising mechanisms driving marine heatwaves in this region, challenging conventional understanding of oceanic heating patterns.’

    The practical implications are substantial, as this discovery enables forecasting of extreme conditions two to three months in advance. This advanced warning system provides crucial time for authorities to implement protective measures for vulnerable marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and fisheries that face catastrophic bleaching and disruption during temperature extremes.

    Dr. John Burt, co-director of the Mubadala ACCESS Center and senior study author, highlighted the research’s significance: ‘These predictive capabilities allow marine managers and policymakers to proactively monitor and safeguard vulnerable ecosystems, aligning with our mission to produce regionally relevant research with global impact.’

    As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, this research represents a critical advancement in developing localized, data-driven forecasting tools to protect biodiversity, fisheries, and coastal communities throughout the Arabian Gulf region.

  • Shandong connects 1,000 MW offshore solar project to the grid

    Shandong connects 1,000 MW offshore solar project to the grid

    In a landmark development for China’s renewable energy sector, Shandong province has successfully connected a massive 1,000-megawatt offshore photovoltaic project to the national grid. The groundbreaking achievement, completed on December 29, 2025, in Kenli district of Dongying, represents a significant advancement in the country’s clean energy infrastructure.

    The offshore solar installation demonstrates China’s growing technological prowess in harnessing marine-based renewable resources. Unlike traditional land-based solar farms, this maritime project utilizes specialized floating photovoltaic technology designed to withstand challenging oceanic conditions while maximizing energy capture from abundant sunlight.

    This project’s successful grid integration marks a critical step in China’s broader strategy to diversify its energy mix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The 1,000 MW capacity is sufficient to power approximately 400,000 households annually while preventing significant carbon dioxide emissions that would otherwise be produced by conventional power plants.

    Shandong province, with its extensive coastline and favorable solar conditions, has emerged as a strategic hub for China’s offshore renewable energy expansion. The Kenli district project serves as a model for future large-scale marine photovoltaic developments, combining innovative engineering with sustainable energy production.

    The achievement reflects China’s accelerating transition toward carbon neutrality goals and positions the country as a global leader in offshore solar technology implementation. Industry experts anticipate that this successful demonstration will catalyze further investments in marine renewable energy projects along China’s coastline and potentially influence global offshore solar development strategies.

  • Top political advisor meets Chinese Buddhist delegates

    Top political advisor meets Chinese Buddhist delegates

    BEIJING – Wang Huning, Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, convened with delegates from the Buddhist Association of China during their 11th national congress in Beijing this week. The high-level meeting emphasized the strategic alignment of religious practices with national development objectives.

    As a senior member of the Communist Party of China Central Committee’s Political Bureau Standing Committee, Wang articulated the necessity of implementing the Party’s fundamental religious policies. He called upon Buddhist leaders and adherents to actively contribute to China’s comprehensive modernization initiatives, highlighting the role of religious communities in national progress.

    Wang directed the association to strengthen internal governance through rigorous oversight and enhanced legal awareness. He emphasized the imperative for clerical personnel to maintain strict adherence to both national laws and traditional monastic disciplines, ensuring proper faith practices and conduct.

    The political advisor further encouraged the Buddhist community to develop talent well-versed in both religious teachings and China’s rich cultural heritage. He advocated for expanded international exchanges on Buddhist matters, promoting cultural diplomacy through religious channels.

    The congress itself marked a significant organizational milestone, featuring the adoption of revised constitutional documents and updated religious regulations. Delegates elected a new leadership team to guide the association’s activities in coming years, signaling a fresh chapter for organized Buddhism in China.

  • KTGolf Awards 2025, Part II: Drama, power and the stories everyone’s talking about

    KTGolf Awards 2025, Part II: Drama, power and the stories everyone’s talking about

    The global golfing world in 2025 was defined by historic team achievements, stunning individual breakthroughs, sustained dominance, and one profoundly felt absence. The Khaleej Times Golf Awards, Part II, captures these narratives that captivated fans and shaped the sport’s landscape.

    Team Europe’s Ryder Cup victory on American soil stands as the year’s defining collective achievement. Under Captain Luke Donald’s strategic leadership, the squad secured a nail-biting 15–13 victory, marking their first away win since 2012’s Medinah miracle. The contest reached fever pitch during Sunday singles when a surging Team USA nearly overturned Europe’s advantage, creating a finale worthy of golf’s premier team event. This triumph resonated beyond golf, earning Team Europe the BBC Sports Personality Team of the Year award, with speculation now mounting about Donald’s captaincy future for the 2027 contest at Adare Manor.

    Individual brilliance emerged through J.J. Spaun’s spectacular US Open victory at Oakmont. The 35-year-old American’s breakthrough included one of the most dramatic finishes in major championship history—a 64-foot birdie putt on the 18th green to clinch victory by a single stroke. This capped a remarkable comeback after a disastrous front-nine 40 in the final round, demonstrating extraordinary mental fortitude. Spaun’s season also featured a runner-up finish at The Players Championship, propelling him from 112th to 6th in the world rankings and securing his Ryder Cup debut.

    Scottie Scheffler continued his unprecedented reign atop men’s golf, maintaining the world No. 1 ranking with a dominance rarely seen in modern eras. His 2025 campaign featured six victories including dual major championships at the PGA Championship and The Open. Scheffler’s statistical lead became historically significant—his points gap over second-ranked Rory McIlroy approximately equaled the difference between McIlroy and the world’s 59th-ranked player. His consistent excellence, unconventional swing, and mental fortitude have created a benchmark that challengers struggle to match.

    The year’s most somber narrative was Tiger Woods’ complete competitive absence due to a torn Achilles tendon and subsequent back surgery. As the legend turned 50 on December 30, questions mounted about his competitive future. While remaining active as a tournament host, course designer, and global ambassador, his physical capacity for tournament golf remains uncertain. The sport collectively hopes for another chapter from its most transformative figure, whether through PGA Tour Champions appearances or continued influence beyond competition.

  • Horse sculptures gallop into Harbin Ice and Snow World

    Horse sculptures gallop into Harbin Ice and Snow World

    The Harbin Ice and Snow World in China’s Heilongjiang province has transformed into a breathtaking equestrian wonderland in anticipation of the upcoming Year of the Horse. This annual winter spectacle, renowned for its magnificent ice architecture, has fully embraced the zodiac theme with an impressive collection of horse-themed sculptures carved from ice and snow.

    The frozen kingdom now showcases a diverse array of equine artworks that capture the dynamic spirit and progressive energy symbolized by the horse in Chinese culture. These meticulously crafted sculptures range from life-sized galloping stallions to abstract interpretations of equine forms, all illuminated by the park’s signature colorful lighting systems that create a magical atmosphere after dark.

    Artists and ice sculptors have employed specialized techniques to achieve remarkable detail in their frozen creations, from flowing manes to muscular contours, demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship in sub-zero temperatures. The exhibition serves both as an artistic celebration and cultural homage to the upcoming lunar year, which begins in February 2025.

    Beyond their visual spectacle, these frozen equestrian displays carry deep cultural significance, conveying traditional wishes for success, prosperity, and good fortune in the coming year. The thematic installation represents one of the most ambitious zodiac celebrations in the festival’s history, continuing Harbin’s tradition of blending ancient cultural elements with contemporary ice sculpture techniques.

    The Year of the Horse installation will remain on display throughout the winter season, expected to attract millions of domestic and international visitors to northeastern China’s most famous winter destination.