Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • South Korean President Lee returns to presidential palace avoided by predecessor

    South Korean President Lee returns to presidential palace avoided by predecessor

    In a significant symbolic move, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung commenced his official duties at the historic Cheong Wa Dae presidential palace on Monday, restoring the traditional seat of executive power more than three years after his predecessor relocated the presidency. This transition marks the first time since May 2022 that a South Korean leader has operated from the iconic Blue House complex, reversing a controversial decision made by former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

    The restoration ceremony featured the midnight raising of the presidential flag adorned with twin phoenixes at the compound gates, followed by ceremonial honors from guards as President Lee’s motorcade entered the premises. Supporters gathered outside, waving national flags and chanting the president’s name in celebration of the administrative homecoming.

    The return to Cheong Wa Dae follows weeks of meticulous relocation efforts by Lee’s administration, who assumed office in June after winning a snap election triggered by Yoon’s dramatic ousting. The previous president had justified his $40 million move to the Defense Ministry compound in central Seoul as a democratic gesture to make the presidency more accessible, though critics questioned the substantial security concerns and expenditures involved.

    Yoon’s presidency ended abruptly following December 2024’s constitutional crisis, when his brief declaration of martial law during a political standoff with the liberal-controlled legislature prompted swift impeachment proceedings. The Constitutional Court removed him from power in April, leading to his subsequent arrest on serious charges including rebellion, which carries potential life imprisonment or capital punishment.

    President Lee’s office confirmed he will continue commuting from the current presidential residence until living quarters are fully restored at the Blue House, with the complete relocation timeline yet to be specified. The administration released footage of the president conducting a tea meeting with senior aides within the historic complex, signaling a new chapter in South Korea’s political narrative.

  • UAE, Arab League Council condemn Israel’s recognition of Somaliland

    UAE, Arab League Council condemn Israel’s recognition of Somaliland

    In an extraordinary session chaired by UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, the Council of the League of Arab States issued a forceful condemnation of Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland. The emergency meeting, convened following a detailed briefing by Somali Ambassador Ali Abdi Awrai, addressed what Arab diplomats characterized as a severe threat to regional stability.

    The Council expressed unequivocal solidarity with Somalia’s federal government, rejecting Israel’s December 26, 2025 recognition as a violation of international norms. The resolution emphasized that Somaliland remains an integral territory of the Federal Republic of Somalia under both the Arab League Charter and United Nations principles.

    Diplomatic language within the resolution framed Israel’s move as not merely a bilateral issue but an assault on broader Arab national security interests. The Council warned that such recognition could destabilize critical maritime corridors including the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Horn of Africa regions.

    The resolution called for coordinated legal, political and diplomatic measures to counter the recognition, while reaffirming Somalia’s right to self-defense under international law. Additionally, the Council cautioned against any attempts to use Somali territory for implementing aggressive regional agendas or displacing Palestinian populations.

    A significant operational outcome involved tasking the Arab League General Secretariat with developing security mechanisms in coordination with Somalia’s government, the African Union, and United Nations. The Secretariat must present a comprehensive report on these developments during the next ministerial session.

    The Council further urged international organizations and foreign governments to refrain from any official engagement with Somaliland authorities outside the framework of Somali sovereignty.

  • Chinese military stages drills around Taiwan to warn ‘external forces’ after US, Japan tensions

    Chinese military stages drills around Taiwan to warn ‘external forces’ after US, Japan tensions

    China’s People’s Liberation Army initiated large-scale joint military exercises surrounding Taiwan on Monday, mobilizing air, naval, and rocket forces in what Beijing characterized as a “stern warning” against separatist activities and external interference. The drills represent the most significant show of force in the Taiwan Strait this year.

    The Eastern Theater Command deployed fighter jets, bombers, and unmanned aerial vehicles coordinated with long-range rocket launches, conducting precision strike simulations against mobile ground targets. Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the command, stated the operations would focus on “sea-air combat readiness patrol, joint seizure of comprehensive superiority, and blockades on key ports” across five designated zones encircling the island.

    Taiwan’s Defense Ministry responded by placing its military on high alert, conducting rapid response exercises and denouncing China’s actions as confirming “its nature as an aggressor and the biggest destroyer of peace.” Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo condemned the drills as undermining regional stability and openly challenging international law.

    The escalation follows recent tensions including U.S. arms sales to Taiwan valued at over $10 billion and statements from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding potential military involvement in Taiwan scenarios. Beijing recently imposed sanctions against 20 U.S. defense companies and 10 executives in response to the weapons package.

    The exercises mark the first time China’s military has publicly stated “all-dimensional deterrence outside the island chain” as an operational objective, indicating an expansion of strategic ambitions beyond immediate territorial waters. Live firing activities are scheduled for Tuesday across multiple maritime zones surrounding Taiwan.

  • North Korea says it tested long-range cruise missiles

    North Korea says it tested long-range cruise missiles

    North Korea has confirmed the successful test-firing of long-range strategic cruise missiles into the western sea, characterizing the exercise as a critical assessment of its nuclear deterrence capabilities. The Sunday launches represent Pyongyang’s latest military demonstration ahead of its anticipated Workers’ Party congress scheduled for early next year—the first such gathering in five years.

    Leader Kim Jong Un expressed considerable satisfaction with the missile tests, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency. Kim emphasized that these operations constitute a legitimate exercise of self-defense rights amid perceived external security threats. The tests occurred shortly after North Korea showcased significant advancements in its inaugural nuclear-powered submarine project.

    South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported detecting multiple cruise missile launches originating from the North Korean capital region. Seoul maintains that its military remains prepared to counter any potential provocations through its strategic alliance with the United States.

    While United Nations Security Council resolutions explicitly prohibit North Korea from testing ballistic missiles, cruise missile launches remain technically permissible. However, military analysts note these weapons present substantial regional security concerns due to their high maneuverability, low-altitude flight capabilities, and radar evasion characteristics. Experts suggest North Korea intends to deploy cruise missiles primarily against U.S. naval assets, including warships and aircraft carriers, in potential conflict scenarios.

    Recent weeks have witnessed intensified weapons testing from Pyongyang, including new anti-air missile trials and the unveiling of a nearly complete nuclear-powered submarine hull. North Korea has indicated intentions to equip this submarine with nuclear armaments—a key component of Kim’s promised advanced weapons systems designed to counter perceived U.S.-led security threats.

    This military expansion occurs alongside North Korea’s growing alignment with Russia, including providing military support for Moscow’s operations in Ukraine. Some analysts speculate this partnership may have facilitated technology transfers benefiting Pyongyang’s weapons programs.

    Since the collapse of denuclearization talks with the Trump administration in 2019, North Korea has concentrated on enhancing its nuclear arsenal. However, Kim suggested in September potential willingness to resume negotiations if Washington abandons its “delusional obsession” with denuclearization—a stance experts believe reflects confidence that expanded nuclear capabilities would strengthen Pyongyang’s bargaining position in future diplomatic engagements.

  • Toxic air, broken roads and unpicked rubbish – why India’s big cities are becoming unliveable

    Toxic air, broken roads and unpicked rubbish – why India’s big cities are becoming unliveable

    Despite massive infrastructure investments and rapid GDP growth, India’s major metropolitan centers continue grappling with severe urban decay that threatens their livability. Cities like Jaipur, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi—despite their economic significance and historical heritage—face overwhelming challenges including traffic gridlock, toxic air pollution, inadequate waste management, and crumbling infrastructure.

    The contrast between India’s economic progress and urban deterioration presents a puzzling paradox. While the Modi administration has prioritized state-funded infrastructure projects—resulting in modern airports, expanded highway networks, and new metro systems—these developments have failed to translate into improved urban living conditions. Bengaluru’s tech billionaires and ordinary citizens alike have publicly expressed frustration with perpetual traffic snarls and garbage accumulation. Mumbai residents have staged unusual protests against dangerous potholes and sewage overflows, while Delhi’s winter air quality regularly reaches hazardous levels, prompting medical advisories for vulnerable populations.

    Experts identify flawed governance structures as the fundamental cause of India’s urban crisis. Constitutional frameworks established decades ago never anticipated the massive scale of contemporary urbanization, leaving cities without adequate autonomous authority. Infrastructure specialist Vinayak Chatterjee notes that while the 1992 constitutional amendment theoretically empowered local bodies, implementation remains incomplete due to resistance from state-level bureaucracies and political interests.

    This governance deficit stands in stark contrast to China’s urban management model, where city mayors exercise substantial executive powers over planning and development, with clear performance incentives and accountability mechanisms. Indian cities, by comparison, suffer from emaciated local governments lacking revenue-raising authority and appointment powers.

    The problem extends beyond governance to basic data deficiencies. With the last census conducted over fifteen years ago and the next delayed until 2026, urban planners operate without current information on urbanization patterns and demographics. This data vacuum compounds existing challenges in addressing sanitation, transportation, and environmental issues.

    Some experts suggest that only a crisis comparable to London’s 1858 ‘Great Stink’—which prompted comprehensive sewer system reforms—will generate sufficient political will to address India’s urban decay. Until then, cities continue deteriorating despite economic growth, with their glorious architectural heritage increasingly overshadowed by urban dysfunction.

  • ‘Shivering from cold and fear’: Over 42,000 tents damaged as rains ravage Gaza camps

    ‘Shivering from cold and fear’: Over 42,000 tents damaged as rains ravage Gaza camps

    Heavy winter rainfall has plunged displaced Palestinians in Gaza into deeper misery, destroying or damaging over 42,000 tents and makeshift shelters according to United Nations assessments. The overnight deluge flooded camps within minutes, soaking food supplies and blankets while leaving vulnerable families exposed to freezing temperatures.

    Jamil al-Sharafi, a 47-year-old father of six sheltering in Al-Mawasi, described watching his tent flood instantly. ‘My children are shivering from cold and fear… The tent was completely flooded within minutes. We lost our blankets, and all the food is soaked,’ he reported. His family is among approximately 1.5 million Gazans displaced by recent conflict, now surviving in temporary camps with inadequate protection from the elements.

    This meteorological crisis follows similar heavy rains earlier in December that claimed at least 18 lives through building collapses and hypothermia according to Gaza’s civil defence agency. The UN humanitarian office confirmed 17 structures collapsed during the previous storm, compounding the devastation in a territory where 80% of buildings have already been damaged or destroyed by warfare.

    Despite a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the humanitarian situation remains critical. Displaced families crowd into tarpaulin tents surrounded by mud and standing water, with nighttime temperatures hovering between 8-12°C (46-54°F). Elderly resident Umm Rami Bulbul pleaded for mobile homes rather than tents, stating ‘Living in tents means we die from the cold in the rain and from the heat in the summer.’

    The crisis is exacerbated by insufficient aid delivery. Amjad Al-Shawa, director of the Palestinian NGO Network in Gaza, revealed that of 300,000 tents needed, only 60,000 have reached the territory due to Israeli restrictions on humanitarian access. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini condemned the situation on social media platform X, emphasizing ‘There is nothing inevitable about this. Aid supplies are not being allowed in at the scale required.’

    Samia Abu Jabba articulated the collective despair: ‘I sleep in the cold, and water floods us and my children’s clothes. They are freezing. What did the people of Gaza and their children do to deserve this?’ The compounded crises of war destruction, inadequate shelter, and restricted aid have created what humanitarian organizations describe as one of the most severe emergency situations in the region.

  • AI spending, strong corporate profits, Fed rate cuts seen as key to 2026 stock market

    AI spending, strong corporate profits, Fed rate cuts seen as key to 2026 stock market

    As Wall Street concludes a remarkable third consecutive year of double-digit gains, analysts are scrutinizing the catalysts required to sustain this bull market into 2026. The S&P 500’s impressive 17% ascent in 2025 follows 24% and 23% surges in 2023 and 2024 respectively, creating speculation about whether a fourth stellar year is achievable.

    Market strategists identify three critical pillars for continued growth: robust artificial intelligence expenditure, substantial corporate profit expansion, and accommodative Federal Reserve monetary policies. According to LSEG data, S&P 500 companies are projected to deliver over 15% earnings growth in 2026, building upon a solid 13% increase in 2025. This growth is expected to broaden beyond the technology sector’s dominant players, with the famed ‘Magnificent Seven’ anticipated to see their earnings advantage narrow significantly.

    The AI investment phenomenon remains a double-edged sword. While massive infrastructure spending and application demand have driven valuations, recent concerns about capital expenditure returns have created volatility. LPL Financial’s Jeff Buchbinder notes, ‘If companies reduce guided capex and market confidence in AI returns diminishes, we could be looking at a flat or modestly negative year.’

    Federal Reserve policy represents another crucial variable. Investors are pricing in at least two additional quarter-point rate cuts in 2026, following 175 basis points of reductions throughout 2024-2025. PNC Financial’s Yung-Yu Ma emphasizes, ‘The Fed maintaining a dovish stance is probably the biggest driver I’d be looking for.’ The upcoming appointment of a new Fed chair by President Trump adds another layer of policy uncertainty.

    Historical patterns offer mixed signals. LPL Research indicates that in seven bull markets reaching their fourth year since 1950, the average gain was 12.8% with positive performance in six instances. However, CFRA data shows midterm election years typically deliver subpar returns averaging just 3.8% for the S&P 500 compared to 11% in other presidential term years.

    Geopolitical factors, particularly U.S.-China relations, could serve as potential wildcards. While tariffs caused extreme volatility in early 2025, the relationship between the world’s two largest economies remains a swing factor that could produce unexpected positive catalysts according to market observers.

  • ‘Angel for animals’: Peta founder hails French film icon Brigitte Bardot

    ‘Angel for animals’: Peta founder hails French film icon Brigitte Bardot

    The global animal rights community is mourning the loss of French cinematic legend Brigitte Bardot, who passed away at age 91. Ingrid Newkirk, founder of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), issued a heartfelt tribute celebrating Bardot’s transformative journey from international screen icon to one of history’s most influential animal welfare advocates.

    Newkirk characterized Bardot as ‘an angel for animals’ who consistently leveraged her celebrity status to champion animal protection causes. The PETA founder revealed that Bardot had personally participated in numerous organizational campaigns throughout her advocacy career, including a successful 2013 initiative that persuaded luxury British retailer Fortnum & Mason to cease sales of foie gras.

    Bardot’s remarkable transition from entertainment to activism began in 1973 when she voluntarily retired from her illustrious film career at its peak. She relocated permanently to her Saint-Tropez residence on the French Riviera, where she established what would become her life’s work: the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for animal protection in 1986.

    Her advocacy portfolio encompassed diverse and impactful campaigns spanning several decades. She emerged as a vocal protector of baby seals and elephants, campaigned vigorously against ritual animal sacrifice practices, and demanded the closure of horse slaughterhouses. Newkirk emphasized that Bardot often stated she ‘truly bloomed’ through her animal protection work, and called upon the public to honor her memory by performing acts of kindness toward animals.

  • Catching the hunters trapping rare songbirds in China

    Catching the hunters trapping rare songbirds in China

    In the predawn darkness surrounding Beijing’s sprawling metropolis, a silent war unfolds across the grasslands where migratory birds seek refuge. Silva Gu, a dedicated conservationist, moves with practiced stealth through these urban oases, tracking those who would profit from capturing protected songbirds.

    The illegal trade in songbirds has become an increasingly lucrative enterprise in China, where economic pressures have driven many to seek income through low-risk, high-reward activities. A single Siberian rubythroat can command nearly 2,000 yuan (£210; $280) on the black market—exceeding many farmers’ monthly earnings. This profitability persists despite wildlife protection laws, as fines often fail to outweigh potential profits.

    During critical migration periods, particularly in October when billions of birds travel along major flyways through China, poachers deploy nearly invisible ‘mist nets’ that can trap hundreds of small birds overnight. These nets pose particular danger to protected species like the meadow pipit, an important indicator species whose population health reflects environmental conditions.

    Silva’s journey began in childhood, exploring a very different Beijing in the 1990s—one where grasslands stretched further and wildlife thrived. Witnessing rapid urbanization consume these natural spaces, he dedicated himself to conservation work. Over the past decade, he has personally intervened in countless poaching operations, sometimes facing physical retaliation from wildlife traders.

    His efforts have evolved from solitary patrols to founding the Beijing Migratory Bird Squad, through which he has successfully engaged law enforcement authorities. Initially met with indifference in 2015, Silva’s persistent advocacy has gradually shifted police attitudes. Authorities now recognize that combating wildlife crime often leads to uncovering other criminal activities.

    Despite these advances, challenges remain profound. Cultural traditions dating to the Qing Dynasty, when keeping caged birds symbolized status and elegance, continue primarily among older generations. Many retirees in their 60s and 70s maintain the practice without recognizing its ecological impact or legal implications.

    Silva employs sophisticated tactics against poachers, studying satellite imagery to identify frequently used paths and net placement patterns. He maps these against migratory routes to predict where birds will rest, allowing targeted interventions. His work costs over 100,000 yuan ($14,000) annually, funded primarily through donations that have dwindled amid economic slowdowns.

    Recent developments suggest growing institutional support. China’s Ministry of Public Security has launched campaigns against wildlife trafficking, while state media has emphasized the importance of bird protection for ecosystem health. These changes reflect increasing recognition of conservation needs, though enforcement remains inconsistent.

    Silva’s work demonstrates both the progress and persistent challenges in wildlife protection. While he has directly rescued over 20,000 birds and disrupted countless poaching operations, he acknowledges that lasting change requires generational shift in attitudes toward conservation. Until then, he continues his solitary patrols, striving to restore Beijing’s skies to their former chorus of songbirds.

  • Israel’s Ben Gvir pushes bill to ban Islamic call to prayer

    Israel’s Ben Gvir pushes bill to ban Islamic call to prayer

    A contentious legislative proposal is advancing through Israel’s political system that would grant the state unprecedented authority to regulate the Islamic call to prayer. Sponsored by Jewish Power party member and National Security Committee chair Zvika Fogel, the bill mandates that all mosque loudspeaker broadcasts must obtain government licensing to operate legally.

    The proposed legislation establishes stringent criteria for approval, including specific volume limitations, mandatory noise-reduction implementations, and evaluations of mosque proximity to residential zones. Under these provisions, law enforcement would gain powers to immediately silence loudspeakers violating permit conditions and confiscate equipment for repeated offenses. Financial penalties would be severe, with unauthorized loudspeaker installation carrying fines of 50,000 shekels ($15,660) and permit violations resulting in 10,000 shekel ($3,100) penalties.

    Proponents, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, frame the initiative as addressing public health concerns. They characterize the muezzin’s call as “unreasonable noise” that allegedly compromises residents’ wellbeing and quality of life. Fogel asserts existing legislation provides insufficient tools to handle what he describes as systematic legal violations affecting communities.

    Palestinian citizens of Israel and religious leaders have vehemently opposed the measure, rejecting the noise pollution justification as disingenuous. Human rights attorney Khaled Zabarqa contends the legislation represents another systematic effort to erase Palestinian cultural and religious identity from public spaces. “The call to prayer has existed for hundreds of years and has been recited daily since Israel was established,” Zabarqa noted. “It did not suddenly become a noise problem.”

    Sheikh Kamal Khatib, former deputy leader of the banned Islamic Movement in Israel, condemned the proposal as particularly dangerous compared to previous restriction attempts because it seeks to institutionalize the ban through formal legislation. Khatib characterized the initiative as part of an escalating religious conflict targeting Muslim communities and warned that any limitation on religious practices must be categorically rejected.

    This represents not the first attempt to regulate mosque broadcasts, with a similar 2017 proposal passing initial parliamentary reading before stalling. The current effort reflects ongoing tensions between religious expression and state authority in Israel’s complex sociopolitical landscape.