Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Turkiye, Hamas discuss 2nd phase of Gaza truce deal

    Turkiye, Hamas discuss 2nd phase of Gaza truce deal

    Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan convened with senior Hamas political bureau representatives in Ankara on Wednesday to advance discussions regarding the implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. According to a source within Turkey’s Foreign Ministry, the dialogue focused on overcoming obstacles preventing the transition to subsequent stages of the truce.

    The Hamas delegation asserted to Minister Fidan that they had fully complied with their obligations under the current ceasefire framework. They contended that Israel’s persistent military operations in Gaza represent a deliberate strategy to obstruct progress toward the agreement’s next phase. The officials further emphasized the critical insufficiency of humanitarian assistance reaching Gaza, highlighting urgent needs for medical supplies, construction materials for shelter, and fuel.

    Simultaneously, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz sparked international controversy with statements concerning Gaza’s future. During an address in the West Bank, Katz declared that Israeli military forces would maintain a permanent presence in Gaza, specifically referencing the deployment of Nahal units—military formations historically involved in establishing Israeli communities. Following immediate backlash and interpretation as advocating resettlement, Katz issued a clarifying statement: “The government has no intention of establishing settlements in the Gaza Strip.”

    Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem condemned Katz’s initial remarks as a “clear violation of the ceasefire agreement” and fundamentally contradictory to the US-supported peace proposal. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry separately denounced Israel’s approval of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank as a “dangerous step” intensifying control over Palestinian territories. The ministry characterized this expansion as extending “apartheid policies,” eroding Palestinian rights, and systematically destroying prospects for stability and Palestinian statehood.

  • DPRK conducts test-fire of new-type anti-air missiles – official news agency

    DPRK conducts test-fire of new-type anti-air missiles – official news agency

    PYONGYANG – North Korea has successfully test-fired a newly developed high-altitude, long-range anti-aircraft missile system, according to an official report published Thursday by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The military exercise took place Wednesday in the East Sea (also known as the Sea of Japan) and was personally observed by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

    The test marks the inaugural operational assessment of the advanced anti-air missile system, designed to evaluate its tactical performance and technical specifications. KCNA stated that the launched missiles successfully struck their intended mock targets with precision, indicating a successful validation of the weapon’s guidance and interception capabilities.

    Officials characterized the launch as part of routine research and development activities conducted by the North Korean Missile Administration and its affiliated defense research institutes. The primary objective, as reported, is the ‘technical optimization’ of national air defense capabilities, suggesting an ongoing effort to modernize the country’s defensive military infrastructure.

    Kim Jong-un, who serves as both General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and President of State Affairs, monitored the test launch, underscoring the strategic importance Pyongyang places on advancing its missile and air defense technology. The development aligns with the country’s broader efforts to enhance its military readiness amid ongoing regional security concerns.

  • 8 killed as van carrying kids plunges into pond

    8 killed as van carrying kids plunges into pond

    A devastating vehicle accident in East China’s Jiangxi province resulted in eight fatalities on Tuesday afternoon, according to local authorities. The tragedy occurred when a van carrying children veered off a rural roadway and plunged into a pond in Pengze county, Jiujiang city.

    Initial reports from the Pengze County Public Security Bureau indicate the accident took place approximately at 4:00 PM along a rural thoroughfare in Xiangshui village, located within Dingshan township. Emergency response teams including police, fire rescue personnel, and medical services immediately deployed to the scene upon notification, conducting extensive search and recovery operations.

    Investigation findings reveal the vehicle was operated by a 49-year-old local resident identified only by her surname Luo. Preliminary evidence suggests the van unexpectedly departed from the road surface and entered an adjacent pond. All eight occupants, including the driver, succumbed to the incident despite rescue efforts.

    According to documentation from Shanghai-based Jiemian News, which cited local resident Tao, Luo served as the director of a privately-operated kindergarten in Dingshan town. The vehicle reportedly transported six children alongside an additional driver at the time of the catastrophic event.

    Authorities have initiated comprehensive investigations to determine the precise causation factors behind the accident while coordinating subsequent procedures and family notifications. The community has begun mourning the tragic loss that has deeply affected this rural region.

  • New energy needs amended law

    New energy needs amended law

    A senior Chinese legislator has urged comprehensive amendments to the nation’s Energy Conservation Law, arguing that current regulations fail to address the transformative shifts caused by rapid renewable energy expansion and digital economic growth. Xiao Jie, Vice-Chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, delivered this assessment during the legislature’s ongoing session, highlighting both significant achievements and persistent challenges in China’s energy efficiency journey.

    The legislative push follows extensive inspections conducted jointly by the national committee and provincial-level congresses across 12 regions, evaluating the law’s implementation since its 1998 enactment and 2007 revision. China has demonstrated remarkable progress, with national energy consumption per 10,000 yuan of GDP plunging approximately 43% from 2007 to 2024—equivalent to saving 2.3 billion metric tons of standard coal. Particularly since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, energy intensity has dropped 27.2%, positioning China among global leaders in efficiency improvement while maintaining 6.1% average annual economic growth against 3.3% energy consumption growth.

    Despite these achievements, Xiao identified critical gaps in the current legal framework. The existing law lacks specific provisions for emerging energy-intensive sectors including information technology, computing infrastructure, and energy storage systems. This regulatory vacuum results in insufficient legal authority and enforceable mandatory measures for these rapidly expanding domains. Additionally, the law fails to adequately cover renewable energy integration challenges, where installed capacity frequently exceeds grid absorption capabilities.

    The digital economy—now ranking second globally—presents particular urgency, with computing infrastructure electricity consumption growing nearly 20% annually during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, exceeding 250 billion kilowatt-hours yearly. Xiao emphasized that some regions continue struggling with controlling high-energy-consumption projects due to investment impulsivity, weak oversight, and redundant construction. He called for accelerated revisions through thorough research on implementation challenges and careful consideration of suggestions from law enforcement inspections, urging collective wisdom to achieve high-quality legislative updates that support China’s sustainable development goals.

  • Ban on mercury thermometers to take effect soon

    Ban on mercury thermometers to take effect soon

    China will enforce a comprehensive prohibition on mercury-containing thermometers and blood pressure monitoring devices effective January 1, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s environmental and public health protection efforts. The ban implements a 2017 interagency directive designed to fulfill China’s commitments under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, an international treaty ratified to safeguard human health and ecosystems from mercury’s detrimental effects.

    For generations, mercury thermometers have been ubiquitous in Chinese households due to their cost-effectiveness, operational simplicity, and reliable performance across diverse environmental conditions. However, each device contains approximately one gram of mercury—a potent neurotoxin classified by the World Health Organization among the top ten chemicals of major public health concern. The fragile glass construction of these instruments creates substantial spill risks, with evaporated mercury vapor posing severe threats to neurological, digestive, and immune systems through inhalation or dermal exposure.

    Health authorities emphasize that proper spill management can mitigate immediate dangers. Recommended protocols include immediate ventilation of affected areas, careful collection of mercury beads using stiff paper or cardboard, and proper disposal at designated hazardous waste facilities. Crucially, vacuum cleaners or brooms should never be employed as they disperse toxic particles and amplify exposure risks.

    Medical experts affirm that advanced alternatives offer safer and equally effective solutions. Dr. Li Tongzeng of Beijing Youan Hospital’s infectious disease department confirms that infrared forehead thermometers and tympanic (ear) thermometers provide accurate readings when used according to manufacturer guidelines. For traditional measurement preferences, mercury-free devices utilizing gallium-indium-tin alloys deliver precise temperature assessment without toxic hazards.

    This regulatory shift represents China’s proactive approach to transforming environmental challenges into public health opportunities, aligning global treaty obligations with domestic health protection initiatives while promoting technological innovation in medical devices.

  • China’s 3 deep-sea manned submersibles have made over 1,700 dives to date

    China’s 3 deep-sea manned submersibles have made over 1,700 dives to date

    China’s fleet of three advanced manned submersibles has achieved a remarkable milestone by completing 1,746 deep-ocean dives, according to the Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The announcement made Wednesday in Sanya, Hainan Province, highlights the growing capabilities of China’s deep-sea exploration program.

    The three vessels—Fendouzhe (Striver), Shenhai Yongshi (Deep Sea Warrior), and Jiaolong—are projected to complete 314 dives during 2025 alone, demonstrating accelerated activity in underwater research. Each submersible has contributed unique achievements to marine science this year.

    Fendouzhe made history by conducting China’s inaugural manned scientific expedition beneath the ice-covered regions of the Arctic Ocean. The same vessel also facilitated an international collaborative mission to New Zealand’s Puysegur Trench, located off the southwestern coast of South Island, marking significant progress in global oceanographic cooperation.

    Meanwhile, Shenhai Yongshi has pioneered archaeological exploration in the deep sea, completing 18 dives along the northwest continental slope of the South China Sea. The submersible operated in coordination with unmanned underwater vehicles, leading to groundbreaking discoveries in deep-sea archaeology that reshape our understanding of maritime history.

    The cumulative achievements of these deep-sea vehicles represent China’s growing sophistication in underwater technology and oceanographic research, contributing valuable data to the global scientific community while pushing the boundaries of deep-sea exploration capabilities.

  • Emerging technologies a potential game-changer for elderly, says expert

    Emerging technologies a potential game-changer for elderly, says expert

    China’s rapidly aging population presents both a demographic challenge and a catalyst for technological innovation, according to Guo Zhe, director of the China Science and Technology Museum. With over 220 million citizens aged 65 and above—representing 15.6% of the population—the nation faces unique pressures to develop age-friendly technologies that can transform elderly care.

    Artificial intelligence stands at the forefront of this transformation, introducing profound changes across economic sectors and daily life. Guo emphasizes that current technological development must prioritize elderly needs rather than simply upgrading existing facilities. The very design of architecture, furniture, and equipment requires systematic reimagining to accommodate demographic realities.

    The technological revolution extends beyond practical assistance to emotional companionship. Humanoid robots are evolving beyond physical mimicry to provide genuine emotional support and basic communication capabilities. Through deep learning, machines may eventually develop basic consciousness, fundamentally altering how society addresses loneliness among the elderly.

    Biotechnological advancements are simultaneously redefining biological aging itself. breakthroughs in genetic technology, gene sequencing, and synthetic biology could extend human life spans to 120 years, potentially resetting the threshold of ‘elderly’ to 80 years. Medical advancements against cancer and chronic diseases promise improved health and happiness for aging populations.

    Emerging technologies like brain-computer interfaces demonstrate particular promise, enhancing muscle nerve functions and helping paralyzed individuals regain limb control. As smart technologies proliferate in homes, new roles such as ‘family data managers’ will become crucial for managing health data and facilitating remote healthcare.

    Guo describes this period as ‘the compressed era,’ where changes that once took centuries now occur within years or months. This acceleration brings both uncertainty and urgency, requiring collective effort to create inclusive environments that leverage technology for all age groups. By embracing these changes, China can transform its aging challenge into opportunities for growth and innovation.

  • Nation seeks to elevate its higher education system

    Nation seeks to elevate its higher education system

    China is embarking on a significant expansion of its flagship higher education initiative to enhance the global competitiveness of its university system. The State Council has proposed broadening the scope of the “double first-class” program, a national strategy designed to cultivate elite universities and academic disciplines, according to a report submitted to the National People’s Congress Standing Committee.

    Initially launched in 2015, the ambitious program targets developing world-class universities and first-class disciplines by mid-century. The current phase (2022-2027) includes 147 designated institutions that have become crucial to China’s academic ecosystem, training over 50% of the nation’s master’s students and nearly 80% of doctoral candidates.

    These universities have demonstrated remarkable achievements, producing groundbreaking research across multiple fields and emerging as primary drivers of scientific innovation. The central government has demonstrated substantial commitment to the initiative, allocating 181 billion yuan ($25.7 billion) from 2021-2025, which has leveraged an additional 110 billion yuan in local funding.

    Concurrently, regional authorities have supported over 400 local high-level universities and more than 1,300 specialized academic disciplines, creating a multi-tiered approach to educational excellence.

    The forward-looking strategy emphasizes not only expansion but also quality enhancement. Plans include increasing enrollment in high-quality undergraduate programs, scaling up postgraduate training, and raising the proportion of doctoral students. A key component involves establishing a demographic-responsive funding mechanism that adapts to changing population trends.

    China’s investment in higher education has been substantial, with 3.78 trillion yuan allocated from 2021-2024. This support has enabled the development of the world’s largest higher education system, achieving a gross enrollment ratio of 60.8% in 2024—a 6.4 percentage point increase from 2020. The educated population with university-level credentials now exceeds 240 million.

    The reforms will further encourage institutions to develop distinctive strengths, fostering a diversified talent ecosystem that meets China’s evolving economic and social needs.

  • Turning nation’s aging challenge into opportunity

    Turning nation’s aging challenge into opportunity

    China is poised to transform its demographic challenge into a strategic economic advantage through its forthcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), marking a fundamental shift in how the nation addresses population aging. Rather than treating elderly citizens merely as recipients of social welfare, the new framework positions them as active contributors to economic growth through three key mechanisms: long-term care insurance expansion, private pension system modernization, and targeted development of the silver economy.

    Current statistics reveal the scale of this demographic transformation: China now counts 310 million citizens aged 60 or above, representing 22% of the total population. Within this group, 220 million have reached 65 years or older. The nation’s life expectancy has climbed to 79 years during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), reflecting a 1.07-year increase from 2020 and standing five years above the global average.

    The Communist Party of China’s recently published recommendations outline specific measures to operationalize this strategic pivot. These include enhancing the national pooling mechanism for basic pension insurance and developing a multi-tiered, multi-pillar retirement security system designed to progressively elevate citizens’ post-retirement income levels.

    Critical infrastructure adaptations form another cornerstone of the strategy. The plan mandates comprehensive upgrades to public facilities, ensuring they become both barrier-free and elderly-friendly. Simultaneously, it promotes wider implementation of long-term care insurance programs across Chinese provinces.

    Workforce policy reforms represent equally significant components. The government will implement gradual retirement age adjustments while relaxing age restrictions for employment and social insurance participation. These measures aim to better utilize senior workers’ capabilities and stimulate silver economy growth.

    Recent economic analysis quantifies the opportunity: China’s silver economy currently generates approximately 7 trillion yuan ($996.1 billion), accounting for 6% of national GDP. Projections indicate this could expand to 30 trillion yuan by 2035, potentially representing 10% of China’s total economic output.

    Experts emphasize that continued enrichment of elderly services, coupled with strengthened insurance systems and enhanced workplace protections for older employees, will be essential throughout the next five-year implementation period to fully realize this demographic-economic strategy.

  • Son of former Bangladesh prime minister returns after 17 years in exile with a chance to lead

    Son of former Bangladesh prime minister returns after 17 years in exile with a chance to lead

    DHAKA, Bangladesh — In a politically charged homecoming, Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), returned to Dhaka on Thursday after 17 years of self-imposed exile in London. His arrival marks a significant development in Bangladesh’s volatile political landscape ahead of February’s pivotal elections.

    Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport under tight security alongside his wife and daughter. The homecoming transformed into a massive political demonstration as supporters flooded a 2-kilometer radius between the airport and reception venue, with party leaders claiming millions had gathered to welcome the returning leader.

    The 56-year-old politician originally left Bangladesh in 2008 for medical treatment after enduring torture during the military-backed caretaker government (2006-2008). His return follows acquittals on all criminal charges by the current interim government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, including allegations of involvement in a 2004 grenade attack on a political rally of current exiled leader Sheikh Hasina.

    Rahman’s return occurs against the backdrop of profound political transformation. Bangladesh remains governed by an interim administration that assumed power following the 2024 uprising that ended Hasina’s 15-year rule. The Yunus government faces mounting criticism from international human rights organizations and domestic liberals who accuse it of eroding democratic institutions and permitting rising Islamist influence.

    Following his reception, Rahman plans to visit his critically ill mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who led the country from 2001-2006. The political dynasty began when Zia, a former housewife, entered politics after her husband President Ziaur Rahman’s assassination in 1981.

    Despite his prolonged absence, Rahman maintained firm control over BNP through digital participation in meetings and rallies, facing no significant internal challenges to his leadership. His return sets the stage for a dramatic political confrontation as Bangladesh approaches what many consider its most consequential election in decades.