Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • PLA’s aerobatic jets arrive in Singapore to take part in air show

    PLA’s aerobatic jets arrive in Singapore to take part in air show

    Singapore’s skies are set to witness a spectacular display of aerial prowess as China’s elite August 1st Air Demonstration Team arrived at Changi Airport on Tuesday. The team, operating seven advanced J-10 fighter jets, will participate in the 10th Singapore Airshow, marking their second appearance at the prestigious Asian aviation event.

    According to Senior Colonel Xie Peng, spokesman for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, this deployment represents the team’s 13th international performance. The aerobatic unit, China’s most renowned demonstration team, previously graced the Singapore Airshow during its 7th edition in February 2020.

    The journey from their southwestern China airbase involved sophisticated aerial refueling operations conducted by a YY-20A tanker aircraft. Team pilots will now conduct training flights to acclimatize to Singapore’s unique environmental conditions and airspace.

    Aviation enthusiasts will be treated to two distinct variants of the J-10 series: the J-10SY, derived from the J-10S two-seat trainer, and the J-10CY, developed from the combat-proven J-10C fighter. These supersonic multirole aircraft, designed and manufactured by state-owned Aviation Industry Corp of China, represent cutting-edge aerospace technology.

    The participation comes amid growing international attention on the J-10 platform, particularly following reports that an export variant of the J-10C achieved its first combat success in regional conflicts last year, highlighting the aircraft’s operational capabilities beyond ceremonial displays.

  • China’s garbage sorting drive still has a long way to go in many cities

    China’s garbage sorting drive still has a long way to go in many cities

    China’s ambitious national garbage classification campaign demonstrates pronounced regional disparities, with only a handful of metropolitan areas achieving world-class implementation while most cities struggle with foundational adoption. According to a comprehensive five-year study by the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, the initiative remains in its preliminary stages across much of the country despite notable successes in pioneering urban centers.

    The environmental organization developed an innovative monitoring system that collected approximately 134,000 photographic and video submissions from public contributors to evaluate urban waste management performance. This crowdsourced data enabled the creation of a specialized garbage sorting index to measure and compare municipal effectiveness in promoting waste classification systems.

    Recent assessments reveal that China’s waste management infrastructure has transitioned from experimental pilot programs to an increasingly structured national framework. The eastern cities of Suzhou and Shanghai emerged as exceptional performers, with Suzhou leading the rankings at 95.74 points followed by Shanghai at 83.98 points, establishing global benchmarks for urban waste sorting efficiency.

    However, the report uncovered significant implementation challenges beyond these showcase municipalities. Among 41 designated key cities, the average waste sorting score reached merely 29.54 points, while other urban centers averaged a concerning 10.56 points. This disparity resulted in an overall national average of just 18.04 points across all 104 evaluated cities.

    Ma Jun, director of the Institute, emphasized that despite exemplary progress in leading cities, most urban areas remain in early developmental phases where voluntary waste separation habits have not taken root. The persistent practice of mixed waste disposal without effective oversight continues to hinder national progress, particularly affecting the recovery rates of less valuable recyclable materials that require more sophisticated sorting infrastructure.

  • Former Chengdu official Bao Hui under investigation

    Former Chengdu official Bao Hui under investigation

    Chinese anti-corruption authorities have launched a formal investigation into Bao Hui, former director of the Chengdu Municipal People’s Congress Standing Committee, for suspected serious violations of discipline and law. The announcement was made on Monday by the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission.

    Bao Hui, 62, a native of Yunnan province, has held numerous significant positions throughout her four-decade political career. She joined the Communist Party in 1983 and began her professional journey in 1984, initially spending over ten years at Southwest Jiaotong University before transitioning to government roles.

    Her political trajectory included serving as head of Chengdu’s united front work department and publicity department. From September 2012 to 2018, Bao held the dual positions of mayor and Party chief of Dazhou in Sichuan province. She subsequently advanced to deputy director of the Standing Committee of the Sichuan provincial people’s congress.

    In January 2022, Bao assumed her most recent leadership roles as secretary of the Party Leadership Group and director of the Standing Committee of the Chengdu Municipal People’s Congress. She maintained these positions until March 2025, shortly before the investigation was made public. The disciplinary review and supervisory investigation represent the latest development in China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, which has consistently targeted high-ranking officials across various government levels.

  • Trump says Iran ‘wants to make a deal’ as US aircraft carrier in Middle East

    Trump says Iran ‘wants to make a deal’ as US aircraft carrier in Middle East

    Tensions escalate in the Middle East as the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group positions itself in regional waters, creating a backdrop for complex diplomatic maneuvers between the United States and Iran. President Donald Trump delivered contradictory statements regarding potential intervention, simultaneously highlighting military capabilities while expressing confidence in Tehran’s desire for negotiations.

    The geopolitical standoff follows Iran’s severe crackdown on domestic protests, accompanied by a nationwide internet blackout that humanitarian organizations report has complicated accurate casualty assessment. According to Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), verified fatalities exceed 6,100 individuals, with thousands more potentially killed and over 41,000 arrests documented.

    Trump’s remarks to Axios revealed the administration’s dual-track approach, noting ‘We have a big armada next to Iran’ while asserting Iranian officials had made numerous overtures for dialogue. This comes weeks after similar military posturing preceded US intervention in Venezuela that resulted in President Nicolas Maduro’s capture.

    Analysts suggest the White House is considering multiple options ranging from targeted strikes against military installations to comprehensive regime-change operations. Senator Lindsey Graham reinforced this perspective, stating unequivocally that ‘the goal is to end the regime’ during discussions with the president.

    Iranian officials have responded with measured rhetoric alongside military warnings. Revolutionary Guards spokesman Mohammad Ali Naini cautioned that any incursion into Iranian territorial waters would prompt immediate retaliation, while conservative media outlets threatened closure of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

    The New York Times reported intelligence assessments indicating the Iranian government’s stability has reached its most vulnerable point since the 1979 revolution. Despite this apparent weakness, communication channels reportedly remain open between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff, suggesting behind-the-scenes diplomacy continues even as public posturing intensifies.

  • How Britain could be embroiled in US attack on Iran

    How Britain could be embroiled in US attack on Iran

    Amid escalating geopolitical tensions, the United Kingdom has deployed a squadron of Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar’s Al Udeid airbase, raising questions about potential British involvement in a possible US-led offensive against Iran. This military movement occurs as the Trump administration reportedly considers precision strikes against Iranian officials linked to the suppression of recent anti-government protests.

    While the UK Ministry of Defence characterizes the deployment as enhancing defensive capabilities and regional stability through the newly formed joint RAF-Qatari No. 12 Squadron, analysts note these advanced aircraft are capable of intercepting Iranian Shahed-136 drones. The deployment follows Iran’s previous rocket attack on the same base in response to US actions against Iranian nuclear facilities.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government maintains strategic ambiguity regarding potential cooperation with US military operations. Despite the Labour administration’s desire to strengthen UK-US relations, it has distanced itself from Trump administration policies on multiple occasions, including refusing participation in the Gaza ‘Board of Peace’ and maintaining neutrality during previous Israel-Iran conflicts.

    The strategic significance of British military assets extends beyond Qatar, encompassing naval facilities in Bahrain, air bases in the UAE, Oman, and Cyprus, and most critically, the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia. This Indian Ocean installation places US bomber aircraft within striking distance of Iran while avoiding contested Gulf airspace, though any American deployment from this territory requires explicit British authorization.

    Recent UK actions include imposing fresh sanctions targeting Iran’s finance, energy, and transportation sectors, alongside individual sanctions against Iranian businessman Ali Ansari, whose £150 million portfolio has been frozen over alleged IRGC financing connections. The British government has simultaneously evacuated its Tehran embassy staff and heightened security precautions throughout the region.

    As the US reinforces regional military presence with additional warplanes, air defense systems, and the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, diplomatic attention remains focused on Washington’s next moves and potential allied responses.

  • US suggests Hamas disarmament would come with amnesty deal

    US suggests Hamas disarmament would come with amnesty deal

    The United States has proposed a potential amnesty arrangement for Palestinian combatants as part of a broader initiative to disarm Hamas in Gaza, according to statements made by American officials on Tuesday. An anonymous U.S. official disclosed to Reuters that both Israeli and American strategies assume weapon surrender would be accompanied by clemency provisions for fighters.

    “We are listening to many of their people talk about disarming. We believe they will comply,” the official stated, emphasizing that disarmament would constitute a fundamental component of any negotiated settlement. “Failure to relinquish weapons would constitute a violation of the agreement. We envision disarmament proceeding alongside appropriate amnesty measures, and we have developed a robust program to facilitate this process.”

    This development coincides with France’s urgent call for implementing the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire framework following the recovery of the final Israeli hostage’s remains from the Palestinian territory. Pascal Confavreux, spokesperson for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed “immense relief” at the resolution of the hostage situation while emphasizing the critical need for transitional measures.

    “Commencing the second phase of the Gaza peace plan must now facilitate the transition from ceasefire to durable peace, ensure massive humanitarian aid delivery, and reestablish credible political prospects for a two-state solution with mutual security,” Confavreux articulated via social media platform X.

    The truce, originally brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump in October, aimed to terminate over two years of severe conflict that resulted in more than 71,660 Palestinian fatalities and the near-total destruction of 90% of Gaza’s infrastructure. Despite the ceasefire, monitoring groups have documented over 1,300 violations attributed to Israeli forces since its inception.

    Phase two of the Trump administration’s peace blueprint requires the disarmament of Hamas, progressive withdrawal of Israeli military units from occupied portions of the Gaza Strip, and the introduction of international peacekeeping forces. Hamas officials have countered that Israel must fully adhere to the ceasefire terms, particularly regarding unimpeded aid access and complete territorial withdrawal.

    Recent tensions escalated when Israel announced the discovery of the last captive’s body near Gaza City following intensive military operations involving artillery shelling and bulldozing activities. Local reports from the Wafa news agency detailed extensive ground operations in eastern Gaza City, including the desecration of multiple graves during search operations for 24-year-old policeman Ran Gvili.

    The Israeli military’s operations have resulted in dozens of casualties from heavy artillery and drone strikes since Sunday. In a concurrent development, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital in central Gaza received nine Palestinian detainees released through Red Cross mediation on Monday evening.

    Post-ceasefire violence has claimed at least 486 Palestinian lives with over 1,341 wounded, while Israeli authorities maintain strict limitations on humanitarian assistance, continuing bans on essential shelter and heating supplies.

  • Canadian hosts weekly English social night in Chongqing

    Canadian hosts weekly English social night in Chongqing

    In the heart of Chongqing’s vibrant Yuzhong district, a unique cultural phenomenon unfolds weekly at a local coffee shop in the Chongqing Tiandi complex. Every Tuesday evening, Canadian national Paul Jackson transforms the urban space into a dynamic hub for linguistic exchange and intercultural connection through his English practice initiative.

    Jackson, alongside three collaborators, established Maple Chili English in March of the previous year, creating an organic platform for language development and social interaction. What began as a modest gathering has evolved into a substantial community movement, with the organization’s group chat now boasting approximately 500 active participants from remarkably diverse professional backgrounds.

    The weekly gatherings attract an eclectic mix of local professionals including psychologists, legal experts, ophthalmologists, and numerous expatriates residing throughout Chongqing. These social nights provide a relaxed environment where participants can enhance their English conversational skills while building meaningful connections across cultural boundaries.

    The initiative represents more than mere language practice—it serves as a testament to the growing cultural integration within China’s major urban centers. Through these organic gatherings, Jackson has inadvertently created a microcosm of global citizenship, demonstrating how shared spaces can bridge cultural divides and foster mutual understanding between Chinese residents and international visitors.

    The sustained popularity of these events highlights the increasing demand for authentic cultural exchange opportunities in China’s secondary cities, moving beyond traditional educational frameworks to create community-driven learning experiences that benefit both local Chinese participants and the expatriate community.

  • Turkey plans buffer zone if Iran government falls

    Turkey plans buffer zone if Iran government falls

    Turkish authorities are formulating contingency plans to establish a security buffer zone on Iranian territory should Tehran’s government face catastrophic collapse, according to exclusive reporting from Middle East Eye. This strategic consideration emerged during confidential briefings where senior foreign ministry officials outlined Ankara’s preparedness for multiple Iranian scenarios.

    During Thursday’s parliamentary session, officials presented divergent accounts regarding the explicit use of “buffer zone” terminology. One participant confirmed the phrase was employed to describe preventive measures against potential refugee influxes, while another source noted officials emphasized extraordinary measures would be implemented within Iranian borders to manage displacement crises.

    The border security enhancements already implemented include a sophisticated 560-kilometer barrier system featuring 246 surveillance towers, 380 kilometers of concrete walls, and 553 kilometers of defensive trenches. This infrastructure is supported by continuous drone and aerial monitoring capabilities.

    Recent protests in Iran have resulted in significant casualties, with Turkish officials citing approximately 4,000 fatalities and 20,000 injuries during demonstrations triggered by economic deterioration and currency collapse. Despite some protester violence, evidence indicates Iranian authorities employed disproportionate force alongside internet blackouts.

    Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has explicitly opposed foreign intervention in Iran, urging diplomatic resolution through established channels. This stance contrasts with reported U.S. considerations of precision strikes against Iranian officials deemed responsible for protester deaths, accompanied by military deployments including the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group to the region.

    Ankara’s caution stems from direct experience with regional instability, having absorbed millions of refugees from neighboring conflicts in Iraq and Syria. Turkish society maintains heightened sensitivity toward refugee presence, with current policy shifting from previous open-door approaches to selective emergency admissions.

    Complicating potential responses is Iran’s substantial Azerbaijani Turkish population exceeding 12 million, whose potential mass displacement could create domestic pressure for admission despite official policies.

  • Pakistani bank praises Urumqi court for mediation in labor dispute

    Pakistani bank praises Urumqi court for mediation in labor dispute

    In a significant endorsement of China’s judicial system, a Pakistani financial institution has formally commended the Xinshi District People’s Court in Urumqi for its expert mediation in resolving a complex labor dispute. The bank’s letter of appreciation highlighted the court’s professional handling of a case involving its former Urumqi branch head, underscoring the effectiveness of China’s legal framework for foreign enterprises operating within the Belt and Road Initiative corridor.

    The dispute originated when the employee, identified only as Mr. Zhao, declined a mandatory position rotation required under Chinese financial regulations in 2024. Zhao, who had held an open-ended contract since 2016, cited health considerations, family obligations, and language barriers as reasons for refusing the transfer. Following unsuccessful negotiations, the bank terminated his contract with standard compensation, which Zhao refused to accept while simultaneously failing to perform his duties, thereby disrupting branch operations.

    After labor arbitration ruled in Zhao’s favor, the bank pursued litigation in the Xinshi District Court. Recognizing the case’s sensitivity concerning both foreign investment protection and employee rights, the court initiated a meticulous mediation process. Judicial authorities educated Zhao about labor contract stipulations and potential legal consequences of his online criticisms against the bank, while simultaneously advising the financial institution about reputational risks associated with the dismissal.

    The breakthrough came when both parties agreed to revised terms: Zhao removed his online posts and the bank enhanced its compensation package. The resolution allowed the bank to maintain operational continuity while protecting the employee’s legitimate rights.

    The Pakistani bank specifically noted that the court’s intervention created ‘a stable, fair, transparent, and predictable legal environment’ that strengthens foreign investor confidence. This case has now become a benchmark for how Chinese judicial services support international economic cooperation, particularly within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor framework.

  • North Korea fires ballistic missiles towards Sea of Japan

    North Korea fires ballistic missiles towards Sea of Japan

    In a provocative military demonstration, North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan on Tuesday, according to confirmations from both Japanese and South Korean defense authorities. The launch represents Pyongyang’s second weapons test this month, occurring just one day after a senior U.S. defense official praised South Korea as a “model ally” during high-level talks in Seoul.

    Defense analysts indicate this latest provocation continues North Korea’s pattern of intensified weapons testing, which has dramatically increased in recent years. These tests serve multiple strategic objectives: enhancing precision strike capabilities, challenging U.S. and South Korean security interests, and validating weapons systems before potential export to key ally Russia.

    The Japanese Coast Guard, acting on defense ministry information, reported detecting two ballistic missiles fired from North Korean territory. Japanese media confirmed the projectiles landed outside the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Simultaneously, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff documented several missiles launched toward what Seoul identifies as the East Sea.

    This show of force occurs amid heightened regional tensions. Just last month, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un condemned South Korea’s efforts to develop nuclear-powered submarines with U.S. assistance as a direct security threat requiring countermeasures. The timing also coincides with Pyongyang’s preparation for its first ruling party congress in five years, an event that typically prompts increased military posturing to reinforce internal discipline and regime unity.

    Professor Yang Moo-jin of the University of North Korean Studies suggested the launch serves dual purposes: “With the party congress approaching, the latest launch appears intended to heighten tensions to reinforce internal discipline and consolidate regime unity. The timing may also be a response to Colby’s visit” to the peninsula.

    The ongoing military developments occur against a complex geopolitical backdrop. North Korea has reportedly dispatched thousands of troops to support Russia’s operations in Ukraine, according to Western intelligence assessments. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts between Washington and Pyongyang remain stalled since the collapse of the 2019 Hanoi summit over denuclearization terms.