Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Philippines blamed for South China Sea dispute

    Philippines blamed for South China Sea dispute

    Maritime security analysts are raising alarms over the Philippines’ escalating actions in the South China Sea, warning that Manila’s recent maneuvers risk destabilizing regional peace and complicating conflict resolution efforts. The situation intensified on March 7th when Philippine Coast Guard aircraft carrying journalists encountered radio warnings from Chinese naval vessels during patrol operations near Huangyan Dao (Scarborough Shoal).

    Manila formally rejected Beijing’s sovereignty claims over the entire South China Sea on Monday, asserting what it describes as “indivisible, incontrovertible, and long-standing sovereignty” over the disputed territory. The Philippine Coast Guard subsequently announced plans to increase patrol operations and counter what it characterizes as Chinese aggression.

    China’s Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Jiang Bin reiterated Beijing’s position on Wednesday, stating China maintains “indisputable sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao, including Huangyan Dao and their adjacent waters.” Jiang criticized Manila’s media tactics, describing the inclusion of journalists on patrol missions as “a self-directed farce” rather than genuine transparency efforts.

    The geopolitical dimensions expanded significantly as The Diplomat magazine reported enhanced Philippine-Japanese security cooperation aimed at deterring Chinese activities. The Reciprocal Access Agreement (effective September 2025) and Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (January 2025) facilitate military interoperability between Japanese and Philippine forces. Both nations have expanded joint exercises, including trilateral operations with the United States.

    Professor Chen Hong of East China Normal University’s Asia Pacific Studies Center observed that Manila appears to be deliberately internationalizing the dispute by aligning with Washington’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. “This approach risks drawing the Philippines into the framework of great-power competition, thereby weakening its strategic autonomy,” Chen noted.

    Liu Shuliang, associate researcher at Tianjin Academy of Social Sciences, identified Japan’s dual objectives: expanding military presence in Asia Pacific to ease constitutional constraints while aligning with US efforts to construct a counter-China network. Liu warned that increased military activities elevate risks of unintended encounters and could trigger regional arms races.

    With critical negotiations approaching for the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, experts emphasize that regional nations must accelerate talks while resisting external interference to preserve peace and stability.

  • Couple blends tradition with contemporary in New York

    Couple blends tradition with contemporary in New York

    In the heart of Manhattan, a culinary revolution is quietly unfolding at Yingtao, a Michelin-starred establishment challenging conventional perceptions of Chinese cuisine in America. Founded by the husband-wife duo Bolun and Linette Yao, this innovative restaurant merges traditional Chinese flavors with contemporary fine-dining techniques through an elaborate tasting menu format.

    Bolun Yao, who grew up in Xi’an, China before moving to New Zealand and eventually New York, brings a unique cross-cultural perspective to his role as owner and founder of August Hospitality Group. His partner Linette serves as managing partner, together creating what they describe as ‘elevated Chinese cuisine’ that breaks from the static categorization often associated with Chinese food in New York.

    The restaurant’s journey began with significant challenges. American diners initially struggled to understand refined interpretations of Chinese flavors, while some Chinese patrons found the departure from traditional preparations unfamiliar. However, persistence and innovation gradually built a loyal following, culminating in the prestigious Michelin star recognition—a rarity for Chinese restaurants in the United States.

    Yingtao’s culinary approach involves creative reinterpretations of classic dishes. One standout example transforms the Cantonese dim sum staple lo mai gai (sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaf) into an inventive composition featuring sticky rice, Chinese sausage, and salted egg yolk stuffed inside a chicken wing.

    The Yaos emphasize that their mission extends beyond prestige-seeking. ‘It’s about visibility and representation,’ Linette explains. ‘We’re creating a platform for Chinese cuisine to stand alongside other celebrated Asian culinary traditions in New York.’ Bolun adds, ‘We don’t seek to replace traditional Chinese restaurants—we want to showcase another possibility.’

    Named in honor of Bolun’s grandmother, Yingtao represents both personal heritage and culinary innovation, demonstrating how cultural traditions can evolve while maintaining their essential character in a global context.

  • Iranian diaspora marks Nowruz with heavy hearts as war cuts contact with loved ones

    Iranian diaspora marks Nowruz with heavy hearts as war cuts contact with loved ones

    PARIS — The ancient Persian celebration of Nowruz, traditionally marking renewal and hope with the spring equinox, has been overshadowed by conflict and grief for the global Iranian diaspora this year. As war ravages their homeland and communications falter, families separated by geography are united in anguish, transforming festive gatherings into somber reflections.

    Shayan Ghadimi, a 41-year-old Paris restaurateur, embodies this collective sorrow. Her story reveals the personal toll of Iran’s turmoil that began with the 2025 nationwide protests. Her septuagenarian mother, having witnessed the initial uprising on television from Paris, felt compelled to return to Iran, declaring ‘I want to be there.’ Now trapped amid bombardment and severed communications, she remains isolated in Tehran while her daughter imagines her ‘all alone at home, with no way to stay in contact, watching the sky.’

    The cultural institutions that typically preserve Iranian traditions abroad have adopted mourning postures. Parisian cultural centers that previously organized musical Nowruz events have canceled festivities, while Iranian American communities across the United States have significantly scaled back celebrations.

    Shakiba Edighoffer, a makeup artist shopping for Nowruz provisions, describes the community’s psychological state as a ‘kind of emotional roller coaster’ as war rages between Israel, the United States, and Iran’s Islamic Republic. ‘You hear news about this or that leader of the Islamic Republic being eliminated… about executions or bombings,’ she noted, emphasizing the stress of attempting to verify the safety of loved ones under bombardment through largely severed communication channels.

    For those gathering despite the circumstances, Nowruz provides minimal comfort against overwhelming psychological pressure. ‘All these oppressors want is for us to be sad, to forget our millennia-old Persian and Iranian traditions,’ Edighoffer asserted. ‘We must not give them that victory.’

    At Ghadimi’s spice-scented Paris restaurant, where flame-grilled kebabs and spiced rice typically fuel celebration, patrons now express polarized emotions. Some view the conflict as potentially bringing a new dawn, while others mourn the destruction wrought by Israeli and U.S. strikes. ‘I have people in tears. I have people who cry for joy,’ Ghadimi observed. ‘They say, ‘Did you see? They are coming. We are going to be saved.’ Others say, ‘Our country is being destroyed.’

    The personal becomes political as Ghadimi reveals she has spoken to her mother only twice since January. Her mother, who had promised to return to Paris for Nowruz, instead declared her intention to remain in Iran indefinitely. Having witnessed the 1979 Islamic Revolution, she now wants to witness Iran’s next chapter, telling her daughter: ‘I am staying here until the end.’

  • Anutin reelected Thai PM amid headwinds

    Anutin reelected Thai PM amid headwinds

    Thailand’s Parliament reaffirmed Anutin Charnvirakul as Prime Minister on Thursday through a decisive parliamentary vote, granting him continued leadership amid mounting economic pressures. The Bhumjaithai Party leader secured 293 votes in the 500-member House of Representatives, comfortably exceeding the required majority and defeating challenger Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut of the opposition People’s Party.

    This political consolidation follows months of transition that began last September when Anutin first assumed office after the Constitutional Court dismissed predecessor Paetongtarn Shinawatra over ethics violations. The newly reelected premier now awaits formal appointment by King Maha Vajiralongkorn before presenting his policy agenda to parliament, officially commencing his renewed mandate.

    The victory culminates a strategic political process initiated by Anutin’s December dissolution of the House, which paved the way for February’s general election. His Bhumjaithai Party emerged dominant with 191 seats, subsequently forming a coalition government with the Pheu Thai Party and nine smaller parties, creating a substantial governing bloc.

    However, significant challenges await the administration. Economic analyst Somkiat Tangkitvanich of the Thailand Development Research Institute identifies multiple headwinds including sluggish economic growth, commodity price inflation, oil supply constraints, and tourism sector vulnerabilities exacerbated by global instability and Middle East tensions. Tangkitvanich further warns that government formation delays might postpone the fiscal 2027 budget by approximately one month, advocating for fiscal restraint over ambitious long-term projects.

    Internationally, Anutin maintains strong Sino-Thai relations, underscored by his Chinese heritage and linguistic capabilities. His recent Chinese New Year address in Mandarin at the Chinese Embassy garnered significant social media attention, highlighting cultural connections. During a February embassy visit with Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, Anutin emphasized China’s role as both crucial market for Thai agricultural products and strategic investor, describing bilateral relations as familial.

    The two nations continue to enhance comprehensive strategic cooperation, particularly through infrastructure development including high-speed rail projects, with China reaffirming its commitment to remain a primary destination for Thai exports despite global trade uncertainties.

  • Trump says he will not put troops in Iran

    Trump says he will not put troops in Iran

    In a significant statement addressing the escalating military confrontation with Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump explicitly ruled out deploying American ground forces to the conflict zone. The declaration came during a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the White House on Thursday.

    When questioned by journalists about potential troop deployments to Iran, Trump responded unequivocally: “I’m not putting troops anywhere.” This position emerges amid intensifying hostilities between the United States, Israel, and Iran that began with large-scale strikes on February 28th.

    The ongoing military engagement has already produced substantial global repercussions, including significant disruptions to international shipping routes, a sharp increase in oil prices, and noticeable tremors throughout the world economy. These developments have raised concerns among international observers about the potential for broader regional destabilization.

    The meeting with Prime Minister Takaichi, held in the Oval Office, primarily focused on strengthening bilateral relations between the United States and Japan. However, the escalating situation in the Middle East inevitably dominated discussions, given its implications for global security and economic stability.

    Trump’s statement represents a notable clarification of U.S. military strategy amid the conflict, suggesting a preference for aerial and naval capabilities over ground operations. This position may signal a calculated approach to managing regional tensions while attempting to limit American military exposure in the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.

  • Building bright future on snowy slopes

    Building bright future on snowy slopes

    In the snow-covered mountains of Chongli, a remarkable transformation story unfolds through the eyes of Andrea Coatti, an Italian expatriate who has become an integral part of China’s winter sports revolution. The 41-year-old ski resort designer, known locally as Yibu (meaning “one step”), has witnessed firsthand the dramatic evolution of this once-sleepy Hebei province town into an international skiing destination.

    Coatti’s journey began unexpectedly in 2006 when he answered his mentor’s call to help develop ski facilities in an unfamiliar Chinese town. Despite initial reservations upon arriving in the underdeveloped mountain community, the pristine landscapes and welcoming locals convinced him to stay. His vision was simple yet profound: create inclusive skiing environments accessible to all skill levels, from beginners to professionals.

    The pivotal turning point emerged when Coatti partnered with Scottish enthusiast Simon Adams to establish Yibuparks, their terrain park design company. Their expertise eventually earned them the prestigious opportunity to contribute to the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, constructing and maintaining the Freestyle Big Air venue at Shougang. This Olympic credential propelled their small company onto the global stage, attracting numerous international and domestic projects.

    Chongli’s metamorphosis extended far beyond ski slopes. Infrastructure developments revolutionized accessibility, with high-speed rail reducing the Beijing-Chongli journey from over four hours to under sixty minutes. This connectivity transformed the town into an international hub where foreign visitors now constitute 10-15% of tourists, according to local authorities.

    The most significant change Coatti observes is the generational shift in participation. Unlike two decades ago when children were absent from the slopes, Chongli now teems with young enthusiasts. The 2022 Winter Olympics catalyzed this growth, multiplying winter camps and introducing free skiing programs for local children. This development has nurtured emerging talents like 11-year-old Chen Songyu, who recently claimed victory at New Zealand’s LAAX Open U11 snowboard competition.

    Having established permanent roots in Chongli with property ownership and deep community connections, Coatti reflects on his circular journey: “The first half of my life was in Italy, the second half in Chongli. I’m basically a local now.” His expertise has come full circle as he currently applies two decades of Chinese experience to help prepare slopes for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games in his native Italian Alps.

    Through his philosophy of taking things “one step at a time,” Coatti has bridged continents and cultures, leaving an enduring legacy in the snow that connects mountain communities across hemispheres.

  • New research targets Parkinson’s, genetic disorders

    New research targets Parkinson’s, genetic disorders

    A groundbreaking medical advancement emerging from China offers new hope for treating Parkinson’s disease, rare genetic disorders, and age-related degeneration. Researchers have successfully engineered a novel delivery mechanism that safely transplants healthy mitochondria into impaired cells, overcoming a critical barrier in regenerative medicine.

    The innovation, detailed in the prestigious journal Cell, addresses the fundamental challenge of mitochondrial fragility during transplantation procedures. Mitochondria, the microscopic power generators within cells, possess their own distinct DNA and are essential for converting nutrients into life-sustaining energy. When these organelles malfunction due to genetic mutations or aging, they affect approximately 1 in 5,000 people worldwide and contribute to progressive health deterioration.

    Led by Dr. Liu Xingguo at the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, the research team collaborated with Guangzhou Medical University to develop an ingenious solution using red blood cell membranes. These biological materials form protective shells measuring merely one micrometer in diameter—effectively creating microscopic ‘capsules’ that shield mitochondria during delivery.

    This protective suit functions as a biological bypass, enabling the capsule to evade cellular defenses and integrate seamlessly with the cell’s interior. Once inside, the healthy mitochondria begin cooperating with the cell’s existing structures, essentially ‘recharging’ the cellular power system.

    Experimental trials on mouse models demonstrated remarkable outcomes. In Parkinson’s disease simulations, the treatment prevented neuronal death, restored energy production, and nearly normalized motor functions. For mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome—a condition where the body cannot sustain sufficient mitochondrial DNA—the therapy significantly extended lifespans and prevented multiple organ failure.

    The breakthrough establishes a new paradigm in organelle therapy, which utilizes the cell’s intrinsic components as therapeutic agents rather than relying on conventional chemicals or complex gene editing. While acknowledging the promising results, researchers emphasize that further clinical trials are necessary to validate the safety and efficacy of this approach for human patients.

  • Study paves the way for growing perennial rice

    Study paves the way for growing perennial rice

    Chinese researchers have achieved a groundbreaking advancement in agricultural science by identifying and cloning a crucial “longevity gene” from wild rice varieties. This discovery, published on the cover of the journal Science, represents a significant step toward transforming rice from an annual crop into a perennial plant capable of regrowing year after year without replanting.

    The research team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences spent eight years investigating the genetic mechanisms that distinguish perennial wild rice from domesticated annual varieties. Their research revealed that a mutation in the EBT1 gene during early domestication caused rice to lose its perennial characteristics as humans selectively bred for higher grain production and faster growth cycles.

    Lead scientist Han Bin explained that by reintroducing the EBT1 gene into high-yield cultivated rice, researchers have successfully created a perennial “wild-like rice” that has survived in field conditions for over two years in Hainan province. The plant demonstrates a unique biological capability to reverse its developmental program, transitioning back from the reproductive stage to vegetative growth every three to four months, effectively resetting its physiological age.

    This biological mechanism enables “one planting, multiple harvests”—a feature that could revolutionize rice farming practices. The bred perennial rice shows remarkable productivity, generating approximately 70 secondary tillers compared to the dozen typically produced by wild-type parent plants.

    The development holds profound implications for sustainable agriculture, potentially reducing labor requirements, minimizing soil erosion through eliminated tilling, and contributing to carbon sequestration efforts. Science journal highlighted the environmental benefits, noting that perennial rice could significantly slow soil erosion while ensuring food security through reduced planting cycles.

    Field observations continue as scientists monitor the long-term viability and agricultural performance of this genetically enhanced rice variety, which could fundamentally transform global rice production methods.

  • UN chief urges US, Israel to end war, warns of global consequences

    UN chief urges US, Israel to end war, warns of global consequences

    UNITED NATIONS, March 19, 2026 – In a stark address delivered during the European Council meeting in Brussels, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued an urgent plea for the immediate cessation of hostilities between the United States, Israel, and Iran, warning of catastrophic global repercussions if diplomatic solutions aren’t prioritized.

    Guterres emphasized that the ongoing military confrontation, initiated on February 28th, has created a dangerous escalation that risks spiraling ‘completely out of control’ while inflicting ‘immense suffering to civilian populations.’ The Secretary-General’s statement came as EU leaders convened to address the Middle East crisis and its profound implications for European energy security and regional stability.

    The conflict has already triggered severe disruptions across global markets, with energy prices experiencing unprecedented volatility. European benchmark gas prices witnessed a dramatic surge of over 30 percent during Thursday’s trading session, reaching €70.7 per megawatt-hour before moderating slightly. This represents a more than doubling of pre-conflict prices that previously stood at approximately €32 per megawatt-hour.

    Simultaneously, international oil markets experienced significant pressure, with Brent crude futures climbing above $116 per barrel – a price level not seen in recent years. Guterres specifically highlighted the disproportionate impact on developing nations, noting that the economic shockwaves ‘threaten to create particularly tragic consequences for the world’s least developed countries.’

    The UN leader’s intervention underscores growing international concern that the military action could evolve into a broader regional conflict with far-reaching implications beyond immediate security concerns. European leaders are now faced with addressing both the humanitarian aspects of the crisis and its destabilizing effect on global economic frameworks.

    Guterres concluded with a powerful appeal for diplomatic resolution: ‘The time has come for dialogue and negotiation to supersede military action. We must choose the path of peace before this conflict generates irreversible damage to global stability.’

  • Henan facility trains robots to excel in different scenarios

    Henan facility trains robots to excel in different scenarios

    Central China’s Henan province has emerged as a groundbreaking hub for advanced robotics development with the establishment of the region’s first heterogeneous humanoid robot training facility in Zhengzhou. This state-of-the-art center positions Henan as China’s third major robotics training region alongside Beijing and Shanghai, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s artificial intelligence infrastructure.

    The facility currently deploys 140 cutting-edge robots across six critical sectors including modern agriculture, industrial manufacturing, and healthcare. These machines undergo intensive training in 27 real-world scenarios where they practice complex tasks such as navigation, object manipulation, obstacle avoidance, and human interaction. Each failure becomes a learning opportunity, with robots continuously adjusting their approaches through iterative improvement cycles.

    A team of nearly 70 data specialists works alongside the robots, collecting and labeling approximately 50,000 high-quality data entries daily. This massive data generation fuels the continuous improvement of AI models, creating an unprecedented repository for embodied intelligence development.

    Developed through a collaboration between Henan Investment Group and the National and Local Co-Built Humanoid Robotics Innovation Center, the facility represents a strategic investment in China’s technological future. It employs a unique ‘front store, back factory’ operational model that combines training operations with a commercial robot 4S store, allowing direct customer interaction and feedback integration.

    The training methodology represents a significant advancement over traditional approaches. Rather than relying on image annotation, trainers use hands-on instruction in simulated environments to teach robots perception, decision-making, and execution skills. Each robot receives personalized training from dedicated human instructors, with motion data uploaded to cloud systems in real-time to support model iteration.

    Chen Yang, business manager at Henan Embodied Intelligence Industry Development Company, describes the facility as both a ‘data factory’ and ‘robot training school’ designed to accelerate robots’ transition from novice operators to skilled workers. The center specifically tailors its programs to support Henan’s 12 pillar industries, with plans to expand to over 100 real-world scenarios.

    The training process proves remarkably time-intensive even for simple tasks. Basic flower arrangement requires dozens of hours of data collection, while teaching robots to distinguish between flowers, vases, and positions can take weeks of continuous training. The facility primarily employs Generation Z trainers, who bring innovative thinking and patience to the complex training process.

    According to Wang Hao, a 24-year-old trainer with three years of experience, the current focus has evolved from basic command recognition to precise execution. Robots must accumulate vast amounts of data to perfect even simple actions like holding a glass of water without spillage or breakage.

    The applications extend beyond conventional uses to include high-risk scenarios such as high-temperature welding and hazardous river environments where human safety would be compromised. This expansion demonstrates the facility’s commitment to developing practical solutions for challenging real-world conditions.

    Looking toward the future, Yan Chen, Director of Henan’s Department of Industry and Information Technology, revealed the province’s ambitious goal to develop embodied intelligence-related industries worth over 100 billion yuan ($14.5 billion) by 2030. This investment positions Henan at the forefront of China’s rapidly growing robotics and artificial intelligence sector.