Global Pulse

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  • China approves Meishan as national historical and cultural city

    China approves Meishan as national historical and cultural city

    BEIJING, March 20, 2026 – The Chinese State Council has formally designated Meishan, a culturally significant city in Sichuan Province, as a National Historical and Cultural City. This prestigious recognition was announced through an official government notice published on Thursday, elevating Meishan’s status for its exceptional preservation of historical heritage.

    The government communiqué emphasized Meishan’s profound historical legacy, rich cultural traditions, and distinctive regional characteristics that have been meticulously maintained through centuries. The city’s outstanding conservation of ancient architecture and cultural artifacts played a pivotal role in securing this national designation.

    According to the official directive, both Sichuan provincial and Meishan municipal authorities are now mandated to strengthen implementation of cultural relic protection legislation. The notice specifically calls for enhanced exploration of heritage value, comprehensive documentation of ancient Meizhou’s urban layout, and improved conservation measures alongside sustainable utilization of historical sites.

    The recognition further requires local governments to actively promote traditional Chinese culture through Meishan’s historical resources. Notably, Meishan – historically known as Meizhou – holds special significance as the birthplace of Su Shi (also known as Su Dongpo), one of China’s most celebrated poets and literary figures from the Song Dynasty (960-1279). This cultural connection to one of China’s greatest literary minds adds substantial historical weight to Meishan’s new designation.

    The National Historical and Cultural City program represents China’s highest level of recognition for urban centers that preserve extraordinary cultural and historical heritage, ensuring these treasures receive maximum protection and promotion for future generations.

  • India to tackle global obesity with cheap fat-loss jabs

    India to tackle global obesity with cheap fat-loss jabs

    A seismic shift is underway in global obesity treatment as India’s pharmaceutical industry prepares to launch affordable generic versions of breakthrough weight-loss injections following the expiration of key patents. The expiration of semaglutide patents—the active component in medications like Ozempic and Wegovy—on Friday has unlocked unprecedented opportunities for mass production of cost-effective alternatives.

    Medical facilities across Mumbai are already anticipating a substantial surge in patient demand. Endocrinologist Nadeem Rais reports approximately 50 weekly inquiries for weight-loss injections at his clinic alone, with current patient numbers ranging between 70-80. “With generic availability and subsequent price reductions, this figure could easily escalate to 200,” Dr. Rais projected.

    The timing coincides with India’s evolving health crisis where traditional undernutrition challenges now compete with rapidly rising obesity rates. Recent government data reveals 24% of women and 23% of men are classified as overweight or obese—a paradoxical development in a nation that still accounts for one-third of global undernutrition cases.

    India’s pharmaceutical giants have positioned themselves at the forefront of this transformation. Regulatory documents confirm at least four major manufacturers have prepared generic semaglutide formulations, with Zydus Lifesciences announcing immediate “Day 1” launches. Market research firm Pharmarack anticipates an influx of more than 50 brands from over 40 manufacturers entering the market shortly.

    The economic implications are substantial. India’s weight-loss medication market has experienced tenfold growth over five years, reaching $153 million in 2026 with projections exceeding $500 million by 2030. Current premium treatments costing 15,000-22,000 rupees ($161–$236) monthly have limited accessibility, but generics are expected to reduce costs to approximately 5,000 rupees ($60) monthly.

    This development carries significant global ramifications, particularly for middle-income nations where obesity rates are climbing but treatment remains cost-prohibitive. As the supplier of over half of Africa’s generic medications, India’s affordable semaglutide could become a vital resource for developing regions.

    Medical professionals acknowledge both the promise and challenges. While these medications demonstrate remarkable efficacy, they can produce side effects including nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort. Nonetheless, as bariatric surgeon Sanjay Borude observes, the treatment addresses a growing health crisis fueled by sedentary urban lifestyles and changing economic patterns.

  • Finely balanced tea captures the flavor of chun fen

    Finely balanced tea captures the flavor of chun fen

    As the Spring Equinox arrives, marking one of China’s 24 solar terms with perfect balance between day and night, a parallel equilibrium is found in the season’s most prized agricultural product: first-flush spring tea. The chun fen period has ushered in peak harvest season across eastern China’s misty mountains, where tea growers are gathering leaves that embody the essence of seasonal transition.

    Professional tea taster Weng Huiqiong explains that these early buds, harvested after winter dormancy, contain significantly higher concentrations of amino acids and theanine, creating a distinctive flavor profile characterized by crisp briskness followed by subtle sweetness. “Spring tea is the ultimate flavor of the season,” Weng notes, describing the tender single buds as “nature’s most concentrated energy pods.”

    While traditional varieties like West Lake Longjing remain celebrated, Weng recommends exploring regional specialties including Jiangnan’s fruity Biluochun and Sichuan varieties such as Mengding Ganlu, Emei Xueya, and Zhuyeqing. Jasmine tea also serves as an ideal transitional choice for early spring, with its fresh floral aroma helping to clear the senses.

    The ancient tea culture is undergoing contemporary transformation through the emergence of “tea mixologists” who blend traditional ingredients with modern techniques. At Hangzhou’s Four Seasons Hotel, this innovation manifests in the Osmanthus Longjing Latte—part of their Grand Canal Cultural Tea Series—which replaces espresso with carefully brewed Longjing tea, textured microfoam, and dried osmanthus flowers.

    Using low-temperature extraction methods to preserve delicate aromas, these modern creations allow vegetal and floral notes to emerge through creaminess without overpowering the drink. Yet the season remains fleeting: as Spring Equinox passes, the window for the freshest spring tea narrows rapidly, making each cup a temporary moment of balance before the year progresses.

  • Relaxing ColorWalk takes social media by storm

    Relaxing ColorWalk takes social media by storm

    A novel social media movement dubbed ‘ColorWalk’ is captivating millions of young Chinese users, offering a therapeutic escape from daily pressures through the simple act of color-themed exploration. The trend has exploded across platforms including Douyin and Xiaohongshu, generating massive engagement as participants seek beauty in their immediate surroundings.

    The practice involves selecting a specific color theme before venturing outdoors, then documenting all matching hues encountered during leisurely walks or daily commutes. This intentional focus transforms ordinary environments into vibrant canvases, encouraging participants to rediscover overlooked details in their urban landscapes.

    Yang Zheng, a 29-year-old publishing professional from Qingdao, exemplifies the trend’s appeal. After discovering ColorWalk on Douyin, she established a WeChat sharing group that rapidly attracted approximately 45 predominantly Gen-Z members. The collective now designates daily color themes and exchanges photographic discoveries, creating a supportive community around mindful observation.

    According to psychological experts, ColorWalk represents a practical application of grounding techniques—a therapeutic method with dual objectives: actively redirecting attention and establishing manageable goals. Xu Gaoyang, a psychotherapist at Beijing Anding Hospital of Capital Medical University, compares the approach to stabilizing an aircraft during turbulence. ‘By anchoring attention to external environmental elements—in this case specific colors—we rapidly reconnect with the present moment, fostering stability and calm,’ he explains.

    The activity produces measurable physiological effects, with different colors triggering distinct nervous system responses. Cool tones like blue and green activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing heart rate and promoting relaxation, while warmer hues like red and orange stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, enhancing energy and alertness.

    University student Hu, 19, from Anhui province, finds ColorWalk naturally complements his passion for life documentation. ‘It enables me to record my days more meaningfully,’ he notes, emphasizing how the practice reveals previously unnoticed elements—a red fire hydrant suddenly becomes significant during a ‘red’-themed walk, transforming mundane surroundings into sources of wonder.

    Academics interpret ColorWalk’s popularity as a response to contemporary ‘purpose fatigue,’ where young people overwhelmed by achievement-oriented pressures create undemanding yet purposeful activities. Wang Wenda, Director of Psychological Health Education at Xinhua College of Ningxia University, observes that these minor accomplishments activate the brain’s reward system, alleviating feelings of powerlessness while enhancing self-efficacy through achievable positive experiences.

    This low-cost, accessible trend represents a broader cultural shift among Chinese youth seeking agency within competitive environments. As Wang concludes: ‘You needn’t await perfect circumstances to feel good. Small actions can generate pleasure, relaxation, and control—allowing people to carve personal sanctuaries amid uncertainty.’

  • Somaliland centre saves cheetahs from trafficking to Gulf palaces

    Somaliland centre saves cheetahs from trafficking to Gulf palaces

    In the Geed-Deeble savannah of Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, 127 rescued cheetahs now reside in a specialized sanctuary operated by the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF). These magnificent felines represent survivors of a devastating wildlife trafficking network that supplies exotic pets to wealthy buyers in Gulf nations.

    The cheetahs, all forcibly separated from their mothers as cubs, were destined for luxurious palaces across the Arabian Peninsula before intervention by Somaliland authorities. The CCF facility provides critical care for these traumatized animals, many arriving in dire condition after brutal smuggling attempts.

    According to conservation experts, the illicit trade poses an existential threat to the species. With only approximately 600 cheetahs remaining in the Horn of Africa region—and merely 7,000 surviving globally in the wild—the sanctuary supports a significant portion of the endangered population. The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies African cheetahs as ‘critically endangered’ outside southern Africa.

    Chris Wade, director of the facility, describes the heartbreaking reality of rescue operations. Eight recently arrived cubs, part of a group of 11 intercepted by Somaliland’s coastguard, required intensive medical care after being discovered severely dehydrated and parasite-ridden aboard a smuggling vessel. Tragically, three succumbed within days of arrival.

    The trafficking pipeline typically begins with villagers in Somaliland or Ethiopia capturing cubs for meager payments of $50-$100. These animals then undergo perilous journeys across the Gulf of Aden to Yemen before reaching final destinations in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where they command prices reaching $20,000.

    Despite both UAE (2016) and Saudi Arabia (2022) implementing laws criminalizing possession and trade of dangerous animals, enforcement remains challenging. Animal trafficking expert Daniel Stiles reports continuing sightings of new cheetahs appearing on social media platforms, indicating persistent demand.

    The survival statistics are grim: for every cub successfully delivered, four to five perish during transportation. Those reaching their destinations typically survive only one to two years due to improper care, malnutrition, and disease, according to CCF founder Laurie Marker.

    A 2021 report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Crime estimated approximately 300 cheetahs are smuggled annually from East Africa and the Horn of Africa, primarily destined for palatial residences. At this rate, experts warn the species faces ‘virtual extinction.’

    While most sanctuary residents have become too habituated to humans for wild release—missing crucial hunting development that enables their legendary 120 km/h speeds—the center is developing a 1,500-hectare rewilding area to rehabilitate younger arrivals for potential return to nature, offering hope for future rescues.

  • Ten photos from across China: March 13 – 19

    Ten photos from across China: March 13 – 19

    China Daily Information Co (CDIC) has issued a formal copyright declaration regarding all content published across its digital platforms. The comprehensive notice explicitly states that all materials, including textual content, photographs, and multimedia information published since 1994, remain the exclusive intellectual property of CDIC.

    The company emphasizes that any republication or utilization of this protected content in any form requires prior written authorization from CDIC. This copyright protection extends to all content types and applies regardless of how the material might be repurposed or distributed.

    Additionally, the notice includes technical recommendations for optimal user experience, suggesting that visitors utilize browsers with 1024*768 resolution or higher when accessing their digital properties. The publication also displays its official publishing license (0108263) and registration number (130349), reinforcing its legitimate operational status.

    The footer section provides navigation to important organizational information, including corporate background details, advertising opportunities, contact information, and employment sections specifically catering to expatriate job seekers. The notice concludes with social media engagement prompts, encouraging visitors to follow the organization’s various channels for updates.

  • The Datong Code EP.3 | Intangible cultural heritage micro-drama series | PKU presents

    The Datong Code EP.3 | Intangible cultural heritage micro-drama series | PKU presents

    Peking University has released the third installment of its groundbreaking micro-drama series ‘The Datong Code,’ showcasing China’s intangible cultural heritage through an immersive narrative experience. The latest episode transports viewers to the breathtaking Hanging Temple, an architectural marvel clinging precariously to cliff faces where wooden beams defy gravity and prayer bells resonate through the mountain voids.

    The narrative intensifies as protagonist Kai discovers a crucial clue carved into porous volcanic rock—a silent, watchful representation of the mythical Monkey King Wukong. This discovery occurs just as hunters close in, forcing Kai and his protector Yuwen through a tense chase across the temple’s shifting stairways and shadowed corridors. The cinematic sequence masterfully builds suspense while highlighting the temple’s intricate architecture.

    This innovative series represents a significant advancement in cultural preservation, blending entertainment with educational elements to bring China’s rich heritage to global audiences. The production demonstrates Peking University’s commitment to using contemporary storytelling techniques to safeguard traditional culture, making ancient wonders accessible to modern viewers through dramatic narrative and stunning visual representation.

    The episode concludes with a compelling question about the next elemental discovery, maintaining viewer engagement while promising further exploration of China’s cultural treasures in subsequent installments.

  • Drone video from inside a Fukushima reactor shows a hole in pressure vessel, likely fuel debris

    Drone video from inside a Fukushima reactor shows a hole in pressure vessel, likely fuel debris

    In a groundbreaking exploration, micro-drones have captured unprecedented footage from within the devastated Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, revealing critical new details about the 2011 meltdown’s aftermath. The remotely operated drones, measuring just 12 by 13 centimeters and weighing only 95 grams, successfully navigated the highly radioactive environment of Unit 3’s reactor during a two-week reconnaissance mission.

    The newly released video evidence shows a substantial breach in the steel pressure vessel’s base, with substantial deposits of what experts believe to be melted nuclear fuel debris suspended from the damaged structure. This marks the first direct observation of the reactor vessel’s bottom since the catastrophic meltdown triggered by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami that crippled Japan’s northeastern coast.

    Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO), the plant’s operator, deployed these specialized drones to gather visual documentation, radiation measurements, and three-dimensional mapping data from the previously inaccessible containment chamber. The footage reveals extensively damaged internal structures, including ruptured tubes and formations resembling large icicles of solidified nuclear material.

    According to TEPCO spokesperson Masaki Kuwajima, the mission provided ‘valuable data that can be used for our future internal investigations and to develop melted fuel debris removal strategy.’ The three damaged reactors collectively contain approximately 880 tons of highly radioactive melted fuel debris, presenting extraordinary technical challenges for eventual cleanup operations.

    The successful drone deployment represents significant progress from earlier robotic probes, including an underwater investigation nearly a decade ago that yielded limited visual information. TEPCO plans additional remote-controlled missions and sampling operations to analyze the melted fuel composition and develop specialized robotics for the complex removal process, which experts anticipate could require several decades to complete.

  • OpenClaw AI goes viral in China, raising cybersecurity fears

    OpenClaw AI goes viral in China, raising cybersecurity fears

    China is experiencing a technological transformation as OpenClaw, an open-source AI agent, sweeps across the nation with capabilities extending far beyond conventional chatbots. Originally known as Moltbot and Clawdbot, the system can autonomously manage emails, coordinate schedules, and execute financial transactions on behalf of users. This surge in adoption, significantly accelerated by promotional campaigns from tech giants Tencent and Alibaba, reflects a global shift toward action-oriented AI systems first observed in the United States earlier this year.

    The phenomenon, colloquially termed ‘raising lobsters’ in reference to the project’s crustacean mascot, has triggered intense debate within both industry and government circles regarding governance frameworks, security safeguards, and the inherent risks of delegating sensitive tasks to software operating with limited transparency. China’s Ministry of State Security issued unprecedented guidelines Tuesday, warning that while OpenClaw delivers efficiency gains, it simultaneously creates novel vulnerabilities through its broad permissions and cross-platform interactions.

    Security experts emphasize that these AI agents lack professional maintenance protocols and patching mechanisms, making them susceptible to malicious plugins that can bypass controls and exfiltrate sensitive data with stealth exceeding traditional trojans. The National Computer Network Emergency Response Technical Team had previously alerted on March 10 about OpenClaw’s vulnerability to ‘prompt injection’ attacks, where hidden instructions trick the AI into harmful actions.

    Unlike static large language models such as ChatGPT, OpenClaw represents a new class of agentic AI that connects messaging platforms, language models, email accounts, storage devices, and e-wallets to execute end-to-end tasks with minimal human intervention. Its open-source nature and local deployment capability provide greater flexibility than proprietary alternatives like Beijing-based Manus, but also introduce greater complexity and security responsibilities.

    The rapid adoption has exposed critical security gaps, with many users deploying the technology without basic safeguards. Security professionals recommend treating AI agents as digital employees with strict governance, implementing least privilege access, encryption, audit logs, and sandboxed virtual environments. As US tech giants advance similar capabilities through partnerships like Apple-Google’s integration of Gemini models, China faces urgent regulatory challenges in establishing AI governance comparable to the EU’s comprehensive AI Act.

  • New Zealand wins the toss and bowls in the 3rd T20 against South Africa

    New Zealand wins the toss and bowls in the 3rd T20 against South Africa

    AUCKLAND, New Zealand — The decisive third match of the Twenty20 cricket series between New Zealand and South Africa commenced at Eden Park on Friday, with the five-game contest perfectly poised at 1-1. New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner seized the initiative at the toss, electing to field first in a strategic move aimed at utilizing the pitch conditions.

    The series momentum has swung dramatically. South Africa initially dominated, securing a convincing seven-wicket victory in the opening match. New Zealand responded emphatically, leveling the series with a commanding 68-run triumph in the second encounter, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown in Auckland.

    Team selections revealed tactical adjustments from both camps. The Proteas introduced right-arm pace bowler Lutho Sipamla, replacing Ottneil Baartman in their bowling attack. The Black Caps, meanwhile, made a single change to their lineup, recalling all-rounder Bevon Jacobs to the side in place of Josh Clarkson.

    The confirmed lineups for the crucial fixture are:

    New Zealand: Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Tim Robinson, Nick Kelly, Bevon Jacobs, Mitchell Santner (captain), James Neesham, Cole McConchie, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears, Lockie Ferguson.

    South Africa: Wiaan Mulder, Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen, Rubin Hermann, Jason Smith, Dian Forrester, George Linde, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj (captain), Nqobani Mokoena, Lutho Sipamla.

    The outcome of this match grants the winner a significant psychological and tactical advantage heading into the final two games of the closely fought series.