Global Pulse

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  • Denmark to consider if gastronomy is art as New Nordic cuisine movement grows

    Denmark to consider if gastronomy is art as New Nordic cuisine movement grows

    COPENHAGEN, Denmark — At the avant-garde Alchemist restaurant, Chef Rasmus Munk transcends conventional dining through an immersive sensory experience. Patrons encounter edible creations resembling plastic—crafted from algae and fish collagen—while projections of ocean pollution drift across the domed ceiling. This theatrical approach to gastronomy exemplifies Denmark’s bold culinary evolution, positioning Copenhagen as a global epicenter of culinary innovation.

    Since its 2019 debut in a transformed industrial harbor, Alchemist has achieved global acclaim—ranked fifth among the world’s finest restaurants and honored with two Michelin stars. The establishment offers fifty distinct ‘impressions,’ including provocative dishes like caviar-stuffed cod eyeballs and nettle butterflies served on artichoke leaves. Munk describes food as his ‘medium of expression,’ addressing themes from environmental conservation to state surveillance through edible narratives.

    This culinary renaissance stems from Denmark’s New Nordic movement, pioneered by René Redzepi’s Noma in 2003. The philosophy emphasizing foraging, fermentation, and seasonal ingredients has now sparked a national debate: Should gastronomy be classified as art? Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt announced in January an official exploration of this reclassification, potentially making Denmark the first nation to legally elevate haute cuisine to artistic status.

    The proposition has divided culinary and artistic circles. Proponents like Munk argue that culinary craftsmanship at its highest level constitutes artistic practice. Nicolai Nørregaard of two-Michelin-starred Kadeau asserts his creative process parallels artistic creation, seeking to deliver transformative experiences. Formal recognition could enable chefs to access state subsidies and private foundation funding currently reserved for traditional artists.

    However, skepticism persists. American chef Nick Curtin of Copenhagen’s Alouette contends that food’s functional purpose distinguishes it from pure art. Art critic Holger Dahl compares the initiative to ‘expecting a bicycle to become a car,’ questioning its conceptual validity. Concerns also emerge regarding potential competition for cultural funding between chefs and conventional artists.

    The proposal remains in exploratory phases, with its parliamentary fate potentially influenced by Denmark’s recent general election. Should legislation proceed, a vote in the 179-seat parliament would determine whether gastronomy transitions from craft to officially recognized art form—a decision that could reshape global perceptions of culinary excellence.

  • Defence minister to visit Cyprus after drone attacks on British base

    Defence minister to visit Cyprus after drone attacks on British base

    Diplomatic friction has emerged between the United Kingdom and Cyprus following the handling of recent drone assaults on the Royal Air Force base at Akrotiri. The Cypriot government has formally criticized Britain’s communication protocols and information-sharing practices in the aftermath of the incident.

    Dr. Kyriacos Kouros, Cyprus’s High Commissioner to the UK, expressed profound disappointment during an interview with BBC Newsnight, highlighting inadequate transparency with local residents. The attacks, which occurred overnight Sunday, involved both successful strikes and subsequent interceptions of additional drones. Kouros emphasized the necessity for enhanced bilateral coordination with Cypriot authorities to prevent future security breaches.

    In response to the escalating situation, the UK Ministry of Defence announced the planned deployment of HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer, to reinforce regional security. However, the warship is not scheduled to depart until next week, raising questions about the immediacy of the British response.

    The incident has drawn international attention amid broader geopolitical tensions linked to Iran’s regional activities, though no specific entity has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Both nations are now engaged in diplomatic discussions to address security concerns and improve crisis management protocols for future cooperation.

  • California governor Newsom questions US support for ‘apartheid state’ Israel

    California governor Newsom questions US support for ‘apartheid state’ Israel

    In a significant departure from mainstream U.S. political discourse, California Governor Gavin Newsom has openly challenged the long-standing military partnership between the United States and Israel while criticizing the Trump administration’s coordinated operations with Iran. During a Tuesday appearance on Pod Save America in Los Angeles, Newsom expressed profound disappointment with Israel’s current leadership under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

    When directly questioned by host Jon Favreau about whether Washington should reconsider its military support for Israel, Newsom responded with remarkable candor: ‘It breaks my heart because the current leadership in Israel is walking us down that path where I don’t think you have a choice about that consideration.’ The Democratic governor notably endorsed commentary that appropriately characterizes Israel as ‘an apartheid state,’ particularly amid discussions about annexing the occupied West Bank.

    Newsom’s critique extended beyond the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to address the recent joint military operations between the U.S. and Israel against Iran. He sharply questioned the strategic wisdom of regime change objectives, noting: ‘We’re talking about regime change?… For two years, they haven’t even been able to solve the Hamas question in Israel.’

    The governor’s comments emerge amid visible tensions within the Trump administration regarding Iran policy. President Trump contradicted Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s previous statements by claiming he ‘might have forced Israel’s hand’ into conflict with Iran based on negotiation assessments. This divergence follows Rubio’s justification that preemptive strikes were necessary to prevent higher U.S. casualties.

    The human cost of these operations has been substantial, with local reports and witness accounts confirming over 1,000 civilian fatalities in Iranian territories, including more than 150 schoolgirls. Tehran has responded with retaliatory strikes against Israeli and U.S. military installations across the Middle East, escalating regional tensions significantly.

  • ‘It’s so good to be home’ – passengers on Dubai-Dublin flight

    ‘It’s so good to be home’ – passengers on Dubai-Dublin flight

    Dublin Airport witnessed emotional reunions on Wednesday evening as Emirates flight EK0162 from Dubai touched down, carrying nearly 400 passengers who had been stranded amid Middle East airspace closures. The flight marked the first direct arrival from Dubai in several days following the complete shutdown of regional airspace due to escalating military actions between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

    Among the relieved arrivals was Norita Geary, who described the overwhelming moment the aircraft landed: “Everyone clapped when the plane landed and we all cheered. It was unreal. I mean you see these things on television, you see them in movies but you just don’t think you’ll end up there yourself.”

    The atmosphere at Terminal 2 was charged with emotion as families embraced loved ones returning from what many described as a harrowing experience. Rushali Lakhani, another passenger, expressed her gratitude: “It was quite a stressful time but grateful and thanking our lucky stars really. A lot of sleepless nights, a lot of bangs. There were no airplanes flying so whenever we heard some noises we knew that it wasn’t good news.”

    Susan and Monica Miller recounted their traumatic experience being at Dubai Airport when the conflict erupted. “The local UAE fighter jets we could see them patrolling. We could hear some noises but because we were about 30 minutes west of the airport we weren’t in any immediate zones that were frightening,” Susan explained, adding that they are now planning “staycations for a little while.”

    International travelers also faced significant disruptions. Alex Anderson, a Frankfurt resident transiting through Dubai from Malaysia, described seeing missile trails during his approach: “We were shocked when we landed and found out. It was a bit of chaos.” He highlighted the “nerve-racking” experience of waiting in hotels amid canceled flights.

    Despite the tense situation, some long-term Dubai residents provided perspective. Mark O’Kane, who has lived in Dubai for 24 years, commented: “The defence systems in Dubai were fantastic. It would remind you a bit of the Troubles, you know, growing up you hear bombs. But life goes on.”

    A second relief flight carrying approximately 400 additional passengers is scheduled to arrive in Dublin on Thursday, offering hope to those still awaiting evacuation from the region.

  • A green guide for progress, protection

    A green guide for progress, protection

    China is poised to enact a comprehensive ecological and environmental code that represents a transformative leap in environmental legislation, aligning national strategies with global sustainability goals. The code, expected to be ratified during the current National People’s Congress session, will become China’s second formal statutory code following the Civil Code of 2020.

    The groundbreaking legislation establishes a unified legal framework addressing pollution control, ecological conservation, green development, and climate action. According to NPC spokesman Lou Qinjian, the code creates a solid legal foundation for achieving modernization through harmony between humanity and nature, making environmental legislation more systematic, integrated, and responsive to emerging challenges.

    The development process involved unprecedented stakeholder engagement. Lyu Zhongmei, vice-chairperson of the NPC Environmental Protection and Resources Conservation Committee, revealed that the drafting process incorporated over 200,000 characters of revision suggestions from scholars, enterprises, and government bodies through more than 50 research meetings. The current version contains more than 420 substantive changes from the initial draft, meticulously aligned with China’s updated climate commitments.

    Notably, the code introduces innovative provisions addressing human-wildlife conflicts that have emerged alongside ecological improvements. The legislation establishes compensation mechanisms for injuries or property damage caused by protected wildlife and exempts legal liability for emergency self-defense actions, prioritizing human safety while maintaining conservation principles.

    The code also tackles longstanding governance fragmentation, particularly in water management, by mandating integrated approaches to water resources, environment, and ecosystems. This addresses the notorious ‘nine dragons managing water’ phenomenon where multiple agencies have overlapping responsibilities.

    In waste management, the code strengthens extended producer responsibility requirements, particularly for traction batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Manufacturers must establish recovery systems aligned with their sales volume, either independently or through third parties. The legislation also promotes recycled materials through certification systems and usage mandates.

    The code establishes China’s first legal framework for climate action, incorporating mechanisms for controlling total carbon emissions and intensity based on China’s 2030 peak carbon and 2060 neutrality goals. This represents a significant evolution from the current energy consumption control system.

    International environmental law experts recognize the code’s global significance. Dimitri de Boer of ClientEarth noted that China’s comprehensive approach offers developing nations a template for integrating pollution control, biodiversity protection, and climate governance into a coherent legal architecture. The code demonstrates how major economies can achieve full-scale green transformation while maintaining economic development.

  • Middle East war spirals as Iran hits Kurds in Iraq

    Middle East war spirals as Iran hits Kurds in Iraq

    The Middle East has plunged into a rapidly expanding regional conflict with devastating consequences across multiple nations. What began with US-Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday has now engulfed the entire region, creating global shockwaves through energy markets and international relations.

    Iran launched retaliatory strikes against Kurdish guerrilla groups in Iraq on Thursday, targeting what Tehran calls ‘separatist groups.’ According to Iranian officials, these operations serve as a clear warning that such organizations ‘will not be tolerated in any way.’ Simultaneously, Israel continued its bombardment of Tehran, with residents reporting fighter jets and explosions across the city.

    The conflict has drawn in numerous regional actors. In Lebanon, Israeli strikes targeted Hezbollah command centers in south Beirut, reducing buildings to rubble and creating plumes of black smoke over the capital. Hezbollah’s leader has vowed to intensify fighting against Israel, declaring readiness for ‘ultimate sacrifice’ rather than surrender. Lebanese authorities report at least 72 fatalities and 83,000 displaced persons since hostilities began.

    The war has extended beyond the immediate region with global implications. A US submarine sank an Iranian warship near Sri Lanka—marking Washington’s first torpedoing of a vessel since World War II—resulting in significant casualties. NATO member Turkey became involved after intercepting a missile apparently aimed at a British base in Cyprus, leading to diplomatic tensions with Iran.

    Economic consequences are already severe. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil transportation where tanker transits have dropped by 90%. This has triggered energy shortages worldwide, prompting South Korea to activate a $68 billion market stabilization fund and China to restrict fuel exports. The International Monetary Fund warns of a ‘prolonged period of flux’ for the global economy.

    Civilian casualties continue to mount across the region, with at least 1,045 military personnel and civilians reportedly killed according to Iranian media, though these figures remain unverified. The conflict has also devastated regional tourism during peak season, with mass cancellations creating what industry professionals describe as a ‘catastrophic’ situation.

  • Henan intensifies efforts for higher-level opening-up

    Henan intensifies efforts for higher-level opening-up

    Central China’s Henan province is executing an ambitious strategy to transform into a high-capacity inland hub for global commerce, leveraging enhanced trade corridors and digital infrastructure to connect domestic and international markets. Under the leadership of Provincial Party Committee Secretary Liu Ning, the region is prioritizing integration with China’s national unified market as the cornerstone of its economic development framework.

    The comprehensive approach centers on establishing Henan as a critical circulation nexus, facilitating the efficient movement of international products to Chinese consumers while simultaneously propelling locally manufactured goods onto the world stage. Cross-border e-commerce serves as the primary engine of this transformation, supported by an extensive network of specialized ports, bonded zones, and pilot e-commerce centers designed to streamline customs procedures and accelerate trade flows.

    This strategic focus has yielded substantial economic returns, with provincial foreign trade reaching 935.67 billion yuan ($135.72 billion) in the previous year—representing a robust 14.1 percent growth compared to 2024. Henan has achieved national leadership in exporting diverse products including commercial buses, mobile devices, and hair products, with provincial capital Zhengzhou emerging as a dominant import-export center.

    The province’s logistics capabilities demonstrate remarkable efficiency, particularly in perishable goods transportation. Cold-chain imports through Henan more than doubled year-over-year, with Malaysian durians clearing customs within half a day and reaching consumers nationwide within 36 hours. Norwegian chilled salmon now reaches markets within 24 hours of arrival, enabled by Henan’s innovative “pre-clearance + dedicated cargo flights + cross-border e-commerce” model that processes nearly 1,000 metric tons of outgoing cargo daily.

    Henan’s global commercial integration extends beyond logistics to corporate expansion. Beverage chain Mixue Ice Cream and Tea has established comprehensive overseas warehousing systems and operates over 4,800 international stores. Yutong Bus maintains its position as the global leader in large and medium-sized bus sales for the fifteenth consecutive year, while Xuchang City distributes approximately 40,000 hair product sets worldwide each day.

    Transport infrastructure metrics further underscore the province’s growing connectivity: Zhengzhou airport handled 1.033 million tons of cargo in 2025, representing a 25.2 percent annual increase and ranking fifth nationally for international cargo volume. The China-Europe and China-Central Asia freight train services from Zhengzhou have completed more than 17,000 journeys, establishing direct connections to 26 overseas stations and nine border ports.

    Looking forward, Henan plans deeper integration during the second golden decade of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, enhancing Eurasian connectivity through expanded freight rail services, digital trade infrastructure development, and improved rail-sea intermodal transportation. The province will continue refining its business environment through institutional reforms, standardized procurement practices, and enhanced regulatory efficiency while reducing operational costs for land, energy, labor, and financing.

    Foreign investors can anticipate streamlined administrative services and improved support systems covering entry procedures, residence permits, healthcare access, and payment processing. “Henan offers tremendous market potential, superior transportation networks, comprehensive industrial systems, and abundant human resources,” Liu affirmed. “Investment here presents exceptional opportunities and a promising future.”

  • The US is unlikely to curtail China’s critical minerals dominance

    The US is unlikely to curtail China’s critical minerals dominance

    The United States recently convened an international summit focused on critical minerals, aiming to counter China’s overwhelming dominance in global supply chains for smartphones, weapons systems, lithium-ion batteries, and electric vehicles. The gathering brought together representatives from key nations including Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, alongside the European Union.

    This initiative represents a significant shift in international trade dynamics that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney characterized as a fundamental ‘rupture’ to the rules-based global order. Despite ambitious American efforts to diminish China’s control over critical mineral production, the reality presents formidable challenges due to deeply entrenched Chinese investments and established production networks.

    According to International Energy Agency data, China currently commands more than 80% of global battery production, with this figure rising to 90% for grid-scale batteries essential for storing renewable energy from wind and solar sources. Global battery sales have expanded sixfold since 2020, while manufacturing of grid-scale battery systems has grown twentyfold during the same period, largely driven by China’s cost-effective manufacturing model.

    The US has intensified efforts to reduce Chinese influence in South America, which contains over 50% of the world’s known lithium deposits. Recent moves include the US government acquiring a 5% stake in Canada-based Lithium Americas in 2025, followed by another 10% acquisition in USA Rare Earth in February. The White House has also leveraged tariff threats and a $20 billion bailout package to negotiate new trade terms with Argentina, while the Inter-American Development Bank committed $140 million to enhance critical mineral production capacity across Latin America.

    However, disengaging China from established production networks raises substantial questions about the strategic wisdom of disrupting a system that produces 80-90% of the world’s lithium-ion batteries. While the US pursues an ‘America first’ policy of onshoring production, China has strategically employed joint ventures and public-private partnerships to secure mineral access while offshoring the more environmentally challenging aspects of production.

    Chinese company Ganfeng Lithium has maintained operations in Argentina for approximately a decade and continues expanding through joint ventures with Canadian firm Lithium Americas in the Pozuelos, Pastos Grandes, and Cauchari-Olaroz salt flats. The majority of Ganfeng’s production supplies battery and EV manufacturing hubs in China and Southeast Asia.

    The political landscape across South America introduces additional complexity. Recent electoral victories by right-wing leaders in Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile potentially favor US interests, particularly in Argentina where President Javier Milei has cultivated strong ties with the Trump administration. However, Chile’s situation remains less certain due to the state’s dominant role in copper markets, domestic debates about lithium nationalization, and enduring Chinese diplomatic influence.

    Major questions persist regarding American companies’ capacity and willingness to assume China’s role in global lithium-ion battery production. US-based Albemarle Corporation, while one of the world’s largest lithium companies, remains publicly traded with diverse international investors. Beyond South America, global lithium production continues to be dominated by American, Chinese, and Australian firms, nearly all maintaining joint ventures with Chinese companies like Tianqi and Ganfeng.

    The North American economy lacks both the capacity and wage competitiveness to replace China’s position in producing and processing critical minerals for batteries, energy storage systems, and electric vehicles. Developing a supply chain capable of outperforming China’s established network appears improbable given current economic and geopolitical realities.

  • Advisers urged to ensure 5-year plan’s good start

    Advisers urged to ensure 5-year plan’s good start

    Beijing witnessed the commencement of the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) on Wednesday, marking the beginning of China’s pivotal annual political gatherings. The event, held at the Great Hall of the People, brought together approximately 2,100 advisory members from diverse sectors across the nation.

    President Xi Jinping, serving concurrently as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended the opening ceremony alongside other senior leadership figures. The assembly focused primarily on strategizing for the successful implementation of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), which represents a crucial phase in the nation’s modernization journey.

    CPPCC National Committee Chairman Wang Huning presented the standing committee’s work report, highlighting China’s remarkable achievements in concluding the 14th Five-Year Plan period despite complex global and domestic challenges. The report documented substantial progress across economic, technological, and defense sectors, with advisory members contributing significantly through 98 consultative activities and 5,992 formal proposals—of which 99.9% received governmental responses.

    The political advisory body announced plans to implement a specialized democratic supervision framework specifically designed to monitor the execution of the forthcoming five-year plan. Additionally, the CPPCC will organize commemorative events honoring the 160th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen’s birth while enhancing international exchanges to better articulate China’s democratic narrative.

    Prominent committee members provided insights regarding China’s development trajectory. Jiang Ying, Chairwoman of Deloitte China, emphasized China’s commitment to high-level opening-up policies that create new opportunities for global enterprises, particularly in digital economy and green transformation sectors. She highlighted cross-border data flow management as a critical area requiring regulatory refinement.

    Geely Holding Group Chairman Li Shufu identified electric vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaics as transformative industries driving social progress, noting the automotive sector’s evolution from intense competition toward technology-driven sustainable growth. Meanwhile, Hong Kong representative Clarence Ling Chun-kit stressed the importance of strengthening cross-Strait youth exchanges and scientific collaboration in artificial intelligence during the upcoming planning period.

  • The silent struggle of an anti-war woman in Russia

    The silent struggle of an anti-war woman in Russia

    In the immediate aftermath of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, a wave of public dissent briefly surfaced. Varvara, a 32-year-old Moscow resident, was among those who initially took to the streets, propelled by feelings of profound despair and anger. Her participation in a central Moscow anti-war rally marked a moment of open defiance. However, four years into a conflict met with an unrelenting state crackdown, her activism has been silenced, replaced by a singular focus on survival within a nation rigidly mobilized for war.

    The landscape of dissent in Russia has been fundamentally reshaped, with repression escalating to levels not witnessed since the Soviet era. Public criticism of the Kremlin or its military campaign is now virtually extinct, punished by imprisonment or heavy fines. The systematic eradication of opposition has left major figures incarcerated, exiled, or dead, while anti-war groups abroad are paralyzed by internal strife. This environment has forced countless potential activists into a state of resigned acquiescence.

    Varvara’s personal journey mirrors this national silencing. After joining an early protest—an act she undertook with the foreboding expectation of arrest—she managed to evade the brutal police clampdown. Yet, consequences followed. Signing an online anti-war petition led to her swift dismissal from a public institution. Faced with the exodus of friends who chose emigration after brief detentions, Varvara grappled with a critical decision. Ultimately, the uncertainties of life as an emigrant outweighed the perceived immediate physical threats of staying, as no authorities were knocking on her door.

    Rebuilding her life, she found employment at a charity organization and arrived at a new philosophy: to ‘do something good here’ in Russia. This commitment was further cemented by meeting her future husband in the summer of 2022. Her calculus for resistance shifted entirely; the only circumstance that would now compel her to leave would be the imminent arrest of either herself or her partner. Her priorities are now anchored in her new family, which includes her husband’s two children from a previous marriage—a responsibility she describes as a form of ‘escapism’ that reinforces her silence.

    Despite her outward conformity, the war remains an inescapable shadow over her existence. It took two years for her to experience a moment of simple happiness without an accompanying sense of guilt. Professionally, she navigates a moral labyrinth, constantly vetting potential partners and donors for connections to the military campaign. This ‘constant inner struggle’ is matched by a personal conflict with her father, a member of the Russian security services who fought in Ukraine and offers her financial support—assistance she finds morally impossible to accept, despite her love for him. For Varvara and many like her, survival now means living in a state of perpetual, silent internal conflict.