Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • ‘I’m not retiring’ – Kipchoge’s marathon world tour

    ‘I’m not retiring’ – Kipchoge’s marathon world tour

    After dominating competitive marathon running for over two decades, 41-year-old Kenyan athlete Eliud Kipchoge has announced a transformative new chapter in his legendary career. The two-time Olympic champion, widely regarded as the greatest marathoner in history, revealed he is transitioning from elite competition to a global running initiative designed to inspire communities worldwide.

    Kipchoge emphasized this shift represents not retirement but evolution, stating: ‘What I am doing is not retiring. I am evolving. I am running for purpose.’ His ambitious Eliud Kipchoge World Tour will span two and a half years and feature marathon events across all seven continents, including the challenging conditions of Antarctica.

    The initiative operates under ‘Eliud’s Running World,’ a platform promoting global running participation while supporting humanitarian causes. Each marathon will raise approximately $1 million for the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, focusing on education, environmental sustainability, and health initiatives. In Kenya, Kipchoge plans to build libraries across all 47 counties, believing that ‘there is knowledge in books’ essential for global connectivity.

    Kipchoge’s perspective has been shaped by his unprecedented achievements—including 11 World Marathon Major victories, two Olympic gold medals, and becoming the first person to break the two-hour marathon barrier in 2019—but also by concerns about athlete welfare systems. He has become increasingly vocal about the inadequate protection and compensation for athletes who don’t reach elite status, citing the case of Evans Kibet, a Kenyan runner now imprisoned as a prisoner of war in Ukraine after being lured by false promises.

    ‘Talent does not look like talent if you do not nurture it,’ Kipchoge observed, comparing undeveloped athletes to uncut diamonds. He criticizes sports federations and governing bodies for failing to provide proper education, mentorship, and safeguarding, particularly for those who don’t immediately succeed.

    The running icon has long advocated for clean sport, warning that pressure for quick success contributes to doping and ethical shortcuts. He believes sport should be treated as a profession with long-term perspective rather than a gamble, and has extended his mentoring to athletes in boxing, judo, and rugby.

    Kipchoge’s philosophy values discipline over glamour, process over outcome, and purpose over applause. While his competitive fire remains, its meaning has transformed: ‘I have nothing more to prove to the world. What I want now is to sell the spirit of running to the next generation.’

  • Lifesaving surgery for girl, 5, gives 2nd chance

    Lifesaving surgery for girl, 5, gives 2nd chance

    In a groundbreaking medical achievement, a five-year-old Chinese girl has been given a second chance at life following an unprecedented series of cardiac procedures. Xiaoni, weighing merely 12.2 kilograms and diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy—an exceptionally rare heart condition representing just 2% of cardiomyopathy cases—has successfully recovered after 110 days of intensive treatment involving two high-risk surgeries.

    The medical breakthrough occurred when a collaborative team led by Professor Liu Xiaocheng from TEDA International Cardiovascular Hospital in Tianjin and Professor Mo Xuming from Nanjing Children’s Hospital determined that conventional treatment options were exhausted. Facing end-stage heart failure without available donor hearts, the medical professionals pioneered a dual artificial heart implantation strategy—a procedure never before attempted on a patient of such low body weight.

    Xiaoni’s condition presented extraordinary challenges: her cardiac chambers were significantly undersized even for her age, and she suffered from simultaneous biventricular heart failure requiring biventricular assist device (BiVAD) support. Within a remarkable 13-day timeframe, engineers from Rocor Medical Technology Co collaborated with the medical team to modify their second-generation ‘Rocket Heart’ technology, creating fully magnetically levitated ventricular assist devices specifically tailored to Xiaoni’s anatomical requirements. Each pump weighed a mere 69 grams, with the sewing ring’s outer diameter reduced from 29 millimeters to 22.4 millimeters and its weight dramatically decreased from 6.4 grams to just 1.17 grams.

    Professor Liu highlighted the significance of this achievement, noting that pediatric heart failure devices in developed countries typically rely on bulky extracorporeal pneumatic systems that severely restrict mobility and carry elevated risks of infection and thrombosis. The successful implantation of these miniaturized devices marks China’s entry into the forefront of pediatric artificial heart research and development.

    Following forty days of BiVAD support, Xiaoni received a matching donor heart, enabling a successful transplant that completed her extraordinary medical journey. The achievement has attracted international attention, with several top cardiac centers in the United States, Canada, and Germany expressing interest in clinical collaboration for the innovative technology.

    This medical milestone not only saved a young life but has potentially created new therapeutic avenues for children worldwide suffering from end-stage heart failure, demonstrating how targeted innovation can overcome seemingly insurmountable medical challenges.

  • Guizhou’s sour soup makes taste buds zing

    Guizhou’s sour soup makes taste buds zing

    In the culinary landscape of Chinese hotpot traditions, a distinctive sour flavor profile from Guizhou province is capturing national attention and taste buds. Unlike the familiar numbing spiciness of Sichuan hotpot, Guizhou’s signature sour soup hotpot offers a uniquely tangy fermentation-based broth that has evolved from regional specialty to national phenomenon.

    The fermentation process begins in massive earthen jars at production facilities like those operated by Yumeng Group in Kaili, where the traditional preparation methods meet modern demand. This sour soup base has achieved remarkable commercial success, ranking first in both positive reviews and repurchase rates on Tmall’s e-commerce platform as of December 1st.

    Social media platforms, particularly Douyin (China’s version of TikTok), have played a pivotal role in the dish’s popularity explosion. The hashtag “Guizhou sour soup” has amassed over 300 million views, with users sharing restaurant experiences across China and homemade recipe attempts from those seeking to recreate the distinctive flavor after visiting Guizhou.

    The epicenter of this culinary movement remains Kaili, located in the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture, where the aroma of fermentation permeates the air and sour soup establishments range from street stalls to full-service restaurants. The region’s cultural heritage intertwines with its culinary traditions, creating a food experience that transcends mere sustenance to become a cultural ambassador for Guizhou province.

    This growing national appreciation represents how regional Chinese cuisines are gaining wider recognition through digital platforms, transforming local specialties into national trends while maintaining their cultural authenticity and traditional preparation methods.

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

    Turkiye, Hamas discuss 2nd phase of Gaza truce deal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • 8 killed as van carrying kids plunges into pond

    8 killed as van carrying kids plunges into pond

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

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

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

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

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

  • New energy needs amended law

    New energy needs amended law

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

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

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

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

  • UN Security Council members urge deescalation of tensions in Venezuela

    UN Security Council members urge deescalation of tensions in Venezuela

    The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session on Tuesday addressing the rapidly deteriorating situation in Venezuela, with the overwhelming majority of member states urging restraint and adherence to international law. The meeting, requested by Venezuela itself, revealed deep international divisions over U.S. military actions in the region.

    Venezuelan Permanent Representative Samuel Moncada Acosta delivered a forceful condemnation of American foreign policy, characterizing recent U.S. actions as an extension of historical hemispheric dominance. “The ambition is continental,” Acosta asserted, referencing what he described as a modern enactment of the Monroe Doctrine exacerbated by what he termed the “Trump Corollary” in U.S. national security strategy.

    The diplomatic confrontation intensified as Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia denounced American seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers and the imposition of a naval blockade as violations of multiple international legal frameworks. “The illegal U.S. blockade of Venezuela’s coastline is a genuine act of aggression,” Nebenzia stated, warning that Washington’s actions signal a broader pattern of intervention against sovereign nations pursuing independent policies.

    China’s Deputy Permanent Representative Sun Lei joined the criticism, calling for immediate cessation of U.S. campaigns against Venezuela. Sun emphasized that Venezuela’s rights as a sovereign state to develop international cooperation and defend its legitimate interests should receive international respect and support. “China opposes all acts of unilateralism and bullying,” Sun declared, positioning China as a defender of multilateral principles and national sovereignty.

    The emergency session concluded with widespread calls for de-escalation, though no formal resolution was immediately proposed. The meeting highlighted growing international concern that the Venezuela situation could trigger broader regional instability and challenge fundamental principles of international law.

  • Ban on mercury thermometers to take effect soon

    Ban on mercury thermometers to take effect soon

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

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

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

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

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

  • Beijing role in Africa’s green shift draws praise

    Beijing role in Africa’s green shift draws praise

    Two comprehensive studies released by the Africa-China Centre for Policy and Advisory in collaboration with the African Climate Foundation reveal China’s increasingly significant role in advancing sustainable development across Africa. The research, focusing specifically on Ghana and Ethiopia, demonstrates how Chinese partnerships have evolved beyond traditional infrastructure projects to become crucial enablers of green industrialization.

    Through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China has established innovative financing mechanisms that African nations find more adaptable than Western alternatives. These arrangements include concessional loans, grants, and technical assistance packages specifically designed to make renewable energy projects more financially accessible. The $60 billion commitment China made to African investments has already supported notable initiatives such as Ghana’s Hydro-Solar Hybrid plant and numerous industrial zone upgrades promoting eco-friendly manufacturing.

    In Ethiopia, Chinese engagement has been particularly transformative, with $850 million invested in green energy between 2011-2024—making China the nation’s second-largest renewable energy donor after the World Bank Group. Chinese enterprises have contributed to over 2,000 projects valued at approximately $5 billion, generating nearly 600,000 employment opportunities while developing critical infrastructure including railways, telecommunications networks, and power generation facilities.

    The reports acknowledge certain challenges, noting that Ghana’s manufacturing sector receives only a limited portion of green financing and that domestic financial institutions have been slow to adopt climate-conscious lending practices. Ethiopia requires better alignment between FOCAC initiatives and its specific green industrial priorities.

    Despite these hurdles, researchers emphasize the substantial opportunities emerging from Sino-African cooperation. Paul Frimpong, Executive Director of the Africa-China Centre, highlighted the growing urgency among African nations to shape their climate agendas through international partnerships. Sahele T. Fekede of the African Climate Foundation pointed to the potential for African institutions to enhance regulatory frameworks and build technical capacity through collaboration with Chinese partners.

    The assessment concludes that China’s flexible financing models and technological expertise are helping bridge critical funding gaps in Africa’s green transition, which could potentially create 1.2 million new jobs in Ghana alone by 2030 while reducing industrial emissions by 35 percent.