分类： society

In a notable legal case in Michigan, Yunqing Jian, a Chinese scientist, pleaded guilty to smuggling biological materials but avoided additional jail time beyond the five months she had already served. Jian, a 33-year-old temporary researcher at a University of Michigan lab, was arrested in June for conspiring with her boyfriend, Zunyong Liu, to study and cultivate a toxic fungus known as Fusarium graminearum, which can damage crops like wheat, barley, maize, and rice. Liu was apprehended at a Detroit airport in 2024 carrying small samples of the pathogen. Both Jian and Liu had specialized in studying this fungus in China, where it is widely found in U.S. fields under certain weather and growing conditions. However, importing such biological materials into the U.S. without a government permit is illegal, and the university lacked the necessary authorization. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Martin highlighted the potential for ‘devastating harm,’ though he admitted there was no evidence of malicious intent. Roger Innes, an expert from the University of Indiana, reviewed the evidence and concluded there was no risk to U.S. farmers or any intent to create a more dangerous strain. Jian was sentenced to five months in jail, time she had already served, and will be deported. She apologized in court, stating her actions were driven by research pressure rather than harmful intent. The conspiracy charge against her was dropped in exchange for her guilty plea to smuggling and making false statements. Liu, also charged, remains in China and is unlikely to return to the U.S. Jian had previously conducted research at Zhejiang University in China and had been working in Michigan since summer 2023.

Two Israeli soldiers accused of raping a Palestinian detainee were met with applause and cheers as they arrived at the Supreme Court in Jerusalem on Monday. Supporters in the courtroom shouted, “We are all Unit 100,” referencing the military unit to which the suspects belong. Footage shared on social media showed the two men, their faces concealed, embracing each other as some in the room applauded. The hearing focused on a dispute over who should lead the investigation into the leak of a video showing their assault on a Palestinian detainee last year. The case has sparked significant controversy, particularly after revelations implicated the army’s former chief legal adviser, Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, in the leak of the footage to Channel 12. Tomer-Yerushalmi resigned shortly after the scandal broke and was subsequently arrested by Israeli police. A rift has since emerged between Justice Minister Yariv Levin and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara over who should head the probe into the leak. Levin has sought to appoint his own legal adviser, while Baharav-Miara insists the case should remain under the state prosecution’s authority. The two guards are among five members of Unit 100 charged with aggravated assault of a Palestinian prisoner. The leaked video shows several soldiers beating a Palestinian man lying helpless on the ground before dragging him aside and gang-raping him behind riot shields. The detainee was later hospitalized with severe internal injuries and rectal trauma, requiring multiple surgeries. Although the military prosecution initially considered rape charges, they were ultimately dropped from the indictment. The trial of the five guards is being held before a military court. Guards from Unit 100, stationed at the notorious Sde Teiman detention camp, have claimed the investigation against them is a ‘smear campaign.’ One guard told Channel 7, ‘The injustice done to us is obvious to the people of Israel. We came to serve the people and the state with dedication, and now, in these crazy days, we find ourselves defamed by those who were supposed to protect us.’ Last week, one of the suspects’ lawyers argued that the case against them should be dropped, stating, ‘The very least that must be done is to immediately cancel the trial and prosecute all those who took part, turned a blind eye, or lent a hand to this travesty.’ According to the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, Palestinian detainees held in Israeli facilities have been subjected to systematic torture, including rape, forced stripping, filmed assaults, sexual abuse using objects and dogs, and psychological humiliation. Last month, dozens of Palestinian bodies returned by Israel as part of a ceasefire agreement showed signs of abuse and torture, with some originating from Sde Teiman.

In a significant move to safeguard patient rights, the Beijing No. 3 Intermediate People’s Court has ramped up its efforts to combat fraudulent practices within the medical sector. Recent data reveals that from January 2022 to October 2025, the court adjudicated 310 medical-related cases, with 59 specifically addressing consumption fraud in healthcare. These cases predominantly involved for-profit medical institutions offering services such as medical cosmetology, oral health, and health management, where pricing is often unregulated. Vice-President Zhu Ping highlighted the challenges faced by patients, who, as consumers, often pay out-of-pocket without insurance coverage, making them vulnerable to deceptive practices. Common fraudulent activities include falsifying institutional credentials, overstating treatment efficacy, making unrealistic promises, and coercing patients into unnecessary procedures. To address these issues, the court has been rigorously applying the Consumer Rights Protection Law and the Civil Code to identify and penalize fraudulent acts. In a landmark case, a consumer successfully sued an oral medical institution for false advertising and employing unlicensed practitioners, resulting in a court-ordered refund and triple compensation. Zhu emphasized that punitive damages serve to balance the power disparity between consumers and medical institutions, thereby enhancing consumer protection in the healthcare sector.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has been awarded the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Achievement Award in its nineteenth cycle. This prestigious accolade recognizes his decades-long contributions to culture, knowledge, and sustainable development on a global scale. The Award’s Board of Trustees emphasized that Sheikh Mohammed’s career exemplifies a profound commitment to humanity, innovation, and progress. His initiatives have not only transformed the UAE but also inspired communities worldwide. Among his notable achievements is the Arab Reading Challenge, launched in 2015, which has engaged over 163 million students in promoting Arabic literacy. Additionally, the establishment of the Mohammed bin Rashid Library and the Digital School underscores his dedication to fostering education and cultural enrichment. The Board also highlighted his literary works, including ‘My Vision’ and ‘Reflections on Happiness and Positivity,’ which have significantly enriched Arab literature. Sheikh Mohammed’s vision has redefined the role of culture and knowledge in shaping a brighter future, making him a beacon of inspiration across the Arab world and beyond.

In the arid region of Dunhuang, Gansu province, where evaporation rates surpass rainfall by 50 times, a remarkable agricultural transformation is underway. Once considered barren and unsuitable for farming, the land is now flourishing, yielding what locals proudly refer to as ‘golden eggs.’ This dramatic change is attributed to the innovative application of subsurface drip irrigation and organic soil treatment techniques. These methods ensure water is delivered directly to plant roots while simultaneously pushing away harmful salts, revitalizing the soil. The success of the Dunhuang Model stands as a testament to the power of science and perseverance in converting extreme landscapes into productive farmland. This breakthrough not only boosts local agriculture but also offers valuable insights for other regions facing similar environmental challenges.

Hainan Province has officially launched its 2026 Marine Tourism Year with a grand ceremony in Wanning City, marking a significant step in promoting the island’s coastal culture and expanding its marine tourism sector. The event, held at Riyue Bay—a globally acclaimed surfing destination—featured international surfers showcasing Hainan’s pristine beaches and diverse water sports. This initiative aims to bolster Hainan’s marine economy and transition the province’s tourism model from traditional coastal sightseeing to immersive, activity-based experiences. Under the theme ‘Coasts in Hainan, Joys of Journey,’ the 2026 program will introduce 60 high-quality marine tourism products, including tourism projects, water sports, and festivals. Additionally, ten core island-wide itineraries, such as coastal relaxation tours and immersive ocean experiences, are planned. Hainan already boasts a robust coastal infrastructure, including three national-level and three provincial-level resorts, 19 marine-themed scenic areas, 137 seaview lodgings, nine marine culture streets, five nighttime cultural zones, and 14 water sports bases. The campaign targets attracting 18 million marine tourism visitors and generating over 40 billion yuan in revenue by 2027. To assist visitors, a ‘Hainan Marine Tourism Guide (2026)’ was released. The launch ceremony took place at the China Tourism Group Riyue Bay Surf Resort, the country’s first surfing-themed destination. Located along the Hainan Coastal Scenic Highway, the resort integrates a surf park, theme hotels, and a commercial district, offering an all-weather, immersive experience. The resort features China’s first Olympic-standard artificial wave pool, capable of producing 23 different wave types to cater to both beginners and professional surfers. This development aligns with Hainan’s strategic shift toward multidimensional and deep-experience marine tourism, upgrading the product offering from simple sightseeing to a composite format focused on attracting international younger visitors.

In a spectacular celebration of aquatic excellence, Shanghai Ocean University hosted its 19th Crab Culture Festival and the 2025 ‘Wang Bao He Cup’ National River Crab Competition on November 11. The event, which drew nearly 4,000 river crabs from across the nation, culminated in the crowning of a 622.1-gram male crab as the Crab King and a 451.2-gram female crab as the Crab Queen. Experts noted that this year’s hairy crabs were notably larger in size, with a stable yield, reflecting favorable breeding conditions. The festival, a blend of cultural heritage and ecological awareness, showcased the intricate beauty and significance of river crabs in Chinese cuisine and tradition. Attendees were treated to a comprehensive ‘beauty contest’ where crabs were judged on various criteria, including size, health, and overall appearance. The event not only highlighted the ecological achievements in crab farming but also served as a platform for promoting sustainable practices in the industry.

Kazakhstan’s lower house of parliament has passed a controversial bill aimed at prohibiting what authorities describe as the ‘propaganda’ of LGBTQ+ relations. The legislation, approved on Wednesday, has drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates, who argue it will further marginalize the country’s LGBTQ+ community. According to an official statement, the bill seeks to ‘protect children from content deemed harmful to their health and development.’ It explicitly bans the dissemination of information promoting non-traditional sexual orientations or pedophilia through public channels, media, telecommunications networks, and online platforms. Deputy Culture Minister Evgeny Kochetov clarified that any public endorsement of LGBTQ+ identities would be classified as ‘propaganda,’ including statements suggesting that being LGBTQ+ is preferable to being heterosexual. Content related to LGBTQ+ issues, such as books or films, that does not contain such messaging will be restricted to audiences aged 18 and above. Violators of the law face severe penalties, including hefty fines or imprisonment. The bill now awaits approval from the Senate and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who has emphasized the importance of upholding ‘traditional values’ in the predominantly Muslim nation. Critics, including Kazakhstani LGBTQ+ group Queer.KZ and international organizations like Human Rights Watch, have condemned the legislation, warning it violates fundamental human rights and exacerbates the vulnerability of LGBTQ+ individuals. Despite Kazakhstan’s decriminalization of homosexuality in 1998 and allowance for gender marker changes in 2003, the country lacks anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, who often face violence, threats, and systemic discrimination.