Global Pulse

分类： society

  • Analysis: China’s birth-rate struggles underscore its millennia-long struggle to manage ‘the masses’

    Analysis: China’s birth-rate struggles underscore its millennia-long struggle to manage ‘the masses’

    China confronts an unprecedented demographic challenge as newly released data reveals its population has entered a period of historical decline, dropping by 3 million to 1.404 billion people. This development marks the lowest birth rate recorded since the establishment of the People’s Republic in 1949, signaling a critical juncture in the nation’s millennia-long struggle with population management.

    The current situation represents a dramatic reversal from decades of restrictive population control measures. The notorious one-child policy, implemented in 1980 to curb rapid population growth, has yielded unintended consequences that continue to reverberate through Chinese society. This policy not only created a disproportionate aging population but also triggered severe social distortions including gender imbalance, the emergence of single-child ‘little emperors’ in urban households, and widespread loneliness among elderly citizens separated from their geographically dispersed children.

    President Xi Jinping has revitalized ancient cultural precepts that equate population strength with national power, describing China’s people as a ‘great wall of steel.’ This philosophical shift accompanies practical policy changes including tax exemptions for condoms, daycare centers, and matchmaking services. The government’s current five-year development plan explicitly aims to cultivate positive attitudes toward marriage and childbearing while implementing financial incentives to reduce the costs associated with raising children.

    The demographic transition occurs against an increasingly competitive international backdrop, with India having surpassed China as the world’s most populous nation in 2023. This development carries significant implications for China’s geopolitical standing and its aspirations to lead the Global South. As contemporary China grapples with the complex legacy of its population policies, the nation faces fundamental questions about how traditional values can coexist with modern realities in shaping its demographic future.

  • Exhibition highlights American youth voices

    Exhibition highlights American youth voices

    SAN FRANCISCO—An extraordinary collection of artistic works created by American high school students during their cultural immersion trips to China is now captivating audiences at the Cupertino City Library. The exhibition, titled “China in the Eyes of Americans,” showcases photography, sketches, and personal narratives from 21 students who explored China’s Hubei province during the summers of 2024 and 2025.

    Organized by the US-China Culture and Communication Association in collaboration with the Youth Horizon Culture Connection Association, the exhibition represents a unique cross-cultural initiative. The participating students, primarily from California with additional representation from Florida and Tennessee, documented their journeys through Wuhan, Enshi, Xiaogan, and surrounding regions, capturing both iconic landscapes and everyday moments of Chinese life.

    Chloe Xiao, a California high school sophomore and founder of the Youth Horizon association, emphasized the transformative nature of the experience. “In Enshi, we wore traditional Tujia attire, gaining firsthand appreciation for the elegance and rich heritage of Tujia culture,” she recalled, describing the silver hair ornaments and complete costumes as “gorgeous.”

    The exhibition reveals diverse perspectives through different artistic mediums. Jasmine White, a senior from Carlmont High School, focused her photographic work on Hubei’s bridges, particularly the Yingwuzhou Yangtze River Bridge. “This trip taught me the significance of bridges in China—they represent connection: linking people, communities, and cultures across generations,” White explained.

    For many participants, the human connections formed during their travels proved most meaningful. Benjamin Li, a sophomore from Florida, described bonding with Chinese university students from ethnic minority backgrounds in Enshi. “We laughed, played games, and had fun together,” he shared. “It made my summer unforgettable.”

    Aiden Wei Tanner from San Jose contrasted his China experience with previous European travels, noting, “Those cities in Europe feel distinctly foreign. China is different—I felt part of the culture rather than an outsider.” This sense of belonging influenced how he photographed everyday life in Hubei, capturing images of store owners, students, and strangers alike.

    Beyond cultural immersion, students also gained practical benefits. Iris Zhu, a California freshman, reported significant improvement in her Chinese language skills, while all participants gained insights rarely accessible to most foreigners.

    Song Min, president of UCCA, initiated the program six years ago to foster connections between American and Chinese youth. “When young people start to listen to their peers and learn from each other, great things will happen,” Song stated, emphasizing that these American students serve as “practitioners of cross-cultural communication” rather than mere observers.

    The exhibition continues through January at the Cupertino library, offering Bay Area residents a rare glimpse of China through the authentic perspectives of American youth.

  • Surfer bitten in 4th shark attack off Australia’s east coast in 3 days

    Surfer bitten in 4th shark attack off Australia’s east coast in 3 days

    A series of shark encounters along Australia’s New South Wales coastline has resulted in multiple injuries and prompted extensive beach closures. The latest incident occurred Tuesday morning at Point Plomer, approximately 460 kilometers north of Sydney, where a 39-year-old surfer sustained minor injuries after a shark attacked his surfboard.

    According to Matt Worrall, captain of the Kempsey-Crescent Head Surf Life Saving Club, the surfboard absorbed the majority of the impact. ‘He made his own way into shore where he was assisted by locals,’ Worrall reported to Australian Broadcasting Corp. The victim was transported to hospital by bystanders and later discharged.

    This incident marks the fourth shark encounter in the region within a three-day period. The previous attacks included:

    – A 12-year-old boy who suffered severe injuries after jumping from a 6-meter ledge at Shark Beach within Sydney Harbor on Sunday. Reports indicate the boy may have lost both legs in the attack, with friends credited for saving his life by dragging him to safety.
    – An 11-year-old boy whose surfboard was bitten at Dee Why Beach on Monday, though he escaped unharmed.
    – A surfer in his 20s who was critically injured after being bitten on the leg at North Steyne Beach Monday evening.

    Authorities have responded by closing beaches indefinitely along the northern coast of New South Wales and deploying electronic drumlines off the Sydney coast to detect shark activity. Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steve Pearce warned that recent rainfall has created murky water conditions particularly conducive to bull shark activity, the species responsible for most attacks around Sydney.

    ‘If you’re thinking about going for a swim, just go to a local pool because at this stage, we’re advising that beaches are unsafe,’ Pearce stated. The latest attack occurred in an isolated area without protective shark netting, raising questions about the effectiveness of current safety measures.

  • Shark bites surfer in Australian state’s fourth attack in 48 hours

    Shark bites surfer in Australian state’s fourth attack in 48 hours

    Australian authorities have issued urgent warnings for swimmers and surfers to avoid coastal waters following an alarming series of shark encounters along New South Wales’ coastline. The most recent incident occurred Tuesday when a surfer sustained minor injuries from a suspected bull shark bite on the Mid North Coast, marking the fourth such attack within a 48-hour period.

    The concerning pattern began Sunday afternoon when a 12-year-old boy suffered severe lower limb injuries while swimming in Sydney Harbour. Police Superintendent Joseph McNulty described the scene as ‘horrendous’ and confirmed the child remains in critical condition. On Monday, two separate incidents occurred on Sydney’s northern beaches: one surfer sustained critical leg injuries at Manly Beach, while an 11-year-old boy narrowly escaped harm when a shark damaged his surfboard just north of the area.

    Marine scientists attribute this unusual spike in shark activity to recent heavy rainfall patterns. Professor Culum Brown of Macquarie University explained that bull sharks are particularly drawn to freshwater outlets where rivers meet the ocean, following prey species that get washed downstream. ‘The incredible rainfall we’ve experienced creates ideal feeding conditions for sharks as they pursue fish and other organic matter flowing from inland waterways,’ Brown stated.

    All northern Sydney beaches remain closed indefinitely as authorities monitor the situation. Surf Life Saving New South Wales continues to emphasize the importance of heeding safety warnings until water conditions normalize and shark activity decreases.

  • AFL great Nicky Winmar to fight assault allegations at August hearing

    AFL great Nicky Winmar to fight assault allegations at August hearing

    Australian Football League icon Nicky Winmar is preparing to formally contest serious criminal allegations in a Melbourne court. The former St Kilda champion faces charges of assault and choking stemming from an incident alleged to have occurred on July 18 of last year.

    Winmar appeared remotely via video link before Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday, where his legal representative, prominent barrister Dermott Dann KC, indicated the 60-year-old would dispute all allegations. The court has scheduled a comprehensive hearing to examine the evidence, set to occur approximately eight months from now.

    The specific charges include two counts of assault and one count of unlawfully choking, strangling or suffocating another person without legal justification. These charges were formally filed against Winmar on July 19, 2023, following police investigation into the alleged altercation.

    Beyond his current legal challenges, Winmar remains celebrated for his groundbreaking 251-game AFL career spanning twelve seasons, during which he earned All Australian honors twice. His legacy extends beyond athletic achievement to social significance—his iconic stance against racial abuse during a 1993 match was permanently commemorated with a bronze statue outside Perth’s Optus Stadium.

    The court has scheduled Winmar’s next appearance for August 11 as proceedings continue to develop.

  • Spain mourns as train crash toll rises to 40

    Spain mourns as train crash toll rises to 40

    Spain has entered a three-day period of national mourning following the country’s deadliest rail disaster in a decade, which claimed 40 lives after two high-speed trains collided near Adamuz in the southern Andalusia region on Sunday evening.

    The catastrophic incident occurred when an Iryo-operated train traveling from Malaga to Madrid inexplicably derailed and crossed onto the adjacent track, colliding with an oncoming Renfe service headed to Huelva. The impact caused both trains to derail, resulting in widespread devastation and over 120 injuries, with 41 passengers remaining hospitalized in Córdoba.

    Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited the accident site on Monday, declaring the tragedy ‘a day of sorrow for all of Spain’ and promising a thorough investigation with ‘absolute transparency.’ Rescue operations continued throughout Monday as heavy machinery was deployed to lift severely damaged carriages and improve access for emergency teams.

    Transport officials have described the accident as ‘extremely strange’ given the circumstances. Unlike the 2013 Santiago de Compostela disaster that claimed 80 lives, this derailment occurred on a straight section of recently renovated track, with both trains traveling within the speed limit of 250 km/h (approximately 200 km/h at the time of impact).

    Rail operators and government authorities have largely ruled out human error and speeding as potential causes. Iryo confirmed their locomotive was manufactured in 2022 and underwent inspection just three days before the accident. Renfe President Álvaro Fernández Heredia suggested the investigation should focus on either Iryo’s rolling stock or infrastructure issues.

    As the nation grieves, relatives of missing passengers have turned to social media to share photographs and seek information about their loved ones. Local residents of Adamuz immediately mobilized support efforts, bringing water, blankets, and supplies to the town hall following news of the tragedy.

    The incident has drawn international condolences, including messages from Pope Francis and French President Emmanuel Macron, while raising questions about the safety of Spain’s extensive high-speed rail network—the largest in Europe, spanning over 3,000 kilometers of dedicated tracks connecting major cities.

  • Sharjah Ruler announces new Al Ashkal neighbourhood in Khorfakkan

    Sharjah Ruler announces new Al Ashkal neighbourhood in Khorfakkan

    In a significant urban development announcement, His Highness Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has revealed plans for a new residential neighborhood in the eastern coastal city of Khorfakkan. The project, named ‘Al Ashkal Neighborhood,’ will be situated within the Jabal Al Ashkal mountainous terrain near the Khorfakkan Club for the Disabled.

    The development represents a strategic expansion of housing options in the region, featuring hundreds of distinctive mountain-oriented residences that will offer architectural and lifestyle features contrasting with traditional sea-view properties. The announcement, made on January 19, 2026, addresses growing concerns about residential land availability in the rapidly developing city.

    Complementing the residential development, infrastructure improvements include the paving of the roadway connecting to Al Rafisa area, enhancing accessibility throughout the region. The Ruler specifically addressed housing security concerns, noting that despite perceptions of exhausted residential capacity in the Al Harrā’ zone, substantial construction continues with 270 homes currently underway across two groupings. This includes 120 units in Al Madhifī, where construction sites have already been transferred to the Housing Department for development.

    The project demonstrates Sharjah’s commitment to diversified urban planning that incorporates varied terrain and caters to different residential preferences while maintaining sustainable expansion practices.

  • Goodbye gator, see you later: San Francisco mourns its beloved albino alligator

    Goodbye gator, see you later: San Francisco mourns its beloved albino alligator

    SAN FRANCISCO – The California Academy of Sciences hosted an extraordinary memorial Sunday as hundreds gathered to celebrate Claude, the city’s beloved albino alligator who passed away in December at age 30. The unique celebration featured a New Orleans-style brass band, an eight-foot-long gator-shaped sourdough bread, drag queen story time, and the official designation of “Claude the Alligator Way” on a street near his former home.

    Claude, who measured 10 feet long and weighed 300 pounds, captivated millions of visitors during his 17-year residency at the academy with his distinctive pink eyes and rare albinism. While typically a quiet resident of the swamp exhibit, Claude gained particular notoriety for an incident involving a 12-year-old girl’s ballet shoe, which he successfully snatched and consumed during a public viewing.

    “It’s no small feat to get a shoe out of an alligator,” recalled Bart Shepherd of the California Academy of Sciences, describing the complex extraction operation that required anesthesia, specialized tools, and multiple veterinary staff – all while a fire alarm blared throughout the building.

    Beyond his occasional mischief, Claude emerged as an unexpected symbol of San Francisco values. “He embodied something that we think of as a really San Francisco ideal, which is not just accepting but welcoming people for their differences,” said Jeanette Peach, the academy’s communications director. His rare genetic condition provided visibility for those who feel like outcasts, demonstrating that differences can be celebrated rather than hidden.

    The reptile, who hatched in 1995 at a Louisiana alligator farm before moving to San Francisco in 2008, delighted approximately 22 million visitors during his lifetime. Since his passing from liver cancer, the academy has received thousands of letters from grieving fans expressing how Claude inspired them to embrace their uniqueness.

    Senior veterinarian Lana Krol noted that among all alligators she has worked with, Claude “struck me as the most laidback of them all.” His legacy continues as an ambassador animal who successfully connected people with nature and science while teaching valuable lessons about acceptance and inclusion.

  • Dubai’s RTA handles over 104,000 lost property reports in taxis during 2025

    Dubai’s RTA handles over 104,000 lost property reports in taxis during 2025

    Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has demonstrated remarkable efficiency in handling lost property, processing an astounding 104,162 reports of items left behind in taxis throughout 2025. The comprehensive recovery operation yielded impressive results, including over Dh2 million in cash, approximately 35,000 electronic devices, and around 3,000 passports and official documents alongside valuable personal belongings.

    Meera Al Shaikh, Director of Customer Happiness at RTA’s Corporate Administrative Support Services Sector, emphasized the organization’s customer-centric approach, stating that strategic goals prioritize passenger satisfaction. The success of this initiative stems from a sophisticated framework featuring specialized teams and seamless integration between call centers, taxi companies, and drivers, all supported by advanced smart technology systems.

    The authority has implemented multiple streamlined reporting channels to facilitate easy property recovery. Traditional call centers handled 56% of reports, while digital solutions gained significant traction: smart applications accounted for 10.8% of cases, and the text-based chat service with virtual agent Mahboub processed 30.8% of reports. The multilingual call center operates in Arabic, English, Hindi, Filipino, French, Chinese, Russian, and other languages to accommodate Dubai’s diverse population.

    Technological advancements have revolutionized the recovery process, enabling precise taxi tracking, rapid driver communication, and dedicated platforms for documentation and monitoring. The system guarantees swift response times, with most customers contacted within two hours of reporting. Clear procedures ensure proper identity verification, privacy protection, and secure return of belongings.

    The initiative has generated substantial public appreciation, with the call center receiving over 30 thank-you messages during 2025. Numerous taxi drivers were formally recognized for their honesty and prompt handling of recovered items, reflecting strong values of integrity and responsibility within Dubai’s transportation network.

  • Surfer injured in fourth shark attack in New South Wales in 48 hours

    Surfer injured in fourth shark attack in New South Wales in 48 hours

    Australia’s New South Wales coastline has become the scene of a concerning pattern of shark encounters, with four separate incidents recorded within a mere 48-hour period. The latest attack occurred Tuesday morning near Crescent Head, where a 39-year-old surfer sustained minor injuries after a shark bit through his board. This follows three previous incidents: a young surfer’s narrow escape at Dee Why Beach on Monday, a severe attack at Manly that left a 27-year-old with life-altering injuries, and a critical incident on Sunday where a 12-year-old boy was seriously wounded at a popular Sydney Harbour beach.

    Marine experts attribute this unusual cluster of attacks to recent heavy rainfall that has transformed NSW waterways into nutrient-rich environments, attracting sharks closer to shore. Authorities have identified bull sharks as likely perpetrators in several cases. According to the Australian Museum, bull sharks—capable of thriving in both fresh and saltwater—rank as the third deadliest shark species globally.

    Despite Australia’s reputation as a global hotspot for shark encounters, statistical probabilities remain extremely low. However, police have issued formal advisories urging the public to avoid waterways due to compromised water quality and reduced visibility following recent weather conditions. Superintendent Joseph McNulty emphasized the heightened risk, particularly in harbor and river systems across NSW.

    All victims have received medical attention, with the most recent surfer reported in stable condition at a local hospital. The incident near Point Plomer campground, approximately 450 kilometers north of Sydney, underscores the widespread nature of these occurrences along the NSW coastline.