Global Pulse

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  • US Congress faces heat to end funding shutdown

    US Congress faces heat to end funding shutdown

    WASHINGTON — A critical funding impasse over immigration enforcement policies has plunged the United States Congress into a severe crisis, with the 41-day government shutdown now threatening to paralyze the nation’s aviation security apparatus. The stalemate, which has left Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees working without pay since mid-February, is escalating toward potential airport closures as absentee rates among unpaid screeners reach critical levels.

    Legislative efforts to break the deadlock appeared destined for failure on Thursday. Senate Republicans proposed funding the TSA and most Department of Homeland Security operations while deliberately excluding resources for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) removal operations. Democrats immediately rejected the measure as insufficient, demanding additional constraints on immigration enforcement agencies.

    The human toll of the political standoff was starkly illustrated during Wednesday’s House hearing, where acting TSA administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill described federal employees facing eviction notices, mounting debt, and even resorting to plasma donation to cover basic expenses. ‘This is a dire situation,’ McNeill testified, revealing that nationwide callout rates had surged to 11% as financially strained employees skip work.

    The administrator issued an unprecedented warning that the agency may soon face ‘very difficult choices’ about which airports to keep operational if the situation deteriorates further. The funding expiration on February 13 has created the longest homeland security funding gap in modern history, coinciding with Congress’s planned spring recess that begins this weekend.

    Political recriminations have intensified as travel disruptions mount. Former President Donald Trump accused Democrats of wanting ‘our country to fail’ in a social media post, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer countered that Republicans had ‘blocked TSA funding nine times’ and were ‘solely responsible for the chaos.’

    The fundamental disagreement stems from Democratic demands for immigration enforcement reforms following the January fatal shootings of two citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis. Republicans have repeatedly rejected these demands, creating a policy chasm that shows no signs of narrowing despite the escalating consequences for national security and transportation infrastructure.

  • Macao environmental cooperation forum, exhibition eye global collaboration

    Macao environmental cooperation forum, exhibition eye global collaboration

    MACAU – The 2026 Macao International Environmental Cooperation Forum and Exhibition (MIECF) commenced its proceedings on Thursday at the Cotai Expo, marking a significant stride in global environmental collaboration. Under the theme “Low-Carbon, Zero Waste Cities: Embarking on a Global Collaboration,” the event is orchestrated by the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government and will continue through Saturday.

    The forum serves as a multifaceted platform integrating professional conferences, technological exhibitions, thematic matching sessions, and green networking activities, culminating in a public engagement day. This initiative solidifies Macao’s strategic positioning as a regional nexus for environmental dialogue and sustainable partnership development.

    Representing the SAR’s Chief Executive, Secretary for Economy and Finance Tai Kin Ip emphasized the event’s dual purpose during the opening ceremony. “The 2026 MIECF transcends technological exhibition to create substantive opportunities for deepened cooperation and mutual achievement,” he stated. The Secretary further articulated the government’s commitment to economic diversification while collaborating with community stakeholders to transform Macao into an environmentally sustainable, livable destination for both residents and international visitors.

    This year’s exhibition spans an impressive 12,000 square meters, featuring over 350 exhibitors representing 12 countries and regions, with international participants constituting 20% of the total showcase.

    Among the innovative solutions presented, Shawn Cheng, principal strategist of the Endeavour Environmental Education Foundation Limited, demonstrated the groundbreaking “Artificial Smart Floating Wetlands” system. This technology, developed by research teams at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, utilizes hydroponic plants on floating platforms to simultaneously purify water ecosystems and enhance wildlife habitats.

    Cheng expressed ambitions to leverage the Macao platform for mainland market connections, noting: “Having successfully implemented this project in Hong Kong, we are seeking collaborative partnerships with environmental technology counterparts in Zhongshan and Zhuhai within Guangdong Province.”

  • UN humanitarians say civilian casualties mount in Iran, Lebanon

    UN humanitarians say civilian casualties mount in Iran, Lebanon

    United Nations humanitarian agencies have issued a grave assessment of escalating civilian suffering across multiple Middle Eastern conflict zones, with particularly severe conditions reported in Iran and Lebanon. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), civilian casualties continue to mount amid ongoing hostilities.

    In Iran, the humanitarian impact has spread across widespread regions, with casualties reported in at least 20 of the country’s 31 provinces. Tehran and Hormozgan provinces have experienced the most severe impact according to official data. The Iranian Ministry of Health has documented approximately 23,000 casualties resulting from recent conflicts, including particularly vulnerable groups with 1,801 children and 4,150 women among the victims. The healthcare system itself has suffered significant losses, reporting 23 fatalities and 112 injuries among medical personnel.

    Humanitarian workers face extreme danger in their response efforts. The Iranian Red Crescent Society confirmed one relief worker death and 14 injuries among their personnel. The conflict has triggered substantial population displacement as civilians seek safety, further exacerbating vulnerabilities and disrupting access to essential services, basic support systems, and livelihoods.

    The displacement crisis extends beyond national borders. UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) data indicates more than 33,300 Iranians have returned from Türkiye since hostilities escalated on February 28, while approximately 36,000 people have returned to Afghanistan.

    Meanwhile, Lebanon faces its own devastating humanitarian emergency. The country’s Ministry of Public Health has recorded 1,094 fatalities and over 3,000 injuries. The conflict has displaced more than one million people, with displacement orders continuing to affect vulnerable populations. Healthcare infrastructure has been severely compromised, with the World Health Organization documenting 77 attacks on medical workers resulting in 53 deaths and 117 injuries. At least 50 primary healthcare centers and five hospitals have closed due to security concerns, while nine hospitals and four primary care facilities have sustained damage.

    In Gaza, already strained humanitarian conditions have deteriorated further due to heavy rainfall that has damaged shelters and belongings of displaced families. OCHA reports at least 120 families have experienced flooding, destruction, or damage to their temporary shelters since Wednesday. Relief operations face multiple obstructions including import restrictions on critical items and supply chain disruptions.

    The UN humanitarian office expressed particular concern about civilian protection, noting that a recent airstrike in Deir al Balah destroyed 15 shelters and damaged 30 others at a displacement site. OCHA emphasized that ‘residential areas should be protected; this includes avoiding placing military objects in or near them — and respecting the prohibition on indiscriminate attacks.’

  • Top Oscar films reflect a divided America

    Top Oscar films reflect a divided America

    The 2026 Academy Awards ceremony transcended its traditional role as a celebration of cinematic excellence, instead revealing itself as a cultural barometer for the profound social and ideological fractures within contemporary American society. This year’s most honored productions, particularly the Best Picture winner ‘One Battle After Another’ and its formidable competitor ‘Sinners,’ dominated both the awards landscape and the ensuing national discourse, despite their markedly different artistic approaches.

    Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and drawing inspiration from Thomas Pynchon’s novel ‘Vineland,’ ‘One Battle After Another’ explores activism, generational conflict, and clashing worldviews through a lens of political satire. Rather than advocating for any specific ideological position, the film presents a critical examination of polarization itself, portraying both progressive activists and conservative figures with nuanced ambiguity. Its narrative resonates with current American debates while simultaneously satirizing the very nature of these divisions.

    In contrast, ‘Sinners’ employs Gothic horror elements and supernatural imagery to explore how historical memory continues to shape contemporary identity formation. Veteran producer Andre Morgan praised the film’s sophisticated storytelling, noting how it transforms from a surface narrative about Black entrepreneurship into a profound meditation on symbolism and collective memory.

    Academic perspectives suggest these thematic preoccupations represent continuity rather than departure in American cinema. Professor Stanley Rosen of the USC US-China Institute observes that concerns about ‘race, identity, social divisions, and institutional power’ have consistently appeared in American films across decades, citing earlier works like Ryan Coogler’s ‘Fruitvale Station’ (2013) and Anderson’s own filmography including ‘There Will Be Blood’ (2007) as evidence of this enduring tradition.

    Industry professionals note a significant shift in audience preferences, with veteran producer Andre Morgan observing a decline in dystopian narratives as fictional depictions increasingly converge with reality. ‘The closer those stories get to reality,’ Morgan noted, ‘the less people are interested in being entertained by them.’ This suggests contemporary audiences seek not escapism but reflection in their cinematic experiences.

    The two films ultimately offer complementary perspectives on American division: one presenting conflict as immediate and politically visible, the other framing it as historically embedded within identity formation. Their simultaneous recognition at the Oscars indicates that these cultural conversations remain not only relevant but urgent, reflecting a society where consensus becomes increasingly elusive and polarization emerges as a defining characteristic of national life.

  • Martina Sicuso: A Chinese connection rooted in characters

    Martina Sicuso: A Chinese connection rooted in characters

    At the prestigious 2026 China Internet Media Forum in Zhengzhou, Henan province, Italian content creator Martina Sicuso emerges as a compelling voice in cross-cultural storytelling. The thematic forum “Telling Story Well: From Empathetic Communication to Cultural Identity” on March 28th will feature Sicuso among distinguished global creators sharing transformative experiences with Chinese culture.

    Sicuso’s journey with China began unexpectedly during her final year of high school in Italy. At just 17, seeking academic improvement, she enrolled in an afternoon Chinese language course that would ultimately redirect her life’s path. The revelation came through Chinese characters—their pictographic nature captivated her imagination. “The character ‘山’ (mountain) visually resembles actual mountain peaks. I thought Chinese was amazing,” Sicuso recalls of her initial encounter.

    This linguistic fascination evolved into scholarly pursuit. Over the subsequent six years, Sicuso dedicated herself to mastering oriental languages, earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees while developing her popular social media presence as “Yang Friend.” Her digital platform now serves as a cultural bridge, translating her academic insights into accessible content that demystifies Chinese language and culture for international audiences.

    The Zhengzhou forum represents a significant moment in China’s soft power diplomacy, highlighting how foreign voices can foster genuine cultural appreciation. Sicuso’s story exemplifies how empathetic communication—beginning with something as fundamental as character recognition—can grow into profound cultural identity and mutual understanding between civilizations.

  • Two infectious diseases added to Category B for close monitoring

    Two infectious diseases added to Category B for close monitoring

    China’s National Health Commission has announced the reclassification of two viral diseases—chikungunya fever and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS)—as Category B infectious diseases effective April 1. This strategic move enhances national monitoring protocols and mandates standardized reporting mechanisms across healthcare institutions.

    The designation places both diseases under China’s rigorous infectious disease management framework, which requires coordinated prevention measures and immediate case reporting to public health authorities. While not subject to the extreme containment protocols of Category A diseases like plague and cholera, Category B status places chikungunya and SFTS alongside COVID-19, AIDS, and viral hepatitis in surveillance priority.

    Chikungunya fever, transmitted primarily through Aedes mosquito bites, causes high fever, severe joint pain, and skin rashes. Since its initial importation to China in 2008, the country has experienced periodic outbreaks, with several provinces reporting localized transmission clusters in 2025 linked to international travel.

    SFTS presents different epidemiological challenges as a tick-borne illness prevalent in rural mountainous regions. Characterized by fever, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia, the disease first emerged in China in 2009 and remains endemic in areas with established tick populations.

    Health authorities express particular concern about chikungunya’s transmission potential. Liu Qing, deputy director of infectious disease control at the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, warned that 2026 brings elevated risks for local outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases due to increased international travel and expanding mosquito habitats driven by climate change.

    The reclassification enables enhanced surveillance capabilities through China’s national infectious disease intelligent monitoring system, which employs advanced algorithms to detect potential outbreaks. Additional measures include public education campaigns, intensified environmental sanitation programs targeting mosquito breeding grounds, and improved diagnostic protocols.

    For SFTS prevention, health experts recommend protective clothing and insect repellent in endemic areas. Liu Qiyong, chief vector-borne disease expert at China CDC, emphasized proper tick removal techniques and urged immediate medical attention for any post-bite fever symptoms.

  • China warns against Japan’s neo-militarism

    China warns against Japan’s neo-militarism

    China’s Defense Ministry has issued a stern condemnation of a serious security breach at its Tokyo embassy, characterizing the incident as symptomatic of Japan’s dangerous drift toward neo-militarism and far-right extremism. The diplomatic violation occurred when an active-duty officer from Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force illegally entered the Chinese embassy compound on Tuesday, reportedly making death threats against diplomatic personnel.

    Defense Ministry spokesman Jiang Bin addressed the incident during a regular press briefing on Thursday, identifying the perpetrator as Kodai Murata, who has since been transferred to prosecutors by Tokyo’s Metropolitan Police Department. Jiang demanded Japan conduct immediate and thorough investigations while implementing appropriate punishments for the officer’s actions.

    The embassy intrusion forms part of a broader pattern of concerning developments that Beijing claims demonstrate Japan’s accelerating rightward shift. Jiang highlighted several alarming trends, including Japan’s ongoing revision of national security documents, expansion of offensive military capabilities, and even discussions about potentially acquiring nuclear weapons.

    These developments coincide with Japan’s recent major organizational overhaul of its Self-Defense Forces, which included restructuring maritime forces, expanding space units, and establishing new intelligence capabilities. Additionally, Japan’s recent acquisition of battlefield cruise missiles from the United States signals growing military ambitions that extend beyond defensive purposes.

    Jiang specifically responded to recent statements by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who characterized the regional security environment as the most complex since World War II, citing military developments in China and North Korea, plus cooperation between Russia, China, and the DPRK. Takaichi emphasized Japan’s need to prepare for “new fighting styles” involving advanced drone warfare and prolonged conflicts.

    The Chinese spokesman rejected these justifications as “groundless and ill-intentioned,” accusing Japan of using external threats to divert domestic tensions, mislead the international community, and advance remilitarization agendas. Jiang emphasized that Japan has yet to fully reckon with its history of aggression against neighboring nations.

    China now calls upon the international community to unite against what it terms Japan’s “dangerous moves” that threaten regional peace and stability. The Chinese defense spokesman urged peace-loving nations worldwide to curb the resurgence of neo-militarism in Japan and safeguard regional security along with people’s wellbeing.

  • Consumers find taste for Tongren matcha

    Consumers find taste for Tongren matcha

    Nestled within the mountainous terrain of Southwest China’s Guizhou province, Tongren has emerged as the nation’s premier matcha production hub, transforming regional agriculture and captivating international markets with its premium green tea powder. The region’s distinctive tea terraces, meticulously maintained across rolling hills, undergo specialized cultivation techniques that distinguish Tongren matcha from conventional green teas.

    During critical growth periods, tea gardens are shrouded in black netting to filter sunlight—an agricultural practice that chemically alters the leaves by enhancing their chlorophyll content and boosting the production of theanine. This amino acid not only reduces bitterness but also creates matcha’s signature umami flavor profile and relaxing properties. Following harvest by specialized machinery, leaves undergo steaming and precision grinding processes to achieve the fine powder consistency coveted by global consumers.

    Recent data from Tongren’s Investment Promotion Bureau reveals remarkable commercial success: export networks now span 54 countries and regions including Japan, European markets, and the United States. Domestic and international markets feature an expanding array of Tongren matcha products ranging from traditional tea to innovative applications in confectionery, baked goods, and even craft beer.

    The sector has demonstrated explosive growth, with sales volume surging from 500 metric tons in 2022 to 2,400 tons last year—a nearly fivefold increase. Revenue simultaneously expanded from 190 million yuan ($27.57 million) to 480 million yuan, establishing Tongren as China’s undisputed matcha production leader. This agricultural transformation aligns with President Xi Jinping’s March 2025 directive emphasizing development of modern, efficient mountain agriculture with distinctive characteristics and sustainable market competitiveness.

    Beyond economic metrics, the matcha boom has generated profound social impact. In Luoxiang village, where annual per capita income once languished below 2,000 yuan, 96 households now participate in the tea industry. The most successful households manage 7.2 hectares and achieve annual incomes exceeding 400,000 yuan. Ecologically, tea cultivation has rehabilitated previously barren hillsides, reducing soil erosion by approximately 80% while creating greener landscapes.

    The industry’s ripple effects extend across seven Tongren counties, elevating incomes for approximately 110,000 residents. This comprehensive revitalization of traditional agriculture through technological innovation and market-oriented strategy demonstrates how regional specialties can drive sustainable development in mountainous regions.

  • Shiziyang bridge takes shape, showcasing innovative designs

    Shiziyang bridge takes shape, showcasing innovative designs

    China’s ambitious Shiziyang Bridge project has reached a critical construction milestone with the completion of its twin 342-meter main towers, marking significant advancement in the infrastructure development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. This engineering marvel forms the centerpiece of the 35-kilometer Shiziyang Link, strategically connecting Guangzhou’s Nansha district with Dongguan’s Shatian and Humen townships across the Pearl River estuary.

    The bridge represents a paradigm shift in suspension bridge technology, incorporating groundbreaking innovations that address complex challenges including dense waterways and limited cross-river passage resources. Its revolutionary design features a double-deck configuration accommodating 16 traffic lanes and a record-setting 2,180-meter main span that clears the river in a single leap.

    Engineering breakthroughs extend to the tower construction, where developers implemented a novel steel plate-concrete composite structure that reduces wall thickness by 50% and decreases concrete usage by 43% compared to conventional designs. This innovation alone reduces carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 53,000 tons while significantly enhancing structural stability under the immense pressure of over 200,000 metric tons.

    The project has pioneered large-scale application of C80 high-strength concrete, capable of withstanding 8,000 tons of pressure per square meter. Construction teams overcame substantial technical challenges, including managing hydration heat effects during massive pours exceeding 300 cubic meters. Through extensive research, engineers developed an advanced air-cooled aggregate system and intelligent pouring platform featuring automated temperature measurement, flow adjustment, and precision vibration positioning.

    According to project officials, the Shiziyang Bridge is poised to establish five world records for double-deck suspension bridges upon completion, spanning main span length, lane capacity, tower height, anchor diameter, and main cable dimensions. The project has generated comprehensive technological standards for ultra-long-span suspension bridges, significantly advancing China’s capabilities in mega-infrastructure development.

    With tower construction completed, the project now advances to the superstructure phase, with cable saddle installation and catwalk construction preparations underway. Project planners anticipate implementing the pilot cable crossing operation during the latter half of this year.

  • 5 Hong Kong university subjects rank top 10 globally

    5 Hong Kong university subjects rank top 10 globally

    Hong Kong’s higher education institutions have demonstrated world-class academic prowess by securing five subject rankings within the global top 10 in the recently published Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject 2026. This achievement underscores the city’s growing reputation as an educational hub of international significance.

    The University of Hong Kong continues to excel in dental education, maintaining its prestigious second-place position worldwide, while its education program has achieved an impressive fifth-place ranking. Meanwhile, The Chinese University of Hong Kong has distinguished itself in healthcare education, with its nursing program securing sixth position globally.

    Two institutions particularly stood out for their remarkable advancement in the rankings. The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) witnessed its education program climb five positions to claim seventh place globally. Simultaneously, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) made an extraordinary leap of ten places to reach tenth position in performing arts, simultaneously earning the distinction of being Asia’s top-ranked institution in this discipline.

    Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, President of EdUHK, described this achievement as “a record-breaking moment” for the institution, noting that the QS ranking reflects the university’s international standing in teacher education, pedagogical research, and educational innovation.

    HKAPA Director Anna CY Chan stated that the ranking affirmation validates the academy’s commitment to delivering high-caliber arts education while reinforcing its leadership position in performing arts education throughout Asia and beyond.

    The QS subject rankings employ a comprehensive methodology that evaluates institutions based on five key metrics: academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations per paper, H-index (measuring research productivity and impact), and international research network. These results position Hong Kong as a competitive force in global higher education, particularly in specialized professional disciplines.