Global Pulse

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  • China’s lithium mining faces strict new regulatory era

    China’s lithium mining faces strict new regulatory era

    China has significantly intensified its regulatory oversight of lithium mining, transitioning from a lenient approach to a stringent framework aimed at ensuring sustainable and high-quality growth. In 2023, authorities initiated a policy to ‘clean up’ productive capacity, eliminating unlicensed operators and enforcing stricter compliance standards. This shift culminated in the enactment of a revised Mineral Resources Law in July 2025, which for the first time classified lithium as an independent, strategic mineral, thereby raising entry barriers and centralizing approval authority within the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).

    Among the key changes, the new framework established a minimum lithium oxide (Li₂O) content of 0.4% for deposits to qualify as lithium orebodies, mandated the reclassification of mines previously registered under other categories, and reinforced environmental and safety standards through ‘green mine’ criteria. The centralization of mining rights approval aimed to curb past issues, such as in Yichun, where local officials had overstepped their jurisdiction.

    The lithium industry faced significant challenges in 2023, with prices plummeting nearly 90% due to oversupply and slowing demand. This downturn led to fierce competition and overcapacity, forcing smaller, high-cost mines to operate at a loss. By mid-2025, around 30% of Jiangxi’s lithium-mica capacity remained idle due to negative margins.

    In response, policymakers adopted ‘supply-side reform’ strategies, encouraging industry consolidation and curbing excess capacity. Measures included banning below-cost sales, adding lithium to the stabilization list of new energy materials, and coordinating temporary shutdowns in lithium-rich provinces. The Lithium Branch of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association also urged the supply chain to resist ‘vicious competition’ and promote healthy development.

    The regulatory overhaul highlighted China’s shift from maximizing production volume to prioritizing quality, efficiency, and sustainability. Inspections in Yichun uncovered irregularities, leading to the suspension of non-compliant mines and stricter licensing procedures. This transition has bolstered lithium carbonate prices and fostered expectations of more disciplined supply.

    China’s new approach aims to filter speculative or obsolete capacity, reduce domestic oversupply, and establish a technologically advanced production ecosystem. By raising entry barriers and compliance costs, the country seeks to reinforce its global leadership in lithium production on a more robust foundation.

  • Netanyahu’s Gaza City assault tied to fight for his own survival

    Netanyahu’s Gaza City assault tied to fight for his own survival

    In Gaza City, a renewed Israeli military offensive has forced thousands of Palestinians to flee their homes, following days of intense airstrikes that have claimed dozens of lives. This latest escalation comes just days after Hamas officials, in Cairo, announced their acceptance of a ceasefire proposal brokered by Qatari and Egyptian mediators. However, the assault has likely derailed any hopes of a truce. Meanwhile, across Israel, hundreds of thousands of citizens have taken to the streets in protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the war, demanding an end to the conflict and the return of hostages. While some may view Hamas’s ceasefire acceptance and the protests as potential turning points, the situation on the ground suggests otherwise. Gaza City has endured repeated bombardments over the 22-month-long war, and past ceasefire agreements have consistently collapsed. Similarly, large-scale protests in Israel have failed to yield tangible results. The Israeli government has expressed disinterest in partial deals, insisting on a comprehensive agreement that secures the release of all hostages. Netanyahu’s coalition members have already rejected the current proposal, highlighting the deep divide between Israel and Hamas. The latter demands a permanent truce and Israeli troop withdrawal, while Israel’s five-point plan includes disarming Hamas, demilitarizing Gaza, and establishing a new civil administration. These conflicting objectives, coupled with Israel’s plans to maintain security control in Gaza, present significant obstacles to peace. Amid growing public discontent in Israel and internal divisions within Hamas, the prospects for a ceasefire remain bleak, leaving civilians and hostages to bear the brunt of the ongoing violence.

  • Trump slams door on Afghan asylum seekers fleeing Taliban

    Trump slams door on Afghan asylum seekers fleeing Taliban

    Thousands of Afghan nationals residing in the United States are grappling with an uncertain future following a federal appeals court ruling on July 21, 2025, which upheld the Trump administration’s decision to terminate the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for Afghans. This program, which provided work permits and protection from deportation, was initially granted in 2022 after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in late 2021. The Taliban’s oppressive regime, which enforces a strict interpretation of Islamic law, has banned women and girls from education and employment, creating a humanitarian crisis that justified the TPS designation. However, in May 2025, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the termination of TPS for Afghans, citing improved security and economic stability in Afghanistan. This decision affects approximately 8,000 Afghan TPS holders, many of whom fled due to fears of persecution by the Taliban, including former government employees, women’s rights advocates, and those who collaborated with the U.S. military. Experts argue that the termination is unlikely to result in voluntary repatriation, as the threat of persecution remains a significant concern. Instead, it may force thousands into unlawful residency, limiting their access to employment, healthcare, and financial stability. Many Afghans are expected to seek asylum, but the U.S. asylum system is already overwhelmed, with a backlog of 1.5 million applications and wait times of up to six years. This situation leaves Afghan TPS holders in a precarious position, with limited legal pathways to remain in the U.S. and support their families both in the U.S. and Afghanistan.

  • Why Iran can’t keep the lights on

    Why Iran can’t keep the lights on

    For Iranians, the changing seasons bring not just weather shifts but also recurring energy crises. Scorching summers are plagued by rolling blackouts, while freezing winters are marked by toxic smog from burning low-grade fuel in power plants. These challenges are symptomatic of Iran’s chronic electricity imbalance, a structural crisis that has evolved into a significant economic and public welfare burden. Despite a nominal installed capacity of 94 gigawatts, Iran’s power grid is in systemic decay. Aging thermal plants, over-reliance on natural gas, recurring droughts crippling hydropower, and soaring demand have created a persistent gap between capacity and reliable output. This crisis is further exacerbated by geopolitical isolation, which hampers access to international finance and technology. A comparative analysis reveals Iran’s underperformance in electricity generation, lagging behind industrial economies and even Gulf neighbors. To address this, a four-point recovery plan has been proposed, emphasizing international contracts, budgetary realignment, fuel mix reformation, and regional power exchange agreements. However, the success of these measures hinges on resolving Iran’s geopolitical standoff with the West, as domestic reforms alone are insufficient. Without a sustainable solution, Iran risks further economic isolation, technological backwardness, and continued degradation of public health and industrial competitiveness.

  • Global historic story in an ancient Chinese map

    Global historic story in an ancient Chinese map

    The late 16th century marked a pivotal era in global exploration, but long before Europeans reached China by sea, ancient Chinese scholars had already developed a sophisticated understanding of the world. This knowledge, encapsulated in a 15th-century map, offers a fascinating glimpse into the intellectual and cultural exchanges of the time. The *Honil Gangni Yeokdae Gukdo Ji Do* (Map of Integrated Lands and Regions of Historical Countries and Capitals), created by Koreans in 1402, is a testament to this early global awareness. This map, now housed at Ryukoku University in Kyoto, Japan, was based on earlier Chinese maps from the Mongol Yuan era, reflecting a blend of scientific geography, national sentiment, and cultural imagination. The map’s depiction of regions from Japan to Africa and Europe raises intriguing questions about how Asians acquired such detailed geographical knowledge before Europeans. Scholars suggest that Persian-Arab astronomical and geographical knowledge, transmitted during the Mongol Empire, played a crucial role. This map not only highlights the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations but also challenges the notion of a closed-off ancient China, revealing a rich tradition of intellectual and cultural exchange.

  • Breakneck divide: China’s builders vs America’s lawyers

    Breakneck divide: China’s builders vs America’s lawyers

    Dan Wang’s forthcoming book, ‘Breakneck: China’s Quest to Engineer the Future,’ provides a groundbreaking perspective on the contrasting governance styles of China and the United States, as well as the barriers to mutual understanding between the two superpowers. Published by W.W. Norton & Company in 2025, the book merges Wang’s economic analysis from his years in China (2017–2023) with his personal experiences as a Canadian of Chinese descent educated in the US. Wang’s unique background allows him to offer a balanced view of the two nations, free from the hostility that often characterizes their relationship. He describes China as an ‘engineering state,’ driven by rapid construction and technological advancement, while portraying the US as a ‘lawyerly society,’ marked by legal obstructionism. Wang argues that both countries are deeply flawed yet fundamentally alike in their ambition and restlessness. Through vivid anecdotes, such as his cycling trip through Guizhou, Wang highlights China’s rapid modernization and cultural richness. He also critiques the inefficiencies of the US legal system, using the stalled California high-speed rail project as a case study. Wang’s work calls for mutual curiosity and a new lens to understand the China-US rivalry, moving beyond outdated ideological labels. ‘Breakneck’ is set to release on August 26, 2025.

  • The last dance? Organizers of North America’s largest powwow say 2026 will be the event’s final year

    The last dance? Organizers of North America’s largest powwow say 2026 will be the event’s final year

    For over four decades, Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been the epicenter of North America’s largest powwow, the Gathering of Nations. This vibrant cultural event has drawn tens of thousands of attendees annually, celebrating Indigenous dancers, musicians, and artisans from across the globe. However, in a surprising announcement made on Saturday, organizers revealed that the 2026 edition will mark the final chapter of this storied tradition. The decision, communicated via email and social media, cited no specific reasons but included a poignant statement: “There comes a time.” The official poster for the 2026 event bears the somber tagline, “The Last Dance.”

    Since 2017, the New Mexico fairgrounds have served as the event’s venue, but its future availability remains uncertain due to potential redevelopment plans by the state. Additionally, the Gathering of Nations has faced criticism from some Native American communities, who accused organizers of commercializing Indigenous culture. Organizers have consistently refuted these claims, emphasizing that funds raised are reinvested into covering event expenses.

    The powwow’s grand entry, a dazzling procession of dancers adorned in elaborate regalia, has been its hallmark. The event also includes the crowning of Miss Indian World and horse parades, where riders are judged on their craftsmanship and synergy with their steeds. Despite its grandeur, the commercialization of large powwows has sparked debates among Native American leaders, who advocate for smaller, community-focused gatherings to preserve traditional practices.

    As the Gathering of Nations prepares for its final bow, it leaves behind a legacy of cultural celebration and a call for reflection on the balance between tradition and commercialization.

  • Chinese FM urges Japan to face history squarely to earn respect

    Chinese FM urges Japan to face history squarely to earn respect

    On the 80th anniversary of Japan’s unconditional surrender in World War II, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the importance of Japan confronting its historical actions to earn global respect. Speaking at a press briefing following the tenth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kunming, Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, reiterated China’s stance on historical issues. He highlighted that 80 years ago, Japan accepted the Potsdam Proclamation and surrendered unconditionally, marking the end of its aggressive war that caused immense suffering across Asia, including in China and Japan itself. Wang pointed out that international agreements like the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation clearly outlined Japan’s war responsibilities and mandated the return of territories, including Taiwan, to China. Despite this, Wang criticized certain factions in Japan for continuing to glorify their past invasions and distort historical facts, actions he described as contemptible and detrimental to the post-war international order. Wang concluded by urging Japan to learn from its history to avoid repeating past mistakes and to choose a path that leads to a better future.

  • How Sudan and Libya’s triangle border region became a hotbed of crime and war

    How Sudan and Libya’s triangle border region became a hotbed of crime and war

    On June 12, Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced their takeover of the Sudanese portion of the Almuthallath Triangle, a remote and lawless border region shared by Sudan, Libya, and Egypt. This area, long shrouded in secrecy, has been a hotbed of illicit activities, including gold smuggling, weapon trafficking, and human exploitation. The RSF’s capture marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the paramilitary group and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which has displaced millions since April 2023. The triangle’s strategic importance lies in its role as a vital trade and transportation hub between North and East Africa, coupled with its rich reserves of oil, gas, and minerals. The region has been a battleground for governments, militias, and foreign-backed armed groups since the fall of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The RSF’s dominance in the area has disrupted smuggling routes, previously used by bus drivers and traffickers, and intensified the struggle for control over lucrative illegal trades, including fuel and gold. Experts warn that the instability in the triangle threatens the security of Libya, Sudan, and the broader Sahel region, with external actors like the UAE playing a significant role in fueling the conflict. As tensions rise, the battle for this desert frontier is expected to intensify, further destabilizing an already volatile region.

  • China’s playbook for 90-day trade truce with US

    China’s playbook for 90-day trade truce with US

    The United States and China have agreed to extend their trade truce by 90 days, providing both nations with additional time to restructure their supply chains in anticipation of potential negotiations collapsing in November. This decision follows an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump on Monday, which postponed the implementation of higher tariffs on Chinese goods until November 10. In response, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced a reciprocal suspension of additional tariffs on US goods for the same period. Both countries will maintain existing 10% tariffs on each other’s goods, though the US will continue to impose higher tariffs on specific Chinese products, including those related to alleged fentanyl trafficking, which can reach up to 55%. Additionally, China has extended the suspension of measures under its Unreliable Entity List Working Mechanism, which was initially issued in April, affecting 17 US entities. The extension of the truce was anticipated, as US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had previously hinted at a 90-day extension in late July. The ongoing trade tensions have led Chinese manufacturers to explore relocating their operations to countries like Vietnam to circumvent tariffs, a strategy that has created new challenges and opportunities in global trade dynamics. Despite the temporary easing of tensions, both nations remain cautious, with further negotiations expected in the coming months.