Global Pulse

博客

  • Elderly patients gain accessible cognitive care at memory clinics

    Elderly patients gain accessible cognitive care at memory clinics

    Across Beijing’s neighborhoods, a quiet healthcare revolution is unfolding as community-based memory clinics transform dementia care for elderly residents. Each Wednesday at Hepingli Community Health Service Center, an 88-year-old Alzheimer’s patient engages in cognitive rehabilitation through specialized puzzles and games—a stark contrast to her previous hour-long journeys to distant hospitals for treatment.

    This shift to localized care addresses a critical national challenge: with China’s population aged 60 and above exceeding 310 million—representing over one-fifth of the total population—more than 53 million seniors currently experience cognitive impairment. Neurologist Han Ying from Xuanwu Hospital emphasizes that while Alzheimer’s remains incurable, early intervention through structured cognitive training and medication can delay symptom progression by up to five years, potentially preserving patients’ cognitive function throughout their lifetimes.

    Despite this medical urgency, societal stigma and misconceptions about aging have created significant barriers. Only approximately 20% of dementia patients in China receive formal diagnoses, exacerbating the healthcare challenge. Community memory clinics are bridging this gap by offering accessible screening, expert consultations, and daily rehabilitation services within walking distance of patients’ homes.

    The Hepingli center exemplifies this model, providing free senior health assessments, specialist referrals, and innovative therapies ranging from computer-based cognitive games to group art sessions. These clinics serve dual purposes as both medical facilities and social hubs, combating the isolation that often accompanies cognitive decline. An 86-year-old participant surnamed Feng describes the experience as rejuvenating: ‘I love chatting with everyone—it makes me feel young again.’

    Beijing currently operates over 20 such clinics with plans to expand to 100 by 2030, while Shanghai, Guangdong, and private hospitals like Sunbow Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital are implementing similar initiatives. However, significant disparities persist, as rural areas face equipment shortages, limited medical expertise, and inadequate institutional support.

    The Chinese government’s 2024 action plan on elderly dementia targets having over 50% of suspected cognitive impairment cases seek medical care by 2030. As Li Jianguo, deputy director at Hepingli Center, notes: ‘Greater attention from society as a whole is essential. We hope through continuous efforts, we can awaken awareness among both the elderly and society at large, thereby helping more seniors hold onto their memories.’

  • Scientists develop eco-friendly pigments

    Scientists develop eco-friendly pigments

    A scientific breakthrough from Northeast China promises to eliminate toxic heavy metals from consumer products through innovative rare earth-based pigments. Researchers at Dalian Minzu University have developed a new generation of eco-friendly coloring agents that offer superior safety, durability, and cost-effectiveness compared to conventional alternatives.

    The research team, led by Professor Dong Bin, has successfully harnessed China’s abundant rare earth resources—often termed ‘industrial vitamins’—to create pigments that avoid the health hazards associated with traditional inorganic colorants. For decades, manufacturers have relied on pigments containing lead, mercury, and cadmium, which pose significant health risks including nervous system damage, kidney impairment, and blood production disorders, particularly when these metals leach out under extreme conditions or accidental ingestion.

    The scientific challenge involved overcoming the inherent instability of rare-earth ions, which naturally produce weak, shifting colors. The research team discovered that these ions absorb and reflect light similarly to high-performance pigments but required stabilization within a suitable host material. After extensive experimentation with over 1,000 targeted tests, they identified silicoaluminate as the ideal crystalline structure to house the rare-earth ions.

    Researcher Luo Xixian explained the complexity of predicting where rare-earth ions would settle within the silicoaluminate structure. Through careful adjustment of the chemical environment, the team enabled the ions to move efficiently between energy levels, producing deep, saturated hues that remain consistent under different lighting conditions.

    The resulting pigments demonstrate remarkable heat resistance and aging stability, maintaining their color integrity during prolonged sunlight exposure and high-temperature industrial processing. Economically, the innovation offers substantial advantages, with production costs estimated at approximately 60% lower than comparable high-end eco-friendly alternatives, achieved through the use of abundant minerals and currently underutilized rare earth elements.

    The team has already developed high-saturation pigments across four major color systems: green, yellow, orange, and red. The research represents a significant step toward applying advanced materials technology to everyday consumer goods, including toys, food packaging, and household items.

    Commercialization efforts are underway with a preliminary agreement to establish a 500-metric-ton pilot production line in Liaoning province’s Jinpu New Area. Researchers continue to expand the color range with the ultimate goal of making non-toxic materials the default choice for consumer products worldwide.

  • Gold and silver prices hit high after tariff threat

    Gold and silver prices hit high after tariff threat

    Precious metals markets experienced unprecedented surges as gold and silver prices shattered historical records following escalating geopolitical tensions. The catalyst emerged from President Donald Trump’s announcement of impending tariffs targeting eight European nations that opposed his administration’s proposed acquisition of Greenland.

    Gold reached an extraordinary peak of $4,689.39 per ounce during Monday’s trading session, while silver simultaneously climbed to $94.08 per ounce. This remarkable rally represents the continuation of a bullish trend that has seen gold appreciate by over 60% throughout the previous year, largely driven by mounting global economic uncertainties and geopolitical instability.

    Financial markets exhibited divergent reactions across global regions. Asian exchanges registered moderate declines, with Japan’s Nikkei index closing 0.6% lower. European markets demonstrated more pronounced volatility: London’s FTSE 100 opened with a modest 0.1% decrease, while Germany’s Dax index plummeted 1.4% and France’s Cac 40 experienced a 1.5% downturn. United States markets remained closed for the federal holiday.

    The tariff framework, scheduled for implementation on February 1st, imposes an initial 10% levy on imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Finland. President Trump indicated these tariffs could escalate to 25% and remain effective until negotiations regarding Greenland’s status reach resolution.

    In response to these measures, European Union authorities are reportedly formulating a substantial counter-tariff package valued at approximately €93 billion targeting American imports. Market analysts interpret these developments as reinforcing precious metals’ traditional role as safe-haven assets during periods of international diplomatic strain and economic uncertainty.

    Matt Simpson, Senior Analyst at StoneX, observed: ‘Geopolitical tensions have provided gold bulls with additional impetus to drive the yellow metal to unprecedented valuation levels.’ This sentiment reflects broader market recognition that precious metals typically appreciate during periods of international discord and economic volatility.

  • Medvedev wins at major for first time in 370 days

    Medvedev wins at major for first time in 370 days

    Melbourne, Australia – Daniil Medvedev has commenced his 2026 Australian Open campaign with a decisive victory, signaling a potential turnaround following a challenging previous season. The Russian tennis star secured a straight-sets win (7-5, 6-2, 7-6) against Dutch competitor Jesper de Jong on Monday, marking his sixth consecutive victory this season after previously claiming the Brisbane International title.

    The three-time Australian Open finalist, known for his volatile on-court behavior, has consciously adopted a more positive mental approach after experiencing first-round eliminations in all three Grand Slam tournaments during 2025. This pattern included early exits at Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open – a streak he has now broken at Melbourne Park.

    Medvedev’s previous season was marked by significant professional challenges, including a notable ranking drop from world number five to as low as 18th. The 2021 US Open champion experienced several public incidents, including destroying a net camera during his lone Grand Slam victory last season and an emotional outburst in New York when a photographer interrupted play.

    Despite these struggles, the 29-year-old ended his 882-day title drought by winning the Almaty Open in October but missed qualification for the prestigious ATP Finals in Turin.

    Reflecting on his transformed mindset, Medvedev stated: ‘I’m making a concerted effort to maintain positivity on the court that mirrors my outlook in life. Thus far, the approach is proving effective, though future challenges remain unpredictable.’

    The Russian has implemented significant changes to his support team, parting ways with long-time coach Gilles Cervara after their eight-year collaboration. He has since enlisted former Australian Open champion Thomas Johansson and experienced coach Rohan Goetzke, a partnership that appears to be yielding immediate results.

    Medvedev will face France’s Quentin Halys in the next round as he continues his campaign for a second Grand Slam title. In other day-one action, Russian compatriot Andrey Rublev advanced comfortably against Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi, while British player Jacob Fearnley exited the tournament after a four-set battle with Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak.

  • Aggressive actions of ICE deepen cracks in US society

    Aggressive actions of ICE deepen cracks in US society

    The United States faces deepening societal fractures as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations intensify under the current administration. Recent military-style tactics employed by masked agents in unmarked vehicles have ignited nationwide debate about enforcement methods and their implications for civil liberties.

    The controversy reached a critical point on January 7 when ICE agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Good during a neighborhood monitoring operation. Video evidence captured the moment when Officer Jonathan Ross discharged multiple rounds into Good’s vehicle as it began moving away, resulting in her death.

    Official responses revealed starkly contrasting narratives. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem characterized Good’s actions as ‘domestic terrorism,’ alleging she used her vehicle as a weapon against officers. President Donald Trump subsequently described Good as ‘a professional agitator’ who acted ‘violently, willfully, and viciously’ against law enforcement.

    These characterizations faced immediate challenge from local and federal officials. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the shooting as federal overreach, while Democratic Representative Steve Cohen declared the incident ‘clearly unjustified homicide’ during Senate proceedings. The incident has transcended typical political discourse, with prominent podcaster Joe Rogan—formerly a Trump supporter—expressing horror at the footage.

    Recent polling indicates significant national division: approximately 53% of Americans view the shooting as unjustified, while 35% support the officers’ actions. This polarization follows stark partisan lines, with 77% of Republicans justifying the shooting compared to 92% of Democrats condemning it.

    The Minneapolis operation has expanded dramatically since its inception over two weeks ago. What began as a 2,000-agent enforcement initiative targeting alleged fraud within Somali communities has grown to nearly 3,000 federal personnel—outnumbering local law enforcement in the region and raising questions about jurisdictional boundaries and proportional response.

  • Sanya rises as magnet for Russian tourists

    Sanya rises as magnet for Russian tourists

    As Siberian winters descend, thousands of Russian citizens are escaping the bitter cold by flocking to the tropical shores of Sanya in China’s Hainan province. This southern Chinese island has transformed into a warm-weather sanctuary for Russians, who now join domestic Chinese tourists from northeastern regions in seeking refuge on its sun-drenched beaches.

    The remarkable surge in Russian visitors directly results from the mutual visa-free policy implemented between China and Russia on September 15, 2025. This agreement permits Russian passport holders to enter China without visas for stays up to 30 days, with the policy currently set to expire in September 2026.

    Travel data reveals dramatic increases in Russian interest following the policy implementation. Aviasales, Russia’s leading flight booking platform, reports China has become one of the most-searched destinations among Russian travelers. Another prominent travel platform, Travelata, indicates Hainan accounted for 88% of its recent China-bound bookings.

    While air connections between Russian cities and Hainan date back to 1997 with the first chartered flight from Krasnoyarsk, transportation links have expanded significantly. Sanya Phoenix International Airport now operates 17 weekly flights connecting to various Russian cities including Vladivostok, Novosibirsk, and St. Petersburg.

    The cultural imprint of Russian tourism is visibly evident throughout Sanya. In the popular Dadonghai scenic area, street signs appear in trilingual format—Chinese, Russian, and English. This crescent-shaped bay attracts visitors with its golden sands, crystalline waters, palm trees, and vibrant atmosphere.

    Statistical evidence demonstrates the dramatic growth: Sanya hotels hosted approximately 170,000 Russian visitors in 2024, but this figure skyrocketed to over 400,000 in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

    For Zakirova Amina, a Russian national who previously lived in China’s Anhui province for nine years, Sanya has become a regular winter destination. Her December trip with parents marked her sixth visit, facilitated by the visa-free policy and convenient direct flights.

    Amina attributes Sanya’s popularity among Russians to its inclusive atmosphere and linguistic accessibility. “Many service staff members in Sanya can speak some Russian, and they are exceptionally friendly,” she noted. “We often joke that Sanya resembles a second home for Russians.”

    Beyond beach relaxation, Russian visitors are exploring diverse aspects of Chinese culture. Many have developed significant interest in traditional Chinese medicine, with services like acupuncture and massage experiencing high demand. At local TCM facilities, appointments frequently book up over a week in advance.

    Yuan Ailin, vice-director of a Sanya traditional Chinese medicine hospital, confirms the trend: “We regularly receive patients from Russian-speaking countries who show particular interest in acupuncture and massage therapy.” In 2025, the hospital and its affiliated sanatoriums recorded 10,693 international visits, with 80% originating from Russian-speaking countries—prompting the hiring of Russian translators in several physiotherapy departments.

    Russian entrepreneur Dmitry Garifulin, who operates a grocery store in Dadonghai selling imported Russian staples, observes: “The increased flight connectivity has directly translated into more Russian tourists here.” Many visitors report that combining sun therapy with TCM treatments in Sanya surpasses their experiences at Black Sea resorts.

  • Under-19 World Cup: Australia will look to Will Malajczuk to set the tone with another aggressive start

    Under-19 World Cup: Australia will look to Will Malajczuk to set the tone with another aggressive start

    Australian Under-19 cricket coach Tim Nielsen has reaffirmed his aggressive batting strategy ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup match against Japan, despite opener Will Malajczuk’s recent low score. The decision comes after Australia’s commanding eight-wicket victory over Ireland on Friday, where they chased down 236 runs with 10 overs to spare.

    While Malajczuk managed only 22 runs in the Ireland match, his teammates Steve Hogan (115) and Nitesh Samuel (77 not out) demonstrated the team’s batting depth. Nielsen emphasized that Malajczuk’s attacking approach remains central to Australia’s game plan, particularly noting his impressive performance in pre-tournament practice against South Africa where he scored 80 runs off approximately 50 deliveries.

    The coaching strategy specifically accounts for anticipated spin-heavy opposition attacks. Nielsen explained that an aggressive start could force opponents to alter their bowling strategies prematurely. “If he does come off, it just gives the rest of the batting order that pillow, or buffer, that we’re going quickly at the start,” Nielsen stated.

    Geographical conditions may play to Australia’s advantage, with Namibia’s higher altitude potentially allowing the ball to travel further—a factor that could benefit aggressive openers like Malajczuk.

    Despite Japan’s familiarity with Australian playing styles through previous club and school cricket exchanges, Nielsen emphasized the critical importance of securing a second victory. A win against Japan would likely guarantee Australia’s qualification for the Super Six stage, setting up a decisive match against Sri Lanka on Friday to determine group ranking.

    Nielsen, who previously coached Australia’s senior ODI team during the 2011 World Cup, stressed the need for professional focus: “We need to make sure we’re on our game and not take Japan lightly.”

  • China’s population falls for fourth straight year

    China’s population falls for fourth straight year

    China’s demographic landscape continues its concerning downward spiral, with official data revealing a fourth consecutive year of population decline in 2025. The National Bureau of Statistics reported the population dropped by 3.39 million to settle at approximately 1.4 billion by year’s end, representing an accelerated decline compared to previous years.

    The critical birth rate metric plummeted to a historic low of 5.63 per 1,000 people—the lowest recording since the establishment of the People’s Republic in 1949. Simultaneously, the mortality rate climbed to 8.04 per 1,000 people, reaching heights not seen since 1968. This widening gap between births and deaths underscores the severity of China’s demographic challenge.

    Confronted with both an aging citizenry and economic stagnation, Chinese authorities have implemented numerous policy measures to reverse this trend. The government’s approach has evolved significantly from the 2016 abolition of the notorious one-child policy to the current three-child policy introduced in 2021. More recent interventions include direct financial incentives, offering parents 3,600 yuan annually for each child under three years old, alongside provincial initiatives featuring cash bonuses and extended parental leave provisions.

    However, certain policies have generated public controversy, particularly a new 13% taxation on contraceptive products including condoms and birth control medications. Health advocates have raised concerns that this measure might inadvertently increase unintended pregnancies and potentially affect HIV transmission rates.

    China’s fertility rate remains among the world’s lowest at approximately one child per woman—significantly below the 2.1 replacement level needed for population stability. This pattern mirrors demographic trends seen in other East Asian economies including South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan.

    Compounding the problem, China ranks as one of the most financially demanding countries for child-rearing according to the YuWa Population Research Institute’s 2024 analysis. Beyond economic considerations, cultural shifts are influencing reproductive decisions, with many young Chinese citing lifestyle preferences and personal freedom as factors in their choice to remain childless.

    United Nations demographic projections indicate China’s population could diminish by more than half before 2100. This demographic contraction poses substantial economic threats, including workforce reduction, weakened consumer markets, and mounting pressure on pension systems. The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences has warned about the sustainability of retirement funds as the elderly population grows increasingly dependent on state support.

  • Japan PM Takaichi set to call snap election

    Japan PM Takaichi set to call snap election

    Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is poised to announce a snap parliamentary election less than three months after assuming office, according to government officials speaking anonymously to local media outlets. The anticipated announcement, scheduled for Monday afternoon, would set in motion the process for electing all 465 members of Japan’s powerful House of Representatives.

    Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister and a protégée of the late Shinzo Abe, has maintained remarkably high approval ratings between 60-80% since her October inauguration. Her conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) currently holds 199 seats in the lower house, with its coalition partner Japan Innovation Party providing just enough additional seats to maintain a slim majority.

    The prime minister, often compared to Margaret Thatcher for her staunch conservative stance, has pursued an assertive foreign policy agenda that has significantly strained relations with China. Her November remarks suggesting Japan could deploy self-defense forces in response to potential Chinese aggression toward Taiwan triggered a diplomatic crisis, sending bilateral ties to their lowest point in over a decade.

    Concurrently, Takaichi has strengthened Japan’s alliance with the United States, culminating in a rare earths agreement and a joint declaration heralding a new ‘golden age’ in US-Japan relations during President Donald Trump’s October visit. Domestically, she has championed substantial government-led spending initiatives reminiscent of Abe’s economic stimulus policies, while securing a record ¥9 trillion defense budget amid growing regional security concerns.

    Despite her personal popularity, Takaichi’s electoral gamble carries significant risks. The LDP has experienced considerable instability, with Takaichi representing Japan’s fourth prime minister in five years. Her immediate predecessor, Shigeru Ishiba, suffered one of the LDP’s worst electoral performances after calling a snap election that cost the party its parliamentary majority.

    Adding to the challenge, Japan’s opposition forces have recently consolidated with the formation of the Centrist Reform Alliance, a merger between the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and Komeito, the LDP’s former coalition partner. This new political entity poses a substantial threat to the ruling coalition’s majority in the upcoming election.

  • Toll in Spain train collision rises to at least 39 dead as rescuers search for more bodies

    Toll in Spain train collision rises to at least 39 dead as rescuers search for more bodies

    ADAMUZ, Spain — Spanish authorities confirmed Monday that at least 39 individuals lost their lives in a devastating high-speed train collision that occurred Sunday evening in southern Spain’s Andalusia region, with rescue operations continuing into the following day.

    The catastrophic incident unfolded at approximately 7:45 p.m. local time near Córdoba when the rear section of a Malaga-Madrid train carrying approximately 300 passengers derailed unexpectedly. The derailed carriage subsequently collided with an oncoming Madrid-Huelva service, according to official statements from rail infrastructure operator Adif.

    Emergency response teams worked throughout the night and into Monday morning in a coordinated rescue effort. Andalusia Regional President Juanma Moreno reported that 75 passengers had been transported to medical facilities, with the majority receiving treatment at hospitals in Córdoba, located approximately 390 kilometers south of Madrid.

    The Spanish Red Cross established an emergency assistance center in the town of Adamuz, adjacent to the crash site, providing support services for both emergency responders and families seeking information about passengers.

    Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente described the accident as ‘truly strange’ during a Monday morning briefing, noting the investigation remains ongoing without definitive conclusions. The peculiar nature of the incident stems from its occurrence on a recently renovated flat section of track (completed in May) involving a relatively new train model (less than four years old).

    The collision dynamics involved the derailed rear section of the first train (operated by private company Iryo) striking the forward section of the second train (operated by public carrier Renfe). The impact propelled the first two carriages of the Renfe train down a 4-meter embankment, with this section sustaining the most severe damage. Minister Puente estimated the official investigation may require approximately one month to determine causation.

    Spain maintains Europe’s most extensive high-speed rail network, with over 3,100 kilometers of track designed for speeds exceeding 250 kph. Renfe reported over 25 million passengers utilized its high-speed services in 2024, making it a popular and traditionally safe transportation option. All Madrid-Andalusia rail services remained suspended Monday.

    This incident represents Spain’s most significant rail disaster since the 2013 northwest derailment that claimed 80 lives, which investigators attributed to excessive speed on a curve.