Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • China to introduce policy documents to address the impact of AI and promote employment: ministry

    China to introduce policy documents to address the impact of AI and promote employment: ministry

    The Chinese government is formulating comprehensive policy measures to mitigate artificial intelligence’s disruptive impact on employment markets while harnessing technological advancements for economic growth. According to announcements from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, these forthcoming documents will establish frameworks for workforce adaptation during the AI transition period.

    The strategic initiative addresses growing concerns about automation’s potential to displace workers across multiple sectors. Rather than resisting technological progress, the policy approach emphasizes creating synergies between AI development and employment stability. The ministry’s announcement indicates China will pursue balanced development where technological innovation complements rather than replaces human workers.

    Key components of the policy package include retraining programs for vulnerable occupations, incentives for companies that combine AI implementation with workforce expansion, and social protection measures for workers during transition periods. The government is particularly focused on developing new employment opportunities that emerge alongside AI technologies, ensuring that productivity gains benefit both businesses and employees.

    This proactive stance reflects China’s broader strategy of managing technological disruption through policy intervention. The ministry emphasized that while AI presents challenges, it also creates new categories of jobs and industries that will require strategic preparation and workforce development. The policy documents will provide guidelines for educational institutions, private enterprises, and local governments to collaboratively address the employment implications of AI adoption.

    The timing of this announcement coincides with accelerated AI integration across China’s manufacturing, service, and technology sectors, making workforce planning an urgent governmental priority.

  • Why more property buyers are choosing Sharjah for second homes

    Why more property buyers are choosing Sharjah for second homes

    Sharjah’s real estate market is experiencing a significant transformation as GCC nationals increasingly select the emirate for their secondary residences. According to industry executives, this trend is driven by Sharjah’s exceptional market stability and consistent capital appreciation rates, which outperform neighboring markets.

    Recent data from the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department reveals substantial investment activity, with GCC nationals channeling Dh3.4 billion into 2,055 properties throughout the previous year, positioning them among the top investor demographics.

    Lamia Al Jewaied, Head of Studies and Research Bureau at the Registration Department, noted a noticeable influx of GCC nationals and tourists who now perceive Sharjah as an ideal location for secondary homes. “The affordability factor, particularly in developments like Al Mamsha, serves as a primary motivator for these investment decisions,” she explained during an interview at the recently concluded Acres 2026 exhibition.

    The emirate’s property market has demonstrated robust performance with price appreciations ranging between 10-12% last year, with projections indicating similar growth patterns for the current year.

    Yousif Ahmed Al Mutawa, Chief Real Estate Officer at Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), confirmed the emirate’s growing appeal among GCC investors. This sentiment was echoed by Noreen Nasralla, Senior Vice President for Marketing Strategy and Branding at Alef Group, who highlighted the market’s evolution toward more end-users and serious investors rather than speculative buyers.

    A notable development in Sharjah’s real estate landscape involves the expansion of waterfront properties following legislative changes that permit all nationalities to purchase freehold properties in designated communities. Abdullah Al Zarouni, Director of the Real Estate Transactions unit, reported over ten new waterfront projects registered during 2024-2025.

    Industry experts emphasize that waterfront developments represent particularly valuable investments due to their limited supply and high demand. George Raymond Khouzami, CEO of Al Thuriah Real Estate Group, noted that these properties maintain strong investment value, deliver superior rental returns, and offer enhanced liquidity upon resale. Farid Jamal, Chief Commercial Officer at Ajmal Makaan, added that coastal tourism initiatives further amplify the economic and real estate value of these waterfront developments.

  • University of Chinese Academy of Sciences unveils the School of Space Exploration

    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences unveils the School of Space Exploration

    In a significant advancement for China’s space education infrastructure, the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences officially inaugurated its groundbreaking School of Space Exploration in Beijing on Tuesday. This specialized institution represents a strategic initiative to develop elite talent for the nation’s rapidly expanding space program.

    The newly established school will function as an interdisciplinary hub integrating aerospace engineering, astrophysics, planetary science, and space technology development. Its curriculum is designed to address the complex challenges of contemporary space exploration, including satellite technology, deep space missions, and sustainable space infrastructure.

    This educational initiative aligns with China’s ambitious space agenda, which has recently achieved remarkable milestones including lunar sample return missions, the construction of the Tiangong space station, and planned crewed missions to the Moon. The school will leverage the extensive research capabilities of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, providing students with access to cutting-edge facilities and mentorship from leading space scientists.

    The establishment of this specialized institution responds to growing demand for highly skilled professionals in the global space sector, which has expanded beyond government programs to include commercial space ventures and international collaborative projects. Educational analysts note that this represents China’s commitment to developing domestic expertise rather than relying on foreign-trained specialists.

    The school’s inaugural class will include graduate and doctoral students selected through competitive admission processes, with programs emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical application through research partnerships with China’s space industry leaders.

  • Senior CPC official urges high-quality development of social work

    Senior CPC official urges high-quality development of social work

    In a significant national address, senior Communist Party of China official Cai Qi has articulated a comprehensive vision for advancing social work development through strengthened Party mechanisms. The high-level meeting convened in Beijing on January 26, 2026, brought together social work department leadership from across the nation to coordinate governance strategies.

    Cai Qi, who holds dual positions on the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau and the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, emphasized the critical importance of pursuing a distinctly Chinese approach to social governance. The address outlined several key priorities for development, including the substantial improvement of social governance frameworks and the refinement of institutional mechanisms governing social work practices.

    A central theme emerged around expanding Party influence within emerging economic sectors and new forms of employment. The official stressed the necessity of enhancing organizational coverage and Party work within these dynamic areas, particularly focusing on new economic and social organizations. This expansion aims to bolster the Party’s inspirational capacity and strengthen its cohesive influence among rapidly evolving workforce demographics.

    Additionally, the address highlighted the imperative of constructing efficient governance systems that foster vitality at primary operational levels. This grassroots emphasis signals a recognition that effective social work implementation requires robust foundational structures capable of responding to local needs while maintaining alignment with national strategic objectives.

    The meeting represents part of ongoing efforts to modernize China’s social governance capabilities while maintaining the Party’s guiding role across all sectors of society.

  • Senior Chinese official urges steady, sustained sci-tech progress

    Senior Chinese official urges steady, sustained sci-tech progress

    In a significant national address, China’s top science official Ding Xuexiang has outlined an ambitious roadmap for the country’s technological future, emphasizing the critical need for sustained progress and self-reliance in scientific capabilities. Speaking at Monday’s National Conference on Science and Technology in Beijing, the senior official who directs China’s Central Science and Technology Commission called for comprehensive strengthening of the nation’s innovation ecosystem.

    Ding, who also serves on the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party Central Committee, highlighted the remarkable achievements during China’s 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), noting that scientific innovation has become a strategic pillar supporting the country’s modernization drive while comprehensively enabling high-quality development.

    The official emphasized several key priorities including bolstering fundamental research capabilities, enhancing China’s autonomous innovation capacity, and improving basic conditions for scientific research. Ding specifically called for leveraging strategic scientific and technological strengths while simultaneously deepening international collaboration in science and technology.

    A central focus of the address was the integration of technological innovation with industrial advancement. Ding urged strengthening the leading role of enterprises in innovation, accelerating the establishment of a science and technology financial system, and improving guidance for developing new quality productive forces.

    The human capital dimension featured prominently in the speech, with Ding stressing the importance of expanding China’s science and engineering talent pool and advancing the construction of international sci-tech innovation centers. This comprehensive approach signals China’s commitment to building a robust, self-reliant scientific ecosystem that can compete globally while maintaining international cooperation.

  • Guangdong aims to accelerate innovation

    Guangdong aims to accelerate innovation

    Guangdong Province, China’s economic powerhouse, has unveiled an ambitious strategy to establish itself as a globally influential hub for industrial and technological innovation. Governor Meng Fanli announced the plan during the provincial legislative meeting in Guangzhou, outlining a comprehensive approach to strengthening the region’s innovation ecosystem throughout 2026.

    The strategy centers on accelerating development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as an international science and technology innovation center, complemented by the establishment of a comprehensive national science center. The provincial government plans to attract additional national key laboratories while simultaneously expanding innovation platforms that provide public and semi-public services through collaborative efforts between universities, research institutions, and private enterprises.

    A fundamental component of Guangdong’s innovation push involves reinforcing enterprises as primary drivers of technological advancement. The province will align innovation resources—including platforms, projects, talent, and funding—with business needs, empowering companies to lead decision-making processes, research investments, and result transformation initiatives.

    Strategic focus will target breakthrough technologies across entire industrial chains, with particular emphasis on quantum technology, brain science and brain-computer interfaces, artificial intelligence, intelligent robotics, integrated circuits, advanced materials, and biomanufacturing.

    The innovation drive builds upon impressive economic foundations. Guangdong’s regional GDP grew by 3.9% in 2025, maintaining its position as China’s top-performing province for the 37th consecutive year. Recent developments include the establishment of cutting-edge research facilities: a new materials science institute in Dongguan, a neutrino experiment station in Jiangmen, and a high-intensity heavy ion accelerator in Huizhou.

    Notably, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster has ascended to global leadership status. Eleven Guangdong-based companies now rank among the world’s top 100 publicly listed humanoid robot firms, while the province’s low-altitude economy has achieved substantial scale with 20.61 million recorded flights.

    During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), Guangdong established six national manufacturing innovation centers and three national industrial innovation centers. The province dominates numerous industrial sectors, accounting for over 10% of national output in 44 of 104 published industrial product categories.

    The innovation platform model has demonstrated remarkable success in regional transformation. The Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory in Shantou has cultivated nine scientist-entrepreneurs and incubated ten high-tech enterprises. Researcher Dong Zhengya, who launched his own venture in 2022, exemplifies this transformation. His company developed pioneering microfluidics and ultrasonic microfluidic technology platforms, delivering comprehensive solutions for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and fine chemicals industries. The enterprise has achieved exceptional growth exceeding 120% annually over three years and anticipates public listing within five years.

    Furthermore, the laboratory has collaborated with Shantou’s textile and apparel association to establish an innovation center addressing technological challenges in traditional industries. Breakthroughs in nano-antibacterial materials for nylon melt spinning have significantly enhanced the competitiveness of local textile products. Similar partnerships with the toy industry provide technical support for material research, product modification, and intelligent production—critical advancements for sectors where Shantou produces nearly half of China’s underwear/loungewear and 70% of plastic toys.

  • Moon offers unique view of Earth’s radiation signature: study

    Moon offers unique view of Earth’s radiation signature: study

    A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres has demonstrated that lunar-based observation platforms offer a revolutionary perspective on Earth’s radiation dynamics, effectively capturing the planet’s complete energy signature without atmospheric interference.

    The research, conducted by scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, reveals that the moon’s unique vantage point provides a permanent, full-disk view of Earth that surpasses the limitations of conventional satellite monitoring systems. Unlike low-Earth orbit satellites that capture fragmented regional data or geostationary satellites limited to hemispheric observation, the lunar perspective enables continuous monitoring of the entire planet’s radiation budget.

    Dr. Ye Hanlin, lead researcher from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at CAS, explained the significance of this discovery: “The lunar observation platform allows us to distinguish planetary-scale climate patterns from localized weather noise. Approximately 90% of Earth’s radiation variations can be mapped using spherical harmonics—mathematical patterns that essentially form Earth’s unique radiation fingerprint.”

    The study further identified distinct rhythmic cycles in radiation data corresponding to lunar phases, orbital mechanics, and Earth’s rotation. These patterns provide scientists with unprecedented clarity in analyzing climate-relevant radiation features that were previously obscured by atmospheric interference.

    Academician Guo Huadong, corresponding author of the study, emphasized the transformative potential of this approach: “This holistic perspective from the moon represents a paradigm shift in climate monitoring. It provides the consistent, comprehensive data required to advance our understanding of global climate change mechanisms and improve the accuracy of climate models.”

    The findings establish lunar-based Earth observation as a critical tool for future climate research, offering a stable platform for long-term monitoring of planetary energy balance and contributing to more precise climate change predictions.

  • Xinjiang launches China’s first express cotton freight train service

    Xinjiang launches China’s first express cotton freight train service

    China’s transportation sector has achieved a significant milestone with the inaugural launch of a dedicated express cotton freight train service from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The pioneering service departed from Aksu railway station on January 26, 2026, transporting 1,395 metric tons of cotton destined for Binzhou in Shandong Province, eastern China.

    Operated by China Railway Urumqi Group Co., Ltd., this specialized freight service represents a transformative development in textile industry logistics. The express trains maintain operational speeds of 120 kilometers per hour utilizing premium, well-maintained carriages specifically configured for cotton transportation. Customized loading protocols have been implemented at each warehouse facility to preserve cargo integrity throughout the journey.

    The strategic initiative provides substantial benefits to both cotton producers and manufacturing enterprises. Agricultural suppliers gain enhanced shipping convenience while downstream textile manufacturers can optimize production scheduling with improved supply chain predictability.

    Yang Baofu, General Manager of China National Cotton Exchange, revealed expansion plans for the service, indicating future routes will extend to Zhengzhou in Henan Province and Shanghai metropolitan area. These developments are projected to significantly reduce overall logistics expenses across the cotton industry value chain, strengthening China’s position in global textile markets while supporting economic development in Xinjiang region.

  • Chinese premier chairs symposium on draft govt work report, five-year plan

    Chinese premier chairs symposium on draft govt work report, five-year plan

    In a significant demonstration of China’s consultative governance approach, Premier Li Qiang convened a high-level symposium in Beijing on January 26, 2026, to gather expert input on two crucial policy documents: the draft government work report and the preliminary framework for China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). The meeting brought together leadership from non-Communist political parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and prominent non-affiliated intellectuals, creating a diverse forum for policy refinement.

    During the comprehensive dialogue, participants presented substantial recommendations across multiple development domains. Key discussion points included strategies for enhancing macroeconomic regulation mechanisms, fortifying domestic market structures, cultivating innovative productive capabilities, advancing reform and opening-up initiatives, and improving social welfare systems. The exchange highlighted China’s multidimensional approach to policy formulation during a critical juncture in its development trajectory.

    Premier Li acknowledged the substantive value of these contributions, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between governmental planning and expert consultation. He contextualized the current economic landscape, noting increasing external uncertainties and persistent domestic challenges that require sophisticated policy responses. The Premier advocated for implementing more proactive macroeconomic measures with enhanced coordination between reform initiatives and broader economic policies, aiming for qualitative economic improvement alongside appropriate quantitative growth targets.

    Looking forward, Li expressed expectations for continued collaborative engagement from all participating organizations, particularly in addressing prominent development obstacles and contributing collective wisdom toward China’s high-quality economic and social advancement. This consultative process exemplifies China’s distinctive governance model that integrates specialized expertise into national strategic planning.

  • China helps Indonesia restore its coral reefs

    China helps Indonesia restore its coral reefs

    A groundbreaking marine conservation initiative between China and Indonesia has achieved significant breakthroughs in coral reef restoration, demonstrating the power of international scientific collaboration in addressing oceanic environmental challenges. The joint research project on marine offshore ecological ranching technology, spearheaded by Shanghai Ocean University in partnership with Indonesian institutions, has transformed degraded marine areas into thriving underwater ecosystems.

    According to the latest survey data, coral coverage in the project area near Pulau Bonetambung island in Indonesia’s South Sulawesi province has shown extraordinary recovery. From October to December 2025, coral coverage surged from 10% to 22%, representing one of the most successful marine restoration efforts recorded in the region. Researchers have documented 132 distinct coral species, predominantly from the Acropora and Porites genera, establishing vibrant new habitats for marine biodiversity.

    The project’s success extends beyond coral regeneration to encompass the entire marine ecosystem. The research team, led by Professor Liu Bilin from Shanghai Ocean University, reports the return of high-trophic-level fish species including the eight-banded butterflyfish (Chaetodon octofasciatus) and bicolor parrotfish (Cetoscarus bicolor), indicating the establishment of a complete, self-sustaining food chain within the restored area.

    Advanced monitoring technologies have been deployed to ensure the project’s continued success. Underwater binocular cameras function as ‘ecological sentinels,’ providing real-time, high-definition monitoring of fish activity, biological distribution, and fouling organism growth without requiring frequent manual surveys. This technological innovation, as explained by Professor Zou Leilei, addresses the traditional limitations of marine environmental assessment.

    The project, currently in its second phase (2025-2027), is expanding both technically and geographically. Syiah Kuala University, another Indonesian institution with strong marine science expertise, has joined the collaboration, enhancing knowledge exchange and local capacity building. Training programs and joint research initiatives are being strengthened to cultivate Indonesian expertise in marine conservation, ensuring the long-term sustainability of these restoration efforts.