Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Pair discovers China’s diversity and hospitality on walk from France to China

    Pair discovers China’s diversity and hospitality on walk from France to China

    Two French adventurers, Loic and Benjamin, have successfully concluded an extraordinary 400-day journey on foot from France to China, covering more than 10,000 kilometers across diverse terrains and cultures. Their remarkable expedition, which commenced in September 2024, took them through over ten countries before finally reaching Chinese soil.

    Throughout their arduous trek, the pair experienced firsthand the renowned hospitality of the Chinese people, often receiving unexpected kindness from complete strangers. They expressed particular admiration for China’s striking contrasts between ultramodern urban centers and breathtaking natural landscapes, noting the country’s impressive cultural richness and geographical variety.

    “China has revealed itself to be both diverse and profoundly warm,” the travelers remarked, reflecting on their experiences navigating through various Chinese regions. Their journey not only served as a physical challenge but also as an immersive cultural exchange, allowing them to witness the rapid development and traditional heritage that coexist within contemporary China.

    As they approach their final destination of Shanghai, the French walkers continue to document their observations of China’s unique blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity. Their expedition stands as a testament to human perseverance and the power of cross-cultural understanding through direct engagement with different societies and environments.

  • Israel named ‘worst enemy of journalists’ by Reporters Without Borders

    Israel named ‘worst enemy of journalists’ by Reporters Without Borders

    In a damning annual assessment released Thursday, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has identified the Israeli military as the primary global threat to journalists, responsible for nearly half of all media professional fatalities worldwide during the past year. The Paris-based press freedom organization documented 67 journalist killings across the reporting period, with 43 percent occurring at the hands of Israeli forces in Palestinian territories—making this region the most lethal environment for news gatherers globally.

    RSF’s comprehensive analysis reveals that Israel’s military operations have surpassed even cartels and organized crime groups (24 percent) and the Russian army (4 percent) in journalist fatalities. The organization accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of conducting “an unprecedented massacre of the Palestinian press in recent history,” while simultaneously mounting a global propaganda campaign that falsely portrays Palestinian journalists as terrorists to justify these actions.

    The devastating toll includes over 250 media personnel killed since October 2023 according to Gaza’s Palestinian Media Office, with numerous documented cases of targeted strikes. On August 10, an Israeli attack killed Al Jazeera journalists Anas al-Sharif, Mohammed Qreiqeh, Mohammed Noufal, and Ibrahim Zaher, alongside freelance reporters Moamen Aliwa and Mohammed al-Khaldi. Israel alleged Sharif’s Hamas affiliation without presenting substantiating evidence—claims vehemently denied by Al Jazeera.

    Further atrocities include August’s ‘double-tap’ airstrikes on Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza that killed more than 20 people, including five journalists: Middle East Eye’s Mohamed Salama and Ahmed Abu Aziz, AP-affiliated freelancer Mariam Dagga, Reuters photojournalist Hussam al-Masri, and freelance reporter Moaz Abu Taha.

    Beyond the killings, RSF ranks Israel as the world’s ninth-worst jailer of journalists, immediately following Egypt. The report documents over 250 media workers detained since the Gaza conflict began, with at least 20—and potentially up to 50 according to the Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs—currently imprisoned. Most face no formal charges, instead being detained for social media activity labeled as ‘incitement’ or under administrative detention based on undisclosed ‘secret files’—a controversial practice enabling indefinite imprisonment without trial.

    International journalists have likewise faced repression, exemplified by the January detention of French journalist and Middle East Eye contributor Sylvain Mercadier for over four hours by Israeli forces while reporting from Syria. RSF concludes that Israel’s press suppression continues with impunity after more than two years of Gaza blockade and military operations.

  • China gets international recognition for search-and-rescue standards

    China gets international recognition for search-and-rescue standards

    China has attained prestigious international validation for its urban search and rescue capabilities after successfully completing the rigorous accreditation process administered by the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), a United Nations-coordinated global network. The Ministry of Emergency Management announced this milestone achievement on Tuesday, confirming China’s position as only the tenth nation worldwide to pass the International Recognition of National Accreditation Process.

    This certification signifies that China’s urban search-and-rescue system has reached internationally advanced standards, with its operational capabilities earning broad recognition from the global emergency response community. As a result of this accreditation, China now receives official authorization from INSARAG to conduct domestic assessments of rescue teams and award INSARAG certification badges to those meeting international benchmarks.

    The comprehensive evaluation exercise took place earlier this month at China’s National Earthquake Emergency Rescue Training Base in Beijing. Under the leadership of the China Earthquake Emergency Search and Rescue Center, the drill assembled over 160 personnel from multiple organizations including the Beijing Fire and Rescue Corps, the National Emergency Medical Rescue Team, the China International Search and Rescue Team, and Beijing Language and Culture University.

    The accreditation process featured an intensive 30-hour continuous field operation simulating realistic earthquake scenarios. The exercise demonstrated highly efficient and well-coordinated rescue capabilities under demanding conditions. A distinguished evaluation panel consisting of 10 international technical experts from INSARAG alongside 10 Chinese assessment experts employed a dual-standard review system combining both international and domestic criteria to ensure the professionalism and authority of the accreditation process.

  • New transport links to open remote Xinjiang village to tourism

    New transport links to open remote Xinjiang village to tourism

    The remote village of Saihantaohai, nestled within Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region’s Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, is poised to emerge from isolation as new transportation infrastructure reaches completion. Located in Hejing county at a remarkable elevation of 2,400 meters, this secluded settlement will become significantly more accessible to visitors when new highway and expressway connections open next year.

    Saihantaohai, whose Mongolian name translates to ‘beautiful valley,’ resides deep within the expansive Bayanbulak Grassland, surrounded by dramatic snow-capped mountains. The village’s stunning natural environment features towering spruce forests that rise like layered pagodas and a meandering river that cuts through lush meadows and woodlands. This pristine habitat supports rare wildlife including the Tianshan red deer (Cervus elaphus songaricus), which can occasionally be spotted grazing or moving through the landscape.

    The enhanced connectivity represents a strategic development initiative that will facilitate tourism growth while providing economic opportunities for local residents. By reducing travel barriers to this previously isolated region, authorities aim to showcase Saihantaohai’s unique ecological and cultural attributes to a broader audience. The transportation improvements are expected to create sustainable tourism pathways that balance visitor access with environmental preservation in this fragile high-altitude ecosystem.

  • 13-year-old girl praised for heroic rescue of child from icy lake

    13-year-old girl praised for heroic rescue of child from icy lake

    A 13-year-old girl from China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region has become an internet sensation after executing a daring rescue of a young child from freezing lake waters. Li Jiating, a resident of Wuzhong city, demonstrated extraordinary courage on December 6th when she encountered a life-threatening emergency at approximately 3:00 pm.

    While cycling near a local lake, Li witnessed a critical situation unfolding—a 4-year-old boy had broken through thin ice and fallen into the frigid water. Multiple bystanders had already contacted emergency services but remained hesitant to attempt direct rescue due to concerns about the unstable ice conditions.

    Displaying remarkable presence of mind, Li assessed the situation and volunteered for the rescue mission, declaring “I’m lightweight. Let me save him!” She strategically employed a plastic pipe as her primary rescue tool, carefully maneuvering across the precarious ice surface to maintain both her safety and that of the victim.

    The ingenious rescue operation saw Li extending the pipe toward the struggling toddler while maintaining a safe distance from the compromised ice area. She successfully guided the child to grasp the implement and systematically pulled him to secure ground. Emergency responders arrived shortly after to provide medical attention to both children.

    Local authorities and netizens nationwide have celebrated Li’s quick thinking and selfless actions. The People’s Daily official WeChat account featured images of the thoroughly soaked but triumphant teenager following her heroic intervention. The incident has sparked widespread discussions about youth bravery and emergency response preparedness in winter conditions.

  • Former executive of Chinese financial firm executed for bribery

    Former executive of Chinese financial firm executed for bribery

    In a landmark demonstration of China’s intensified anti-corruption campaign, former China Huarong International Holdings general manager Bai Tianhui was executed on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. The execution followed the Supreme People’s Court’s final validation of his death sentence for accepting bribes exceeding 1.1 billion yuan ($156 million).

    The Tianjin No. 2 Intermediate People’s Court carried out the sentence after formally notifying Bai of the supreme court’s decision and granting him a final meeting with family members. This concludes a legal process that began with his initial conviction on May 28, 2024, when he received the death penalty, lifetime deprivation of political rights, and confiscation of all personal assets.

    According to judicial authorities, between 2014 and 2018, Bai systematically exploited his executive positions to illicitly benefit certain entities in project acquisitions and corporate financing operations. The Supreme People’s Court characterized the case as exceptionally severe, noting the ‘extremely large’ bribe amounts, ‘extremely serious’ offense circumstances, ‘extremely negative’ social impact, and ‘extremely huge’ losses to national and public interests.

    The case represents the second major execution within China Huarong Asset Management’s leadership, following the 2021 execution of former chairman Lai Xiaomin for accepting 1.78 billion yuan in bribes. China’s legal framework requires all death sentences to undergo mandatory review by the Supreme People’s Court before execution, ensuring judicial oversight of capital punishment cases.

    This development occurs amidst heightened judicial scrutiny of corruption cases, with top courts recently demanding severe penalties for grassroots corruption offenses, signaling continued commitment to anti-graft measures across all levels of society.

  • Fire breaks out after explosion in S. Korea’s thermal power plant

    Fire breaks out after explosion in S. Korea’s thermal power plant

    A significant industrial incident unfolded in South Korea’s southwestern region on Tuesday when a powerful explosion ignited a major fire at a thermal power plant in Taean. The emergency was reported to local fire authorities at approximately 2:43 PM local time (0543 GMT), according to coverage by Yonhap News Agency.

    The facility, located approximately 150 kilometers southwest of the capital city Seoul, experienced the blast accompanied by a loud audible detonation that signaled the beginning of the emergency. Initial reports indicate that the explosion preceded the rapid development of the fire within the plant’s infrastructure.

    Emergency response units immediately mobilized to address the critical situation. Firefighting personnel and specialized equipment were dispatched to the scene following standard protocol for industrial accidents of this magnitude. An unnamed fire official confirmed the deployment of resources, though the exact scale of the response and specific number of units involved remains undisclosed at this early stage.

    The Taean thermal power plant represents a significant component of South Korea’s energy infrastructure, though specific operational details regarding capacity and output remain unverified in the immediate aftermath of the incident. Thermal power plants typically generate electricity through combustion of fossil fuels, presenting inherent fire risks that require sophisticated safety systems and protocols.

    Authorities have not yet released information regarding potential casualties, structural damage assessments, or the impact on regional power supply. The investigation into the root cause of the explosion and subsequent fire will likely involve multiple governmental agencies and industry experts once the immediate emergency is contained.

  • Chinese academic wisdom continues to inspire global universities

    Chinese academic wisdom continues to inspire global universities

    At the recent 11th Forum on Empirical Education Research in Shanghai, renowned Canadian educator Ruth Hayhoe from the University of Toronto advocated for the global adoption of Chinese educational principles rooted in traditional culture. The event, hosted by East China Normal University, highlighted how China’s educational wisdom offers transformative insights for universities worldwide.

    Professor Hayhoe emphasized the Confucian concept of ‘harmony without conformity’ (和而不同) as particularly valuable for contemporary higher education systems. This philosophy, she argued, provides a framework for creating inclusive learning environments that celebrate diversity while maintaining social cohesion. She called for a fundamental shift from a global knowledge economy toward a global knowledge society that prioritizes public good over commercial interests.

    Hayhoe’s distinguished career spans over five decades, beginning as a teacher in Hong Kong in 1967 and evolving through roles as scholar, diplomat, and university administrator. This unique background has positioned her as one of the few Western scholars capable of bridging Eastern and Western educational philosophies with deep cultural sensitivity.

    The forum recognized Hayhoe’s contributions with the Global Award for Innovation in Education Research Methods for her groundbreaking ‘dialogue among civilizations’ research paradigm. This methodology requires deep immersion in other cultures’ historical, philosophical, and value systems, moving beyond binary oppositions between Eastern and Western approaches to education.

    Four other distinguished scholars received the same honor: Stephen Raudenbush (University of Chicago), Manabu Sato (University of Tokyo), Wang Shanmai (Beijing Normal University), and Rupert Wegerif (University of Cambridge). The award, inaugurated in 2024, represents the world’s first recognition program specifically dedicated to innovation in educational research methodology.

    Professor Yuan Zhenguo, head of East China Normal University’s Faculty of Education and key architect of the award, stated the initiative aims to foster international exchange and advance empirical education research. ‘We hope to guide China’s empirical education research to better engage with the world,’ Yuan remarked, highlighting China’s growing role in shaping global educational discourse.

  • Global leaders plant Juncao grass, symbolize China ties

    Global leaders plant Juncao grass, symbolize China ties

    In a distinctive display of international diplomacy, ten state leaders including the King of Tonga have personally participated in Juncao grass planting ceremonies at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University. The symbolic gestures represent growing friendship and cooperation between China and partner nations through agricultural technology exchange.

    Professor Lin Zhanxi, the pioneering inventor of Juncao technology, confirmed these diplomatic planting activities have become a significant tradition at the university. The ceremonies typically involve foreign dignitaries planting Juncao grass—a hybrid plant developed through Chinese innovation that serves both ecological and agricultural purposes.

    Juncao technology, which literally means “fungus grass,” represents one of China’s notable agricultural exports, particularly to developing countries. The technology enables mushroom cultivation using grass instead of traditional timber substrates, providing sustainable livelihood opportunities while addressing environmental conservation concerns.

    These planting ceremonies have evolved into diplomatic rituals that symbolize deepening bilateral relationships. The participation of monarchs, presidents, and prime ministers underscores the international recognition of China’s technological contributions to sustainable development. Each planting event is documented as both a scientific exchange and a milestone in international relations.

    The university has become an unexpected diplomatic hub where agricultural technology serves as a bridge for international cooperation. These events typically include technical demonstrations and discussions about implementing Juncao technology in the visitors’ home countries, creating practical partnerships beyond symbolic gestures.

  • China issues wanted notices of 100 telecom fraud fugitives

    China issues wanted notices of 100 telecom fraud fugitives

    In a sweeping crackdown on transnational organized crime, China’s Ministry of Public Security has launched an international manhunt for 100 high-profile fugitives allegedly orchestrating massive telecom and internet fraud operations. The unprecedented operation, announced on December 9, 2025, targets the masterminds and key operatives behind sophisticated criminal networks that have preyed upon Chinese citizens through elaborate financial scams.

    Among the most sought individuals are four family-based syndicate leaders operating from northern Myanmar: Wu Qiping, Wu Qingzheng, Fu Xiaobin, and Ou Changhua. These criminal enterprises have allegedly established sophisticated operations beyond China’s borders, leveraging foreign sanctuaries to coordinate long-term fraudulent activities targeting mainland citizens.

    According to investigative findings, these networks have orchestrated complex financial deception schemes resulting in enormous monetary losses for victims. The ministry characterized these operations as particularly malicious in nature, with evidence indicating systematic organization and recruitment of personnel specifically for fraudulent activities.

    Multiple municipal public security bureaus across China—including those in Hangzhou, Wenzhou, Quanzhou, Longyan, Pingdingshan, Shenzhen, Kunming, and Chongqing—have jointly issued reward notices for information leading to captures. The coordinated effort demonstrates the national priority being placed on combating cross-border financial crimes.

    Authorities are simultaneously pursuing a dual approach: encouraging voluntary surrender with promises of lenient treatment while mobilizing public assistance through financial incentives for information. The ministry emphasized that individuals providing credible intelligence or assistance in apprehending suspects will receive legal protection and monetary rewards, signaling a comprehensive strategy combining law enforcement action with community engagement.