标签: Asia

亚洲

  • Song Zhaopu: Making TCM culture take root, thrive

    Song Zhaopu: Making TCM culture take root, thrive

    As a dedicated grassroots practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Song Zhaopu has committed his professional career to medical treatment and cultural preservation. With exceptional medical expertise and profound compassion, he has provided transformative care to more than 3,200 children diagnosed with cerebral palsy, offering renewed hope for recovery and improved quality of life.

    Beyond his clinical practice, Song has embraced a broader mission as a deputy to China’s National People’s Congress. He actively champions the innovative development and international proliferation of TCM traditions. His legislative work focuses on creating sustainable frameworks that allow traditional medicinal knowledge to take root globally while maintaining its cultural authenticity.

    Song’s journey from medical practitioner to public representative illustrates the evolving role of healthcare professionals in societal development. His dual commitment to patient care and cultural advocacy demonstrates how traditional medicine can bridge clinical practice and cultural diplomacy. Through his parliamentary activities, Song works to institutionalize support mechanisms for TCM’s modernization and global integration, ensuring this ancient medical system continues to thrive in contemporary healthcare landscapes.

  • Shanghai to mark women’s day with half marathon

    Shanghai to mark women’s day with half marathon

    Shanghai is set to commemorate the 116th International Women’s Day on March 8 with a special sporting event designed to celebrate female empowerment and community engagement. The Shanghai Women’s Half Marathon will traverse through the city’s urban landscape, commencing at Zunyi Road in Changning district and concluding at the scenic Zhongshan Park.

    The event has attracted participation from diverse communities, including diplomatic representatives such as Lisa Azzopardi, Consul General of Malta in Shanghai, who will be joining the run. Her involvement underscores the international spirit of the occasion and highlights how the event serves as a platform for cross-cultural exchange and women’s solidarity.

    This initiative represents part of broader nationwide celebrations across China honoring women’s achievements and promoting gender equality. The choice of a athletic event symbolizes strength, perseverance, and the breaking of traditional barriers, aligning with contemporary movements toward female empowerment through physical activity and public participation.

    The marathon route through Shanghai’s distinctive urban environment offers participants and spectators alike an opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere while supporting a cause that transcends sporting achievement. Such events continue to gain popularity in China as meaningful alternatives to conventional Women’s Day observances, emphasizing active participation over passive celebration.

  • Ren Shuyuan: Finding fulfillment in practicing ‘from the people, to the people’

    Ren Shuyuan: Finding fulfillment in practicing ‘from the people, to the people’

    In China’s northeastern Heilongjiang province, National People’s Congress deputy Ren Shuyuan has become an emblematic figure of grassroots representation, earning the affectionate moniker ‘Sister Gancai’ (Dried Vegetable Sister) from her rural constituents. Her journey into politics began not in government halls but in the humble settings of local marketplaces, where a casual conversation about salt prices sparked her determination to transform economic opportunities for regional farmers.

    Ren channeled this inspiration into tangible action by establishing a specialized agricultural cooperative that revolutionized local income streams. By developing innovative methods to preserve and market homegrown vegetables, she created sustainable economic pathways for community members who previously struggled with market access limitations.

    Her political approach remains fundamentally connected to the soil that nurtured her career. As an NPC representative, Ren maintains continuous dialogue with farming communities, systematically transforming field-level concerns into actionable policy proposals. This methodology exemplifies what she describes as practicing the principle of ‘from the people, to the people’—a philosophy that emphasizes responsive governance rooted in direct constituent engagement.

    Through her dual role as agricultural entrepreneur and political representative, Ren demonstrates how policy-making can emerge from practical grassroots experience. Her work has brought measurable prosperity to Baiquan county while providing a replicable model for rural revitalization across China’s agricultural regions.

  • Hunan ramps up efforts to build a youth-friendly society

    Hunan ramps up efforts to build a youth-friendly society

    Central China’s Hunan province is implementing a comprehensive strategy to transform itself into a magnet for young talent, as announced by delegates at the ongoing 14th National People’s Congress session in Beijing. The initiative positions youth attraction as fundamental to the region’s long-term developmental trajectory.

    During an open-door discussion with the Hunan delegation, provincial Party Secretary Shen Xiaoming articulated the vision’s philosophical foundation: “Those who embrace young people are embracing the future.” He highlighted Hunan’s competitive advantage in lower living costs compared to other Chinese regions, making it particularly appealing to younger demographics.

    Demographic data reveals compelling trends supporting this strategy. Over the past decade, Hunan’s capital Changsha has experienced a net population influx exceeding one million individuals, with youth comprising approximately 80% of these newcomers. This migration pattern has reduced the city’s average age to 37 years—nearly two years younger than comparable urban centers nationally.

    The provincial government has implemented multi-faceted approaches to talent acquisition. Since September, targeted recruitment events for university graduates have been conducted across seven major cities including Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an, Wuhan, Chengdu, and Nanjing. These efforts aim to attract both domestic and international high-caliber professionals.

    Substantive policy measures were formalized in December through government-approved documents specifically addressing youth development. The framework concentrates on four pivotal areas: educational advancement, entrepreneurial support, living condition improvements, and personal growth opportunities.

    Industrial stakeholders are actively participating in this initiative. Li Donglin, NPC deputy and chairman of CRRC Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Research Institute, emphasized corporate responsibility in creating favorable career conditions for young professionals. He noted that Hunan’s established industrial foundations in rail transit, clean energy equipment, and semiconductors—coupled with the advanced manufacturing cluster spanning the Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan area—provide exceptional platforms for innovation and entrepreneurship.

    The CRRC Zhuzhou Institute has operationalized this commitment through regular innovation seminars and open-day events, offering young talents exposure to authentic industrial environments and professional guidance through developmental challenges.

  • China’s five-year development targets focus on addressing people’s concerns: official

    China’s five-year development targets focus on addressing people’s concerns: official

    BEIJING – In a significant policy announcement, Chinese officials have revealed that approximately one-third of the nation’s development objectives for the 2026-2030 period will specifically target resolving the most pressing concerns affecting citizens’ daily lives. The disclosure came during a press conference held Saturday by Zheng Bei, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission.

    The draft outline of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan incorporates concrete metrics designed to elevate national living standards, with particular emphasis on educational attainment and healthcare accessibility. Among the key benchmarks are targets to increase the average years of education within the working-age population, extend average life expectancy, and boost the ratio of medical professionals per 1,000 residents.

    This human-centered development strategy represents a continuation of China’s governance approach that prioritizes addressing fundamental quality-of-life issues. The comprehensive plan, which serves as the country’s primary socioeconomic roadmap, demonstrates the government’s commitment to translating economic growth into tangible improvements in public welfare.

    The announcement coincides with the annual sessions of China’s national legislative and political advisory bodies, where development planning takes center stage in policy discussions. The targeted initiatives reflect extensive research into population needs and are expected to drive significant resource allocation toward social development programs in the coming half-decade.

  • Hunan doctor witnesses progress in the healthcare sector

    Hunan doctor witnesses progress in the healthcare sector

    A senior pediatrician practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine in China’s Hunan province has observed transformative advancements within the healthcare sector, where digital integration, expanded insurance coverage, and a robust grassroots clinic network are significantly enhancing patient accessibility.

  • US bombers land in Britain as Pentagon prepares ‘surge’ in Iran strikes

    US bombers land in Britain as Pentagon prepares ‘surge’ in Iran strikes

    The United States has significantly bolstered its military presence in the United Kingdom with the arrival of three B-1 Lancer strategic bombers at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. This deployment, part of a Pentagon-prepared ‘surge’ operation, signals an escalation in readiness for potential strikes against Iranian targets.

    The advanced bombers, each valued at approximately $2 billion and capable of carrying 24 cruise missiles for long-range stealth missions, were accompanied by a C-5 Galaxy transport aircraft—the largest in the U.S. military inventory. According to U.S. Air Force specifications, these aircraft provide rapid deployment capabilities for massive quantities of precision weapons anywhere in the world.

    This military buildup follows statements from U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth, who confirmed plans to utilize British bases for intensified operations against Iran. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has authorized the use of UK military facilities for targeting Iranian missile sites, despite drawing criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump who characterized Starmer’s initial hesitation as ‘unhelpful’.

    The deployment occurs against a backdrop of significant public opposition in Britain. Recent YouGov polling indicates that 49% of Britons oppose U.S. military action against Iran, with only 28% in support. Similarly, exactly half of the British public objects to allowing U.S. forces to use UK airbases for these operations.

    British Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has defended the potential escalation, stating that direct strikes on Iranian missile facilities would be ‘entirely legal’ and within UK capabilities given available satellite and intelligence resources. However, Lammy’s comments were somewhat undermined by factual errors regarding military terminology and NATO alliances.

    Complicating the situation, the UK Ministry of Defence revealed that a drone which recently struck RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus was likely launched from Lebanon or Iraq rather than Iran, contrary to initial assumptions. The incident remains under investigation as regional tensions continue to mount.

  • Various events held across China to mark Intl Women’s Day

    Various events held across China to mark Intl Women’s Day

    Communities across China have launched a series of vibrant events in anticipation of International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8th. The celebrations, spanning multiple provinces, showcase the nation’s commitment to recognizing women’s social contributions and promoting gender equality.

    In Mengzi city, Yunnan province, women gathered for floral arrangement workshops on March 5th, combining artistic expression with community bonding. These activities represent just one facet of the nationwide initiatives that include cultural performances, professional development seminars, and awards ceremonies honoring outstanding women in various fields.

    The photographic documentation from Xinhua News Agency captures the colorful displays and engaged participants, highlighting how local governments and organizations have coordinated these events to acknowledge women’s evolving roles in contemporary Chinese society. These celebrations occur amid China’s ongoing efforts to enhance women’s rights and opportunities in workforce participation, education, and leadership positions.

    While primarily festive in nature, these gatherings also serve as platforms for discussing women’s issues and advocating for continued progress toward gender parity. The timing coincides with global observances, placing China’s activities within an international context of women’s empowerment movements and solidarity initiatives.

  • Rapper-politician Balendra Shah set to be Nepal’s next prime minister

    Rapper-politician Balendra Shah set to be Nepal’s next prime minister

    In a stunning political upheaval, Nepalese rapper Balendra Shah has decisively unseated former Prime Minister Sharma KP Oli in the country’s general election, marking a dramatic shift in the nation’s political landscape. The Election Commission confirmed Saturday that the 35-year-old musician-turned-politician, popularly known as Balen, secured 68,348 votes against Oli’s 18,734 in the parliamentary constituency race.

    The election, held Thursday amidst heightened tensions, represented a fundamental clash between Nepal’s established political order and a new generation of leaders championing the aspirations of frustrated Gen Z voters. Shah, who resigned as Kathmandu’s mayor in January specifically to challenge Oli, is now poised to assume the prime minister role after his Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) secured a general election victory.

    This political transformation follows September 2025’s youth-led protests that toppled the previous government, triggered by Oli’s controversial ban on social media platforms. The demonstrations escalated into widespread criticism of Nepal’s political system and class inequality, particularly targeting ‘nepo babies’—children of established politicians. Tragically, 77 protesters lost their lives during the unrest, with a BBC investigation revealing the police chief had authorized lethal force against unarmed demonstrators.

    Shah, who gained fame through his Nepali hip-hop music including the viral hit ‘Balidan’ about sacrifice, emerged as a vocal supporter of the protest movement, once labeling Oli a ‘terrorist’ who betrayed his country. Despite typically avoiding media attention, Shah told the Financial Times during his campaign that he would become ‘the candidate for all of Nepal.’

    The RSP’s February manifesto directly addresses youth frustrations, promising to create 1.2 million jobs, reduce forced migration, and implement ambitious economic reforms including doubling per capita income from $1,447 to $3,000 within five years. The party also committed to expanding Nepal’s economy to $100 billion GDP while establishing social safety nets including universal healthcare insurance.

    This election marks a potential end to Nepal’s decades-long pattern of coalition governments dominated by three established parties, including two communist factions. With 800,000 first-time voters participating, the results demonstrate the growing political influence of Nepal’s youth population demanding substantive change.

  • India eyes third T20 World Cup title as New Zealand hopes to spoil party in Sunday’s final

    India eyes third T20 World Cup title as New Zealand hopes to spoil party in Sunday’s final

    AHMEDABAD, India — The world’s largest cricket stadium prepares for an epic showdown as India faces New Zealand in the Twenty20 World Cup final on Sunday, with the host nation pursuing an unprecedented third title while confronting lingering memories of past heartbreaks.

    The Narendra Modi Stadium will witness India’s attempt to exorcise the demons of their 2023 ODI World Cup final defeat to Australia on this very ground. Despite subsequent victories in the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, that loss to Australia continues to resonate within the team’s psyche.

    Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav acknowledged the dual emotions surrounding the final: “There is pressure, I cannot deny that. There is excitement too — playing another World Cup final and that too on home soil.”

    New Zealand approaches the match with their own history of final disappointments, having finished as runners-up in the dramatic 2019 Cricket World Cup against England and falling to Australia in the 2021 T20 World Cup final. Captain Mitchell Santner emphasized the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket: “We have seen throughout this World Cup that a lot of teams are on a similar page and it comes down to little moments in every game that changes the outcome.”

    The road to the final reveals contrasting journeys for both teams. New Zealand, despite a 4-1 series loss to India prior to the tournament with a second-string squad, has demonstrated remarkable growth throughout the competition. Their campaign included a stunning nine-wicket semifinal victory over South Africa in Kolkata, highlighted by Finn Allen’s record-breaking 100 not out from just 33 balls.

    India dominated Group A but suffered a wake-up call against South Africa in their first Super 8 game at Ahmedabad. This prompted strategic changes from coach Gautam Gambhir, including the introduction of Sanju Samson as opener, who has since scored 210 runs in three innings with consecutive half-centuries.

    Key matchups will likely determine the outcome: Finn Allen’s explosive form against India’s bowling attack, which has relied heavily on Jasprit Bumrah on flatter surfaces. New Zealand’s batting lineup, featuring Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, and Glenn Phillips, brings considerable experience with Indian conditions and bowling. India’s batting fortunes rest significantly on Ishan Kishan’s consistent performances, while their middle order has shown variability throughout the tournament.

    The final promises to be a tactical battle between Matt Henry’s pace and Mitchell Santner’s spin against India’s versatile batting lineup, creating a compelling climax to the tournament.