Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Xinjiang’s Tumxuk harvests rice from desert saline-alkali fields

    Xinjiang’s Tumxuk harvests rice from desert saline-alkali fields

    In a remarkable agricultural achievement, the arid desert landscapes of Tumxuk city in China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region have yielded an unexpected bounty—a successful rice harvest from previously barren saline-alkali soil. Approximately 267 hectares of transformed desert terrain in Qianhai town have produced their first crop following an innovative ecological restoration project.

    Situated along the harsh western periphery of the Taklimakan Desert, China’s largest desert expanse, this land rehabilitation initiative commenced earlier this year. By June, agricultural specialists had implemented comprehensive soil improvements and planted specially developed rice varieties engineered for exceptional drought resistance and salt tolerance.

    The cultivation breakthrough employed sophisticated water management techniques, including an intermittent irrigation method applied once the late-planted rice plants reached 1-3 centimeters in height. This approach created optimal aeration conditions for root development while significantly reducing water evaporation from the desert soil.

    According to technician Zhang Yuanqiang, this innovative water-conservation and salt-leaching strategy resulted in substantial resource savings, reducing water requirements by 20-30 percent compared to conventional methods. The agricultural team maintained strict organic protocols, completely avoiding pesticides to prevent chemical contamination of the newly rehabilitated soil.

    Instead of chemical interventions, farmers leveraged the region’s abundant sunlight for natural pest control while implementing in-situ salt leaching techniques. The comprehensive approach created a sustainable ecological cycle: nurturing rice with carefully managed water resources, improving soil quality through rice cultivation, and enhancing water conservation through improved soil conditions.

    The desert rice fields achieved yields exceeding 100 kilograms per mu (approximately 667 square meters), a result that agricultural specialists consider highly satisfactory given the challenging growing conditions. Following the successful harvest, local growers including farmer Zhang Fei have established partnerships with rice processing companies to manage subsequent sales and distribution.

  • Boost for Asian content at Red Sea Film Festival

    Boost for Asian content at Red Sea Film Festival

    JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – The 2025 Red Sea International Film Festival became the stage for a significant expansion of Asian creative partnerships with the inaugural Asia Content Business Summit held in Jeddah on December 7. The event marked two major milestones: Saudi Arabia’s official accession to the summit and the debut appearance of an official China Pavilion at the festival, which runs from December 4-13.

    The conference, themed ‘Asian Collaboration in Content Production and Distribution,’ assembled industry pioneers and experts from across the continent including China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This gathering represented a strategic advancement in cross-regional dialogue within Asia’s rapidly evolving content industry.

    In a move signaling deeper regional integration, Abdullah Al-Muhaisen, Saudi Arabia’s inaugural film director and former royal court advisor, was appointed as senior advisor to the summit. His appointment is designed to catalyze strategic cooperation between Saudi Arabia and other Asian nations in content development and exchange.

    Al-Muhaisen, serving as keynote speaker, articulated the transformative power of content in cultural preservation and exchange. He emphasized that collaborative content production and distribution serves not merely as an industrial development strategy but as a crucial bridge for fostering mutual understanding between civilizations.

    Fred Wang, summit chairman and secretary-general of both the Asian Film Awards Academy and Hong Kong International Film Festival Society, outlined the academy’s initiatives to strengthen Asian content collaboration. He highlighted the ‘Film Camp’ program specifically designed to nurture emerging Asian filmmakers and establish a sustainable talent pipeline for the industry.

    Adding an educational dimension to the dialogue, Haifa Reda Jamal Al Layl, president of Jeddah’s Effat University – which established Saudi Arabia’s first film school – detailed the institution’s commitment to developing local creative talent while emphasizing the necessity of international educational partnerships.

    The Asia Content Business Summit functions as an annual high-level platform focused on content creation, distribution, investment, and technological integration across the Asia-Pacific region, aiming to drive synergistic progress throughout the Asian content ecosystem.

  • Chinese doctor carries out eye surgery in C909 aircraft

    Chinese doctor carries out eye surgery in C909 aircraft

    In a groundbreaking medical achievement, Chinese ophthalmologists have successfully performed the world’s first eye surgery aboard a domestically developed C909 aircraft, marking the operational launch of China’s inaugural self-developed “flying eye hospital.

    The historic procedure took place on Wednesday at Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport, where Dr. Liang Lingyi, Deputy Director of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, demonstrated remarkable surgical precision while operating inside the aircraft cabin. Using specialized microsurgical equipment, Dr. Liang completed an ocular surface surgery on a patient from rural Henan province in mere minutes.

    The patient, identified as Ms. Zhang, had previously faced significant barriers to specialized eye care due to her remote location. “I never imagined I could receive such advanced medical treatment so close to home,” Zhang expressed after regaining clear vision. “The doctors’ expertise is extraordinary, and I’m profoundly grateful to see the world clearly again.”

    This innovative airborne medical facility represents a major advancement in China’s healthcare accessibility initiatives. The converted C909 aircraft features state-of-the-art medical equipment and sterile environments meeting clinical standards, enabling specialists to deliver high-quality ophthalmological services to underserved regions.

    The flying hospital initiative addresses critical healthcare disparities by bringing sophisticated medical resources directly to remote communities. This approach eliminates the need for patients in isolated areas to undertake arduous journeys to urban medical centers, potentially revolutionizing how specialized care reaches China’s rural population.

    Medical authorities highlight that this achievement demonstrates China’s growing capabilities in both aviation technology and medical innovation. The successful surgery aboard a moving aircraft required overcoming unique challenges including vibration dampening, sterile maintenance, and precision instrument stabilization.

    The Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center confirmed that this milestone inaugurates regular clinical services through the flying hospital program, with plans to expand surgical specialties and reach additional remote communities across China.

  • Zhang Yonghe receives Li Buyun Law Prize for human rights work

    Zhang Yonghe receives Li Buyun Law Prize for human rights work

    In a ceremony coinciding with the 77th International Human Rights Day, Southwest University of Political Science and Law in Chongqing hosted the presentation of the esteemed Li Buyun Law Prize on Wednesday. The award was conferred upon Professor Zhang Yonghe, Executive Director of the university’s Human Rights Institute, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to multiple legal disciplines including human rights law, legal theory, sociology of law, and legal anthropology.

    Huang Wenyi, Vice-Chairman of the Li Buyun Law Award Committee, presided over the ceremony and emphasized Professor Zhang’s unique approach to human rights scholarship. Under Zhang’s leadership, research teams have conducted extensive fieldwork in ethnic minority regions, producing more than a dozen comprehensive reports in both Chinese and English that document China’s human rights advancements for international audiences.

    Professor Zhang’s influence extends beyond academic circles into global policy forums. He has regularly participated in United Nations Human Rights Council sessions in Geneva, where he has led delegations in submitting nearly twenty parallel reports that contribute to international human rights discourse. His work effectively bridges theoretical research with practical policy engagement, creating a multidimensional approach to human rights advocacy.

    The Li Buyun Law Prize, named after the renowned Chinese legal scholar, recognizes outstanding achievements in legal research and practice. This year’s award highlights the growing importance of academic institutions in advancing human rights understanding both within China and internationally, particularly through evidence-based research and cross-cultural dialogue.

  • Bahrain announces public holidays for National Day and Accession of King Hamad

    Bahrain announces public holidays for National Day and Accession of King Hamad

    The Kingdom of Bahrain has officially declared a two-day nationwide public holiday in December 2025 to commemorate significant national occasions. His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, confirmed all government ministries, departments, and public institutions will suspend operations on December 16-17, 2025.

    This administrative closure formalizes the dual celebration of Bahrain’s National Day and the Accession Day of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The holiday period acknowledges Bahrain’s developmental achievements and national unity while honoring the monarch’s reign and contributions to the kingdom’s progress.

    While core government services will experience temporary disruption, essential public services may maintain operations under adjusted schedules. Citizens and residents are advised to consult directly with relevant ministries and departmental authorities for specific service availability and operational hours during the holiday period.

    The National Day observance reflects on the nation’s collective accomplishments and strengthened unity under the current leadership. Simultaneously, Accession Day serves as an annual recognition of King Hamad’s reign, marking his ongoing dedication to steering Bahrain’s continued growth and development on the world stage.

  • Former senior customs official sentenced to 13 years for bribery

    Former senior customs official sentenced to 13 years for bribery

    In a significant ruling against corruption, the Hefei Intermediate People’s Court has sentenced Sun Yuning, former deputy director of China’s General Administration of Customs, to 13 years imprisonment for bribery offenses. The verdict delivered on Wednesday includes an additional fine of 4 million yuan ($566,300) and mandates that all illicit assets be confiscated by the state treasury.

    The court established that between 2005 and 2024, Sun systematically exploited his influential positions across multiple customs administrations to provide unlawful advantages to various corporations and individuals. His corrupt activities spanned business operations, project contracts, and personnel promotions during his tenures as senior official in Changchun, Manzhouli, Zhengzhou, and Dalian Customs before his promotion to the national administration.

    Evidence presented during the September 2024 trial revealed Sun accepted bribes exceeding 50.72 million yuan, either directly or through intermediaries. The court characterized the case as involving “an extraordinarily large sum” but acknowledged several mitigating factors including partial restitution of illegal gains, voluntary disclosure of previously unknown offenses, and cooperative conduct throughout judicial proceedings.

    Sun, 60, who joined the Communist Party of China in 1988, spent his entire career in customs services before his dramatic fall from grace. His investigation began in September 2024 for “serious violations of Party discipline and national laws,” resulting in immediate dismissal from office. By March 2025, he faced formal expulsion from the Party and subsequent arrest approval by the Supreme People’s Procuratorate.

  • Elderly Russian fan praises Chinese team at WTT Hong Kong

    Elderly Russian fan praises Chinese team at WTT Hong Kong

    HONG KONG – Amidst the electrifying atmosphere of the World Table Tennis (WTT) Finals at the Hong Kong Coliseum, a seasoned spectator from Moscow became an unexpected highlight of the event’s opening day on Wednesday. The elderly Russian fan, whose passion for the sport was evident, directed profound praise towards the Chinese national table tennis team, attributing their global supremacy to a culture of exceptional dedication.

    While acknowledging the universal presence of talent across international competitors, the Muscovite spectator emphasized a distinct characteristic of the Chinese squad. “What truly sets them apart is their unparalleled work ethic and profound love for hard training,” he observed during the competition’s opening sessions. “This unwavering commitment to excellence is the fundamental reason they consistently remain the Number One team in the world.”

    The spectator’s comments resonated with many attendees and echoed the sentiments of table tennis analysts who frequently cite China’s systematic training programs and intense discipline as the bedrock of their sustained success. The tournament, which gathers the world’s elite players, serves as a showcase for the sport’s highest level of competition, where China’s team is once again the favorite to claim multiple titles.

    This unsolicited international endorsement from a veteran fan underscores the widespread respect China’s table tennis program commands globally, transcending national rivalries and highlighting the sport’s unique ability to foster cross-cultural admiration.

  • BBC training tells staff not to criticise Zionists

    BBC training tells staff not to criticise Zionists

    The BBC has introduced a comprehensive antisemitism training program for its staff, developed in collaboration with the Jewish Staff Network, the Antisemitism Policy Trust, and the Community Security Trust (CST). The training explicitly advises that individuals who “have no intention to offend Jewish people” should avoid criticizing “Zionists” and instead direct their criticism toward “the Israeli government.” This guidance is based on the premise that antisemites frequently use the term “Zionist” as a coded reference to Jews, whether in Israel or elsewhere.

    The training incorporates the controversial International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which the British government has adopted. This definition includes classifying the characterization of Israel’s existence as a “racist endeavor” as potentially antisemitic. However, legal experts have warned that this approach might lead to a “curtailment of debate” by conflating antisemitism with anti-Zionism or criticism of historical events surrounding Israel’s establishment in 1948 and the displacement of Palestinians.

    The initiative has emerged amid ongoing controversies regarding the BBC’s coverage of Israel and Gaza. A recent study by the Centre for Media Monitoring (CFMM) alleged systemic bias in the BBC’s reporting, claiming that Israeli deaths receive 33 times more coverage than Palestinian casualties. The broadcaster has also faced criticism for withdrawing documentaries focused on Gaza, including “Gaza: How To Survive a Warzone,” following pressure from pro-Israel advocacy groups.

    Outgoing Director General Tim Davie emphasized the BBC’s commitment to inclusivity and anti-discrimination in a December staff email, stating that the organization “stands united against any form of discrimination, prejudice, or intolerance.” In addition to the antisemitism module, an Islamophobia training component is scheduled for release in February.

    The development occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions, with the CST previously characterizing pro-Palestine marches in London as disruptive to Jewish citizens’ “peace and basic rights” and calling for their cessation. The BBC’s editorial decisions regarding Middle East coverage continue to draw scrutiny from various stakeholders advocating for balanced representation.

  • Rainstorm floods Gaza tents as UN expert slams Israel’s ‘slow genocide’

    Rainstorm floods Gaza tents as UN expert slams Israel’s ‘slow genocide’

    Torrential rainfall has plunged Gaza into a deepening humanitarian catastrophe, submerging thousands of makeshift tents and exacerbating the already desperate conditions for displaced Palestinians. The severe weather event, which commenced before dawn on Wednesday, resulted in widespread flooding across the northern regions of the Strip, with water levels reaching approximately half a meter in numerous areas.

    The devastating downpour, lasting nearly four hours, completely inundated low-lying coastal zones and exposed the critical shortage of waterproof materials. With basic protective supplies largely unavailable and those remaining on the market priced prohibitively, displaced families face increasingly dire circumstances.

    According to Gaza’s Government Media Office, approximately 300,000 tents and prefabricated housing units are urgently required to address basic shelter needs. This crisis persists despite October’s ceasefire agreement, which explicitly mandated the entry of shelter materials—a provision Israel continues to violate through its blockade of essential humanitarian supplies.

    The Civil Defence Directorate issued an urgent appeal for international intervention, emphasizing that “displaced people in the Gaza Strip are drowning in their dilapidated tents” and characterizing rescue efforts as both a “humanitarian and moral duty.”

    UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing Balakrishnan Rajagopal described the situation as “extremely urgent and critical,” noting that approximately 1.5 million people currently lack access to proper shelter. Rajagopal revealed that while UNRWA has prepared shelters for approximately 1.3 million people outside Gaza, Israel systematically prevents their entry into the territory.

    The UN expert condemned Israel’s persistent violations of the ceasefire agreement, documenting at least 738 direct breaches including airstrikes, shootings, and residential demolitions since October. These actions have resulted in at least 379 fatalities while simultaneously restricting humanitarian aid to insufficient levels that exclude essential shelter, food, and medical items.

    Rajagopal characterized the systematic obstruction of aid as a form of “slow genocide,” expressing unprecedented concern about the “level of cruelty and suffering” exceeding that witnessed in other conflicts. Meteorological forecasts indicate continued adverse weather conditions throughout Palestine until Friday, with additional heavy rainfall, flash floods, and strong winds anticipated.

  • Shanghai Disney Resort unveils flexible ticket refund policy

    Shanghai Disney Resort unveils flexible ticket refund policy

    Shanghai Disney Resort has announced a significant overhaul of its ticket refund policy, transitioning from its current no-refund approach to a structured tiered system effective January 12, 2026. The updated policy introduces refund flexibility for standard-priced tickets purchased through official channels, marking a substantial shift in the resort’s visitor accommodation strategy.

    Under the new guidelines, guests will receive full refunds when canceling reservations at least seven days prior to their scheduled visit. For cancellations occurring between six days and one day before the planned visit date, an 80-yuan (approximately $11.30) service fee will be deducted per ticket. The policy maintains that no refunds will be processed on or after the scheduled visit date.

    The resort management stated that this policy revision aims to provide enhanced flexibility and convenience for visitors, allowing them to better manage unexpected changes to travel itineraries. The updated system applies to both one-day and two-day standard-priced tickets, including Disney Dream Day packages. For multi-day tickets, refund eligibility will be determined based on the first day of the planned visit.

    To facilitate the new refund process, the resort has established dual processing channels. Guests can initiate refunds through the resort’s digital platforms or seek assistance via the reservation center before their scheduled visit date. The policy also addresses supplementary products, allowing complimentary cancellation of additional services such as early park entry passes or Disney Premier Access purchased alongside refunded tickets.

    Important limitations apply to promotional tickets and previously modified reservations, which will remain ineligible for refunds. The policy covers tickets purchased through direct channels including the resort’s website, mobile application, official WeChat account, reservation center, and authorized flagship stores on major Chinese e-commerce platforms including Douyin, JD.com, and Fliggy. Visitors who purchased through authorized third-party partners are advised to consult their original point of purchase regarding applicable refund policies.