Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • China’s top legislature schedules session for Wednesday

    China’s top legislature schedules session for Wednesday

    BEIJING – The Standing Committee of China’s 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), the country’s supreme legislative body, will conduct its twentieth plenary session in the capital on Wednesday. This scheduling decision was formally ratified during a Monday assembly of the NPC Standing Committee’s Council of Chairpersons, overseen by Committee Chairman Zhao Leji.

    The upcoming session’s provisional agenda highlights several critical parliamentary functions, with particular emphasis on the examination of official documentation concerning the qualifications of NPC delegates. This procedural review represents a routine yet essential component of the legislature’s oversight responsibilities, ensuring the proper credentialing and compliance of its members.

    The convening of this session continues the scheduled work of China’s primary lawmaking institution during its current term. These regular meetings facilitate the ongoing legislative processes and governmental supervision duties mandated by China’s constitutional framework. The NPC Standing Committee operates as the permanent working body of the full National People’s Congress, exercising legislative authority and making key decisions between the annual full congressional sessions.

    This gathering marks another institutional step in the governance mechanisms through which China’s legislative branch addresses national policy development and parliamentary affairs. The session’s outcomes will contribute to the continuous operation of China’s political system and its legal administration structures.

  • Chinese premier urges efforts to boost development, improve people’s well-being

    Chinese premier urges efforts to boost development, improve people’s well-being

    During an official inspection visit to Shandong province on February 2, 2026, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the critical importance of advancing regional development while simultaneously enhancing public welfare and strengthening economic momentum through more substantial and effective measures.

    As a senior member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Premier Li identified smart manufacturing as the cornerstone for driving technological transformation and industrial modernization. He specifically highlighted the necessity of actively deploying artificial intelligence technologies to comprehensively restructure the entire production and manufacturing chain throughout its complete lifecycle.

    The Premier’s agenda included detailed briefings on Shandong’s energy infrastructure development and nuclear power initiatives. He stressed the vital need for coordinated efforts in constructing and safely operating clean energy projects, while simultaneously enhancing technological capabilities and regulatory supervision to bolster support for establishing a contemporary energy system.

    In a significant policy development, Premier Li presided over a symposium to gather expert opinions and recommendations concerning the draft government work report and the preliminary outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development. During these discussions, he urged governmental authorities at all levels to capitalize on their regional comparative advantages and actively cultivate new growth drivers.

    Premier Li outlined several priority areas for concentrated development efforts, including the establishment of new quality productive forces adapted to local conditions, the improvement of domestic economic circulation mechanisms, and the promotion of employment opportunities alongside resident income growth. These initiatives are expected to form the foundation of China’s development strategy through the latter half of the 2020s.

  • SPP drive helps protect Grand Canal’s heritage

    SPP drive helps protect Grand Canal’s heritage

    China’s Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) has reported significant achievements in protecting cultural heritage along the Grand Canal through an extensive public interest litigation campaign throughout 2025. The initiative resulted in the resolution of 1,578 cases involving physical damage to cultural relics and the rectification of 832 violations that compromised historic landscapes along the world’s longest artificial waterway.

    The comprehensive operation, launched in February 2025, addressed critical challenges including structural deterioration of ancient structures, unauthorized construction projects, inadequate fire safety measures, and improper waste disposal within protected zones. Prosecutorial investigations revealed systemic vulnerabilities in the heritage protection framework, particularly noting weak enforcement at grassroots levels and insufficient interdepartmental coordination.

    Beyond immediate remediation, the campaign uncovered deeper structural issues in conservation approaches, including a predominant ‘rescue over prevention’ mentality, incomplete relic registries, and flawed mechanisms for intangible cultural heritage transmission. Several national-level intangible cultural heritage projects faced extinction risks due to successor shortages and inadequate intellectual property protections.

    The procuratorial organs implemented a multifaceted strategy that combined legal interventions with developmental approaches. This included establishing cultural industry parks, improving local legislation, and creating sustainable economic models around heritage assets. Notably, one revitalized intangible cultural heritage event generated over 500,000 yuan in additional annual income for local residents while preserving cultural traditions.

    The initiative secured 699 million yuan in specialized conservation funding and facilitated the conversion of 48 protected sites into cultural-educational venues. Additionally, 68 cultural tourism projects were launched, establishing a virtuous cycle between heritage preservation and sustainable regional development.

    Moving forward, the SPP has committed to strengthening preventive conservation measures and establishing permanent working mechanisms with relevant departments to ensure ongoing protection for the Grand Canal’s 2,500-year-old cultural legacy.

  • China to ban hidden door handles on cars starting 2027

    China to ban hidden door handles on cars starting 2027

    In a significant regulatory shift, China will prohibit vehicles equipped with concealed door handles lacking mechanical release mechanisms beginning January 2027. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced this week that all passenger doors—excluding tailgates—must incorporate physical unlocking functionality to address critical safety vulnerabilities observed in emergency situations.

    The policy development follows multiple tragic incidents where electronic door systems failed during accidents, trapping occupants inside vehicles. Automotive manufacturers will face a phased compliance timeline: newly approved models must meet requirements by 2027, while existing approved models have until January 2029 to implement necessary design modifications.

    This regulation particularly affects premium electric vehicles utilizing retractable handles as design and aerodynamic features. Impacted models include Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3, BMW’s iX3, and numerous Chinese-branded EVs that currently employ flush-mounted handle systems.

    Industry analysts anticipate global ramifications from China’s pioneering safety standard. Chris Liu, senior analyst at technology research firm Omdia, noted that while other regions have expressed concerns about hidden handles, China becomes the first major automotive market to formalize prohibitions. European regulators and other jurisdictions may subsequently align with or reference China’s approach, potentially creating a new international safety benchmark.

    The regulatory process began with a draft proposal released for public commentary in September, indicating thorough stakeholder consultation. This development coincides with ongoing investigations by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into Tesla’s electronic door handle performance failures, highlighting international attention to this safety issue.

    Automakers now face substantial redesign challenges and potential cost implications as they reengineer door systems to combine aesthetic appeal with mechanical reliability, potentially reshaping EV design priorities worldwide.

  • Potential US-Iran nuclear talks face mixed signals amid rising tensions

    Potential US-Iran nuclear talks face mixed signals amid rising tensions

    The prospect of renewed nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran remains shrouded in uncertainty as conflicting signals emerge from both capitals. While initial reports suggested an impending meeting between US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi in Istanbul, Iranian officials have since cast doubt on these arrangements, indicating that talks remain in a preliminary phase.

    The diplomatic maneuvering unfolds against a backdrop of escalating military deployments and heated rhetoric. The Trump administration has recently positioned an aircraft carrier strike group and additional warships to the Middle East, while President Trump himself issued warnings regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Simultaneously, Iran’s Armed Forces’ Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi cautioned that any US military action could trigger regional conflict.

    At the heart of the potential negotiations lies a fundamental divergence in priorities. Iranian officials consistently emphasize sanctions relief as their primary objective, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stating that removing ‘unjust sanctions’ remains Tehran’s core demand. Conversely, Washington insists any agreement must include stringent limitations on uranium enrichment, removal of already enriched materials, restrictions on long-range missiles, and curtailment of Iranian support for regional proxies—conditions analysts describe as particularly challenging for Iran to accept.

    Regional dynamics further complicate the diplomatic landscape. Joint US-Israeli naval exercises in the Red Sea demonstrate strengthened military coordination, while several Middle Eastern nations, including Jordan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, have provided assurances that their territories will not be used for attacks against Iran. Meanwhile, Tehran continues to attribute domestic unrest to foreign interference, recently announcing the arrest of four foreigners allegedly involved in riots and releasing detailed casualty figures from recent protests.

    The path to negotiation appears fraught with obstacles, as both nations navigate complex domestic and regional considerations while maintaining military preparedness. The coming days will prove crucial in determining whether diplomatic channels can overcome escalating tensions and establish a framework for substantive dialogue.

  • Scientists pave way for faster, more stable chips

    Scientists pave way for faster, more stable chips

    Researchers at Shanghai’s Fudan University have achieved a transformative breakthrough in semiconductor technology that could revolutionize computing performance and energy efficiency. The pioneering study, conducted by the State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics and published in the prestigious journal Nature, successfully bridges the critical gap between theoretical potential and practical application of antiferromagnetic materials—a challenge that has perplexed scientists for decades.

    Traditional computing devices predominantly utilize ferromagnetic materials for data storage, encoding information through magnetization directions that represent binary data. However, these conventional materials face significant limitations including vulnerability to magnetic interference, restricted data density capacity, slower operational speeds, and higher power consumption—constraints that have become increasingly problematic as the semiconductor industry pursues more compact and efficient devices.

    Antiferromagnetic materials present a revolutionary alternative with their unique atomic structure where adjacent magnetic moments oppose each other, effectively neutralizing stray magnetic fields. This intrinsic property enables superior stability, enhanced data packing density, and dramatically faster switching capabilities compared to conventional ferromagnetic materials.

    The research team’s groundbreaking discovery identified that specific low-dimensional, layered antiferromagnets—particularly chromium thiophosphate (CrPS4)—can be reliably controlled using external magnetic fields. This manipulation allows predictable switching between two stable magnetic states, mirroring the functionality of current ferromagnetic materials while overcoming their limitations.

    Professor Wu Shiwei, co-corresponding author of the study, explained: ‘We have developed both the methodology to precisely control these magnetic states and the specialized magneto-optical microscopy technology to directly observe them. This dual capability fulfills the fundamental requirements for practical data reading and writing applications.’

    The research establishes clear criteria for identifying optimal antiferromagnetic materials, providing engineers and scientists with a practical framework for developing next-generation semiconductor devices. Industry analysts note this advancement could significantly influence global semiconductor competition, potentially accelerating China’s progress in advanced chip technologies amid ongoing international efforts to enhance computing capabilities while reducing energy consumption.

  • Israel slammed for ceasefire violations

    Israel slammed for ceasefire violations

    Arab and Muslim-majority nations issued a stern condemnation of Israel’s repeated breaches of the Gaza ceasefire agreement on Sunday, following fresh military strikes that resulted in 31 fatalities over the weekend. The coordinated diplomatic response came as the Rafah border crossing with Egypt resumed operations after nearly two years of closure, creating a complex humanitarian corridor under stringent restrictions.

    In a joint statement, foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Turkiye characterized Israel’s actions as “a direct threat to the political process” that jeopardizes regional stability efforts. The ministers emphasized that these violations “risk escalating tensions and undermining efforts aimed at consolidating calm” during critical international negotiations to advance the second phase of the truce.

    The condemnation follows reports from WAFA news agency indicating that over 500 Palestinians have been killed since the Israel-Hamas ceasefire took effect on October 11. In a particularly tragic incident, medical sources confirmed a three-year-old child died when Israeli naval vessels shelled displacement tents in Khan Younis’ Al-Mawasi area.

    Concurrently, the Rafah crossing reopened under a pilot program that permits only pedestrian movement with Egyptian approval and Israeli security clearance. The Israeli military agency COGAT confirmed the crossing’s limited operation for “testing and assessment purposes,” while reports indicated 150 patients and companions prepared for medical evacuation from Gaza.

    European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib reiterated that “international humanitarian law must be upheld,” emphasizing the universal protection of civilians. Academic experts like Iyad Eid from the International Islamic University Malaysia noted Israel’s demonstrated pattern of disregarding ceasefire agreements with Palestinians.

    The humanitarian situation remains precarious as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza remains stranded in Cairo due to “technical problems and obstacles,” with members anonymously reporting inadequate headquarters and operational budget shortages hindering their mission to coordinate governmental transitions in Gaza.

  • Iran president orders talks as Washington hopeful of deal

    Iran president orders talks as Washington hopeful of deal

    In a significant diplomatic development, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has authorized the commencement of nuclear negotiations with the United States, according to reports from Iranian state media on Monday. This move follows statements from US President Donald Trump expressing optimism about reaching a diplomatic agreement to prevent military confrontation with the Islamic Republic.

    The announcement comes amid escalating regional tensions, with Trump having previously threatened military action and deployed an aircraft carrier group to the Middle East. While maintaining this military pressure, the US administration has simultaneously expressed willingness to pursue diplomatic channels, creating a complex dual-track approach to Iran policy.

    Fars News Agency, citing unnamed government sources, confirmed that “President Pezeshkian has ordered the opening of talks with the United States” specifically addressing nuclear matters, though precise timing details remain unspecified. Iranian officials indicated they are developing a negotiation framework expected to be finalized within days, with communication between the two nations being facilitated through regional intermediaries.

    The diplomatic maneuvering occurs against a backdrop of mutual warnings. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei cautioned that any US military action could trigger broader regional conflict, stating that while Iran would not initiate hostilities, it would deliver a “hard punch” to any aggressors. Trump responded dismissively to these warnings, emphasizing US military capabilities while maintaining his preference for a negotiated settlement.

    Regional diplomacy appears to be intensifying, with reports indicating that Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar are mediating arrangements for a meeting between Trump’s special envoy and senior Iranian officials in Ankara later this week. Meanwhile, Iran’s parliament escalated tensions with the European Union by declaring all EU militaries “terrorist groups” in retaliation for the bloc’s similar designation of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.

  • Retiree stages second act as short-film star

    Retiree stages second act as short-film star

    In Zhengzhou, Henan province, 60-year-old Pan Yihong has transformed retirement into an unexpected acting career, becoming one of China’s most recognizable faces in the booming micro-drama industry. After decades as a discipline official in a state-owned enterprise, Pan has appeared in over 300 short-form productions since retiring, specializing in villainous grandmother and mother-in-law roles that have earned her the nickname ‘Rong Momo’ after Chinese television’s iconic antagonist.

    Pan’s journey to micro-drama stardom represents a deferred dream finally realized. In 1984, she completed drama training but prioritized practical career concerns, keeping her faded pink certificate through multiple moves as a silent reminder of her unrealized passion. Her father had named her Yihong, meaning ‘artistic rainbow,’ in hopes she would someday achieve artistic heights.

    That aspiration culminated in late 2025 when Pan received the Golden Leaf Honor at the Weibo TV and Internet Video Summit in Beijing—a moment she commemorated by visiting her father’s grave to share her accomplishment. ‘Your daughter didn’t just become an actress,’ she told him. ‘She won an award.’

    Unlike actors who resist typecasting, Pan embraces her villain specialization. ‘It shows that I have successfully portrayed these images and they recognize my acting skills,’ she explained. Her approach to villainy focuses on capturing characters’ ‘human logic’ through subtle details rather than exaggerated outbursts.

    Off-screen, Pan’s personality contrasts sharply with her on-screen personas. Younger colleagues affectionately call her ‘Auntie Pan,’ and her husband of decades, Qiao Rui, notes that despite rarely watching her productions, he fully supports her career. ‘This is just acting,’ he said. ‘In real life, she is very kind-hearted.’

    As a pioneer in China’s rapidly evolving micro-drama industry, Pan has witnessed significant changes in production quality and audience expectations. ‘I have watched this industry rise from the ground,’ she observed. ‘From mindless thrilling dramas with all kinds of exaggeration to content that now requires warmth and social value.’

    With nearly 700 million micro-drama viewers nationwide as of June 2025—representing nearly 70% of China’s internet users—the industry continues to expand rapidly. Pan remains highly motivated despite the industry’s demanding schedules, viewing age as merely symbolic. ‘Sixty can be the start of a new life,’ she said. ‘Retirement isn’t about the end. It means finding a new stage to shine on.’

    Looking forward, Pan hopes to expand beyond her villain niche into comedy and spy films, aspiring to work in long-form dramas with veteran actors she admires.

  • Nanocrystal analysis system bolsters sci-tech self-reliance

    Nanocrystal analysis system bolsters sci-tech self-reliance

    Chinese scientists have achieved a major technological milestone with the development of the nation’s first fully domestic micro-nanocrystal analysis system. The breakthrough instrument, named RaSAS (Rapid Analysis System), was unveiled by researchers at the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry after five years of intensive development.

    The advanced system represents a significant step toward China’s technological self-reliance, ending decades of dependence on expensive imported equipment for high-precision crystal analysis. With this achievement, China becomes only the third nation worldwide—after Japan and Switzerland—capable of producing such sophisticated analytical instrumentation.

    RaSAS operates at scales beyond the reach of traditional X-ray diffraction technology, enabling researchers to examine crystal structures at submicron to nanometer levels. The system features proprietary 3D electron diffraction technology with complete hardware and software autonomy, addressing previous limitations where foreign instruments lacked customization capabilities for specialized research applications.

    According to Dr. Zhu Jianxi, deputy director of GIG, the technology holds transformative potential across multiple scientific disciplines. “RaSAS opens new frontiers in Earth and planetary sciences, materials development, and biomedical research,” he stated.

    The research team, co-led by Dr. Xian Haiyang, emphasized the system’s practical applications have already yielded significant discoveries. Scientists using RaSAS have identified and named two new minerals—Wangyanite and Oxyplumbopyrochlore—both officially recognized by the International Mineralogical Association. The technology also contributed to groundbreaking research published in Science journal, confirming that early deep-Earth water can be stored within Bridgmanite crystal structures, fundamentally altering understanding of planetary evolution.

    Economically, the domestic system offers substantial advantages, with expected pricing approximately 40% lower than comparable Japanese instruments that typically cost around 12 million yuan ($1.71 million) per unit. The development involved overcoming complex engineering challenges, including localization of critical components like field-emission electron guns and high-voltage power supplies.

    Mass production is anticipated within three to six months following technology transfer, a development eagerly awaited by the scientific community. Professor Qin Liping from the University of Science and Technology of China noted that widespread adoption of this equipment will be crucial for China’s advancement in high-end manufacturing and strategic research domains.