Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • China sees drop in common cancer incidence amid all-round prevention, control efforts

    China sees drop in common cancer incidence amid all-round prevention, control efforts

    BEIJING – Latest official data from China’s National Cancer Center confirms meaningful public health progress: the country has recorded consistent drops in the incidence and mortality rates of multiple prevalent cancers, while the overall five-year survival rate for people living with cancer has climbed steadily in recent years.

    The figures, unveiled Friday during China’s annual national cancer prevention awareness campaign (held this year from April 15 to 21), show esophageal cancer incidence and mortality falling by roughly 4.5% year-over-year on average. Annual average declines of around 2% have also been registered in death rates for both lung cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer, according to the updated data.

    “China has achieved steady progress in cancer prevention and control, bringing more confidence and hope to patients and their families,” noted He Jie, director of the National Cancer Center. He added that China’s overall national cancer incidence now aligns with the global average.

    These encouraging outcomes follow a multi-pronged, prevention-first strategy China has rolled out over the past several years to strengthen the country’s anti-cancer defenses. Global research confirms that more than 40% of all cancer cases can be avoided through effective primary prevention, which centers on adopting healthier daily habits and limiting exposure to known carcinogens – a focus that has been central to China’s public health strategy.

    In 2023, Chinese health authorities released official guidelines for the high-quality development of national cancer prevention and control. The policy document prioritizes raising public cancer awareness and reducing modifiable cancer risk factors, and sets a national target to reach an 80% public awareness rate for core cancer prevention knowledge by 2030.

    To advance this target, China’s National Health Commission (NHC) recently released a set of 15 simple, actionable recommendations for a cancer-conscious healthy lifestyle. The guide has earned the nickname “the national cancer prevention manual” among Chinese social media users for its accessible, practical advice.

    Beyond public education, China has built out a extensive multi-tiered cancer prevention and monitoring network that expands access to early cancer screening across the country. Today, cancer registry sites cover 98.6% of all counties and districts nationwide. Screening programs for cervical and breast cancer – two of the most common cancers affecting women globally – now reach 98% of Chinese county-level administrative regions, and the early diagnosis rate for major cancers in priority regions has surpassed 55%.

    Wider access to early screening directly enables earlier intervention, which creates a clear path to better long-term outcomes for people with malignant tumors, explained Liu Jixian, head of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Peking University Shenzhen Hospital. He noted that most patients diagnosed with early-stage cancer can achieve clinical cure through modern, diversified, comprehensive treatment protocols.

    Innovation in diagnostic and treatment technologies has also been a key driver of progress in China’s fight against cancer. A domestic-developed CAR-T therapy, for example, is set to open new treatment pathways for people living with advanced gastric cancer – a disease with high prevalence in China and limited effective options for patients who do not respond to standard second-line treatments.

    According to Zhang Jingdong, deputy director of Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, the therapy marks a major targeted breakthrough for this patient population. This homegrown therapy is just one example of the rapidly growing innovation capacity of China’s pharmaceutical sector: China currently accounts for roughly one-third of all innovative cancer and general drugs in development worldwide, and outbound licensing deals for Chinese innovative drugs exceeded $130 billion in 2025 alone.

    The pace of innovative drug development in China continues to accelerate. Data from the National Medical Products Administration shows that 14 new innovative drugs have already received market approval in 2026, the majority of which are indicated for cancer treatment.

    Alongside breakthroughs in pharmaceutical development, artificial intelligence is playing an expanding role in catching cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages. DAMO PANDA, an AI diagnostic system developed by Alibaba’s DAMO Academy, has delivered promising results in early detection of pancreatic cancer – one of the deadliest forms of the disease, with very low early diagnosis rates historically. The technology is already deployed in both large urban hospitals and remote, underserved regions of China.

    Looking ahead, NHC official Liu Wen pledged continued expanded support for scientific research into key challenges in cancer prevention and control, to speed the development of new life-saving technologies and therapies. Liu added that further integration of digital and smart health technologies will help break down longstanding regional barriers to care, ensuring more standardized and equitable cancer treatment access across all parts of China.

  • Drone footage shows huge Malaysian coastal village fire

    Drone footage shows huge Malaysian coastal village fire

    A devastating large-scale fire has swept through a coastal village in Malaysia’s Sabah state, leaving a trail of destruction that has upended the lives of thousands of local residents. Aerial drone footage captured the full scale of the disaster, showing raging flames tearing through tightly packed residential structures and leaving entire neighborhoods reduced to ash and charred debris. According to official early assessments, the blaze destroyed approximately 1,000 homes, leaving most of the village’s inhabitants with nowhere to go. Local emergency management agencies have mobilized response teams to the affected area, establishing temporary evacuation centers to host the displaced residents, who lost all of their personal belongings and housing in the fast-moving fire. Rescue teams are currently working to assess the full extent of the damage, check for any unaccounted-for residents, and deliver critical emergency supplies including food, clean water, medical care, and temporary shelter to those affected. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by local authorities, who are working to determine whether it was accidental or sparked by other factors. The disaster has drawn attention to the vulnerability of low-lying coastal settlements in Sabah, many of which have narrow access routes that can slow emergency response efforts during large-scale events.

  • Fujian to transform itself into a world-renowned tourist destination

    Fujian to transform itself into a world-renowned tourist destination

    East China’s Fujian province has launched an ambitious strategic roadmap to leverage its unparalleled cultural and natural heritage to establish itself as a world-renowned international tourism hub, as the region records dramatic double-digit growth in inbound travel.

    The comprehensive plan, officially named *The Goals, Vision, and Actions to Build Fujian into a World-Renowned Tourist Destination*, was publicly announced at the Fujian Provincial Conference on Cultural and Tourism Economic Development, which took place from April 17 to 19 in Zhangzhou, a coastal city in southern Fujian. The plan lays out a clear long-term target: by 2035, Fujian will earn recognition as a leading international and Asian tourism magnet, drawing high-spending visitors who extend their stays across the province and cementing the region’s global brand reputation.

    According to the official document, the upgraded tourism sector, backed by world-class public infrastructure and iconic cultural heritage assets, is expected to drive robust economic innovation, generate large numbers of new jobs, and improve overall quality of life for Fujian’s local residents.

    Jamie Mayaki, director of the Department of International Development and Cooperation at the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), has voiced strong support for the initiative, noting that Fujian holds one-of-a-kind competitive advantages for this transformative tourism development push.

    Mayaki pointed out that Fujian is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites — including the ecologically diverse Mount Wuyi, the distinctive traditional fortified Hakka villages known as Fujian Tulou, and the car-free cultural island of Gulangyu — alongside 10 entries on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists. Both counts rank among the highest of any Chinese province, a rare distinction that few regions globally can match.

    Mayaki also highlighted the region’s globally influential centuries-old tea culture, noting that Fujian, one of China’s most prominent tea-producing regions, is the birthplace of four of the world’s most beloved tea varieties: oolong, black, white, and jasmine tea. “This represents a valuable asset for the development of Fujian’s cultural and tourism industries and deserves to be further explored and fully leveraged,” he added.

    To advance Fujian’s goals, UNWTO will provide targeted support for the province’s initiative. This includes developing tailored marketing strategies for key source markets such as South Korea, Western Europe, and the global diaspora of Fujian origin. The organization will also back Fujian in hosting high-profile international tourism conferences and supporting local communities to apply for the UNWTO “Best Tourism Villages” initiative, which recognizes outstanding rural tourism destinations that prioritize sustainability and cultural preservation.

    Fujian’s strategic policy push comes on the heels of remarkable recent growth in the province’s inbound tourism sector. In 2025, the province received 5.55 million inbound visitors, marking a 51.2% year-on-year surge, while total international tourism spending jumped 63.2% to reach $6.56 billion. This strong upward trajectory provides a solid foundation for the province’s long-term transformation into a global tourism leader.

  • Chinese language education drives cross-cultural exchange

    Chinese language education drives cross-cultural exchange

    On the occasion of International Chinese Language Day 2026, industry experts and educational leaders gathered in Tianjin for a celebratory event, where they highlighted the growing global footprint of Chinese language education and its transformative role in fostering cross-cultural connection and opening new professional opportunities for international learners.

    During the event, international participants got a hands-on chance to experience China’s centuries-old intangible cultural heritage, turning the celebration into an immersive cultural exchange rather than just a ceremonial gathering. As more people around the world choose to study Chinese, the language has evolved far beyond a communication tool to become a foundational link connecting young people across China and the rest of the world, experts noted.

    Zhong Yinghua, president of the International Society for Chinese Language Teaching, emphasized that Chinese language proficiency acts as a critical key to unlocking access to an authentic, multidimensional portrait of modern China and the long-held philosophical wisdom of Eastern culture. ‘Too often, global audiences only see fragmented, one-sided narratives about China,’ Zhong explained. ‘Learning the language gives learners direct access to primary sources, local conversations and cultural contexts that allow them to build their own understanding of the country.’

    He also highlighted the outsized impact of the well-known ‘Chinese Bridge’ competition series, a global program for Chinese language learners. Far more than a simple academic contest, Zhong noted, the initiative serves as a dynamic people-to-people exchange platform that places international students in immersive, real-world social environments across China. Through these on-the-ground experiences, participants gain nuanced, first-hand insight into contemporary Chinese society and culture that cannot be gained from textbooks alone.

    Beyond cultural exchange, education leaders also pointed to the tangible professional benefits that Chinese language proficiency brings to international learners. As China continues to deepen economic and people-to-people ties with countries across the globe, demand for Chinese-speaking professionals has risen sharply across industries ranging from international trade and diplomacy to tourism and global education. For many young international students, adding Chinese to their skill set directly expands their career options and makes them more competitive in a globalized job market.

    The Tianjin event, which brought together educators, students and cultural leaders from multiple countries, underscores the growing recognition of Chinese language education as a cornerstone of global cultural dialogue. As participation continues to grow year over year, the language is increasingly serving its role as a bridge of understanding between China and the world.

  • USS Rushmore conducts blockade operations in Arabian Sea: US Central Command

    USS Rushmore conducts blockade operations in Arabian Sea: US Central Command

    Fresh geopolitical friction has erupted across key strategic waterways in the Middle East, as the United States has deployed multiple major naval vessels to carry out blockade operations in the Arabian Sea, prompting an immediate countermeasure from Iran that closes off the vital Strait of Hormuz. The US Central Command made the official announcement of the deployment on Saturday, confirming that dock landing ship USS Rushmore is leading the ongoing blockade operations in the Arabian Sea.

    Earlier the same day, the command posted on social media that the guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney is conducting routine patrols across regional waters to back up the blockade mission, while the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans has been assigned to monitor commercial shipping traffic moving through the area.

    This American military move comes hours after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy made its own announcement: the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical chokepoints for global oil and commercial shipping, has been fully blocked to traffic starting Saturday evening. Iranian officials have made clear the waterway will remain closed until the United States fully withdraws its ongoing naval blockade from the region.

    Just one day before the latest escalation, on Friday, both Washington and Tehran had confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz was fully open and accessible to all commercial vessels moving through the area. Despite that mutual confirmation, former US President Donald Trump stated on his social platform Truth Social that the US naval blockade would “remain in full force.” That statement directly triggered Iran’s warning, in which Tehran pledged to permanently close the strategic waterway if the US blockade is not lifted.

  • Over 100 teams participate in Shanghai leg of Canicross

    Over 100 teams participate in Shanghai leg of Canicross

    A groundbreaking new sporting event that pairs human athletes with their canine companions made its first Chinese appearance over the weekend, as the Shanghai stage of the 2026 Non-stop Canicross concluded successfully in Miaohang Town, Baoshan District. Integrated into the broader schedule of the 2026 Shanghai Amateur Games, this race marks the first time that the professional European-origin Canicross discipline has been hosted on Chinese soil.

    The event drew widespread interest from local dog-loving sports enthusiasts, bringing more than 100 registered human-canine teams from across Shanghai to the starting line to test their teamwork and endurance against one another. Unlike the standard 5-kilometer route that is the norm for international Canicross competitions, organizers adjusted the race distance to 2 kilometers to align with the layout and natural characteristics of Shanghai’s urban green spaces, making the event more accessible for both participating teams and local spectators.

    As a rising niche sport that combines outdoor fitness with pet companionship, Canicross’s debut in Shanghai reflects the growing diversification of amateur sports options for urban residents in China, opening up a new avenue for active dog owners to engage in organized competitive activity while deepening the bond with their pets. The successful holding of the Shanghai leg also paves the way for future expansion of Canicross events across other Chinese cities.

  • Iran tightens control of Strait of Hormuz amid continued US blockade

    Iran tightens control of Strait of Hormuz amid continued US blockade

    Just 24 hours after the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy shipping chokepoints, was reopened to global traffic, Iran’s military announced Saturday it is reimposing sweeping strict controls over the waterway. The move directly responds to the ongoing US blockade of Iranian maritime ports, with Tehran stating the enhanced military oversight will remain in place until Washington fully lifts the restrictive measure.

    Iran has labeled the US blockade as nothing less than state-backed piracy and illegal maritime plunder, drawing a sharp rebuke from US President Donald Trump, who dismissed Iran’s actions as unacceptable blackmail while claiming negotiations between the two nations are still progressing smoothly. Multiple on-the-ground reports confirm escalating incidents in the strait over the past 24 hours: The Washington Post documented Iranian forces opening fire on a tanker attempting to transit the lane early Saturday, while the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed an unidentified vessel was struck by unknown munitions, damaging several cargo containers but leaving no crew members injured. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also fired on and turned away two supertankers registered under the flag of India, according to regional maritime sources.

    Following the escalation, Trump convened an emergency high-level strategy session in the White House Situation Room, bringing together top national security and economic officials including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to map out the US response. The president told reporters he expected clarity on whether a comprehensive deal could be reached by the end of Saturday, but as of 8 pm Eastern Time that day, no official progress on negotiations had been announced. Iranian state media, however, confirmed the country’s Supreme National Security Council is currently reviewing new diplomatic proposals put forward by the US. Trump downplayed the renewed tensions, noting Iran “got a little cute” by reimposing controls, but maintained bilateral talks with Tehran remain productive.

    Real-time shipping data captured by global maritime trackers showed dozens of commercial vessels executing U-turns in waters adjacent to the strait Saturday afternoon, diverting away from the restricted lane to avoid potential conflict. Amid growing market uncertainty over the disruption to global energy supplies, global oil prices ticked upward in early trading Saturday. The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, carries roughly 20 percent of all globally traded oil, making even minor disruptions a major risk to international energy markets.

    The waterway has remained a persistent flashpoint for conflict since US-Israeli joint military strikes against Iranian targets began on February 28. Iran has officially confirmed that more than 3,300 Iranian citizens have been killed in the ongoing strikes, and recent satellite imagery shows persistent fires still burning at damaged Iranian refineries, with large plumes of crude oil leaking into the Persian Gulf from damaged infrastructure.

    Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei reiterated Saturday that war reparations for damage from the US-Israeli strikes will be a non-negotiable top priority in any peace talks with Washington. In a small sign of de-escalation, Iran also announced that six major domestic airports, including Tehran’s flagship Imam Khomeini International Airport, have reopened for preparation, though no commercial or passenger flights have yet been authorized to operate.

    The sudden re-escalation in the Strait of Hormuz has thrown already fragile peace negotiations into further jeopardy. Just one day before Iran’s announcement, a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon went into effect, raising cautious hopes for broader regional de-escalation. But renewed tensions in the Hormuz region now threaten to unravel that fragile progress, pushing the Middle East back toward the brink of wider conflict.

  • UAE investors view China as an attractive market

    UAE investors view China as an attractive market

    At a bilateral China-UAE business promotion convened in Beijing this week, senior business leaders and industry experts from the United Arab Emirates have publicly affirmed their enduring confidence in China’s market, framing the world’s second-largest economy as an increasingly attractive hub for cross-border capital.

    The delegation of UAE investors highlighted three core strengths that set China apart for foreign capital: a stable, predictable regulatory framework that delivers a safe and reliable operating environment for overseas firms, fast-growing world-leading high-tech industrial ecosystems that drive new growth opportunities, and a deep pool of skilled, professional talent across key sectors from advanced manufacturing to digital innovation.

    The remarks come amid growing bilateral economic ties between China and the UAE, with two-way trade and cross-border investment flows hitting new records in recent years. For UAE investors, expanding exposure to China’s market is not just a short-term opportunity, but a long-term strategic priority that aligns with both global diversification goals and China’s ongoing opening-up to foreign business.

  • Watch: Runners v robots at China half marathon

    Watch: Runners v robots at China half marathon

    In a groundbreaking clash between human athleticism and artificial engineering, Sunday’s half marathon in Beijing delivered a stunning result that turned heads across the global sports and technology communities: a robotic competitor outperformed all its human runners, finishing far ahead of the pack to claim a historic victory.

    The unusual race, which pitted elite and amateur human runners against a fleet of advanced robotic entrants, marked one of the first public head-to-head competitions between man and machine in a mainstream long-distance running event. The event organizers designed the matchup to showcase advancements in robotics and mobility technology, while also creating a one-of-a-kind spectacle for spectators gathered along the race route.

    By the final kilometer of the 21.1-kilometer course, the top-performing robot had already opened an insurmountable lead over the nearest human contender. Crossing the finish line well ahead of the entire human field, the winning machine cemented its place as the unlikely champion of the day, leaving even the fastest human rivals trailing far in its wake.

    The event has sparked new conversations about the rapid progress of robotic engineering, and how automated systems are increasingly crossing into domains long dominated by human physical performance. While many in attendance viewed the matchup as a lighthearted exhibition, the outcome also highlights just how far mobility technology has advanced in recent years, opening new questions about future intersections of sports, technology and human competition.

  • Step into thousand-year painting: Spring in Xi’an

    Step into thousand-year painting: Spring in Xi’an

    More than a millennium ago, one of China’s most celebrated Tang Dynasty court painters captured a fleeting moment of spring grace that still resonates with visitors to modern-day Xi’an, the ancient imperial capital once known as Chang’an.

    In his iconic work *Lady Guoguo’s Spring Outing*, Zhang Xuan immortalized a traditional Shangsi Festival gathering – a celebration held on the third day of the third lunar month, when ancient Chinese would gather by waterways to mark the arrival of warm weather and wash away winter’s stagnant energy. The painting perfectly matches the soft, vivid mood of Tang poet Du Fu’s famous lines: “The weather’s fine in the third moon on the third day, by riverside so many beauties in array.” In Zhang’s brushstrokes, elegant noblewomen from the Tang imperial court drift along the banks of Qujiang Pool, their flowing silk robes catching the spring breeze as they admire blooming foliage and glinting water.

    Centuries have passed since that scene was painted, and dynastic eras have risen and fallen, but Qujiang Pool’s springtime magic has not faded. Today, the site is protected as Qujiang Pool Heritage Park in Xi’an, the capital of China’s northwestern Shaanxi Province. Updated April 19, 2026, this report explores how the park preserves the quiet elegance of the Tang-era landscape while opening it up to modern visitors. Where noble women once strolled, people from across the country now wander tree-lined paths, pause to take in the reflective waters of the pool, and soak in the same soft spring sunlight that warmed the faces of Tang Dynasty visitors a thousand years before. Far from being a static relic of the past, the park breathes new life into the ancient poetic vision, turning a thousand-year-old painting into a tangible, immersive experience that invites every guest to step into history and embrace a timeless spring journey.