Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Tourists flocking to site with Mars theme

    Tourists flocking to site with Mars theme

    A pioneering Mars-themed educational tourism complex in China’s northwestern Gobi Desert has emerged as an unexpected hub for blending space exploration with traditional Lunar New Year celebrations, signaling a transformative shift in how modern families approach cultural holidays.

    The Mars Base 1 Camp, strategically situated within the crimson-rock terrain of Jinchang, Gansu Province, has experienced remarkable visitor growth during the recent Spring Festival period. This innovative destination has successfully merged astronomical education with cultural preservation through cutting-edge technological experiences.

    During the holiday season, the facility introduced a novel ‘cosmic blessings’ ceremony where participants attached handwritten wishes to miniature rocket models that were ceremonially launched into the desert sky. The base creatively integrated traditional dragon dances and lion performances against its otherworldly backdrop, while incorporating digital innovations including virtual lantern displays and augmented reality red envelope games.

    According to municipal tourism authorities, the complex recorded approximately 503,000 visits throughout 2025, representing a near doubling of its previous year’s attendance figures. This growth trajectory positions the facility among the region’s most rapidly expanding cultural-educational tourism destinations.

    Chen Guohai, Deputy Director of Jinchang’s Cultural and Tourism Bureau, explained the philosophical approach: “We’re reimagining traditional blessing rituals through aerospace technology, enabling visitors to experience festive customs within an interstellar context. This fusion represents how technological advancement can empower cultural tourism while preserving our heritage.”

    Developed with collaboration from aerospace research institutions, the base stands as China’s inaugural immersive Mars simulation environment. Located merely thirty minutes from Jinchang’s urban center, the facility features meticulously designed habitat modules, rover replicas, and mission-oriented activity zones that replicate extraterrestrial living conditions.

    Beyond its recreational appeal, the complex serves significant academic functions. Peking University’s School of Earth and Space Sciences has designated the Martian landscape simulation as an official multidisciplinary training base, enabling students to conduct field research and environmental simulations under extreme conditions.

    Founder Bai Fan articulated the project’s dual mission: “Our objective centers on promoting public engagement with space science while establishing deeply immersive learning environments. Visitors can investigate simulated survival systems, examine hydroponic agricultural installations, and participate in realistic astronaut training exercises.”

    The destination’s popularity underscores broader transformations within China’s tourism sector, where science-oriented, experiential attractions are increasingly driving cultural consumption patterns. Local authorities have strategically incorporated the base into regional Spring Festival initiatives that interconnect scenic attractions, winter sports facilities, and culinary promotions through discounted access programs.

  • Shell waste technology reaps rewards for Zhanjiang

    Shell waste technology reaps rewards for Zhanjiang

    Researchers from Lingnan Normal University in Zhanjiang, Guangdong province, have pioneered an innovative biotechnology that converts discarded shrimp and crab shells into high-value materials with significant applications in food preservation and aquaculture sustainability. Led by Professor Liu Kaidong and Liang Fengyan from the School of Life Science and Technology, the team has developed advanced chitosan extraction and modification techniques that address both environmental concerns and economic opportunities.

    The technology centers on extracting chitin from seafood waste and transforming it into chitosan through deacetylation processes. This natural polysaccharide possesses remarkable antibacterial properties and complete biodegradability. Through functional modification and forming processing techniques including dip-coating/spray-coating film formation, ionic-covalent cross-linking, and microencapsulation, the researchers have created multifunctional materials that leverage chitosan’s inherent film-forming capabilities combined with natural plant extracts.

    In agricultural applications, the chitosan-based preservation systems extend fruit and vegetable shelf life by 200-300%, significantly reducing post-harvest losses. Specific results include extending lychee’s ambient freshness to 6-8 days and reducing papaya decay rates below 5%. Compared to traditional chemical preservatives, this approach offers superior safety and environmental compatibility while enabling price premiums of 10-20% for quality produce.

    Aquaculture applications demonstrate even more dramatic impacts, with pathogen inhibition exceeding 90% against organisms like Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The technology reduces vibriosis incidence below 5% while increasing survival rates by 15-25% across crustaceans, fish, and shellfish. Implementation methods include water dispersion and feed supplementation, though careful concentration management is required for delicate species like sea cucumber and abalone fry.

    The economic implications for Zhanjiang—China’s renowned ‘seafood capital’—are substantial. Annual projections indicate reduction of fruit and vegetable losses by 300,000-750,000 metric tons, generating additional revenue of 600 million to 1.5 billion yuan. Shrimp production could increase by 80,000-240,000 tons annually with comprehensive direct benefits reaching 3-8.5 billion yuan while reducing cultivation costs by 500-1,000 yuan per mu.

    This technological breakthrough addresses critical environmental challenges posed by marine solid waste while creating substantial economic value. The research team continues to promote integration between scientific advancement and local industrial development, driving sustainable growth in the marine economy through innovative green technologies.

  • Netizens captivated by pony figurines

    Netizens captivated by pony figurines

    In an extraordinary fusion of classical artistry and contemporary design, Shandong Art Museum’s Mabiaobiao pony figurines have emerged as a cultural phenomenon across China. These meticulously handcrafted creations, whose name translates to “spirited little horse,” have captivated netizens and art enthusiasts alike, generating over 900,000 yuan ($130,546) in sales since their introduction.

    The artistic journey began in September 2025 when Jinan-bordering Zibo’s Xiaoxiami polymer clay studio received a unique commission: to interpret over 200 paintings by legendary Chinese artist Qi Baishi (1864-1957) into three-dimensional forms. While Qi remains celebrated for his traditional shrimp and floral paintings, the studio’s team found particular inspiration in his dynamic, rarely featured equestrian artwork.

    “Translating Qi’s free and lively artistic spirit into clay presented significant artistic challenges,” acknowledged Wang Zhi, the studio director. Specializing in realistic sculpture, Wang assembled a team of artists who spent months perfecting their technique to preserve the essence of Qi’s distinctive brushwork. The most complex aspect proved to be recreating the horse’s flowing mane, which ultimately led to the innovative use of natural sheep wool for its softness, durability, and styling versatility.

    The breakthrough moment arrived when the first batch of completed ponies with their extravagant manes sparked spontaneous creativity within the studio. “We couldn’t resist braiding different hairstyles for them,” Wang recalled, unwittingly establishing the customizable feature that would become the product’s signature appeal.

    Social media platforms including Xiaohongshu and Weibo rapidly amplified the phenomenon, with users sharing affectionate posts and styling suggestions. The museum embraced this collaborative relationship, incorporating netizen feedback on hair color, body tone, and volume into subsequent designs. Popular demand prompted new color variations in pink and blue, while early comments about thin manes inspired a fluffier redesign.

    At the museum’s retail space, visitors meticulously examine each pony’s unique mane texture, curl pattern, and volume. “Each piece is distinctive—we can create pigtails or spiky hairstyles according to our preferences, essentially owning an exclusive companion,” remarked student Liu, who had just acquired one.

    The figurines’ success stems from their unique positioning between artistic heritage and daily life. “Mabiaobiao carries the soaring energy of Qi’s horse, embodying the belief that ‘steady steps cover a thousand miles,’ while its authentic appearance brings lofty art into people’s daily experiences,” explained Cui Wentao, deputy director of Shandong Art Museum.

    Each sculpture undergoes meticulous hand-shaping, baking, and finishing processes, with any imperfections necessitating complete restart. This painstaking craftsmanship results in limited availability, yet visitors patiently await the opportunity to acquire these unique artistic companions that successfully bridge centuries of Chinese cultural expression with modern creative consumption.

  • Measures to spur services consumption

    Measures to spur services consumption

    In a strategic move to rebalance its economic model, China has unveiled comprehensive sector-specific measures designed to catalyze growth in services consumption. This initiative, spearheaded by the State Council, targets the cultivation of new economic drivers as the nation navigates a significant structural shift in domestic demand, where spending on services is rapidly eclipsing goods consumption as a primary growth engine.

    The detailed work plan, released in late January, focuses on two tiers of service sectors. For established sectors like transportation, domestic services, online audiovisual content, tourism, automotive aftermarket, and inbound consumption, the strategy emphasizes enhancing service quality, expanding pilot programs, creating innovative consumption scenarios, and developing professional talent.

    For emerging potential sectors—including performance arts, sports events, and emotion/experience-oriented services—the plan outlines measures to refine incentive mechanisms, strengthen safety protocols, cultivate premium brands, and construct supporting digital and physical platforms.

    This consumption-focused transition comes amid persistent external demand uncertainties. Officials highlight that China’s consumption structure is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Ministry of Commerce data reveals that between 2020 and 2025, per capita service consumption expenditure grew at an impressive 8.5% annual rate. Services now constitute 46.1% of total household spending, marking a 3.5 percentage point increase over the five-year period.

    To operationalize this vision, the Ministries of Commerce and Finance have launched extensive pilot programs across 50 selected cities with a combined population exceeding 480 million. These cities, which account for over half of national retail sales, have received an initial fiscal injection of 8.6 billion yuan ($1.25 billion) to test innovative consumption models and business formats.

    The economic impact is already materializing. National Bureau of Statistics data shows service retail sales grew 5.5% year-on-year in 2025, outpacing goods retail sales by 1.7 percentage points. Sub-sectors including culture, sports, tourism, and transportation all maintained robust double-digit growth.

    Winter tourism exemplifies this surge. China’s ski resorts recorded 118 million visits during the November 2025-January 2026 peak season, generating 69.15 billion yuan in spending through 890 million transactions—a 6% annual increase. Particularly striking was the 89.2% surge in overseas visitors hitting Chinese slopes.

    Concurrently, China is aggressively opening its services sector to international consumers through extended visa-free policies covering over 40 countries until December 2026 and expanded visa-free transit arrangements at 65 ports. The effectiveness is undeniable: Spring Festival period flight bookings to China skyrocketed 400% year-on-year, with Argentine travelers showing a 900% increase and European nations exceeding 200% growth.

    The comprehensive strategy represents more than economic rebalancing—it aligns with broader social priorities including aging-in-place services for a graying population, cultural enrichment, and sustainable tourism development that distributes economic benefits beyond traditional coastal manufacturing hubs.

    As Yuekai Securities Chief Economist Luo Zhiheng notes, with China’s per capita GDP exceeding $10,000, consumption upgrading is accelerating rapidly. However, services’ share in household spending remains below the 60-70% typical in developed economies, indicating substantial expansion potential still lies ahead in China’s consumption transformation journey.

  • Iran-US nuclear talks conclude in Geneva ‘after significant progress’: Omani FM

    Iran-US nuclear talks conclude in Geneva ‘after significant progress’: Omani FM

    GENEVA – A third round of indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, mediated by Oman, concluded in Geneva on Thursday with both sides acknowledging substantial advancements. Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi characterized the talks as achieving “significant progress in the negotiation.”

    The discussions, which commenced Thursday morning, featured high-level representation from both nations. Iran’s delegation was led by Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, while the U.S. contingent included Presidential Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Donald Trump.

    Minister Albusaidi indicated that while delegations will return to their respective capitals for consultations, technical-level discussions are scheduled to resume next week in Vienna. In a public statement, he noted that both parties exhibited “unprecedented openness to new and creative ideas and solutions,” describing the ongoing efforts as intensive and constructive.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi echoed this optimism in remarks to state television, confirming that dialogues had entered serious phases concerning the elements of a potential agreement. He reported “very good progress” on both nuclear-related issues and the critical matter of sanctions relief, suggesting another round of talks could be convened within a week.

    These diplomatic efforts unfold against a backdrop of escalating regional tensions, exacerbated by a recent U.S. military buildup in West Asia. The core of the negotiations remains a potential exchange: restrictions on Iran’s uranium enrichment activities and stockpiles in return for the alleviation of stringent U.S. sanctions.

    The U.S. position, established during the Trump administration, continues to advocate for an indefinite and verifiable agreement designed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, coupled with warnings of potential military action should diplomacy prove futile. Conversely, Iran maintains that its nuclear program is purely peaceful and insists that discussions must focus on securing the removal of sanctions that have crippled its economy.

  • India and Israel pledge to boost ties in defence and technology

    India and Israel pledge to boost ties in defence and technology

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a significant two-day diplomatic mission to Israel, marking his second visit since 2017 and resulting in the establishment of a Special Strategic Partnership between the two nations. The visit produced over a dozen bilateral agreements spanning defense, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, space exploration, trade, education, investment, agriculture, and economic cooperation.

    During joint statements with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, both leaders announced progress toward a comprehensive free trade agreement while condemning terrorism unequivocally. Modi specifically endorsed US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza during a news conference, stating that “humanity must never become a victim of conflict” while affirming India’s support for peaceful resolution efforts.

    The Indian leader paid respects at Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, and addressed the Knesset where he expressed solidarity with Israel following the October 2023 Hamas-led attacks: “We feel your pain. We share your grief. India stands with Israel, firmly, with full conviction, in this moment, and beyond.”

    Significant practical outcomes included Israel’s commitment to admit 50,000 additional Indian workers over the next five years and India’s extension of its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) digital payment system to Israel, enhancing financial connectivity between the nations.

    The visit faced domestic criticism in India, particularly from opposition Congress party spokesperson Jairam Ramesh who accused the Modi government of abandoning Palestinian interests. However, analysts viewed the diplomacy as reflecting India’s long-term strategic requirements in the Middle East, with Kabir Taneja of the Observer Research Foundation noting that regional stability remains “critically important” for India’s broader interests.

  • Weak yen weighs on livelihoods

    Weak yen weighs on livelihoods

    Japan’s currency crisis is deepening as the yen plunges to historic lows, creating severe economic pressures that are eroding living standards and threatening stagflation. The Bank for International Settlements revealed in February that the yen’s real effective exchange rate plummeted to 67.73 in January—the lowest level since Japan adopted floating exchange rates in 1973, representing approximately one-third of its 1995 peak value.

    This dramatic depreciation stems from fundamental structural weaknesses including prolonged economic stagnation, widening interest rate differentials with the United States, heavy dependence on energy imports, demographic decline, and mounting fiscal burdens. According to Professor Yangchoon Kwak of Rikkyo University’s College of Economics, these factors collectively exert sustained medium to long-term pressure on the currency.

    The weak yen has triggered a dangerous inflationary spiral in the import-dependent nation. Japan’s core consumer price index rose 3.1% year-on-year in 2025, marking the fourth consecutive annual increase. Among 522 surveyed items, 440 recorded price hikes with rice prices skyrocketing 67.2% and egg prices increasing 10.3%.

    Compounding the crisis, real wages adjusted for inflation fell 1.3% in 2025—the fourth straight annual decline—creating a painful squeeze on household budgets. The situation has prompted major corporations including McDonald’s Japan and East Japan Railway to announce significant price increases, while Tokyo apartment rents have surged by ¥63,000 ($400) over five years.

    Economists warn that if prices continue outpacing wage growth, Japan could face stagflation—a combination of economic stagnation and inflation that further undermines consumer confidence. The government has implemented temporary relief measures including gasoline tax cuts and utility subsidies, but experts question whether these will offset broader inflationary pressures.

    Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi faces criticism after admitting to distributing ¥30,000 congratulatory gifts to ruling party lawmakers following recent elections—a move opposition leaders characterize as reflecting outdated political culture amid ongoing public distrust over money and politics.

  • Major battery breakthrough paving way for EV upgrade

    Major battery breakthrough paving way for EV upgrade

    Chinese researchers have achieved a groundbreaking advancement in battery technology by developing a lithium metal battery with unprecedented energy density exceeding 700 watt-hours per kilogram while maintaining stable performance in extreme cold conditions down to -50°C. This technological leap, detailed in a recent publication in the prestigious journal Nature, addresses two critical bottlenecks that have hindered electric vehicle adoption: limited range and poor cold-weather performance.

    The research team, led by Professor Chen Jun, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Vice-President of Nankai University, implemented a novel molecular engineering approach. By replacing oxygen atoms with fluorine atoms in hydrocarbon solvent molecules, the team created a unique fluorinated electrolyte system based on lithium-fluorine coordination. This molecular redesign enables superior ion transfer efficiency and exceptional stability under ultrahigh energy densities and extreme temperature conditions.

    Professor Yan Zhenhua of Nankai University’s College of Chemistry provided context, noting that conventional lithium-ion batteries typically achieve 160-300 Wh/kg energy density, support ranges up to approximately 800 kilometers, and operate reliably between -20°C and -30°C. The new technology represents more than a 50% performance improvement over existing solutions while simultaneously addressing the high cost and safety concerns traditionally associated with lithium metal batteries.

    The research has already progressed from laboratory breakthrough to commercial application. In collaboration with Chinese automaker Hongqi, the team has developed a mass-producible battery system with cell energy density exceeding 500 Wh/kg, enabling vehicles to achieve over 1,000 kilometers on a single charge. According to Lu Tianjun of China Automotive New Energy Battery Technology Co, vehicles equipped with these batteries are expected to enter mass production by year-end.

    Professor Chen emphasized the importance of industry-academia collaboration in translating scientific discoveries into practical technologies. “We can’t always stay in the ivory tower. Our goal is to address real industrial challenges,” he stated. The technology holds significant potential beyond electric vehicles, with applications in embodied intelligent robots, low-altitude economy, polar exploration, aerospace, and aviation sectors.

  • South Korea allows Google to export map data after years of frustration over Google Maps

    South Korea allows Google to export map data after years of frustration over Google Maps

    In a landmark decision addressing long-standing digital navigation challenges, South Korean authorities have conditionally approved Google’s request to export high-precision mapping data overseas. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced Friday that after extensive review by government and private security experts, Google may transfer 1:5,000-scale map data subject to rigorous protective measures.

    The authorization mandates Google to implement comprehensive security safeguards, including processing all data through domestic servers before export and receiving explicit government clearance. Critical restrictions require the exclusion of contour lines and sensitive geographical information, along with the removal of coordinates from South Korean territory. Additionally, Google must blur satellite and aerial imagery of military installations and sensitive sites across its time-series services including Google Earth and Street View.

    Google will be required to appoint a dedicated compliance officer within South Korea to oversee map export operations. The ministry emphasized that failure to adhere to these conditions could result in immediate suspension or revocation of the approval.

    Cris Turner, Google’s Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy, welcomed the decision in an official statement, expressing anticipation for “ongoing collaboration with local officials to bring fully functioning Google Maps to Korea.”

    This resolution concludes years of regulatory stalemate during which South Korean officials consistently denied Google’s mapping data export requests, citing paramount national security concerns. These restrictions had positioned South Korea among the few global markets where Google Maps operated with limited functionality, compelling most locals to utilize domestic alternatives like Naver and Kakao.

    The breakthrough addresses mounting concerns from tourism stakeholders who argued that inadequate digital navigation tools potentially undermined South Korea’s ambitions to establish itself as a premier international travel destination.

  • Ten photos from across China: Feb 20 – 26

    Ten photos from across China: Feb 20 – 26

    China Daily Information Co (CDIC) has established stringent copyright protection protocols governing all digital content published across its platforms. The comprehensive policy explicitly prohibits unauthorized republication or utilization of any materials—including textual content, photographs, and multimedia information—without obtaining prior written consent from CDIC.

    The company’s intellectual property guidelines emphasize that all content published since 1994 remains protected under CDIC’s exclusive ownership rights. The policy framework extends to technical specifications, recommending 1024*768 or higher display resolution for optimal viewing experience across its digital properties.

    CDIC maintains formal registration credentials (License: 0108263, Registration Number: 130349) affirming its status as a licensed multimedia content publisher. The organization has additionally established clear channels for commercial engagements through its advertised site partnership opportunities, while also providing career pathways for both domestic and expatriate professionals seeking employment within the media organization.

    The company encourages audience engagement through designated follow mechanisms, though such interaction remains subject to the same copyright protections governing all proprietary content. This policy framework demonstrates CDIC’s commitment to maintaining editorial integrity while protecting intellectual property in the digital publishing landscape.