Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • China selects 440 products in latest medical procurement round to ease patient costs

    China selects 440 products in latest medical procurement round to ease patient costs

    In a significant move to alleviate financial pressures on patients, China has concluded its sixth nationwide centralized procurement initiative for high-value medical consumables. The National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) announced on Wednesday that 440 medical products from 202 manufacturers have been selected in this latest bidding round.

    The procurement program specifically targeted two critical categories: drug-coated balloons for vascular treatments and urological interventional supplies. All 42 drug-coated balloon products from 32 manufacturers successfully entered the selection, complementing previously procured cardiac and peripheral vascular stents to create comprehensive treatment solutions.

    Notably, this round addressed a previous gap in China’s centralized procurement system by including urological intervention devices used for kidney and ureteral stone procedures. Despite the complexity and diversity of these products, 398 items from 170 manufacturers were selected from 454 submitted bids.

    The administration emphasized that the selection criteria prioritized clinical acceptance and reliable supply capabilities while simultaneously encouraging innovation in specialized medical devices. The process incorporated safeguards against excessive competition and unrealistically low bids that could compromise quality.

    Patients are anticipated to benefit from substantially reduced prices starting May 2026, when the procurement agreements take effect. Since initiating the program in 2020, Chinese authorities have now secured 142 types of medical products across nine major categories including cardiology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, and otolaryngology, significantly expanding affordable access to essential medical treatments nationwide.

  • Min Jin Lee’s ‘American Hagwon’ to be released in September

    Min Jin Lee’s ‘American Hagwon’ to be released in September

    Acclaimed author Min Jin Lee, celebrated for her million-selling novel “Pachinko,” prepares to launch her highly anticipated new work “American Hagwon” on September 29th. The novel emerges from Lee’s fascination with Korea’s profound cultural emphasis on education, examining why academic achievement occupies such central importance in Korean society.

    Hagwons, the novel’s central theme, represent Korea’s extensive network of for-profit tutoring centers often described as “cram schools.” These institutions provide supplemental education across diverse subjects from language acquisition to musical instruction, serving students of all ages seeking competitive advantages.

    Lee, who describes herself as an “accidental historian,” employs sweeping narrative fiction to investigate historical contexts, contemporary social dynamics, and complex issues of race, gender, and class stratification. “American Hagwon” completes the third installment in her planned quartet exploring Korean and diaspora experiences, following 2007’s “Free Food for Millionaires” and the critically acclaimed “Pachinko”—a National Book Award finalist adapted into Apple TV+’s 2022 series and translated globally.

    The New York Times recognized “Pachinko” as the 15th best novel of the 21st century in its 2024 assessment. Lee’s publisher, Cardinal imprint of Hachette Book Group, characterizes her new work as an examination of shifting societal rules, transforming world orders, and the redefinition of success benchmarks.

    Set across multiple continents including Korea, Australia, and Southern California, “American Hagwon” traces a middle-class Korean family’s journey through displacement caused by the Asian financial crisis and their subsequent efforts to reestablish stability. Publisher Reagan Arthur praises Lee’s ability to capture historical transformations through meticulously crafted characters that resonate deeply with readers.

    Born in Seoul and raised in New York from age seven, Lee’s educational background includes the prestigious Bronx High School of Science, Yale University history studies, and Georgetown University law training. Her methodical writing approach—nicknamed “the turtle” by her father for being “slow but very steady”—involves extensive research, reflection, international travel, and interviews. Lee describes her authorial mission as holding “a mirror to society” and performing what contemporary culture terms a “vibe check” of the current era.

  • Dubai: Gold and silver prices reach new record highs

    Dubai: Gold and silver prices reach new record highs

    Dubai’s precious metals market witnessed a historic surge on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, as gold and silver prices shattered previous records amid escalating global uncertainties and shifting monetary policy expectations. The 24K gold variant climbed dramatically by nearly Dh3 to reach Dh558 per gram during morning trading sessions, while 22K gold followed closely at Dh516.75 per gram. Other gold categories demonstrated parallel upward trajectories, with 21K, 18K and 14K varieties rising to Dh495.5, Dh424.5 and Dh331.25 per gram respectively.

    This remarkable rally extended beyond regional markets, with global spot gold achieving an unprecedented $4,637.81 per ounce—representing a one percent increase—while silver prices breached the psychological $90 barrier for the first time in history, ultimately settling at $91.53.

    Financial experts attribute this surge to a confluence of geopolitical and economic factors. The ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States have significantly bolstered the appeal of safe-haven assets, while recent US Consumer Price Index data for December, which registered at 2.7 percent, aligned with market expectations regarding inflationary trends.

    Vijay Valecha, Chief Investment Officer at Century Financial, identified multiple drivers behind the precious metals rally. ‘Concerns regarding Federal Reserve independence, escalating geopolitical risks, and persistent anticipations of accommodative US monetary policy have collectively fueled this remarkable performance,’ he stated. Valecha further noted that pressure on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, including reported legal challenges related to congressional testimony, has additionally stimulated gold demand. A weakening US dollar has concurrently enhanced the attractiveness of non-yielding assets like bullion.

    From a technical perspective, Valecha indicated that gold faces immediate resistance near the $4,660 threshold, suggesting potential volatility in upcoming trading sessions as markets continue to digest evolving global economic conditions and geopolitical developments.

  • ‘Grim scene’: BBC on site after crane collapses on train in Thailand

    ‘Grim scene’: BBC on site after crane collapses on train in Thailand

    A catastrophic construction accident has delivered a severe blow to Thailand’s national infrastructure modernization program, as a massive crane collapsed directly onto a passenger train near Bangkok’s central station. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and devastation at the accident site, with emergency services conducting rescue operations amid twisted metal and debris.

    The incident, characterized by BBC correspondent Jonathan Head as ‘grim’ and ‘devastating,’ raises serious questions about construction safety protocols and oversight mechanisms within Thailand’s rapidly expanding transportation network. Preliminary investigations suggest the crane, which was part of ongoing railway improvement projects, suffered a structural failure during operation, though official causes remain under determination by authorities.

    This tragedy represents more than an isolated industrial accident—it strikes at the heart of Thailand’s ambitious efforts to position itself as a regional transportation hub. The psychological impact on public confidence in infrastructure safety could potentially delay future development initiatives and trigger comprehensive safety reviews across all ongoing projects. Transportation officials have pledged full transparency in the investigation while expressing condolences to those affected by this unforeseen disaster.

  • Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney begins landmark 4-day visit to China to mend ties

    Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney begins landmark 4-day visit to China to mend ties

    BEIJING — In a significant diplomatic overture, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney commenced a pivotal four-day state visit to Beijing on Wednesday, marking the first official trip by a Canadian leader to China in nearly ten years. The high-stakes mission aims to revitalize strained bilateral relations while signaling Canada’s strategic pivot toward diversifying its international trade partnerships beyond the United States.

    Prime Minister Carney’s itinerary includes substantive meetings with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and President Xi Jinping, underscoring the visit’s importance to both nations. The diplomatic engagement occurs against the backdrop of shifting global economic dynamics and Canada’s explicit commitment to expand non-U.S. trade relationships over the coming decade.

    Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, accompanying Carney, emphasized the necessity of this strategic reorientation: “We are acutely aware that the global economic landscape has undergone fundamental transformation. Our objective to double non-U.S. trade within ten years reflects Canada’s deliberate effort to cultivate diversified trading partnerships.”

    Chinese state media has consistently advocated for Canada to pursue greater “strategic autonomy” from American influence—a position that aligns with Beijing’s broader geopolitical objectives. This perspective gains relevance amid former U.S. President Donald Trump’s adversarial trade measures against Canada, including punitive tariffs and controversial suggestions regarding Canada’s political status.

    The current diplomatic reset follows a prolonged deterioration in Sino-Canadian relations, initially triggered by the 2018 arrest of a Chinese tech executive at America’s request and exacerbated by Canada’s 2024 decision to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles—a move mirroring U.S. trade policy. China responded with retaliatory tariffs on key Canadian exports including canola, seafood, and pork.

    Despite these tensions, Minister Anand expressed cautious optimism regarding ongoing negotiations: “Discussions have been productive. Prime Minister Carney’s presence here demonstrates our commitment to recalibrating the Canada-China relationship.” The two leaders previously met at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea last October, laying groundwork for this week’s comprehensive dialogue.

    Analysts observe that Beijing perceives an opportunity to weaken Western alliances amid changing U.S. foreign policy approaches, though Chinese leadership remains pragmatic about the potential extent of diplomatic realignment.

  • Algerian student explores TCM wisdom in Hefei

    Algerian student explores TCM wisdom in Hefei

    In a remarkable cross-cultural educational journey, 22-year-old Algerian student Kerbouche Abdeldjalil is immersing himself in the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) at Anhui University of Chinese Medicine in Hefei. The sophomore pharmacy major, who began his studies in September 2024, represents a growing trend of international students seeking alternative medical knowledge from Eastern traditions.

    Abdeldjalil’s fascination with nature’s healing properties first emerged during his biotechnology studies in Algeria, where he developed a particular interest in phytotherapy. This curiosity about ancestral healing methods naturally evolved into a dedicated pursuit of TCM’s comprehensive medical system after he passed rigorous entrance examinations.

    The young scholar has embraced numerous immersive experiences since arriving in Hefei, including educational tours through the university’s specialized museums that showcase TCM’s rich historical tapestry. His academic curriculum has introduced him to foundational practices including acupuncture, cupping therapy, and moxibustion, alongside philosophical concepts like yin and yang that form the theoretical bedrock of Chinese traditional medicine.

    What most captivates Abdeldjalil about TCM is its holistic approach to healthcare—the fundamental philosophy that views the human body as an interconnected system requiring comprehensive treatment rather than isolated symptom management. This perspective aligns with his initial interest in plant-based therapies while offering a more structured theoretical framework and practical application.

    Abdeldjalil’s educational journey exemplifies the globalizing landscape of medical education, where ancient healing traditions transcend cultural boundaries and attract international students seeking diverse medical knowledge. His experience in Hefei demonstrates how traditional medical systems can bridge cultural divides while contributing to the global healthcare dialogue.

  • China completes new round of bulk medical supply purchases

    China completes new round of bulk medical supply purchases

    Chinese health authorities have successfully concluded the sixth iteration of their national bulk procurement initiative for high-value medical consumables, marking another significant step in the country’s healthcare cost containment strategy. The National Healthcare Security Administration unveiled the results of this latest procurement round, which encompassed 12 distinct medical device categories including drug-coated balloons and urological intervention products.

    The comprehensive bulk purchasing scheme incorporated 440 medical products from 202 manufacturers, strategically incorporating major suppliers that hospitals routinely depend upon. This approach ensures both diversity and stability in the supply chain for essential medical equipment. Health officials emphasized that the program successfully maintains quality standards while achieving substantial cost reductions.

    Since its inception, China’s centralized procurement mechanism has expanded dramatically, now covering 142 types of medical consumables across nine major categories. The program spans multiple clinical specialties including cardiology, orthopedics, peripheral vascular surgery, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, and urology, demonstrating the government’s comprehensive approach to healthcare affordability.

    Patients are anticipated to benefit from the latest procurement round beginning approximately May 2026, when the newly negotiated devices will become available at significantly reduced prices. China’s bulk procurement strategy represents a cornerstone of the nation’s healthcare reform efforts, regularly leveraging centralized purchasing power to negotiate favorable terms for both medical equipment and pharmaceuticals. This systematic approach continues to play a pivotal role in making quality healthcare more accessible and affordable for the Chinese population.

  • Trump warns of ‘very strong action’ if Iran executes protesters

    Trump warns of ‘very strong action’ if Iran executes protesters

    In a significant escalation of tensions, former US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iranian authorities regarding their handling of widespread protests. Trump declared that the United States would implement “very strong action” should Iran proceed with threatened executions of demonstrators, though he provided no specific details about potential measures.

    The confrontation emerges amid one of the most substantial challenges to Iran’s clerical leadership in years. According to human rights organizations, the government crackdown has likely resulted in thousands of fatalities during protests that have persisted for multiple nights across the nation. Iran Human Rights (IHR), a Norway-based NGO, has confirmed 734 deaths, including nine minors, while cautioning that the actual toll is probably substantially higher due to reporting limitations.

    Iranian officials have responded defiantly to international pressure. The country’s UN mission characterized American warnings as part of a longstanding “playbook” rooted in regime change fantasies, asserting that such tactics would “fail again.” Tehran prosecutors have indicated they will pursue capital charges of “moharebeh” (waging war against God) against some detained protesters.

    The situation on the ground remains tense despite government claims of restored control. Verified social media footage shows bodies lined up in morgues near Tehran, with distraught families searching for missing relatives. While international phone connections were partially restored Tuesday, internet access remains severely restricted after a five-day blackout that rights groups say masks the true scale of the crackdown.

    European nations have joined the international condemnation, with France, Germany, the UK, and the European Union summoning Iranian ambassadors. EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen described the rising casualties as “horrifying” and promised additional sanctions against those responsible.

    Analysts note these protests represent perhaps the most serious challenge to the Islamic Republic in recent history, both in scale and explicitly political nature. However, experts caution against predicting the immediate collapse of the system, citing the regime’s extensive repressive capabilities and the resilience of institutions like the Revolutionary Guard Corps.

  • Death toll from Thailand’s high-speed rail accident rises to 22: meida reports

    Death toll from Thailand’s high-speed rail accident rises to 22: meida reports

    BANGKOK – A catastrophic high-speed rail incident in Thailand has resulted in a tragic loss of life, with official reports confirming 22 fatalities as of January 14, 2026. The devastating accident has sent shockwaves through the nation’s transportation sector and raised urgent questions about rail safety protocols.

    The collision occurred along a major transit route, though specific location details remain under investigation by Thai authorities. Emergency response teams worked tirelessly through the night in a complex rescue operation to extract survivors from the wreckage amidst challenging conditions.

    Medical facilities across the region have been placed on high alert, with trauma specialists mobilized to treat the injured. Hospitals near the accident site have reported receiving multiple casualties with varying degrees of injuries, though official numbers of wounded passengers have not yet been finalized.

    Transportation officials have launched an immediate investigation into the root causes of the derailment, examining factors ranging from potential technical failures to operational procedures. The incident represents one of the most severe rail accidents in Thailand’s recent history and has prompted the temporary suspension of services along the affected line.

    Prime Minister’s office released a statement expressing profound grief over the tragedy and extending condolences to the families of victims. The government has announced compensation packages for affected families and pledged a comprehensive review of the country’s high-speed rail safety standards.

    This tragedy occurs amid Thailand’s ongoing efforts to expand its high-speed rail network as part of broader regional transportation initiatives. The accident is likely to influence future safety regulations and infrastructure development plans across Southeast Asia’s rapidly growing rail transportation sector.

  • The crazier ‘Taiwan independence’ moves, the tighter anti-secession noose: Mainland spokesperson

    The crazier ‘Taiwan independence’ moves, the tighter anti-secession noose: Mainland spokesperson

    In a significant escalation of rhetoric toward Taiwan, Chinese mainland authorities have issued a stark warning that increased separatist activities will be met with intensified countermeasures. Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for China’s State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, delivered the unambiguous message during a Wednesday press briefing in Beijing.

    The spokesperson’s comments came specifically in response to media inquiries about recent additions to China’s official list of hardened ‘Taiwan independence’ secessionists. Zhu emphatically reiterated Beijing’s longstanding position that ‘Taiwan is China’s Taiwan,’ leaving no ambiguity about the central government’s stance on territorial integrity.

    Notably, the warning included a specific mechanism of enforcement: those pursuing separatist agendas and undermining cross-Strait relations will face permanent legal consequences. The spokesperson indicated that authorities would employ ‘all necessary measures’ to punish such activities, with accountability extending throughout the offenders’ lifetimes according to Chinese law.

    This development represents the latest in a series of increasingly firm statements from Beijing regarding Taiwan, reflecting growing concerns about separatist movements and the potential responses they might provoke. The language suggests a hardening position that could have significant implications for cross-Strait relations and regional stability in the coming months.