Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • China unveils top 10 scientific advancements of 2025

    China unveils top 10 scientific advancements of 2025

    China has officially recognized its most significant scientific achievements of 2025 during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Zhongguancun Forum in Beijing. The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) unveiled the annual selection of top 10 scientific advancements, showcasing remarkable progress across multiple disciplines of basic research.

    Leading the prestigious list was a groundbreaking lunar discovery stemming from the Chang’e 6 mission. Chinese scientists analyzing the first-ever lunar farside samples identified that the farside basalts originated from an extremely depleted mantle source. This critical finding suggests that giant impact events may have triggered melt extraction from the lunar mantle, providing essential evidence for understanding the moon’s hemispheric dichotomy.

    In medical science, a Chinese research team achieved a world-first by successfully transplanting a gene-edited pig liver into a human patient. This pioneering xenotransplantation procedure overcame fundamental barriers of immune rejection and functional compatibility, establishing crucial data and technological foundations for clinical translation.

    The recognized advancements spanned numerous critical domains including advanced material sciences, controllable nuclear fusion technology, deep-sea exploration capabilities, cutting-edge chipmaking processes, and next-generation solar cell development. These achievements demonstrate China’s comprehensive approach to scientific innovation.

    NSFC Director Dou Xiankang emphasized that the annual selection process, maintained since 2005, serves to motivate researchers to address fundamental research bottlenecks and produce more original scientific accomplishments. The initiative simultaneously aims to enhance public understanding and support for basic research fields.

    The 2025 selections emerged from a rigorous evaluation process involving more than 600 basic research projects. The transparent procedure incorporated expert screening, real-time online voting, and committee deliberation, ensuring broad participation and scientific credibility.

  • Ancient Zhengding draws spring tourists with blooming peaches

    Ancient Zhengding draws spring tourists with blooming peaches

    The ancient county of Zhengding in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, has transformed into a spectacular springtime destination, drawing visitors from across the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region with its breathtaking floral displays. As seasonal warmth envelops northern China, the historic locale has become a magnet for tourism with its vibrant peach blossoms reaching peak bloom.

    South Gate Square, one of Zhengding’s most frequented sites, presented a particularly picturesque tableau this week. The square’s landscape featured magnificent pink and white flowering peach trees in full splendor, creating a stunning visual harmony with the area’s traditional architecture. Visitors and local residents alike immersed themselves in the seasonal spectacle, capturing the vibrant blooms through camera lenses and smartphone screens.

    The botanical celebration extends beyond the square to Zhengding’s other cultural landmarks. Longxing Temple, an active Buddhist monastery with centuries of history, and Rongguo Mansion, a preserved historical residence, both attracted photography enthusiasts with their magnificent magnolia displays and serene spring atmospheres. These complementary floral exhibitions have enhanced the county’s appeal as a comprehensive spring experience.

    The convergence of natural beauty and cultural heritage has positioned Zhengding as an ideal day-trip destination for urban residents seeking seasonal rejuvenation. The simultaneous blooming of multiple flower varieties throughout the county’s historical sites creates a multidimensional experience that blends natural appreciation with cultural exploration, offering visitors both visual delight and historical enrichment.

  • Indian singer’s drowning was accidental – Singapore coroner

    Indian singer’s drowning was accidental – Singapore coroner

    A Singaporean coroner has officially concluded that the tragic drowning of renowned Indian singer-composer Zubeen Garg was accidental, finding no evidence of criminal involvement. The 52-year-old cultural icon from Assam died on September 19th last year while swimming during a yacht excursion off Singapore’s coast, where he had traveled to perform at a cultural festival.

    The coroner’s investigation revealed that Garg was significantly intoxicated at the time of the incident, with forensic reports indicating his blood alcohol levels exceeded four times the legal drink-driving limit. According to the official report, this impairment likely affected his judgment, leading him to remove his life jacket during his initial swim and not wearing it when he re-entered the water.

    During his second swim, Garg lost consciousness and his face became submerged. Other yacht occupants immediately noticed his distress and provided assistance, lifting his head above water. The coroner found no delays in administering first aid or transporting him to medical facilities.

    The singer’s death had sparked widespread mourning and controversy in his home state of Assam, where he was celebrated for his powerful voice and diverse repertoire spanning 40 languages across his 33-year career. Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had previously called the death ‘plain and simple murder,’ though no evidence supporting this claim has been presented. Despite the coroner’s findings, seven individuals arrested in connection with the case remain in custody, with four facing murder charges.

  • China steps into Iran breach as investments face fire

    China steps into Iran breach as investments face fire

    In a significant diplomatic development, Iran has pledged to guarantee safe navigation through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz for vessels from all nations except those engaged in active hostilities against it. This assurance came during a high-level phone conversation between Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Tuesday.

    The breakthrough follows China’s decision to assume a mediation role in the escalating US-Iran conflict, driven by concerns that further military escalation could jeopardize Beijing’s substantial energy infrastructure investments across the Middle East. Iranian officials emphasized their commitment to pursuing a comprehensive resolution rather than temporary ceasefires.

    Concurrent with these developments, the United States has demonstrated a tempered approach as President Donald Trump agreed to postpone attacks on Iranian power facilities for five days, citing ongoing behind-the-scenes negotiations. However, this diplomatic pause coincides with reports of imminent deployment of 2,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the region, creating a complex landscape of dialogue and military preparedness.

    The Chinese mediation initiative gained momentum following a March 20 meeting in Beijing between Zhai Jun, China’s special envoy for Middle Eastern affairs, and Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, Iran’s ambassador to China. Zhai subsequently emphasized China’s commitment to regional stability, warning that continued conflict would have devastating consequences for global energy markets and regional populations, with current casualty estimates exceeding 21,000.

    Beijing’s diplomatic engagement represents a notable policy shift. Initially reluctant to involve itself in what Chinese officials characterized as ‘Trump’s war,’ China reconsidered its position following March 18-19 attacks on energy facilities across the Middle East, including critical infrastructure in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. These developments threatened China’s extensive energy investments and supply chains, compelling more active intervention.

    Regional diplomacy continues to evolve with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offering to host US-Iran negotiations, while analysts note that Iran’s control over Hormuz transit has provided significant leverage in influencing regional dynamics and pressuring US allies.

  • Hong Kong bookstore staff reportedly arrested for selling Jimmy Lai’s biography

    Hong Kong bookstore staff reportedly arrested for selling Jimmy Lai’s biography

    Hong Kong authorities have intensified their national security enforcement with coordinated actions against dissenting voices, triggering renewed concerns about civil liberties in the financial hub. The latest developments include the arrest of bookstore owner Pong Yat-ming and three staff members from Book Punch on allegations of distributing seditious publications, particularly a biography of imprisoned pro-democracy figure Jimmy Lai titled ‘The Troublemaker’.

    In a parallel move, officials formally dissolved three companies associated with Lai’s defunct Apple Daily newspaper—Apple Daily Limited, Apple Daily Printing Limited, and AD internet Limited—stripping them from the companies registry and designating them as ‘prohibited organizations.’ The government statement warned that any association with these entities would violate the 2024 national security legislation.

    The crackdown extends beyond these immediate actions. Authorities recently amended implementation rules for the 2020 security law, granting customs officers expanded powers to seize items suspected of containing seditious content and enabling police to demand decryption passwords during national security investigations. Security Secretary Chris Tang clarified that these measures require judicial warrants and aren’t arbitrary powers.

    Independent booksellers face mounting operational challenges, with Hunter Bookstore publicly questioning how merchants can identify prohibited materials without official guidance. The bookstore appealed for a government-published list of banned titles to ensure compliance.

    The legal actions stem from December convictions where Lai and his companies were found guilty of conspiring with foreign forces and publishing seditious materials. Lai received a 20-year sentence last month, while six former Apple Daily staff received prison terms ranging from nearly seven to ten years after pleading guilty.

    International observers and critics contend these developments signal further erosion of Hong Kong’s promised freedoms since its 1997 handover, while officials maintain the measures are essential for maintaining stability and security.

  • Experts call for broader AI integration in healthcare at national conference

    Experts call for broader AI integration in healthcare at national conference

    BEIJING – At the inaugural China Intelligent Medicine Conference held Saturday, leading medical researchers and policymakers issued a compelling call for expanded integration of artificial intelligence technologies throughout the nation’s healthcare ecosystem. The high-profile gathering highlighted both the remarkable progress and remaining challenges in China’s push to transform medical services through digital innovation.

    Medical authorities presented compelling evidence of AI’s growing impact on healthcare delivery. According to data from Beijing’s prestigious Fuwai Hospital, AI-assisted systems have achieved over 95% accuracy in medical record documentation, while sophisticated evaluation models now provide objective performance metrics for surgical teams. These technologies are driving significant improvements in standardizing medical practices, optimizing patient experiences, and enhancing disease management capabilities at primary care facilities.

    Professor Ji Xunming, President of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, emphasized that artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping medical understanding and practice. “We are witnessing a paradigm shift from reactive treatment to proactive health management,” Ji noted, underscoring the transformative potential of smart technologies in preventive care.

    The conference particularly highlighted AI’s role in strengthening grassroots medical services. Pilot programs in hypertension management have demonstrated substantially improved treatment and control rates when primary care physicians receive AI-supported decision assistance. This advancement addresses critical needs in community healthcare delivery.

    However, significant challenges remain. Professor Wang Zhenchang, an academician at Beijing Friendship Hospital, identified limitations in current AI applications, noting that most products focus on single diseases rather than addressing complex, multifaceted clinical scenarios. Wang advocated for more comprehensive imaging systems seamlessly integrated into clinical workflows and called for accelerated regulatory pathways to keep pace with technological innovation.

    A comprehensive research report released during the event outlined persistent bottlenecks in computing infrastructure, data quality, and ethical considerations. The document proposed a systematic framework emphasizing domestic innovation capabilities and strengthened oversight mechanisms.

    Progress is also evident in educational development, with the first national textbooks for intelligent medical engineering scheduled for publication. This advancement supports China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), which mandates the structured application of digital technologies in assisted diagnosis, precision medicine, health management, and elderly care services.

    Liu Dengfeng, a senior National Health Commission official, confirmed the government’s commitment to accelerating digital technology adoption across both major hospitals and grassroots facilities. The NHC will prioritize policy and regulatory improvements in ethical governance to foster a conducive environment for intelligent medicine development.

  • Visitors explore the Yellow River culture on Henan tour

    Visitors explore the Yellow River culture on Henan tour

    The Zhengzhou Yellow River Cultural Park, celebrated for its extraordinary cultural legacy and breathtaking natural scenery, continues to draw global attention as a premier destination for understanding China’s ancient roots. This iconic site offers visitors a profound connection to the origins of Chinese civilization through its harmonious integration of ecological splendor and historical depth.

    As part of the “Following Edgar Snow’s Footsteps – Henan Tour” initiative launched on March 22, international guests recently experienced immersive explorations at the park’s renowned monuments. The program, running through March 25, serves as a featured component of the 2026 China Internet Media Forum, bringing participants to significant cultural locations across Zhengzhou and Luoyang.

    The tour’s highlight included visits to the monumental statues of Yan Di and Huang Di, legendary emperors regarded as ancestral figures in Chinese mythology. These towering sculptures provide a dramatic backdrop for visitors seeking to comprehend the Yellow River’s role as the historical cradle of Chinese civilization, often called “Mother River” in cultural contexts.

    Beyond the archaeological significance, the park demonstrates successful cultural tourism development by preserving natural landscapes while making historical narratives accessible to modern audiences. The four-day program combines expert-guided historical interpretation with hands-on experiences that bridge ancient traditions with contemporary cultural appreciation.

  • Chinese large telescope releases over 30m spectra to international collaborators

    Chinese large telescope releases over 30m spectra to international collaborators

    China’s National Astronomical Observatories has unveiled a monumental astronomical dataset from its Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST), distributing over 30 million celestial spectra to researchers worldwide. The newly released DR13 dataset, covering observations from 2011 through June 2025, represents the most extensive spectral survey ever conducted, solidifying China’s position at the forefront of astronomical research.

    The comprehensive data release includes approximately 13.47 million low-resolution spectra and 17.35 million medium-resolution spectra, accompanied by a stellar parameter catalog containing nearly 12.94 million entries. This unprecedented collection continues LAMOST’s reign as the world’s leading spectral survey project in both data volume and stellar parameter scale.

    Since becoming operational as China’s first major national scientific infrastructure in astronomy, LAMOST has revolutionized large-scale spectroscopic sky surveys. The telescope’s pioneering design has enabled 14 years of efficient and stable operation, during which it has transformed our understanding of the Milky Way’s structure and evolution.

    The scientific impact of LAMOST’s data is demonstrated by its widespread adoption across the global astronomy community. Researchers from 278 institutions worldwide, including significant participation from the United States, Germany, Belgium, and Denmark, have utilized the telescope’s data to produce more than 2,200 high-quality research publications. Recent years have seen particularly robust output, with over 300 annual publications—more than 40 percent authored by international astronomers—placing LAMOST’s scientific productivity among the world’s elite 6-to-10-meter class telescopes.

    Beyond galactic studies, LAMOST’s spectra have facilitated groundbreaking discoveries across multiple astronomical domains, including the identification of compact objects, advances in stellar physics, exoplanet detection, and quasar research. This latest data release promises to further accelerate astronomical discovery and international collaboration in the coming years.

  • Strikes continue amid differing accounts of talks

    Strikes continue amid differing accounts of talks

    The Middle East conflict entered a new phase of complexity as diplomatic overtures intertwined with ongoing military operations. Iranian authorities confirmed receiving a communication from Washington through intermediaries, though they characterized the contents as ‘points under review’ rather than formal negotiations.

    This development occurred against a backdrop of continued violence, with Iranian forces launching missile barrages toward Israel while Israeli aircraft conducted strikes in central Tehran targeting command centers. Simultaneously, Israel intensified its operations against targets in Lebanon’s southern suburbs near Beirut.

    The diplomatic landscape revealed significant contradictions. US President Donald Trump announced ‘very good and productive conversations’ with Iranian officials, a claim immediately rejected by Tehran as market manipulation tactics. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, explicitly denied any negotiation proceedings, labeling such reports as ‘fake news’ designed to influence financial markets.

    International efforts to de-escalate the situation intensified. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during discussions with Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi, emphasized the necessity of dialogue over military confrontation. Araghchi provided assurances regarding the Strait of Hormuz remaining accessible for peaceful navigation while acknowledging China’s humanitarian assistance.

    Regional security dynamics continued evolving with Iran appointing Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, former Revolutionary Guards commander, as the new chief of the Supreme National Security Council. Meanwhile, market reactions demonstrated volatility—oil prices briefly dipped below $100 per barrel following Trump’s statements before rebounding to $104, reflecting a 40% increase since hostilities began.

    Analytical perspectives varied significantly. The New York-based Soufan Center suggested potential US preparations for seizing Kharg Island under negotiation cover, while former Israeli intelligence expert Danny Citrinowicz interpreted Trump’s approach as recognition that attacking Iranian energy infrastructure would provoke severe retaliation.

    Chinese diplomatic engagement continued with Special Envoy Zhai Jun meeting Israel’s Ambassador to China, underscoring the international community’s urgent efforts to facilitate peaceful resolution amid escalating tensions.

  • China issues standards for TCM services at primary level

    China issues standards for TCM services at primary level

    Chinese health authorities have unveiled comprehensive new guidelines mandating the standardization and expansion of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) services at grassroots healthcare institutions nationwide. The National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, in collaboration with the National Health Commission and National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, jointly issued the framework on Tuesday to enhance primary healthcare delivery through systematic TCM integration.

    The groundbreaking standards require township health centers and community clinics to provide minimum service packages including at least six categories encompassing ten distinct TCM treatment modalities. These specifically include acupuncture, moxibustion therapy, cupping, and therapeutic massage among other techniques. Facilities must maintain pharmaceutical inventories of no fewer than 80 varieties of Chinese patent medicines and a minimum of 300 types of decoction pieces to ensure comprehensive treatment capabilities.

    The guidelines emphasize the strategic application of TCM methodologies in chronic disease management, particularly for conditions including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The framework advocates for integrated service models combining preventive care, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation services through TCM approaches.

    Notably, the standards establish workforce requirements stipulating that TCM practitioners must constitute at least 20% of medical staff at primary healthcare institutions. This structural reinforcement aims to bolster the high-quality development of TCM services at community level, representing a significant advancement in China’s healthcare system modernization while preserving traditional medical practices.