Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Over 10,000 Japanese rally in Tokyo to protest against PM’s dangerous policies

    Over 10,000 Japanese rally in Tokyo to protest against PM’s dangerous policies

    TOKYO – A massive demonstration comprising over 10,000 citizens converged in Japan’s capital on Thursday evening, voicing vehement opposition to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s controversial policy directives. The protest specifically targeted proposed amendments to the nation’s pacifist Constitution and the ongoing deployment of long-range missile systems.

    Protesters assembled outside the Second Members’ Office Building of the House of Representatives, brandishing signs with messages including ‘No War’ and ‘Oppose Constitutional Revision.’ The gathering represented a significant public mobilization aimed at preserving Japan’s post-war pacifist principles and maintaining regional stability.

    Central to the controversy is Article 9 of Japan’s 1947 Constitution, which formally renounces war as a sovereign right and prohibits the use of force to resolve international disputes. This constitutional provision has defined Japan’s defense posture for decades but has faced persistent challenges from right-wing political factions.

    Prime Minister Takaichi’s recent reaffirmation of her commitment to constitutional revision has ignited substantial public apprehension across the nation. Natsuki Mitomi, one of the demonstrators, emphasized to journalists that ‘Article 9 has played an important role in keeping Japan out of war. It will remain essential for Japan in the future, and we cannot allow it to be taken away by Takaichi.’

    Additional concerns have emerged regarding the administration’s military expansion initiatives. Japan’s Ministry of Defense recently transported missile launchers and associated equipment for upgraded Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles to a Ground Self-Defense Force installation in Kumamoto Prefecture. This deployment occurred without prior public consultation or explanatory sessions, with officials announcing formal deployment scheduled for March 31.

    The military movement provoked alarm among residents, including protester Ryoko, who expressed concern because ‘Kumamoto is my relatives’ hometown. It is very irresponsible for the government to deploy missiles without listening to residents or holding explanatory meetings.’
    Another attendee, identified as Misawa, criticized the administration’s approach, stating that advancing policies with significant public safety implications without adequate transparency represents a serious governmental failure.

  • The West has long seen Iran’s oil as a prize to be claimed

    The West has long seen Iran’s oil as a prize to be claimed

    Recent hostilities in the Persian Gulf have thrust the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global energy corridor—back into the international spotlight. With approximately 20% of the world’s oil transiting this narrow waterway, its potential closure alongside attacks on Iranian oil infrastructure has triggered fears of prolonged conflict and soaring fuel prices.

    While current analysis focuses on immediate threats from missiles, drones, and mines, a deeper historical narrative underpins these tensions. For over a century, Iran’s vast oil reserves have shaped Western perceptions and geopolitical strategies.

    The pivotal moment occurred in May 1908 when British-Australian entrepreneur William Knox D’Arcy financed drillers who struck oil in Persia’s Zagros Mountains. This discovery led to the establishment of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (later BP) in 1909, which rapidly developed pipeline networks and constructed the massive Abadan Island refinery complex—still Iran’s largest today.

    Oil from Abadan began flowing through the Strait of Hormuz to global markets, eventually powering European industry and transportation. The resource’s strategic importance became undeniable when the British government acquired a controlling stake in BP in 1914 to secure Royal Navy fuel supplies during its transition from coal to oil—a move championed by Winston Churchill, who later described the Iranian oil discovery as “a prize from fairyland.”

    Post-World War I, BP launched sophisticated marketing campaigns to shape British perceptions of Iran and its oil. The 1925 “Persian Series” combined evocative artwork with narratives of British technological mastery in challenging environments. At the 1924-25 British Empire Exhibition, BP constructed a full-scale replica of an Iranian caravanserai, blending cultural imagery with oilfield equipment displays. The company’s London headquarters featured sculptures of traditionally dressed Iranian figures, symbolizing captured resources from a distant frontier.

    This century-long narrative framing—presenting oil as an exotic prize requiring Western technological conquest—has normalized the idea that Western societies are entitled to control Middle Eastern energy resources. This presumption, as noted by scholar Edward Said, has created a repeating cycle of conflict over Iranian oil, from the 1953 overthrow of Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh after oil nationalization to current geopolitical tensions.

    While contemporary risks have evolved from environmental challenges to nuclear proliferation and market disruptions, the underlying logic remains strikingly familiar: Western military power continues to be deployed to control oil resources under the guise of eliminating threats.

  • China’s second homegrown large cruise ship undocked in Shanghai

    China’s second homegrown large cruise ship undocked in Shanghai

    Shanghai witnessed a significant milestone in China’s shipbuilding industry on Friday as the nation’s second domestically constructed large cruise vessel, Adora Flora City, was successfully undocked from its construction berth. The sophisticated maneuvering operation, executed by powerful tugboats at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., marks the vessel’s transition to the crucial wharf commissioning phase ahead of its anticipated delivery timeline.

    The achievement represents China’s strategic expansion into the global cruise tourism market through technological advancement and maritime innovation. As a subsidiary of the state-owned China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), the shipbuilder has demonstrated the nation’s growing capabilities in complex vessel construction previously dominated by European shipyards.

    According to cruise operator Adora Cruises, the project will now accelerate interior installations and comprehensive systems testing. The company confirmed the vessel remains on schedule for formal delivery by year-end 2026, with plans to inaugurate international itineraries originating from Nansha International Cruise Home Port in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. This development positions China to compete more substantially in the premium cruise tourism sector while showcasing advanced manufacturing capabilities in specialized shipbuilding categories.

  • Shanghai launches fourth innovation, entrepreneurship competition

    Shanghai launches fourth innovation, entrepreneurship competition

    Shanghai has officially inaugurated the fourth iteration of its prestigious Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, marking a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing campaign to foster technological advancement and cross-sector economic growth. Launched on March 20, 2026, this year’s competition introduces substantial upgrades aligned with emerging global business trends and technological developments.

    Since its establishment in 2023, the competition has attracted remarkable participation, with over 3,200 enterprises engaging in previous editions. The 2026 event features a refined structure comprising ten specialized tracks strategically designed to leverage the unique industrial strengths of Shanghai’s various districts. These competition categories span cutting-edge creative sectors including original intellectual property operations, music innovation, game development, film and television production, digital content globalization, and artificial intelligence integration with digital creative industries.

    The competition framework has been enhanced with a comprehensive resource platform offering ten specialized empowerment services, providing participants with end-to-end support throughout their development journey. Successful enterprises will receive exclusive benefits including policy support, talent subsidies, incubation assistance, and opportunities for achievement showcases.

    The competition process will progress through multiple stages including online preliminary evaluations, semifinals, and finals, culminating in an awards ceremony scheduled for later this year. This initiative represents Shanghai’s strategic commitment to building a multi-domain innovation ecosystem that bridges cultural, commercial, tourism, and exhibition sectors while stimulating groundbreaking entrepreneurial ventures.

  • Bridge as keeper: Sipping tradition and modern life at Yinding and Wanning bridges

    Bridge as keeper: Sipping tradition and modern life at Yinding and Wanning bridges

    In the heart of Beijing’s ancient hutong neighborhoods, two historic bridges—Yinding and Wanning—stand as silent witnesses to the city’s evolving identity where centuries-old traditions intersect with contemporary urban life. These architectural landmarks physically and symbolically connect Beijing’s historical districts with its modern developments, creating unique spaces where the past dialogues with the present.

    The bridges serve as daily crossroads for residents like Bella Li, a native Beijinger who returned to her hometown after extensive international travels. Her story exemplifies the modern Beijing experience—global perspectives integrated with deep local roots. The areas surrounding these bridges have become cultural hubs where traditional tea houses coexist with modern cafes, and where elderly residents practicing tai chi share space with young professionals commuting to work.

    These bridges represent more than mere transportation infrastructure; they function as living museums that preserve Beijing’s architectural heritage while facilitating the city’s continuous transformation. The stone constructions have witnessed dynastic changes, political upheavals, and now serve as backdrops for the daily rhythms of 21st century urban life. Locals and tourists alike frequent these areas to experience authentic Beijing culture, where the aroma of traditional teas blends with the energy of a modern metropolis.

    The preservation of these historical structures demonstrates Beijing’s commitment to maintaining cultural continuity amid rapid urbanization. As development continues throughout the capital, these bridges remain anchor points that ground the community in its rich history while allowing for organic evolution of traditions and lifestyles.

  • Immediate end to tensions urged

    Immediate end to tensions urged

    Amid escalating hostilities across the Middle East, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi issued an urgent appeal for an immediate cessation of military operations during a critical phone discussion with British counterpart Yvette Cooper on Thursday. The diplomatic exchange occurred against a backdrop of unprecedented attacks on energy infrastructure that threaten global economic stability.

    Minister Wang emphasized that the continuing conflict severely jeopardizes regional peace while simultaneously disrupting international energy markets, financial systems, trade networks, and shipping corridors. He warned that prolonged warfare would yield no victors, asserting that ceasefire implementation represents the collective aspiration of the global community.

    As permanent UN Security Council members, China and Britain bear special responsibility for maintaining international security, Wang noted. He advocated for enhanced bilateral communication to uphold UN Charter principles and preserve fundamental international norms, preventing further deterioration of the world order.

    The diplomatic urgency follows Israel’s first-known strike on Iran’s massive South Pars natural gas field on Wednesday, triggering retaliatory attacks against energy facilities across Gulf nations. Iran’s shared offshore field with Qatar suffered direct hits to gas tanks and refinery sections, forcing worker evacuations as firefighters battled ensuing blazes.

    Qatar’s critical Ras Laffan LNG complex—accounting for approximately 20% of global liquefied natural gas supply—endured a ballistic missile strike that caused extensive damage. In response, Doha expelled Iranian security attaches within 24 hours. Simultaneously, Iranian attacks targeted UAE’s Habshan gas facility and Bab field, suspending operations, while Saudi Arabia’s oil-rich Eastern Province came under fire.

    These coordinated energy infrastructure assaults propelled oil prices to nearly $110 per barrel, exacerbating existing supply chain vulnerabilities. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan declared shattered trust with Tehran while reserving rights to military response during emergency regional talks in Riyadh.

    Cooper conveyed Britain’s perspective on the turbulent situation, expressing desire for continued Sino-British coordination to facilitate diplomatic negotiations and pursue sustainable conflict resolution. Both officials concurred on advancing their comprehensive strategic partnership through enhanced exchanges and implementation of existing bilateral understandings.

  • Tea farmers harvest West Lake Longjing tea in China’s Hangzhou

    Tea farmers harvest West Lake Longjing tea in China’s Hangzhou

    The annual harvest of West Lake Longjing tea, China’s prestigious green tea variety, has officially commenced in the picturesque hills of Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. Tea farmers across the region have begun carefully hand-picking the season’s first tender leaves, marking a significant cultural and agricultural milestone in the Chinese tea calendar.

    This year’s harvest, which traditionally aligns with the spring equinox, showcases the meticulous process behind one of China’s most celebrated tea varieties. The West Lake Longjing tea, renowned for its exceptional quality and historical significance, undergoes precise harvesting techniques where only the youngest leaves and buds are selected to ensure premium quality.

    Characterized by its distinctive flat-shaped leaves, vibrant jade-green coloration, and delicate aroma, this tea variety holds a protected geographical status, with authentic production limited to specific regions around West Lake. The tea’s reputation stems from its complex flavor profile featuring subtle chestnut notes and a smooth, sweet aftertaste without bitterness.

    Local agricultural experts note that this year’s weather conditions have been particularly favorable, with adequate rainfall and temperate climates contributing to optimal leaf development. The harvesting process follows centuries-old traditions while incorporating modern sustainable farming practices to maintain both quality and environmental stewardship.

    The West Lake Longjing tea not only represents an important economic activity for local farmers but also embodies China’s rich cultural heritage in tea production, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Its global reputation continues to grow, with increasing international demand for authentic Chinese premium teas driving both cultural appreciation and economic development in the region.

  • Chinese researchers decode oriental fruit fly’s egg-laying mystery to curb mango damage

    Chinese researchers decode oriental fruit fly’s egg-laying mystery to curb mango damage

    Researchers at Southwest University in Chongqing have made a groundbreaking discovery that explains why oriental fruit flies target unripe mangoes, potentially revolutionizing pest control methods for one of agriculture’s most damaging insects.

    Led by Professor Wang Jinjun, the scientific team identified that female oriental fruit flies (Bactrocera dorsalis) possess a sophisticated sensory mechanism in their ovipositor—a specialized egg-laying organ—that detects hesperidin, a chemical compound naturally present in maturing mangoes. This finding, published in the prestigious Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals the evolutionary adaptation that drives the pest’s destructive behavior.

    The study demonstrates that as mangoes ripen, hesperidin concentrations increase to levels that become toxic to fruit fly offspring. The compound significantly reduces egg hatching rates, suppresses larval development, and decreases adult emergence success. To avoid these detrimental effects, female flies have evolved the ability to ‘taste’ hesperidin levels using sensory receptors located at the tip of their ovipositor, which they use to pierce fruit before egg deposition.

    Professor Jiang Hongbo, a key member of the research team, explained that this discovery enables two innovative approaches to pest management: developing targeted interventions that exploit the fly’s sensory system, and creating early warning systems that monitor chemical changes in fruit to predict infestation risks before damage occurs.

    The oriental fruit fly causes substantial economic losses across tropical and subtropical regions by triggering premature fruit drop before farmers can detect infestations. This research provides the first comprehensive understanding of the biological mechanisms behind the pest’s selective egg-laying behavior, offering hope for more effective and environmentally friendly control strategies.

  • Nearly 100 people evacuated after house fire in Hong Kong

    Nearly 100 people evacuated after house fire in Hong Kong

    A significant emergency response unfolded in Hong Kong’s Tsuen Wan district on Thursday evening as a major fire consumed a tin-sheet structured residence near Lo Wai. Local authorities elevated the alarm designation to Level 3 following the blaze’s rapid intensification around 10 pm.

    The incident gained immediate attention as multiple explosions accompanied the initial outbreak, triggering numerous emergency calls from concerned residents. Firefighting crews implemented large-scale evacuation procedures, successfully relocating approximately 100 individuals from adjacent properties during the critical initial response phase.

    Eyewitnesses reported dramatic scenes with intense flames generating substantial thermal radiation and towering columns of thick, dark smoke visible across considerable distances. The structural characteristics of the tin-sheet construction contributed to both rapid fire spread and challenging containment conditions for emergency personnel.

    As of the latest updates, emergency services have confirmed no casualties resulting from the incident, though damage assessment to the affected structure remains ongoing. The Hong Kong Fire Services Department continues to maintain operational presence at the scene to ensure complete extinguishment and investigate ignition factors.

  • China revises rules to tighten oversight of imported food safety

    China revises rules to tighten oversight of imported food safety

    China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC) has announced comprehensive revisions to its regulatory framework governing overseas food manufacturers, with updated registration requirements taking effect June 1, 2026. The overhaul represents a significant advancement in China’s approach to imported food safety management, introducing dynamic categorization systems and refined risk assessment protocols.

    The enhanced regulatory mechanism will establish three distinct classifications: a catalog of imported food products requiring official recommendation for registration, a list of products ineligible for automatic registration renewal, and a defined scope for overseas food storage facilities mandated to register. These determinations will incorporate multifaceted analysis of raw material sourcing, production methodologies, historical safety records, target consumer demographics, and consumption patterns, while maintaining alignment with international standards.

    Registration validity remains set at five-year intervals with provisions for automatic renewal, except where specified otherwise. The GAC emphasized that these modifications aim to strengthen oversight capabilities while simultaneously facilitating smoother import trade operations. Official Li Jinsong clarified that the updated system maintains continuity with existing registration protocols, ensuring uninterrupted market access for currently registered international enterprises while offering enhanced operational convenience.

    Since the initial implementation of registration requirements in 2022, China’s system has processed registrations from over 96,000 food manufacturers across 178 countries and territories. This framework has successfully introduced diverse specialty products—including Norwegian salmon and New Zealand frozen fruits—to Chinese consumers while supporting substantial trade growth from 1.05 trillion yuan (approximately $152.23 billion) in 2020 to 1.32 trillion yuan in 2025.