Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Manas in Xinjiang steps up improvement of sheep breeding

    Manas in Xinjiang steps up improvement of sheep breeding

    The pastoral regions of China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region are currently experiencing their annual lambing season, with Manas County in Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture reporting remarkable agricultural progress. As of early March 2026, approximately 180,000 breeding ewes have successfully delivered around 130,000 lambs, with the lambing period expected to continue through early April.

    Agricultural authorities in Manas have implemented significant improvements to sheep breeding methodologies, focusing on enhancing overall productivity, increasing survival rates, and improving meat quality standards. These strategic advancements in livestock management have substantially reduced the time required for sheep to reach market readiness while simultaneously increasing the value-added potential of each animal.

    The breeding enhancement initiative has emerged as a crucial economic driver, boosting industrial efficiency throughout the region’s agricultural sector. Local herders have reported substantial income increases as a direct result of these improved breeding techniques and management practices.

    The ongoing lambing season represents a critical period for the region’s agricultural economy, with officials monitoring progress closely to ensure optimal outcomes for both livestock and herders. The success of these breeding improvements demonstrates Xinjiang’s commitment to modernizing its agricultural practices while supporting rural economic development.

  • Chinese scientists enable more realistic digital humans by building high-precision 3D facial database

    Chinese scientists enable more realistic digital humans by building high-precision 3D facial database

    A groundbreaking advancement in digital human technology has emerged from China, where scientists have constructed the industry’s largest high-precision 3D facial database. This development marks a significant leap toward creating exceptionally realistic virtual humans capable of natural emotional expression and identity recognition.

    The research collaboration between Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (Chinese Academy of Sciences) and Fujian University of Technology addressed a critical bottleneck in 3D facial landmark detection—the scarcity of large-scale, precisely annotated datasets. Previous methods predominantly relied on 2D texture assistance or synthetic 3D faces, resulting in limited generalization capabilities.

    At the core of this breakthrough is a novel curvature-fused graph attention network (CF-GAT) architecture that can directly predict facial landmarks from raw point clouds. This innovative approach facilitates a fundamental shift from generic ‘one-size-fits-all’ modeling to truly personalized facial reconstruction.

    The research team established a customized 3D/4D facial acquisition system to collect standardized data, ultimately compiling approximately 200,000 high-fidelity 3D facial scans. The comprehensive database system encompasses multiple specialized datasets including multi-expression 3D faces, standardized 3D facial landmarks, high-precision 3D human bodies, and dynamic 4D facial expressions.

    According to corresponding author Song Zhan, these databases now form the foundational infrastructure for humanoid robot development, enabling high-fidelity perception, expression modeling, and behavior generation. The technology promises to revolutionize human-computer interaction by creating more natural and intelligent interfaces.

    The study, recently published in IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems for Video Technology, anticipates applications extending beyond digital humans to data-driven large-model humanoid robot systems, potentially transforming how humans interact with artificial entities across various sectors.

  • China to enhance childbirth support

    China to enhance childbirth support

    BEIJING – China has announced a sweeping suite of policy measures designed to bolster national childbirth rates through enhanced economic and social support systems. The initiative forms a cornerstone of the draft outline for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), submitted to the ongoing National People’s Congress for deliberation.

    The comprehensive strategy includes significant expansions to maternity insurance coverage, guaranteed maternity leave protections, and the regulated integration of assisted reproductive technologies into mainstream healthcare services. Additionally, the government plans to accelerate development of inclusive childcare service networks nationwide.

    Housing policy reforms will introduce preferential treatment for families with two or more children, marking a substantial shift in residential allocation criteria. These collective measures represent China’s most robust demographic intervention to date, addressing both immediate financial barriers and long-term support structures for parenting.

    The policy framework emerges against the backdrop of China’s evolving population challenges, with authorities seeking to rebalance demographic trends through coordinated multi-sector approaches. The draft outline specifies implementation through coordinated efforts across healthcare, social security, and urban planning authorities, with detailed regulatory guidelines expected following the plan’s formal adoption.

  • China’s top legislature reviews draft law on national development planning

    China’s top legislature reviews draft law on national development planning

    China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) has initiated deliberations on a groundbreaking legislative framework that would formally codify the nation’s development planning processes into law. The draft legislation, presented during the NPC’s annual session, establishes comprehensive legal procedures for the creation, implementation, and oversight of China’s strategic development blueprints.

    The proposed law represents the institutionalization of China’s seven-decade experience with five-year planning cycles, transforming established practices into a structured legal format. The legislation outlines meticulous provisions spanning six distinct chapters, covering everything from initial formulation to final evaluation of national development plans.

    Significantly, the draft law formalizes the collaborative process between the Communist Party of China Central Committee, which provides policy recommendations; the State Council, responsible for drafting detailed plans; and the NPC, which holds ultimate approval authority. This tripartite mechanism ensures both political direction and legislative oversight in shaping China’s developmental trajectory.

    The legislation mandates that national development plans must articulate China’s strategic objectives, governmental priorities, and provide clear guidance for societal stakeholders. Required components include thorough environmental analyses, development guidelines, quantifiable targets, strategic missions, policy measures, and concrete implementation mechanisms.

    A notable aspect of the draft law emphasizes public participation in the planning process. This commitment was demonstrated through last year’s month-long digital consultation for the 15th Five-Year Plan, which gathered over 3.11 million public submissions that substantially influenced the final document.

    The legislative journey began in April 2025, with the draft undergoing three rigorous review sessions before reaching the current plenary meeting. Upon enactment, this law will establish permanent mechanisms for mid-term and final evaluations of plan implementation, creating a continuous improvement cycle for China’s development strategy.

  • People-oriented service for grassroots impact

    People-oriented service for grassroots impact

    In a revealing personal account, a journalist gains newfound appreciation for China’s grassroots political advisory system through her father’s decade-long service as a local CPPCC member. The discovery began when an old classmate, now working in municipal government, messaged her after observing a political consultation session where her father—a lawyer from Macheng, Hubei province—delivered what was described as ‘thoughtful and substantial’ remarks.

    Previously focused on covering high-level diplomacy and national events, the journalist had considered local governance matters distant from her professional interests. This unexpected message prompted her to investigate what exactly grassroots political advisers accomplish. Through conversations with her father, she learned how his legal practice directly informs his policy proposals, creating a vital bridge between judicial reality and legislative improvement.

    His decade of service has produced concrete proposals addressing electric vehicle management, stone industry development, protection rights for children and elderly residents, and promotion of local chrysanthemum tea—all rooted in direct community engagement and judicial observation. The tangible outcomes include renovated urban streets, upgraded rural roads, and improved village sanitation facilities.

    The narrative expands to the national level as CPPCC National Committee member Chen Zhonghong emphasizes that proposals most effectively addressed are those ‘smaller and more specific’ and ‘closely linked to people’s livelihoods.’ With expertise in vulnerable group protections, Chen describes her identical role as a bidirectional conduit—bringing policies to grassroots communities while channeling local concerns to decision-makers.

    The account concludes by framing democracy not as abstract theory but as a practical process of bottom-up opinion aggregation, where national priorities emerge from daily life experiences and top-level designs originate from grassroots realities, embodying China’s whole-process people’s democracy.

  • Middle East conflict continues to expand

    Middle East conflict continues to expand

    The Middle East conflict escalated dramatically on Thursday as Gulf nations intensified diplomatic efforts to curb Iranian military actions while multiple battlefield developments signaled expanding regional turmoil.

    Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani engaged in urgent communications with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, explicitly urging Tehran to desist from further retaliatory strikes. This diplomatic intervention occurred alongside significant military developments across multiple theaters.

    In a notable maritime confrontation, a United States submarine eliminated an Iranian frigate within Sri Lanka’s territorial waters on Wednesday. The engagement resulted in over 80 casualties, with 32 sailors successfully rescued. Sri Lankan authorities confirmed a second Iranian warship was approaching their waters, though officials indicated the vessel was experiencing mechanical difficulties and sought port access rather than presenting an immediate threat.

    The conflict expanded beyond traditional battle zones as Azerbaijan reported Iranian drone strikes on its territory, injuring four civilians and prompting formal diplomatic protests. Meanwhile, Bahrain’s Defense Force disclosed extensive defensive operations, claiming destruction of 75 missiles and 123 drones since hostilities commenced.

    Energy infrastructure became a focal point as Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for striking a US tanker in the Persian Gulf’s northern waters, setting the vessel ablaze. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations documented a substantial explosion 30 nautical miles southeast of Kuwait’s Mubarak al-Kabeer Port, with subsequent oil leakage raising environmental concerns despite crew safety.

    In Washington, the US Senate rejected a bipartisan resolution that would have constrained presidential authority to conduct military operations against Iran without congressional approval. The measure, championed by Senators Tim Kaine and Rand Paul, failed along party lines amid Republican support for the administration’s current military stance.

    Lebanon experienced further violence as Israeli drone strikes in Tripoli killed two individuals, including a Hamas official, and injured a woman. Iran issued stark warnings that Israeli diplomatic facilities worldwide would become legitimate targets if Iranian embassies in Lebanon faced assault.

    Evacuation measures intensified throughout the region, with Qatari authorities relocating residents near US embassy compounds and Omani officials coordinating multinational civilian extraction efforts. These developments followed attacks on US government and military installations in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.

  • What they say

    What they say

    Four deputies to China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) have articulated their commitments to national development across critical sectors, highlighting tangible progress and future aspirations.

    Nong Jiagui, a village primary school teacher from Yunnan Province with four decades of service, recounted the dramatic transformation of rural education. The Luosongdi Primary School has evolved from a dilapidated structure with leaking roofs and cracked walls into a modern, spacious educational facility. Deputy Nong pledged to continue his lifelong advocacy for rural education, vowing to remain ‘devoted to my original aspiration, one teacher for one school for a lifetime.’

    Gao Derong, an agricultural researcher at the Lixiahe Agricultural Research Institute in Jiangsu, emphasized advancements in food security. His work focuses on improving wheat varieties to ensure citizens ‘not only have enough to eat, but also eat well.’ He revealed that his previous policy suggestion to increase investment in high-standard farmland construction was adopted, resulting in funding increases from approximately $3,806 to $6,524 per hectare. Deputy Gao committed to continuing his work to help land produce more grain and farmers earn higher incomes.

    Technology development received attention from Dong Jin, head of the Beijing Academy of Blockchain and Edge Computing. He reported that China now possesses advanced blockchain technologies with widespread applications across public and business sectors. A comprehensive nationwide blockchain network has emerged to record and safeguard the country’s high-value core data, particularly concerning cross-border trades and global payments.

    Wang Wenyi, a J-16 fighter pilot with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, provided insights into military readiness. She emphasized that rigorous combat training directly enhances capabilities to ‘fight and win.’ Reflecting on a recent long-range operation over open seas, Deputy Wang described the profound sense of mission she feels when returning to base and seeing the lights of homes in the distance, recognizing the military’s role as guardians of Chinese family happiness.

  • China a linchpin in evolving world order

    China a linchpin in evolving world order

    In a significant demonstration of geopolitical realignment, multiple Western leaders have undertaken diplomatic pilgrimages to Beijing, signaling a growing international consensus toward multilateral cooperation. This diplomatic surge coincides with China’s preparation to host major international gatherings, including the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Shenzhen this November.

    Policy experts attending China’s annual political advisory sessions observe that these developments reflect a fundamental transformation in global power dynamics. Professor Yang Guangbin, Dean of the School of International Relations at Renmin University, notes that Western nations are increasingly looking to China for solutions to economic and security challenges emerging from within their own alliance networks. “China’s production and consumption capacities now profoundly influence global market trajectories,” Yang states, positioning the nation as “an independent variable shaping the evolution of the world order.”

    The diplomatic calendar for 2026 showcases China’s expanding global role. Beyond APEC, China will host approximately ten ministerial-level meetings covering critical areas including digital economy, trade services, energy security, and financial cooperation. Simultaneously, the country prepares to convene the second China-Arab States Summit, commemorating 70 years of diplomatic relations with Arab nations.

    Zhang Jun, Secretary-General of the Boao Forum for Asia, emphasizes that amid global turbulence, the international community’s common aspirations center on “upholding multilateralism, openness, development, and win-win cooperation.” He identifies digitalization, green transformation, and artificial intelligence applications as key variables reshaping both economic competition and daily life globally.

    Africa represents another cornerstone of China’s diplomatic outreach. Bilateral trade exceeded $300 billion in the first eleven months of 2025, registering a 17.8% year-on-year increase. Lin Songtian, former president of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, reports that African leaders widely praise President Xi Jinping’s vision for building a community with a shared future for humanity, seeing China’s development model as offering “new hope and options for achieving self-sustaining development.”

    The launch of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) further underscores the country’s stabilizing role in global affairs. Zhao Mei of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences notes that while major developed economies frequently shift policies, “China maintains strategic resolve through its five-year plans, providing long-term, stable expectations for global markets” and serving as “an anchor for the resilience of global industrial and supply chains.”

    Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng highlights that 2026 presents unique opportunities for Sino-American collaboration, with China hosting APEC and the US presiding over the G20 Summit. He advocates for enhanced cooperation not only in traditional areas like trade and energy but also in emerging fields including artificial intelligence, biomedicine, and combating transnational crime.

  • Indonesia will ban social media for children under 16, communication minister says

    Indonesia will ban social media for children under 16, communication minister says

    JAKARTA, Indonesia — In a sweeping digital protection measure, Indonesia has announced it will prohibit children under 16 from accessing major social media platforms. Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid confirmed the groundbreaking regulation on Friday, marking one of Asia’s most comprehensive youth digital safety initiatives.

    The new policy targets high-risk digital platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X (formerly Twitter), Bigo Live, and Roblox. Minister Hafid emphasized that the ban addresses escalating threats to children’s wellbeing, citing exposure to pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud, and algorithm-driven addiction as primary concerns.

    Implementation will commence gradually from March 28, allowing platforms time to establish compliance mechanisms. “Our children face increasingly real threats,” Hafid stated. “The government is here so that parents no longer have to fight alone against the giant of algorithms.”

    The minister acknowledged potential initial discomfort, noting: “Children may complain and parents may be confused about how to respond to their children’s complaints.” However, she characterized the move as necessary “in the midst of a digital emergency” to reclaim sovereignty over children’s futures.

    Jakarta residents expressed support for the restrictions. Marianah, 43, noted: “Children have too much freedom with photos, videos and everything. Some content is educational, but some is misleading.” Another parent, Harianto, 49, urged broader action against pornography and online gambling websites.

    The decision follows Indonesia’s recent surprise inspection of Meta’s Jakarta office over concerns about harmful content handling. The ministry issued a stern warning regarding Meta’s alleged low compliance with national regulations.

    Indonesia becomes Southeast Asia’s first nation to implement such restrictions, joining Australia which began similar measures in December 2025, resulting in the revocation of approximately 4.7 million child accounts. European nations including Spain, France, and the UK are also considering protective measures amid growing global concern about unregulated social media’s impact on minors.

  • Taking women empowerment to heart

    Taking women empowerment to heart

    Chen Zhonghong, a dedicated member of China’s National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), has redefined political advocacy through her hands-on approach to public service. In 2025 alone, her schedule documented over 60 official engagements, each representing tangible connections with vulnerable communities including struggling children, isolated seniors, and rural women seeking entrepreneurial training.

    Operating an agricultural enterprise in Tianjin, Chen emphasizes that meaningful political representation cannot be achieved through conference room deliberations alone. “Only by immersing ourselves in grassroots communities and maintaining close proximity to citizens can we genuinely comprehend their actual necessities,” Chen stated. “Every positive response from community members validates that our efforts yield meaningful impact.”

    Now serving her second term as a national political adviser, the 58-year-old has concentrated her efforts on addressing critical gaps in elderly care and child welfare systems. During visits to nursing facilities, Chen discovered that while residents received adequate physical care, they suffered from profound loneliness. “Their deepest need isn’t material support but genuine companionship—someone to sit and converse with them,” she observed.

    This realization prompted Chen to explore innovative elderly care models that integrate traditional services with social resources and artificial intelligence applications. Similarly, her involvement with special needs children during Children’s Day activities revealed both the challenges facing these children and the tremendous pressures borne by their parents.

    Chen advocates for inclusive development that ensures special needs children receive increased societal attention and support. Her experiences have solidified her conviction that effective political service requires not merely physical presence but authentic emotional investment—truly internalizing the urgent concerns and needs of the people she represents.