Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Zhejiang forms team on child’s postoperative death

    Zhejiang forms team on child’s postoperative death

    The Zhejiang Provincial Government has deployed a specialized task force to supervise investigations into the tragic postoperative death of a child at Ningbo University’s Women and Children’s Hospital, according to an official Xinhua News Agency report. The case, involving a young patient surnamed Xu who passed away on November 14 after cardiac surgery, has triggered significant public concern and intensive scrutiny across social media platforms.

    Provincial authorities have designated this incident as a critical priority, establishing enhanced oversight mechanisms for subsequent measures. Concurrently, Ningbo municipal authorities have dispatched their own working group to the medical facility to advance the investigation, implement corrective actions, and safeguard normal clinical operations.

    In a December 14 statement, Ningbo’s Health Commission revealed that their investigation uncovered multiple deficiencies in the medical team’s management of the case. These included insufficient surgical risk assessment, procedural negligence, failure to promptly notify family members of intraoperative emergencies, and inadequate postoperative monitoring and care protocols. The hospital itself was found to have systemic weaknesses in enforcing quality control standards and risk prevention mechanisms.

    Accountability measures have already been implemented, with the lead surgeon and anesthesiologist removed from their departmental leadership positions and suspended from clinical practice. The pediatric intensive care attending physician has likewise been suspended pending further investigation. Additional disciplinary actions against other personnel will follow completion of a technical appraisal of the medical accident and subsequent legal proceedings.

    Following the incident, authorities arranged for an autopsy through a forensic center selected by the child’s family. Tide News, a Zhejiang-based digital news outlet, reported that the notarized autopsy report was delivered to the family on December 19. The city has now initiated a formal medical-accident technical appraisal that will incorporate national experts to identify medical errors and establish responsibility levels. A local court has accepted the family’s medical liability lawsuit against the hospital.

    From November 19 to December 9, the investigation team consulted 17 medical experts from leading hospitals in Beijing, Shanghai, and various Zhejiang institutions, including specialists in pediatric cardiac surgery, cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, anesthesiology, pediatric intensive care, neonatology, and forensic medicine. While experts agreed that the child’s condition warranted surgical intervention without absolute contraindications, they expressed differing opinions regarding the optimal timing of the procedure—a matter expected to be resolved through the ongoing technical appraisal.

    Ningbo’s Health Commission has announced a comprehensive citywide quality and safety rectification campaign focusing on surgical safety protocols, patient safety measures, humane care standards, and medical record documentation practices.

  • Social security covers more gig workers

    Social security covers more gig workers

    China is accelerating regulatory reforms to strengthen social protections for its massive gig economy workforce, with new measures targeting rights protection, income stability, and benefit coverage for flexible workers. The initiative represents a significant policy shift addressing the growing contingent of delivery personnel, ride-hailing drivers, and other platform-based workers estimated to exceed 200 million people.

    The State Council presented a comprehensive work report to the National People’s Congress Standing Committee detailing progress in safeguarding non-traditional employment rights. Government agencies have implemented multi-faceted approaches including enhanced working standards, algorithmic oversight reforms, and experimental social insurance programs specifically designed for gig workers.

    A landmark achievement is the specialized work-related injury insurance program launched in 2022, which has expanded to 17 pilot provinces and 11 participating companies, covering approximately 23.25 million workers by October 2025. The innovative program calculates premiums based on completed orders rather than traditional employment relationships.

    Concurrently, pension and medical insurance participation barriers have been reduced, resulting in 70.57 million flexible workers enrolled in basic pension insurance and 66.16 million in medical insurance by end-2024. Human Resources and Social Security Vice-Minister Wu Xiuzhang emphasized these developments create unprecedented security for previously vulnerable workers.

    Despite substantial progress, challenges persist including income instability and protection gaps. Future measures will strengthen supervision of payment rights, rest periods, and workplace safety while developing collective bargaining mechanisms tailored to platform-based employment. The government also plans to enhance legal frameworks and dispute resolution channels to ensure comprehensive worker protection in the evolving digital economy.

  • China-Mongolia border port sees rise in cross-border traffic

    China-Mongolia border port sees rise in cross-border traffic

    Erenhot, the primary land port along the China-Mongolia border, has reported substantial increases in both passenger and freight traffic through December 22, 2025, demonstrating growing economic connectivity between the nations. Official statistics reveal inbound and outbound passenger volumes reached 2.753 million, marking an 8.8% year-on-year increase, while vehicle crossings surged to 741,000, representing a 12.1% growth compared to the same period last year.

    Strategically positioned as a crucial node within the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor, Erenhot serves as a vital conduit for transcontinental trade and transportation. Recent aerial photography captured on December 22, 2025, visually documents the steady movement of China-Europe freight trains traversing through this bustling border crossing in China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

    The rising traffic metrics underscore Erenhot’s expanding role in facilitating international commerce and regional integration. This growth trajectory reflects strengthened economic ties between China and Mongolia, with the border port evolving into an increasingly significant hub for cross-border exchange and cooperation. The transportation infrastructure continues to support the flow of goods and people, contributing to the economic development of both nations and enhancing regional connectivity across the broader Eurasian corridor.

  • South Korean lawmakers pass bill targeting false information despite warnings on censorship

    South Korean lawmakers pass bill targeting false information despite warnings on censorship

    South Korea’s National Assembly has enacted landmark legislation authorizing substantial punitive damages against media outlets found to disseminate false or fabricated information. The contentious bill, spearheaded by the ruling Democratic Party, cleared parliament on Wednesday with an overwhelming majority of 170-3, though the vote was marked by a boycott from conservative opposition lawmakers.

    The legislation empowers courts to impose damages up to five times the proven financial losses against traditional news organizations and major digital platforms, including large YouTube channels. For cases where quantifiable losses are difficult to establish, courts may award compensation of up to 50 million won (approximately $34,200). Additionally, the country’s media regulatory body gains authority to levy fines reaching 1 billion won ($684,000) against outlets repeatedly distributing court-confirmed false information.

    President Lee Jae Myung’s Democratic Party, which had previously failed to advance similar measures under prior administrations, contends the law addresses escalating concerns about disinformation campaigns that allegedly undermine democratic processes by propagating division and hate speech. Party spokesperson Park Soo-hyun emphasized that the legislation specifically targets “malicious and deliberate dissemination of false information” while exempting satire, parody, and legitimate criticism conducted in the public interest.

    The legislative process encountered significant resistance, including a 24-hour filibuster by People Power Party lawmakers who argued the bill’s vague terminology regarding “inaccurate information” could enable broad interpretation and potentially suppress critical reporting. Journalist associations and civil liberties advocates have urgently petitioned President Lee to exercise his veto power, warning that the ambiguous provisions might discourage scrutiny of public officials, politicians, and corporate entities.

    The National Union of Media Workers has called for meticulous clarification in the law’s implementing ordinances to prevent potential infringement on press freedom and expression rights, expressing concern that the legislation could facilitate weaponized litigation against legitimate media oversight.

  • Australian man charged after endorsing Bondi attack had weapons stockpile, police say

    Australian man charged after endorsing Bondi attack had weapons stockpile, police say

    Western Australian authorities have apprehended a 39-year-old man following the discovery of an extensive weapons arsenal and extremist materials at his Perth residence. Martin Glynn, a former mine worker, faces multiple charges including racial harassment and improper firearm storage after police acted on a public tip-off regarding his social media activity.

    The investigation was triggered when a vigilant community member reported Glynn’s Instagram post endorsing the December 14 Bondi Beach attack that claimed 15 lives during a Hanukkah celebration. Subsequent police raids on his Yangebup property uncovered six rifles, approximately 4,000 rounds of ammunition, and three flags associated with designated terrorist organizations Hamas and Hezbollah.

    According to court proceedings, investigators also recovered a notebook containing antisemitic rhetoric and Nazi ideology references, along with what prosecutors described as a bomb materials shopping list. Glynn, who represented himself in Perth Magistrates Court, claimed the suspicious materials were actually fire-starting supplies for his self-described ‘doomsday prepper’ activities.

    Magistrate Benjamin Tyers emphasized the distinction between supporting Palestinian causes and endorsing violence against civilians. “There is nothing illegal or improper with supporting the Palestinian cause,” Tyers stated, while condemning online support for “massacre of innocent civilians.”

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reinforced the government’s stance, declaring “no place in Australia for antisemitism, hate and violent ideologies.” Western Australia Police Commissioner Col Blanch noted no prior concerning history with the individual, though the investigation remains ongoing.

    Glynn has been denied bail and will remain in custody until his next court appearance scheduled for February 3, as authorities continue to assess the potential threat level and investigate the origins of the substantial weapons cache.

  • Transport sector on track to fulfill goals, forge ahead

    Transport sector on track to fulfill goals, forge ahead

    China’s transportation infrastructure has demonstrated remarkable expansion and technological advancement throughout 2025, with officials from the Ministry of Transport announcing unprecedented growth across multiple sectors. With fixed-asset investments projected to exceed 3.6 trillion yuan ($512.2 billion), the nation has strengthened its position as a global leader in transport infrastructure development.

    Vice-Minister of Transport Li Yang confirmed the sector’s exceptional performance during a year-end press briefing in Beijing, highlighting the addition of approximately 2,000 kilometers of high-speed rail and 8,000 kilometers of expressways. These developments occurred despite complex operational challenges, with all major annual targets successfully met.

    The statistical overview reveals substantial increases in transport activity: cross-regional passenger journeys are expected to surpass 66 billion, while commercial freight volume approaches 58 billion metric tons—both reflecting a 3.5 percent year-on-year growth that aligns with national economic expansion. Port operations showed particularly strong performance, with foreign trade container throughput rising by 9.6 percent and international air cargo surging by 20 percent.

    Peak travel periods set new benchmarks, with the 40-day Spring Festival travel rush recording 9 billion passenger trips and the National Day holiday witnessing over 2.4 billion journeys within eight days. Urban transit networks now serve 54 cities with more than 11,000 kilometers of metro lines, facilitating over 90 million daily passenger trips.

    Technological innovation emerged as a central theme, with the implementation of national guidelines for artificial intelligence integration in transport systems and the launch of a large-model initiative. Digital transformation has upgraded approximately 1,700 kilometers of expressways and 2,200 road and waterway facilities, while 60 automated container and bulk cargo terminals became operational nationwide.

    Reflecting on the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), officials noted total transport investments reached 18.8 trillion yuan, enabling landmark projects including the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link and major Yangtze River crossings. The period also saw enhanced international connectivity through the China-Laos Railway, Heihe cross-border bridge, and Chancay Port in Peru.

    Looking forward to the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), the ministry plans to accelerate development of an integrated modern transport system with emphasis on digitalization, green transition, and safety. Major projects including the Shiziyang Link, Zhangjinggao Yangtze River Bridge, and Shanghai East Railway Station are scheduled for completion during this period.

  • Problems continue for England as star bowler Jofra Archer is out of the final two Ashes tests

    Problems continue for England as star bowler Jofra Archer is out of the final two Ashes tests

    England’s beleaguered Ashes tour of Australia has descended further into disarray with the confirmation that star pace bowler Jofra Archer will miss the remainder of the test series due to a left side strain. The injury announcement compounds a growing list of challenges facing the visiting team, both in performance and discipline.

    The 30-year-old Archer, who has endured a four-year battle with persistent fitness issues including stress fractures to his back and right elbow, had demonstrated impressive form since his long-awaited return to red-ball cricket against India. Team officials confirmed his withdrawal after he participated in Wednesday’s training session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground without engaging in practice drills.

    Archer’s statistical contribution to the series included 80 overs bowled across the Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide tests, claiming nine wickets at an average of 27.11 while maintaining the lowest strike-rate among England’s bowling contingent. His standout performance came during the Adelaide test where he achieved first-innings figures of 5-53 and contributed 51 runs with the bat.

    The injury crisis coincides with disciplinary investigations surrounding opener Ben Duckett, who remains in the squad despite footage emerging that allegedly shows the 31-year-old in an intoxicated state between the second and third tests. Duckett, averaging a modest 16 with the bat this series, has retained his position while team management conducts its review.

    England captain Ben Stokes has offered his full support to the embattled player, stating: “I’ve obviously reached out, spoken to him and offered my complete support throughout this, particularly in a moment like this where everything feels like it’s on top of you. My job as England captain is obviously to be out there and get results for the team, but also to try to give people the best chance of being in a mental space where they can go out there and perform.”

    Team selection changes see Gus Atkinson replacing Archer in the visitors’ lineup, while Jacob Bethell comes in for the underperforming Ollie Pope, who has managed only 20.83 with the bat throughout the series.

    Australia, holding an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-test series and having already retained the Ashes urn, has made strategic changes of their own. Captain Pat Cummins will be rested for the Melbourne test, with Todd Murphy replacing the injured Nathan Lyon as the team’s primary spin option.

    The fourth test begins Friday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with the final match scheduled for January 4th at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

  • Jumbo Ozaki dies of cancer at age 78. He had the most wins of any Japanese golfer

    Jumbo Ozaki dies of cancer at age 78. He had the most wins of any Japanese golfer

    The golf world mourns the passing of Japanese icon Masashi “Jumbo” Ozaki, who died Wednesday at age 78 following a prolonged struggle with colon cancer. The Japan Golf Tour confirmed the demise of the nation’s most accomplished golfer, whose extraordinary career spanned nearly three decades and redefined Japanese golf excellence.

    Ozaki’s remarkable record of 113 worldwide victories remains unmatched by any Japanese player in history. His dominance on the Japan Golf Tour was particularly astounding, with 94 tournament wins over 29 competitive years. His final victory came at the 2002 ANA Open when he was 55 years old, demonstrating his exceptional longevity in the sport.

    In 1996, Ozaki achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 5 at age 49, a testament to his sustained excellence. While his success came primarily within Japan—with his sole international victory being the New Zealand PGA Championship—his impact transcended borders. This legacy was formally recognized in 2011 when he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

    The Japan Golf Tour memorialized Ozaki as “an indispensable, one-of-a-kind figure in discussing men’s golf, both now and in the future.” His influence inspired subsequent generations of Japanese golfers, including Isao Aoki (the first Japanese Hall of Famer) and Hideki Matsuyama (Japan’s first major champion at the 2021 Masters).

    Ozaki’s major championship record included 49 appearances, with his finest performance occurring at the 1989 U.S. Open at Oak Hill where he finished just three strokes behind winner Curtis Strange. He competed in his final Masters Tournament in 2000 at age 53, tying for 28th place.

    Beyond his tournament victories, Ozaki’s statistical achievements were staggering: five Japan Open titles, six Japan PGA Championships, and a record 12 money list titles on the Japan Golf Tour—including five consecutive from 1994-1998. He captured his final money title in 2002 at age 55.

    Ozaki was celebrated not only for his powerful hitting but also for his distinctive style, often wearing silk shirts and baggy pants. His multifaceted talents extended beyond golf—he was a accomplished musician with three songs that reached Japan’s pop charts. Interestingly, his first professional pursuit was baseball, where he spent three years as a professional pitcher before transitioning to golf.

    This baseball background influenced his teaching approach, as noted by protégé Ryo Ishikawa: “Jumbo used to be a baseball player, so he always tried to teach me the link from pitching or hitting to golf. Jumbo wanted me to hit the ball far.”

    Ozaki traveled with an extensive entourage during international tournaments, often renting houses and bringing sushi chefs to maintain comfort for his team abroad. He came from a golfing family, with two younger brothers—Naomichi (Joe) and Tateo (Jet)—who also competed professionally.

    His international team competition experience included the 1996 Presidents Cup, where he partnered with Vijay Singh to defeat the American duo of Fred Couples and Davis Love III. Though he qualified again in 1998, he declined the trip to Australia, with his brother Joe participating instead.

    Upon his Hall of Fame induction, Ozaki expressed only one regret: not competing more frequently outside Japan. However, he noted: “I dedicated my life to Japanese golf and am extremely grateful the voters thought I was worthy of this honor.” He received 50% of the vote on the International ballot, cementing his status as Japan’s Arnold Palmer—a charismatic pioneer who transformed golf’s popularity in his nation.

  • Nearly 50 US lawmakers call on Trump to address Israeli Gaza ceasefire violations

    Nearly 50 US lawmakers call on Trump to address Israeli Gaza ceasefire violations

    A coalition of 49 Democratic representatives has issued a forceful appeal to President Donald Trump, urging immediate diplomatic action regarding Israel’s repeated violations of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The lawmakers condemned what they characterized as disproportionate military responses that have resulted in substantial civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.

    The congressional letter, spearheaded by Representatives Mark Pocan and Madeleine Dean, detailed numerous breaches since the October truce brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. Documentation indicates at least 875 violations by Israeli forces, including ongoing attacks and systematic obstruction of humanitarian aid delivery.

    According to Gaza health authorities, these violations have resulted in over 411 Palestinian fatalities and 1,112 injuries during the 75-day ceasefire period. The humanitarian situation has deteriorated severely, with only 17,819 aid trucks entering the territory—dramatically fewer than the 43,800 trucks stipulated in the agreement for Gaza’s two million residents.

    The lawmakers acknowledged Hamas’s violations but emphasized that Israel’s response has been “severe and disproportionate,” jeopardizing the fragile peace framework. They specifically called for leveraging U.S. assistance to ensure compliance with ceasefire terms and address the growing humanitarian catastrophe.

    The Government Media Office in Gaza warned of an unprecedented crisis exacerbated by freezing temperatures, heavy rainfall, and critical shortages of shelter, medicine, food, and fuel. The appeal comes ahead of scheduled meetings between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump in Florida next week.

    Jewish advocacy organizations including J Street, New Jewish Narrative, and Win Without War have endorsed the congressional initiative, highlighting broad concern within the American Jewish community about the ongoing situation.

  • UAE condemns armed attack on Pakistani police personnel

    UAE condemns armed attack on Pakistani police personnel

    The United Arab Emirates has issued a forceful condemnation of a deadly armed assault targeting Pakistani security forces in the country’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The attack resulted in the tragic loss of five police personnel during patrol operations.

    In an official statement released by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Gulf nation expressed its unequivocal rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism that threaten regional security and stability. The Ministry characterized the assault as criminal acts fundamentally opposed to peace and security objectives.

    The UAE government extended its heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the families of the deceased officers, acknowledging their ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The statement further conveyed solidarity with both the government and citizens of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan during this period of national mourning.

    The diplomatic communication reinforces the UAE’s consistent position against transnational terrorism and its support for counterterrorism efforts globally. This expression of solidarity comes amid ongoing security challenges in the region and demonstrates the Emirates’ commitment to international cooperation against violent extremism.