Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Outrage as South Korean official suggests ‘importing’ foreign women to boost birth rate

    Outrage as South Korean official suggests ‘importing’ foreign women to boost birth rate

    A South Korean local government official has been expelled from the ruling Democratic Party following inflammatory comments suggesting the country should “import young women” from Southeast Asian nations to address its demographic crisis. Kim Hee-soo, head of Jindo County, proposed during a televised town hall that women from “Vietnam or Sri Lanka” could be married to rural bachelors as a solution to population decline.

    The remarks sparked immediate international backlash and domestic outrage, culminating in Kim’s political expulsion. Vietnam’s embassy in Seoul issued a formal condemnation, characterizing the statement as reflective of problematic “values and attitudes towards migrant women and minority groups.” While Sri Lankan authorities haven’t publicly commented, the controversy has intensified diplomatic tensions.

    South Korea continues to confront the world’s lowest birth rate, with projections indicating the population of approximately 50 million could halve within six decades. The incident occurred during discussions about administrative mergers between regions experiencing significant population shrinkage.

    Despite issuing an apology acknowledging his “inappropriate” language, Kim failed to quell the controversy. The South Jeolla Province government subsequently issued its own formal apology, recognizing the remarks had “caused deep pain to Vietnamese people and to women.”

    Women’s rights and migrant advocacy groups are planning protests outside Jindo County Office, highlighting ongoing concerns about gender equality and migrant rights in South Korea. The Democratic Party’s Supreme Council voted unanimously to expel Kim, signaling the severity of the diplomatic and social repercussions.

  • Railway mechanics safeguard Spring Festival travel rush in NW China’s Kunlun Mountains

    Railway mechanics safeguard Spring Festival travel rush in NW China’s Kunlun Mountains

    Amidst the harsh winter conditions of Northwestern China’s Kunlun Mountains, a dedicated team of railway mechanics from the Wangkun Line maintenance workshop is undertaking critical patrols and maintenance operations to ensure seamless rail transportation during China’s peak Spring Festival travel period. These technicians, operating under China Railway Qinghai-Xizang Group Co., Ltd., have intensified their surveillance of vital railway segments along the Qinghai-Xizang Railway route, working in sub-zero temperatures to guarantee passenger safety and operational continuity.

    The maintenance crew, based in Golmud, Qinghai Province, faces extraordinary challenges due to the region’s extreme altitude and severe weather patterns. Their work involves meticulous inspection of tracks, monitoring structural integrity, and performing essential repairs along one of China’s most crucial high-altitude rail corridors. The team’s efforts become particularly significant during the Chunyun period—the world’s largest annual human migration—when millions travel across China for family reunions during the Lunar New Year celebrations.

    Photographic documentation from February 6, 2026, captures these technicians executing precision maintenance work on the rail infrastructure, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining China’s extensive railway network. Their behind-the-scenes efforts represent an essential component of the national transportation system’s reliability, especially in remote regions where environmental conditions present unique operational difficulties. The continuous monitoring and maintenance activities ensure that the Qinghai-Xizang Railway remains fully operational throughout the holiday season, facilitating safe passage for travelers undertaking their seasonal journeys.

  • Xizang govt plans prioritize education

    Xizang govt plans prioritize education

    The Tibetan Autonomous Region has announced a sweeping educational enhancement initiative set to commence in 2026, marking a significant advancement in the region’s human capital development strategy. This comprehensive package includes the implementation of free preschool education across rural territories, substantial increases in per-student funding allocations, and expanded infrastructure investment throughout the educational spectrum.

    Building upon existing student assistance frameworks that supported over 2.13 million beneficiaries in 2025, the new measures represent the region’s continued prioritization of educational development. The per-student funding standard for preschool education will undergo a dramatic increase from 380 yuan to 1,000 yuan annually. Concurrently, compulsory education will receive enhanced investment with plans to construct or renovate 51 primary and secondary educational facilities, addressing urban-rural development disparities.

    Regional Chairman Karma Tsetan, presenting the government work report, emphasized that education subsidies have been raised four times within the past five-year period, establishing educational advancement as a cornerstone of socioeconomic progress. The higher education sector will similarly undergo transformation through expanded undergraduate programs and strengthened vocational training initiatives, including the ongoing construction of a new campus for Tibet Vocational Technical College.

    The region’s educational achievements include significant institutional advancements during 2025, notably the elevation of Tibet Agricultural and Animal Husbandry College to university status and the establishment of a new vocational technical college in Shigatse. The much-praised ‘three complete coverages’ student aid framework ensures comprehensive support across all educational levels from kindergarten through university, encompassing both public and private institutions with particular focus on economically disadvantaged students.

    By 2025, educational authorities had allocated over 5.27 billion yuan in student assistance, benefiting millions throughout the region. The current academic year continues full implementation of the 15-year free education policy alongside the ‘sanbao’ program, which covers meals, tuition, and accommodation costs. From autumn 2025, the annual per-student standard under this program increased to 4,700 yuan, with additional provisions for special education requirements.

    Local residents have expressed appreciation for these policies. Chodron, a mother of two from Palding village, noted that government provisions of textbooks, uniforms, and learning materials have substantially reduced family financial burdens. Penba Drolma, a student at Tibet University of Tibetan Medicine, attested that these initiatives enable rural children to pursue education without financial constraints, having benefited from free education from kindergarten through middle school and continuing to receive university scholarships and financial aid.

  • Chang’e 6 samples contest moon theories

    Chang’e 6 samples contest moon theories

    Groundbreaking research stemming from China’s Chang’e-6 lunar mission has fundamentally challenged established theories about the Moon’s geological history and impact distribution. Analysis of the 1,935 grams of samples retrieved from the Moon’s far side has revealed that impact rates between the near and far sides are essentially identical, contradicting the long-standing hypothesis that the far side served as a protective shield for Earth.

    The research, published in Science Advances, has enabled Chinese scientists to develop a new lunar crater chronology model that provides unprecedented accuracy in dating unsampled lunar regions. Led by Professor Yue Zongyu from the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Geology and Geophysics, the international team combined radiometric dating of the far side samples with high-resolution remote sensing data and historical information from Apollo, Luna, and previous Chang’e missions.

    The samples included norites dating back 4.25 billion years, corresponding to the age of the South Pole-Aitken basin—the Moon’s largest and oldest impact crater. This discovery is particularly significant as previous chronology models relied exclusively on near-side samples from surfaces less than 4 billion years old, creating limitations in understanding lunar evolutionary history.

    Perhaps most notably, the findings challenge the controversial ‘Late Heavy Bombardment’ hypothesis that proposed a massive lunar cataclysm approximately 3.9 billion years ago. The new model suggests Apollo samples clustering around that period may reflect local events rather than global phenomena, indicating instead a smooth decline in impact frequency over time.

    This research establishes a universal framework for lunar science that will enhance our understanding of impact processes throughout the solar system, with the Moon serving as a critical historical record of planetary evolution.

  • New approach to breast cancer treatment found

    New approach to breast cancer treatment found

    A groundbreaking study from Chinese medical researchers has revealed a previously unknown mechanism behind treatment resistance in aggressive breast cancer, potentially paving the way for rapid clinical application of existing migraine medication to improve outcomes.

    The research, conducted jointly by Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and the Institute for Translational Brain Research, identified sensory nerves within tumors as primary instigators of immunotherapy resistance in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. Published in the prestigious journal Cell, the findings demonstrate how these nerves function as biological ‘commanders’ that actively suppress the body’s immune response against cancerous growths.

    Triple-negative breast cancer represents approximately 20% of all breast cancer diagnoses and is characterized by its aggressive nature and tendency to metastasize within five years. While immunotherapy has emerged as a promising treatment modality that harnesses the body’s natural defenses, many TNBC patients either fail to respond initially or rapidly develop resistance.

    The research team adopted an innovative approach by examining the tumor microenvironment rather than focusing exclusively on cancer cells themselves. Through comprehensive analysis of 360 clinical samples, they discovered that tumors with significant sensory nerve infiltration—the same nerves responsible for transmitting touch and pain sensations—correlated with the most unfavorable patient outcomes.

    According to Dr. Shao Zhimin, lead researcher and director of general surgery at the cancer center, these sensory nerves create an immunosuppressive barrier preventing immune cells from penetrating the tumor’s core regions. The study mechanism reveals that cancer cells communicate with these nerves, triggering nearby cells to produce dense collagen formations that physically block therapeutic agents from reaching their targets.

    In a compelling translational application, researchers administered rimegepant—an already approved migraine medication—to animal models. The results demonstrated that blocking nerve signals not only decelerated cancer progression but significantly enhanced immunotherapy effectiveness. Since rimegepant has established safety profiles and regulatory approval, researchers anticipate a relatively short timeline for clinical adaptation in cancer treatment protocols.

    Dr. Jiang Yizhou, co-lead researcher, emphasized that this discovery underscores the critical interconnection between the nervous and immune systems in oncology. The study advocates for integrated therapeutic approaches that address both biological systems simultaneously, potentially revolutionizing treatment strategies for resistant cancers beyond breast oncology.

  • Packages tempt tourists for skiing and a soak

    Packages tempt tourists for skiing and a soak

    Nestled within the forested highlands of Guizhou province, Liupanshui has emerged as an unexpected powerhouse in China’s winter tourism landscape, challenging the traditional dominance of northern regions with its innovative ‘ski-and-soap’ hospitality model. This mountain city has masterfully combined technical alpine skiing with luxurious geothermal spring experiences, creating a unique ‘two extremes in one day’ offering that is drawing visitors from across southern China.

    The Yushe Snow Mountain Ski Resort, operating at one of China’s lowest latitudes for alpine skiing, has evolved beyond basic winter recreation to cater to an increasingly sophisticated market. This season, the resort introduced Guizhou’s first dedicated snowboard park and expanded its advanced terrain to accommodate growing demand for skill progression. ‘Many visitors no longer find beginner runs sufficient,’ noted site manager Li Baogang, whose forest-encircled resort regularly hosts over 10,000 daily visitors.

    Accessibility proves to be a decisive advantage for these southern slopes. Travelers from Guangdong province can reach Liupanshui via high-speed rail in mere hours, avoiding the extreme cold of northern destinations while enjoying comparable winter sports facilities. ‘It is not as cold as the north, and transport is more convenient,’ confirmed Wang Yixue, a visitor from Guangzhou.

    Meanwhile, Meihuashan Ski Resort has positioned itself as a family-friendly winter theme park just five kilometers from the city center. With 98 wood cabins and a coaching staff of 130 professionals—including 40 imported from Northeast China—the resort has launched an ambitious youth engagement initiative, distributing 100,000 free student tickets to cultivate a new generation of southern skiers. Daily cultural performances and extended evening hours until 9 pm complement the winter sports experience.

    The complete Liupanshui experience culminates at Baichehe Hot Spring Resort, located approximately 50 kilometers from Yushe, where visitors can soak in outdoor pools maintained at approximately 50°C. The resort has developed distinctive bathing experiences including ‘raw spring’ and tea-infused pools that provide therapeutic warmth after a day on the slopes. ‘The contrast between skiing and a hot-spring soak is uniquely refreshing and helps relax the body,’ commented a visitor surnamed Luo from Guiyang.

    Capitalizing on this natural synergy, local resorts have launched integrated value packages that bundle skiing, hot spring access, and sightseeing minitrain rides. ‘Visitors can switch easily from daytime skiing to evening soaking,’ explained Wang Mei, deputy general manager of Baichehe Hot Spring Resort, highlighting the seamless transition between winter adventures and thermal relaxation that defines Liupanshui’s emerging tourism identity.

  • Enhanced water quality attracts avian visitors

    Enhanced water quality attracts avian visitors

    Chaohu Lake, China’s fifth-largest freshwater body, has undergone a remarkable ecological transformation, evolving from a polluted watershed into a thriving sanctuary for migratory birds. Recent documentation reveals an impressive 338 avian species now inhabiting the basin, including the rare Dalmatian pelican under first-class national protection.

    The turnaround follows decades of environmental degradation caused by rapid industrialization and urbanization. Designated as a key pollution control target in 1996, the lake has benefited from comprehensive conservation measures implemented through the Anhui Chaohu Lake Watershed Integrated Protection and Restoration Project launched in 2021.

    With a cumulative investment of 10.5 billion yuan ($1.5 billion) by end-2025, the initiative has completed ecological restoration across 950 square kilometers and wetland rehabilitation covering 417 hectares. Notable achievements include the Lujiang alum mine ecological restoration project, recognized as a national exemplary case by multiple ministries.

    Water quality metrics demonstrate substantial improvement, with inflow rivers consistently maintaining Class III standards or better since 2021. The entire lake has elevated from Class V in 2018 to stable Class IV levels, occasionally reaching the ‘good’ Class III threshold. Most significantly, outflow water entering the Yangtze River now consistently meets Class II standards, contributing nearly 4 billion cubic meters of high-quality water annually to China’s longest river.

    The ecological revival has positioned Chaohu Lake as a winter paradise for migratory birds, with spectacular sightings including whale-shaped bird formations soaring above the restored wetlands. As Ding Zhisong, Director of Hefei Ecology and Environment Bureau, noted: ‘The choice of birds is the most genuine barometer of ecology.’

  • APEC host China eyes more cooperation

    APEC host China eyes more cooperation

    China has positioned its hosting of the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting as a pivotal moment for reinforcing regional collaboration and countering global economic headwinds. Vice-Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, speaking at the conclusion of the first APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting in Guangzhou, emphasized that China’s role extends beyond the Asia-Pacific, serving as a critical stabilizer for the international economic order.

    The 2026 summit, scheduled for November 18-19 in Shenzhen, will carry the theme “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together.” This marks the third time China has hosted the event, following Shanghai in 2001 and Beijing in 2014. Vice-Minister Ma outlined three core priorities for the APEC “China Year”: fostering openness, promoting innovation, and deepening cooperation. He explicitly denounced protectionism and unilateralism, advocating instead for trade liberalization and investment facilitation.

    Amid what he described as a landscape of ‘transformation and turbulence,’ Ma stressed the urgency of innovation-driven development. He highlighted the need to cultivate new productive forces and generate fresh growth drivers across member economies. Chen Xu, Chair of the APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting, provided logistical details, noting that approximately 300 events are planned throughout the year. These will include ministerial-level meetings covering trade, digital economy, energy, food security, and finance, among other sectors. Additional senior officials’ meetings are slated for Shanghai in May and Dalian in August.

  • BBC reports from outside court after Jimmy Lai sentencing

    BBC reports from outside court after Jimmy Lai sentencing

    Hong Kong’s High Court has delivered a landmark verdict, sentencing prominent pro-democracy media magnate Jimmy Lai to 20 years imprisonment following a highly scrutinized legal proceeding. The 76-year-old founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper faced charges under the territory’s national security legislation, marking one of the most significant applications of the controversial law since its implementation.

    The judicial proceedings unfolded against a backdrop of intensified geopolitical tensions, with international observers and human rights organizations closely monitoring the case. Lai, who had previously been a vocal critic of Beijing’s influence in Hong Kong, was convicted on charges that authorities described as ‘collusion with foreign forces’ and ‘endangering national security.’

    The sentencing represents a pivotal moment in Hong Kong’s political landscape, demonstrating the rigorous enforcement of national security measures that were introduced in 2020. The verdict sends unequivocal signals about the judicial approach to cases perceived as challenging China’s sovereignty over the semi-autonomous region.

    International response to the ruling has been immediate, with several Western governments expressing profound concern about the implications for freedom of speech and press independence in Hong Kong. The case is expected to have substantial repercussions on diplomatic relations between China and numerous Western nations that had advocated for Lai’s release.

    Legal experts suggest this ruling establishes a significant precedent for how national security cases will be adjudicated in Hong Kong’s judicial system moving forward, potentially influencing future cases involving activists and government critics.

  • Japanese stocks surge as Takaichi secures historic election victory

    Japanese stocks surge as Takaichi secures historic election victory

    Japanese financial markets erupted in optimism Monday morning as the Nikkei index surged beyond 5%, momentarily breaching the unprecedented 57,000-point threshold. This remarkable rally follows Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) achieving a watershed electoral triumph that reshapes Japan’s political landscape.

    The LDP secured a commanding 316 seats in Sunday’s lower house election, marking the first time since 1947 that any single party has captured a two-thirds parliamentary majority. Combined with their coalition partner Japan Innovation Party’s 36 seats, the governing alliance now controls an overwhelming 352 seats in the 465-member chamber.

    This resounding mandate represents a calculated political gamble that has spectacularly paid off for Takaichi, who now faces the formidable challenge of revitalizing Japan’s stagnant economy while addressing mounting cost-of-living pressures. The decisive victory enables the prime minister to advance her pro-business agenda without extensive negotiations with opposition parties.

    In her post-election remarks, Takaichi committed to pursuing a ‘responsible yet aggressive’ fiscal approach while maintaining her current cabinet, formed just four months ago. Her decision to call snap elections shortly after assuming office in October has yielded stunning results, contrasting sharply with her predecessors who presided over the LDP’s loss of parliamentary majority amid corruption scandals and economic difficulties.

    Market analysts anticipate Takaichi’s policies could inject new vitality into the Japanese economy. Investment strategist Yuka Marosek noted that the election outcome, coupled with anticipated stimulus measures, tax adjustments, and deregulation initiatives, would provide ‘additional fuel for an existing bull trend.’

    The victory reflects Takaichi’s unique political appeal, having consolidated support among the LDP’s conservative base through traditional values and constitutional revision goals while simultaneously connecting with younger voters through unconventional cultural markers like her distinctive handbags and pink pens.

    International recognition came swiftly, with former US President Donald Trump congratulating Takaichi on his Truth Social platform, recalling his endorsement and characterizing the Japanese electorate’s enthusiasm as worthy of his ‘strong support.’ The prime minister is scheduled to visit Washington in March for her second meeting with Trump, building on their diplomatic rapport established during his October visit to Japan.