Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Field work gives meaning to China’s rural growth

    Field work gives meaning to China’s rural growth

    For urban-born journalists covering China’s agricultural sector, policy terms like “grain output” and “rural vitalization” initially existed as abstract concepts confined to government documents. This perspective fundamentally shifted when reporters began immersive field work across the nation’s countryside, discovering that these policies manifest through tangible human experiences rather than bureaucratic terminology.

    Through extensive travel to previously impoverished regions, journalists have documented remarkable innovations shaping rural China. In Hebei province, international students from Africa collaborate with China Agricultural University to develop practical plant protection solutions applicable in their home countries. Yunnan’s Yiliang county has transformed its economy through gastrodia elata cultivation, a valuable orchid species used in traditional Chinese medicine. Hubei province demonstrates ecological harmony through integrated rice-crayfish farming systems that simultaneously ensure harvest stability and increase farmer incomes.

    The human dimension of this transformation appears most vividly through individual stories: women harvesting roses in Yunnan’s rainfall sustain the province’s flower cake industry; young entrepreneurs returning to Xinjiang operate homestays to promote local tourism; Fujian’s coastal abalone farmers utilize smartphone-monitored aquaculture systems. These narratives collectively form the living tapestry of rural revitalization.

    Yet field reporting also reveals persistent challenges. Northern households struggle with winter heating costs, rural-to-urban migration drains local talent pools, and unequal distribution of education and healthcare resources remains problematic. Some communities face financial pressures from outdated traditional rituals.

    While organized reporting trips provide valuable glimpses, veteran researchers emphasize that understanding rural complexities requires decades of dedicated study—whether investigating land reform or improving specific crop traits. Journalists recognize their work merely scratches the surface of China’s agricultural transformation, but through continued ground-level reporting, they aim to illuminate the authentic stories unfolding across the nation’s vast rural landscape.

  • Children’s books a tale of new cultural confidence

    Children’s books a tale of new cultural confidence

    A new generation of Chinese authors and illustrators is revolutionizing children’s literature with culturally authentic narratives that are capturing international attention. Among these emerging talents is 28-year-old Hu Yifan, whose minimalist picture book series ‘Breathe In, Breathe Out’ has achieved remarkable success both domestically and abroad.

    The three-volume work features sparse text paired with evocative illustrations that guide readers through breathing exercises—showing activities like blowing out candles or watching fireworks that naturally encourage inhalation and exhalation. Originally published in June 2023 as children’s literature, the series has unexpectedly resonated with adult audiences, demonstrating the universal appeal of its thoughtful design.

    Hu’s work has garnered prestigious accolades including the Best Picture Book honor at the 35th Chen Bochui International Children’s Literature Award and recognition in The Beauty of Books in China design competition. International recognition followed with selection for the dPICTUS 100 Outstanding Picture Books 2023 & 2024 list. The global expansion continues with a Portuguese edition already released in Brazil and English and French versions forthcoming.

    Industry veteran Solene (Fengbei) Xie, with over 18 years in children’s publishing, observes that Chinese creators are producing exceptional original content that deserves broader global exposure. Having left a national publishing house to establish her own agency in Shanghai, Xie launched the Pictures and Words from the East project in 2021 to promote Chinese children’s literature internationally.

    ‘We have so many excellent original works in China, but they don’t get many opportunities to reach a wider audience globally,’ Xie noted. She now manages rights for numerous local titles, including Hu’s acclaimed series, leveraging her industry expertise and connections to bridge cultural divides through literature.

    This movement represents a significant shift in children’s publishing, where Chinese creators are developing distinctive visual and narrative styles that both reflect cultural heritage and appeal to universal human experiences. The success of these works signals growing international appreciation for Chinese creative voices in children’s literature.

  • Women’s development set for high-quality growth in 15th FYP

    Women’s development set for high-quality growth in 15th FYP

    China’s forthcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) has positioned women’s advancement as a central policy priority, signaling a transformative approach to gender equality during the nation’s next development phase. According to exclusive insights from Professor Wang Xiangmei of China Women’s University, this strategic focus will catalyze a new era of women’s development characterized by enhanced quality, broader inclusivity, and improved social balance.

    The blueprint represents a significant evolution in China’s gender policy framework, moving beyond basic equality measures toward comprehensive empowerment strategies. Professor Wang emphasized that the plan will address structural barriers while creating unprecedented opportunities for women across economic, educational, and social domains.

    This policy alignment comes as China navigates complex demographic shifts and economic transformation. The integrated approach recognizes women’s critical role in national development and aims to leverage their potential through targeted interventions. The plan is expected to introduce innovative mechanisms for women’s participation in leadership, entrepreneurship, and technological innovation.

    Implementation will focus on creating enabling environments across urban and rural settings, with particular attention to closing regional development gaps. The initiative reflects China’s commitment to both domestic gender equality objectives and international development goals, potentially establishing new benchmarks for women’s advancement in developing economies.

  • Supply chains and China’s Hormuz imperative

    Supply chains and China’s Hormuz imperative

    While maritime tensions in East Asia frequently dominate energy security discussions, a deeper structural examination reveals that Asia’s economic stability hinges thousands of miles westward in the Persian Gulf. As geopolitical alliances continue evolving through 2026, China’s industrial expansion remains fundamentally tethered to the stability and accessibility of this critical region.

    The emerging ‘Hormuz Imperative’—distinct from the more commonly referenced ‘Malacca Dilemma’—illustrates how the East Asian consumer-West Asian producer relationship has matured into an intricate security complex. Within this framework, external pressures on energy flows don’t merely target suppliers but expose strategic vulnerabilities of the world’s largest energy importer. Market data and energy flow analysis confirm that Strait of Hormuz stability represents not just a regional concern but a macroeconomic necessity for Beijing.

    China’s crude oil imports maintained historic peaks in late 2025, averaging over 13.18 million barrels daily. Despite substantial renewable energy investments, China’s industrial base—particularly petrochemical and heavy transport sectors—retains structural dependence on hydrocarbon imports. Approximately 50% of China’s crude originates from the Persian Gulf, making Hormuz a point of origin rather than merely a transit chokepoint like Malacca.

    This interdependence creates mutual vulnerability: Gulf producers require market access for revenue generation while Chinese consumers require supply security to maintain industrial output. The economic relationship’s critical component centers in Shandong province, where independent refineries (colloquially ‘teapots’) account for roughly one-quarter of China’s refining capacity.

    Western market intelligence firms estimate 1.3-1.4 million barrels daily flowed from Iran to China in 2025, trading at an $8-12 per barrel discount due to sanctions. For Shandong’s refiners, this ‘regulatory discount’ functions as a vital subsidy, lowering production costs for diesel and chemical derivatives while maintaining Chinese manufacturing exports’ global competitiveness.

    Industry analysts describe this trade as supported by a ‘resilient decentralized network’ of maritime logistics involving ship-to-ship transfers in international waters and diverse flagging strategies. This sophisticated parallel logistics system demonstrates how market demand frequently circumvents political barriers.

    Three primary strategic scenarios could disrupt this flow:

    1. Supply Chain Constriction: intensified sanctions enforcement targeting logistical nodes could force refiners to replace discounted barrels with market-rate crude, potentially eroding margins and driving domestic fuel prices higher.

    2. Market Normalization: diplomatic resolution lifting sanctions would eliminate China’s monopsony power, inviting European and Indian competitors back to the market and increasing China’s national energy bill.

    3. Kinetic Deterrence: high-intensity conflict disrupting Hormuz could spike oil prices above $150/barrel. Despite China’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve covering approximately 90 days of imports, prolonged disruption would bypass these buffers.

    Energy disruptions would disproportionately affect southern industrial zones (Guangdong, Fujian, Zhejiang), which rely heavily on imported liquid fuels. Sustained high energy prices could constrain industrial output and complicate China’s transition from property-led growth.

    Beijing’s dual-track mitigation strategy involves aggressive renewable energy expansion and investments in overland pipelines through Pakistan (CPEC) and Russia (ESPO). However, oil remains irreplaceable for heavy industry and maritime transport through the medium term (2025-2030), and pipeline capacity represents only a fraction of Hormuz’s volume.

    The ‘Hormuz Imperative’ reveals not simple dependency but complex interdependence. While external powers retain leverage through financial and maritime architecture control, parallel export networks demonstrate unilateral coercion’s limits. For Beijing, Persian Gulf stability isn’t a foreign policy luxury but a domestic economic necessity—the global supply chain remains secure only while its key nodes stay stable, creating a balance where disruption costs become prohibitively high for any single actor.

  • Jeffrey Epstein was told to keep ‘close eye’ on Saudi Arabia amid Ritz Carlton purge

    Jeffrey Epstein was told to keep ‘close eye’ on Saudi Arabia amid Ritz Carlton purge

    Newly unsealed court documents from the U.S. Department of Justice reveal convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was actively monitoring Saudi Arabia’s 2017 political upheaval, maintaining communications with Gulf elites and allegedly leveraging connections to the highest levels of Saudi leadership.

    The documents contain a November 4, 2017 email exchange where an unidentified correspondent advised Epstein to ‘keep close eye on what is going on in Saudi right now.’ Epstein specifically inquired whether the reference concerned ‘the missile or the anti corruption,’ receiving confirmation it related to the latter. This correspondence occurred immediately preceding Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s unprecedented anti-corruption campaign that detained numerous royals and business figures at Riyadh’s Ritz-Carlton hotel.

    Evidence suggests Epstein cultivated relationships within Saudi leadership circles. In a March 2017 email exchange with former New York Times reporter Thomas Landon Jr., Epstein appeared to reference direct access to the Crown Prince (referred to as ‘bin salman’) while attempting to facilitate connections between Landon and Saudi investment officials. Photographic evidence within the document trove shows Epstein smiling alongside the Saudi leader.

    The documents further reveal Epstein’s brokerage of high-level meetings between Middle Eastern power players, including a previously undisclosed 2018 encounter between former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and former Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani.

    Among Gulf figures, Dubai Ports World CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem appears most frequently in Epstein’s communications. Their exchanges include discussions ranging from religious commentary to disturbing references to ‘a fresh 100% female Russian’ on Sulayem’s yacht.

    Epstein’s communications demonstrate particular interest in Saudi political dynamics. In October 2016, he provided Landon with analysis of Saudi royal family structure, comparing its complexity to U.S. government branches. He controversially asserted that social reforms like women’s driving rights were driven by Western pressure rather than domestic demand, stating ‘It is the americans that are demanding women drive. not the saudis.’

    These revelations emerge amid increased scrutiny of Gulf rivalries, particularly UAE-Saudi competition in the Red Sea region where DP World’s operations have gained strategic importance.

  • New Zealand looks to its batting depth, game-breakers at the T20 World Cup

    New Zealand looks to its batting depth, game-breakers at the T20 World Cup

    WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — As the T20 World Cup approaches, New Zealand confronts the challenge of pursuing its maiden title with a notably depleted bowling arsenal. The Black Caps, historically strong in the shortest format, are strategically pivoting to leverage their profound batting strength and a roster rich with seasoned all-rounders to offset these limitations.

    The team’s campaign follows a sobering T20 series defeat in India, where their bowling unit was decisively overpowered. A particularly stark moment was the fifth match, where India posted a colossal 271-5, featuring a blistering 40-ball century from Ishan Kishan. In another instance, India chased down New Zealand’s total of 153 with eight wickets and a staggering 10 overs to spare, highlighting the pressing concerns within the bowling department.

    Captain Mitchell Santner acknowledged the difficulty, quipping that the only solution might have been to ‘push the boundaries back.’ However, he emphasized the invaluable intelligence gathered from the series, which the team will carry into their World Cup opener against Afghanistan in Chennai.

    The bowling hopes rest significantly on the shoulders of pace bowler Jacob Duffy. The 31-year-old, entering his first World Cup, is coming off a record-shattering 2025 season where he claimed 81 wickets, eclipsing a longstanding national record. He is currently ranked the world’s No. 4 T20 bowler. He is supported by a pace attack including Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, and late call-up Kyle Jamieson, who replaces the injured Adam Milne. Potential paternity leaves for Henry and Ferguson could see reserve Ben Sears activated.

    The spin department is led by Santner and Ish Sodhi, with versatile players like Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, and Michael Bracewell providing additional options. Sodhi noted the batters have undertaken specific training to hone their strategies against spin bowling, a crucial skill for the subcontinent conditions.

    New Zealand’s primary confidence lies in a powerful and deep batting lineup. It features explosive opener Finn Allen, who boasts international and domestic strike rates of 165.45 and 175.23 respectively, alongside Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and wicketkeeper Tim Seifert. The squad’s balance is further enhanced by all-rounders Jimmy Neesham, Bracewell, and Phillips—the latter also being an exceptional fielder with 52 T20I catches.

    Head coach Rob Walter expressed confidence in the team’s composition, stating, ‘World Cups are special and there’s few better places to play one than in India. We have a group which can make New Zealand proud.’ He highlighted the critical balance of power-hitting, adaptable bowling, and the five all-rounders who each offer a unique skill set. This experienced group, many with extensive global franchise exposure, is familiar with the pressures of the subcontinent.

    Drawn into Group D alongside Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa, and the UAE, New Zealand will rely on its proven match-winners and collective experience to finally capture the elusive T20 World Cup trophy.

  • Taiwan-US ties are ‘rock solid,’ the island’s president says after Trump-Xi call

    Taiwan-US ties are ‘rock solid,’ the island’s president says after Trump-Xi call

    TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te delivered a strong affirmation of the island’s relationship with the United States on Thursday, characterizing the bilateral ties as “rock solid” despite mounting diplomatic pressure from Beijing. The declaration came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping engaged in their first telephone discussion since November, which prominently addressed Taiwan’s geopolitical status.

    President Lai, speaking during an official visit to textile merchants in western Taiwan, emphasized that “all cooperation projects will continue uninterrupted” between Taipei and Washington. This statement represents a deliberate reinforcement of Taiwan’s strategic positioning following the high-level Sino-American dialogue.

    According to China’s Foreign Ministry readout of the call, President Xi explicitly cautioned his American counterpart to exercise “prudence” regarding weapons provisions to Taiwan. Beijing maintains its longstanding position that Taiwan constitutes an inseparable part of Chinese territory, despite the island’s autonomous democratic governance since 1949. China’s foreign policy consistently prohibits nations with which it maintains diplomatic relations—including the United States—from establishing formal governmental connections with Taipei.

    The United States, while refraining from official recognition of Taiwan’s sovereignty, remains the island’s most significant informal ally and primary arms supplier. In December, the U.S. State Department unveiled its most substantial weapons package proposal for Taiwan to date, valued at over $11.1 billion and encompassing advanced missile systems, artillery platforms, and unmanned aerial vehicles. This comprehensive military assistance package awaits congressional approval.

    China responded to the proposed arms transaction with pronounced hostility, executing two days of extensive military exercises encircling Taiwan in late December. These demonstrations involved coordinated deployments of air, naval, and missile units, showcasing Beijing’s military capabilities and strategic resolve.

    Domestically, Taiwan faces political challenges regarding defense expenditure. The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party, which controls the legislative assembly, has obstructed President Lai’s budgetary initiatives—including a proposed $40 billion special defense allocation—advocating instead for substantially reduced military spending. The administration’s plan to increase defense appropriations to 3.3% of Taiwan’s gross domestic product has encountered resistance from both political opponents and segments of the civilian population.

    President Trump characterized his discussion with President Xi as “excellent” and “thorough” in a social media post, additionally revealing China’s consideration of purchasing 20 million tons of U.S. soybeans during the current season—a significant increase from the previous season’s 12 million tons. The American leader also confirmed plans for an April visit to China, which would mark his first official trip to the country during his current presidential term.

  • Malaysia bans e-waste imports, vows to end illegal dumping

    Malaysia bans e-waste imports, vows to end illegal dumping

    KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — In a decisive environmental policy shift, Malaysia has enacted an immediate and comprehensive prohibition on all electronic waste imports, declaring the nation will no longer serve as the world’s refuse repository. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) announced Wednesday that e-waste has been reclassified under an “absolute prohibition” category, effectively stripping the Department of Environment of its previous authority to grant import exemptions.

    MACC Chief Commissioner Azam Baki emphasized the finality of the new directive, stating, “E-waste is no longer permitted,” while promising “firm and integrated enforcement action” to combat illegal shipments. The policy transformation follows years of environmental advocacy and mounting evidence of hazardous materials contaminating Malaysian soil and water systems.

    The ban coincides with an expanding corruption investigation within environmental regulatory bodies. Last week, authorities detained the Environment Department’s director-general and his deputy over alleged power abuse and corruption related to e-waste oversight. The probe has resulted in frozen bank accounts and seized assets connected to the case.

    Environmental scientists have long warned that improperly processed e-waste—discarded electronics containing lead, mercury, cadmium and other toxins—poses severe threats to public health and ecological systems. Malaysia has repeatedly intercepted hundreds of suspicious containers at its ports in recent years, often mandating their return to originating countries.

    The Home Ministry reinforced the policy shift through social media channels, asserting that “e-waste is not just garbage but a serious threat to environment, people’s health and national security.” The statement unequivocally declared: “Malaysia is not a dumping ground for the world’s waste.”

  • Why misinformation dominates the crypto conversation

    Why misinformation dominates the crypto conversation

    The cryptocurrency ecosystem continues to grapple with pervasive misinformation that clouds public understanding and distorts mainstream perception of blockchain technology’s transformative potential. Despite significant advancements in digital finance, superficial narratives and fear-based commentary dominate conversations about this rapidly evolving financial system.

    A revealing personal encounter illustrates this communication gap: when discussing cryptocurrency with an intelligent, accomplished individual who unquestioningly accepts mainstream media narratives, the conversation immediately defaulted to stereotypical criticisms—criminal associations, perceived worthlessness, and excessive risk. While risk acknowledgment holds validity, the complete dismissal of blockchain’s integration into global finance demonstrates how deeply entrenched misconceptions persist.

    The fundamental disconnect emerges when comparing micro-level banking conveniences with macro-level financial infrastructure limitations. While domestic transfers between personal accounts occur seamlessly, international payments remain plagued by delays and substantial fees. Business-to-business transactions continue relying on archaic third-party systems and cumbersome reconciliation processes, revealing a global financial architecture that remains slow, inefficient, and surprisingly costly.

    This educational journey through cryptocurrency has revealed several critical learning patterns: Initial enthusiasm often leads to premature discussions with underinformed individuals, while excessive attention to voices spreading IFUD (Ignorance, Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt) creates unnecessary barriers to understanding. Even financial experts frequently offer contradictory advice, suggesting comprehensive mastery before participation—an approach that would paralyze learning in any other field from parenting to driving.

    Traditional financial advisors have consistently dismissed blockchain as a scam or temporary fad, while major financial institutions publicly expressed skepticism while simultaneously accumulating and developing blockchain solutions privately. The space has been further clouded by paid promoters shilling coins without disclosure, creating exit liquidity scenarios for unsuspecting investors.

    Market commentary has been dominated by panic during corrections, conflicting investment methodologies, and outright rejection from unexpected sources including business-savvy family members. The most persistent challenge has been subtle mockery directed at genuine curiosity about blockchain technology.

    The evolution in understanding comes not from停止 listening, but from developing discernment—recognizing that continuous learning provides the tools to identify credible information amidst the noise. The path forward requires balanced skepticism, recognizing both blockchain’s transformative potential and its legitimate challenges while filtering out unsubstantiated criticism and exaggerated hype alike.

  • Canada eliminates Islamophobia, antisemitism envoys from government

    Canada eliminates Islamophobia, antisemitism envoys from government

    In a significant policy reversal, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s administration has discontinued the specialized offices combating Islamophobia and antisemitism, despite campaign assurances to maintain these positions. The announcement, delivered by Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture Marc Miller on Wednesday, revealed plans to establish a comprehensive “Rights, Equality and Inclusion” advisory council to address all forms of racism through a unified approach.

    This structural change coincides with the recent commemoration of Canada’s National Day of Remembrance of the Québec City Mosque Attack, which occurred on January 29, 2017, when a gunman killed six worshippers and injured nineteen others. Prime Minister Carney himself recently characterized the tragedy as “a solemn reminder of the pervasiveness of Islamophobia and the devastating consequences of hatred.”

    The antisemitism envoy position had remained vacant for six months following the retirement of diplomat Deborah Lyons, while Islamophobia envoy Amira Elghawaby, appointed by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, was abruptly removed from her position. Her term had been scheduled to conclude next year. The government has not clarified whether Ms. Elghawaby will transition to the new advisory council.

    The decision has generated substantial controversy within affected communities. Former Canadian intelligence officer Huda Mukbil expressed surprise at the Liberal Party’s move, noting that Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre had previously pledged to eliminate the position. Ms. Elghawaby had earned broad support through her work, including developing anti-racism strategies for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and coordinating Canada’s first anti-Islamophobia summit following the 2021 killing of a Muslim family in London, Ontario.

    Her tenure involved confronting escalating anti-Muslim sentiment, particularly after the October 7 Hamas attacks and subsequent Gaza conflict. According to the National Council of Canadian Muslims, where Elghawaby previously worked, Canada has experienced more Muslim fatalities from targeted hate attacks than any other G7 nation. The organization now expresses concern about losing a crucial advocacy voice at the federal level.