Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • China extends ‘green wall’ in battle against desertification

    China extends ‘green wall’ in battle against desertification

    On the arid frontiers of Inner Mongolia, a technological revolution is transforming China’s centuries-old battle against encroaching deserts. Veteran farmer Zhang Zhanjiang, among over 100 new recruits in Ordos City’s afforestation campaign, now operates planting machines guided by real-time remote sensing data instead of traditional shovels. Overhead, drone squadrons conduct aerial monitoring and supply transportation, representing a seismic shift from manual labor to precision ecological engineering.

    This operation forms the frontline of China’s intensified 2026 desertification offensive, coinciding with the nation’s 48th National Tree Planting Day. The National Greening Commission reports forest and grass coverage has surpassed 56% nationwide, achieved through coordinated human mobilization and technological innovation.

    The Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, launched in 1978 as the planet’s largest afforestation endeavor, continues its scheduled 2050 completion timeline. Inner Mongolia, having accomplished 8.2 million hectares of ecological construction during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, plans three major campaigns targeting 40 million mu (approximately 2.7 million hectares) this year.

    In Alshaa League, sophisticated equipment generates dramatic results: drone-dispersed seeds and large-scale desert control machinery have elevated vegetation coverage from under 5% to over 40% in targeted zones. Annual sediment inflow into rivers simultaneously plummeted from 500,000 tons to 300,000 tons between 2016 and 2025.

    Meanwhile, in Ningxia’s Yanchi county, strategic planting timing based on soil moisture metrics maximizes sapling survival rates. The transformed landscape tells a compelling story—where 54 annual sandstorm days once plagued residents, now fewer than 10 occur. Over 2 million mu of reclaimed sandy terrain and 1.5 million mu of restored grassland have yielded unexpected economic dividends: caragana shrub pellet feeds now sustain 210,000 sheep annually, generating ¥110 million ($16 million) in output value, while eco-tourism emerges as a new growth catalyst.

    As Deputy Director Guan Yuanbo emphasizes, Yanchi’s strategic position at the Yellow River’s turning point necessitates persistent greening efforts: ‘Only through tree-planting can we effectively safeguard our mother river.’

  • German museum celebrates famed Japanese artist Kusama in vast new exhibit

    German museum celebrates famed Japanese artist Kusama in vast new exhibit

    COLOGNE, Germany — The Museum Ludwig has inaugurated a spectacular retrospective honoring Japanese avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama, marking the institution’s 50th anniversary with a transformative exhibition. Opening Saturday for a nearly five-month engagement, “Yayoi Kusama: A Retrospective” presents over 300 works spanning the nonagenarian artist’s revolutionary eight-decade career.

    The comprehensive exhibition guides visitors through Kusama’s artistic evolution from her earliest childhood drawing in the mid-1930s to a specially commissioned “Infinity Mirror Room” created exclusively for this presentation. Now 97, Kusama has achieved global recognition through her distinctive visual language characterized by vibrant polka dots, organic shapes, and immersive installations that have made her work a social media phenomenon.

    Curator Stephan Diederich describes the exhibition as “very diverse, wide-ranging, and depicts an immensely rich, creative life spanning more than eight decades, still looking ahead.” The collection includes seminal pieces such as her ongoing series “My Eternal Soul” (2009-2021), featuring an expansive patchwork of paintings, and the breathtaking “The Universe as Seen from the Stairway to Heaven” constructed from mirror, glass and acrylic sheets.

    Notable installations include the iconic 2009 “Pumpkin” sculpture greeting visitors at the museum entrance, while the rooftop display presents painted-bronze sculptures “Flowers That Speak All about My Heart Given to the Sky” (2018). The immersive environment “I’m Here, but Nothing” (2000) transforms domestic spaces through fluorescent stickers and ultraviolet lighting.

    Kusama’s artistic journey mirrors her personal transformation from patriarchal postwar Japan to New York’s avant-garde scene, where she engaged with Flower Power and anti-Vietnam war movements during the 1960s before returning to Japan in 1973. Her multifaceted works frequently draw inspiration from nature, reflecting her childhood in her family’s seed nursery in Matsumoto, where she began experiencing vivid hallucinations involving polka dots and proliferating flowers.

    Despite living in relative seclusion in a Tokyo clinic, Kusama maintains daily artistic practice “as far as her health allows” and has actively participated in curatorial planning for the exhibition through indirect communication. The retrospective continues through August 2, offering an unprecedented examination of one of contemporary art’s most influential visionaries.

  • Robotic traffic police commander debuts in South China’s Shenzhen

    Robotic traffic police commander debuts in South China’s Shenzhen

    Shenzhen, China’s premier technology hub, has unveiled a groundbreaking robotic traffic police commander that began active duty on March 6th in the city’s Longgang district. This advanced humanoid robot represents a significant leap in urban management technology, operating during morning rush hours at a busy Bantian intersection where it performs real-time traffic direction through sophisticated high-precision joint modules.

    The robotic officer employs visual AI recognition technology to continuously monitor intersection activity, creating an integrated ‘identify-warn-persuade’ management system. When detecting violations such as cyclists without helmets or vehicles crossing stop lines, the unit immediately issues warning whistles and corrective hand signals. This innovation marks an evolution from its previous function as a stationary safety awareness promoter to an active traffic management role.

    Shenzhen’s technological ecosystem provides the perfect testing ground for such advancements. The city maintains China’s highest research and development investment intensity at 6.67%, with enterprises contributing over 93% of total R&D expenditure. Bantian, home to tech giants including Huawei, offers an ideal environment for piloting cutting-edge urban solutions.

    This deployment aligns with China’s rapidly expanding humanoid robotics sector, which dominated global shipments with 90% market share in 2025 according to industry analyst Omdia. Financial institution Morgan Stanley projects China’s humanoid robot sales will double to 28,000 units in 2026, indicating substantial growth in practical applications beyond entertainment purposes.

    Public response has been overwhelmingly positive, with local residents applauding the technology’s potential to reduce officer workload and enhance public safety. Future applications may expand to include alcohol checkpoint operations, initial accident response, and intelligent violation detection systems, signaling a new era in smart urban governance and police resource allocation.

  • Nine honored as ‘most beautiful natural guardians’ in China

    Nine honored as ‘most beautiful natural guardians’ in China

    In a prestigious ceremony held in Beijing, nine distinguished individuals have been accorded the title of ‘Most Beautiful Natural Guardians’ for their exceptional dedication to environmental preservation and sustainable development initiatives. This annual recognition program, jointly established in 2022 by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Ministry of Natural Resources, celebrates those who exemplify the nation’s commitment to ecological civilization and the principle that ‘lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.’

    Among the honorees is Dr. Wang Guiling, a pioneering researcher at the Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology of the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences. Since commencing his geothermal research in 1987, Dr. Wang has made groundbreaking contributions through systematic mapping of China’s geothermal resources, advancing theoretical understanding of geothermal systems, and developing innovative exploration technologies. His work aligns strategically with China’s clean energy development objectives, driven by what he describes as ‘deep passion for China’s mountains and rivers.’

    Geological expert Ding Zhengjiang from the Shandong Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources received recognition after decades of field exploration. Having dedicated over one-third of each year to fieldwork, Ding has led more than 100 geological projects resulting in significant discoveries including a super-large offshore gold deposit in Laizhou and various rare mineral deposits in the Jiaodong region. His team has revolutionized traditional methods by establishing an intelligent geological database for Shandong’s gold deposits, integrating spectroscopic scanning technologies for rapid metallogenic identification.

    Marine conservation specialist Shi Xiaojun, a senior engineer at the South China Sea Ecological Center, was honored for his innovative work in coral reef protection. Shi established China’s first comprehensive coral reef ecological database and national monitoring system, combining remote sensing, drone surveillance, and field survey data. His team’s development of an environmental DNA detection kit using gene-editing technology represents a major advancement—capable of identifying crown-of-thorns starfish gene fragments within three hours, dramatically improving monitoring efficiency while reducing costs.

    All recipients emphasized the growing integration of technological innovation with environmental conservation work. They expressed commitment to continuing their efforts while promoting international academic exchanges and knowledge sharing. The ceremony highlighted how these guardians bridge scientific advancement with hands-on conservation, demonstrating that effective environmental protection requires both scientific intellect and physical endurance in confronting natural challenges.

  • Australia beats North Korea 2-1 to reach Women’s Asian Cup semifinals and clinch World Cup berth

    Australia beats North Korea 2-1 to reach Women’s Asian Cup semifinals and clinch World Cup berth

    PERTH, Australia — In a thrilling quarterfinal clash at the Women’s Asian Cup, Australia secured both a tournament semifinal berth and automatic qualification for the 2025 World Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against a dominant North Korean side. Despite being significantly outplayed in possession and facing relentless offensive pressure, the Matildas demonstrated remarkable defensive resilience and clinical finishing to advance.

    North Korea controlled the match tempo from the outset, maintaining nearly two-thirds of possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities. Their aggressive approach resulted in 21 total shots with 10 on target, but they struggled to convert against Australia’s determined defensive line and goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold’s crucial saves.

    Australian striker Sam Kerr emerged as the decisive factor, contributing significantly to both goals. In the 9th minute, Kerr dispossessed North Korean captain An Kuk Hyang in the right corner and delivered a precise cross into the area. The ensuing deflection fell to Alanna Kennedy, who converted with a left-footed strike for her fifth goal of the tournament.

    Kerr extended Australia’s advantage just two minutes after halftime, capitalizing on a defensive error to score with a left-footed shot. The North Koreans intensified their efforts and reduced the deficit in the 65th minute when Kim Kyong Yong’s pass from the left found Chae Un Yong for a close-range finish.

    Despite sustained pressure in the final stages, Australia’s defense held firm to preserve the victory. Kerr acknowledged the team’s defensive performance, stating: ‘It was a really good team performance defensively. They’re a good side and they had a lot of the ball and there was a lot of pressure. The crowd was immense today, got us over the line.’

    The victory guarantees Australia’s place in both the Asian Cup semifinals and next year’s World Cup in Brazil. They await the winner of the quarterfinal between defending champion China and Taiwan. North Korea will have another opportunity to qualify for the World Cup through upcoming playoffs, with fifth and sixth-place finishers in the tournament also securing spots.

    The tournament continues with South Korea facing Uzbekistan in Sydney, while Japan prepares for their quarterfinal against the Philippines after an impressive group stage performance that saw them score 17 goals without conceding.

  • ‘No-one will hire women’ – India’s top court rejects menstrual leave petition

    ‘No-one will hire women’ – India’s top court rejects menstrual leave petition

    India’s Supreme Court has delivered a landmark ruling rejecting the implementation of a nationwide menstrual leave policy for working women and female students. The judicial bench, presided over by Chief Justice Surya Kant, expressed concern that mandated time off for menstrual discomfort could potentially disadvantage women in the workforce by making them less attractive to employers.

    The court articulated that such policies might inadvertently reinforce gender stereotypes by suggesting women are not equal to their male counterparts in professional settings. Instead of benefiting female employees, the justices warned that menstrual leave requirements could ultimately harm women’s career advancement and economic participation.

    This decision emerges amid ongoing national debates regarding menstrual rights and workplace equality. While some Indian states including Bihar, Odisha, and Kerala have implemented regional menstrual leave provisions for government employees and educational staff, the Supreme Court has declined to establish a federal mandate. The ruling came in response to a petition filed by attorney Shailendra Mani Tripathi, who advocated for a standardized policy granting two to three days of menstrual leave monthly.

    Public health expert and legal professional Sukriti Chauhan criticized the verdict, stating that the court’s position perpetuates menstrual taboos rather than addressing fundamental issues of workplace dignity and gender equality. Chauhan emphasized that denying appropriate leave forces women to work in potentially uncomfortable or undignified conditions during menstruation.

    Globally, several nations including Spain, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia have successfully implemented menstrual leave policies. Within India’s private sector, progressive companies such as the RPG Group, Larsen & Toubro, and Zomato have independently instituted menstrual leave provisions, recognizing both employee welfare and productivity benefits.

    The court suggested that any future menstrual leave policy should emerge from comprehensive stakeholder consultations rather than judicial mandate, leaving the door open for legislative action while maintaining that such decisions belong to the democratic process rather than the judiciary.

  • More Indian women play cricket now than in 2020 – BBC study

    More Indian women play cricket now than in 2020 – BBC study

    A landmark study reveals a significant transformation in India’s sporting landscape, with female participation in cricket and badminton reaching unprecedented levels. Commissioned by the BBC and Collective Newsroom, the comprehensive 2026 survey encompassing 10,304 respondents across 14 Indian states demonstrates remarkable progress in gender parity within sports.

    The data indicates that one in ten Indian women now actively participate in cricket, representing a substantial increase from previous years. The gender gap in cricket participation has notably narrowed from a 5:1 male-to-female ratio in 2020 to a 3:1 ratio in the current findings. Among female cricket players, 40% engage in the sport at least weekly, demonstrating serious commitment to athletic pursuits.

    This surge in female sports involvement coincides with extraordinary achievements by Indian sportswomen on the global stage. The inspirational performances of shooter Manu Bhaker, who secured two Olympic medals at the 2024 Paris Games, coupled with the Indian women’s cricket team capturing their inaugural World Cup title on home soil in 2025, have created a powerful ripple effect throughout the nation.

    Young women aged 15-24 emerge as the primary catalysts driving this sporting revolution, with 26% considering athletics as a viable career path—a significant increase from 16% in 2020. Viewership patterns reflect this growing engagement, with 51% of respondents following women’s sports coverage, approaching the 63% who follow men’s sports.

    Despite these advancements, the study reveals persistent societal challenges. Concerningly, 43% of respondents believe women’s sports are less entertaining than men’s (up from 38% in 2020), while nearly half of those surveyed maintain that sportswomen should prioritize appearing attractive—a sentiment more prevalent among female respondents than male.

    The research, conducted by Kantar India using consistent methodology for comparability with the 2020 baseline, also highlights structural barriers to sports participation, with two-thirds of Indians citing time constraints as their primary obstacle to athletic involvement.

  • What to know about the falloff in China’s military flights around Taiwan

    What to know about the falloff in China’s military flights around Taiwan

    BEIJING — A significant and unexpected reduction in Chinese military flights near Taiwan has created analytical uncertainty among regional security experts. For seven consecutive days from February 27 to March 5, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported no detectable Chinese warplane activity in its Air Defense Identification Zone—a dramatic departure from the regular aerial demonstrations that typically characterize cross-strait tensions.

    The pattern shows only minimal resumption thereafter, with just seven total flights recorded over a two-week period—a stark contrast to the 92 documented during the same timeframe last year. This unusual decline has generated multiple competing theories about Beijing’s strategic intentions.

    Several contextual factors may explain the decrease. The reduction coincided with China’s annual legislative meeting, a period when military activities have historically diminished. However, analysts note this year’s decline far exceeds previous patterns. The timing also precedes U.S. President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to China in late March, suggesting possible diplomatic calibration.

    Military experts propose alternative explanations. K. Tristan Tang, a Taipei-based fellow at the National Bureau of Asian Research, suggests the People’s Liberation Army might be transitioning to new joint training protocols involving naval and ground forces. Such training would likely occur away from monitored areas, potentially explaining the aerial absence near Taiwan.

    Despite the reduction, Taiwanese officials maintain vigilant defense postures. Defense Minister Wellington Koo emphasized that naval activities continue in adjacent waters, noting that security assessments cannot rely solely on aerial patterns. “We will continue to closely monitor the PLA’s movements,” Koo stated, reflecting ongoing caution despite the temporary aerial respite.

    Former U.S. defense official Drew Thompson highlighted the risks inherent in such strategic ambiguity: “The lack of understanding of China’s intentions is what’s disconcerting. Uncertainty increases risk.” This analytical void underscores the complex security dynamics surrounding Taiwan, which China considers a breakaway province requiring eventual reunification—a position the United States counters with opposition to any forcible change in status quo.

  • HKSAR govt actively aligns with national 15th Five-Year Plan to promote high-quality development: chief executive

    HKSAR govt actively aligns with national 15th Five-Year Plan to promote high-quality development: chief executive

    Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has announced the territory’s comprehensive strategy to synchronize with China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, marking a significant step in regional-national integration. Speaking on Thursday, Lee revealed that Hong Kong will develop its inaugural five-year development framework specifically designed to complement national modernization efforts.

    The strategic alignment recognizes the substantial provisions within the national plan that address Hong Kong’s sustained prosperity and the accelerated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Lee expressed profound appreciation for Beijing’s continued support, emphasizing how these measures demonstrate central government’s commitment to the region’s stability and growth.

    Under Lee’s leadership, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government will assume primary governance responsibility while mobilizing community-wide support for the national agenda. The administration is establishing specialized preparatory groups tasked with developing a detailed policy framework encompassing strategic initiatives across key development sectors. This comprehensive blueprint will feature enhanced precision and macroscopic planning, with completion targeted within the current year.

    This groundbreaking development plan represents Hong Kong’s first systematic attempt at medium-term strategic planning aligned with national objectives. The framework will establish clear development visions, core targets, priority areas, and major implementation strategies that will guide Hong Kong’s progression over the next five years.

    A government spokesperson elaborated that the coordinated planning will strengthen Hong Kong’s international competitiveness while facilitating deeper global exchanges and cooperation. The territory will reinforce its bridging function between China and global markets, pioneering new paradigms of high-quality development that simultaneously serve national strategic interests and contribute to China’s rejuvenation goals.

  • China deploys 20th group of internet satellites into orbit

    China deploys 20th group of internet satellites into orbit

    China has successfully expanded its ambitious space-based internet infrastructure with the deployment of its twentieth satellite cluster into low-Earth orbit. The milestone launch occurred in the early hours of March 13, 2026, utilizing the Long March 8A carrier rocket from the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Center.

    The mission, which commenced at 3:48 AM local time, represents China’s eighth dedicated launch for its burgeoning satellite internet network. The newly deployed satellites, manufactured by the Shanghai-based Innovation Academy for Microsatellites under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, bring the constellation’s operational count to approximately 160 satellites.

    This expanding network, frequently compared to SpaceX’s Starlink system, represents a strategic initiative to establish global internet coverage from space. Upon completion, the mega-constellation is projected to comprise roughly 13,000 satellites operating in low-Earth orbit.

    The Long March 8A vehicle, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, demonstrated its capabilities with this mission. Standing 50.5 meters tall with a liftoff weight of 371 metric tons, the rocket features a core booster augmented by two side boosters, generating approximately 480 tons of thrust at launch. The vehicle is engineered to deliver up to 7 tons of payload to sun-synchronous orbits at 700 kilometers altitude.

    In a parallel space endeavor, China launched a second rocket just hours later. A Long March 2D vehicle departed from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province at 6:33 AM, successfully deploying the Shiyan 30C and 30D experimental satellites designed to demonstrate advanced Earth observation technologies.

    These dual missions mark China’s fourteenth and fifteenth space launches of the year, underscoring the nation’s accelerating pace in space infrastructure development and technological demonstration.