Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • China issues pilot work guideline for rural land contracts extension

    China issues pilot work guideline for rural land contracts extension

    The Chinese government has unveiled a comprehensive framework for implementing a nationwide pilot program extending rural land contracts by three decades beyond their current expiration dates. The landmark guideline, jointly issued by the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council on Wednesday, establishes a structured approach to managing the transition of agricultural land rights.

    The policy document outlines fifteen specific measures designed to strengthen protections for farmers’ contractual land rights, improve rural land management systems, and reinforce organizational leadership structures. Central to the initiative is the reaffirmation of two fundamental principles: the collective ownership of rural land remains unchanged, and the household contract responsibility system continues as the cornerstone of agricultural operations.

    Agricultural authorities have been preparing for this transition since 2020, gradually expanding pilot programs across various provinces. The current initiative will implement province-wide trials across 29 provincial-level regions throughout 2026, representing the most extensive testing of the land contract extension system to date.

    This policy addresses a critical juncture in China’s agricultural development timeline. The household contract responsibility system, implemented in the 1980s, initially granted 15-year land use rights to farming households. These contracts were subsequently renewed for 30 years during the 1990s. With the second-round contracts anticipated to enter their expiration peak between 2026 and 2028, the new guideline provides a systematic framework for managing this transition while ensuring social stability in rural communities.

  • China rolls out plan to build safer, more child-friendly environment

    China rolls out plan to build safer, more child-friendly environment

    China has unveiled a comprehensive national guideline to transform urban environments into safer, more inclusive spaces designed specifically for children’s needs and perspectives. The landmark policy document, jointly issued by the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Working Committee on Children and Women, establishes a framework for integrating child-centered approaches across all aspects of urban planning and public services.

    The initiative builds upon successful pilot programs that have already benefited over 110 million children across 116 Chinese cities by the end of 2025. Rather than maintaining these as temporary city-level experiments, the new guideline institutionalizes child-friendly development as a permanent, nationwide mechanism that will guide policy through the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030) and beyond.

    According to Wei Yifang, an associate researcher at the Academy of Macroeconomic Research, the guideline represents a holistic approach covering both urban and rural children through integrated policies, public services, rights protection, and living environments. The framework mandates that all public policies must incorporate children’s perspectives, with local governments required to prioritize children’s development in resource allocation and policymaking decisions.

    Key implementation measures include adapting public spaces to better serve children’s needs through increased sports facilities, entertainment venues, and creative use of underutilized urban areas. Transportation systems will undergo significant upgrades, with public buses, subways, and transit hubs incorporating child-friendly features. Ride-hailing platforms will prioritize families with young children, while railways and airlines will enhance services for infants and unaccompanied minors.

    The healthcare sector will see substantial improvements, including the incorporation of HPV vaccines into national immunization programs offering free vaccinations to girls aged 13 and above. Medical facilities will establish 24-hour emergency channels for children under three with critical conditions. Educational institutions will open sports facilities during holidays, while scenic areas will expand discounted admission policies for minors.

    Notable progress has already been achieved in several municipalities. Over 20 major cities, including Beijing, have raised height limits for free subway rides to 1.3 meters. Shanghai and Shaoxing have introduced dedicated child-friendly subway lanes, while Wenzhou and Zhuhai have relaxed restrictions on the number of children traveling free with adults.

    The initiative represents China’s commitment to creating visible, tangible improvements in children’s daily lives through attention to both major policy frameworks and seemingly small but crucial practical matters, ultimately aiming to build warmer, more welcoming environments for children and their families nationwide.

  • Deep dive into bridge’s safety

    Deep dive into bridge’s safety

    While millions journeyed home during China’s Spring Festival travel rush, an elite team of railway divers conducted critical underwater inspections in near-freezing conditions along the Xinyan Railway connecting Henan and Shandong provinces. These specialized technicians from China Railway Jinan Group’s emergency rescue and survey unit—the nation’s sole professional railway bridge diving team—braved turbid waters with near-zero visibility to ensure the structural integrity of vital transportation infrastructure.

    Equipped with over 20 kilograms of gear, 28-year-old diver Gao Jiawang described operating in absolute darkness at 5-meter depths where “my fingers act as my eyes.” His scratched diving mask bears witness to numerous encounters with submerged obstacles and rebar. This year, however, the human divers gained a technological partner: an advanced underwater inspection robot capable of fish-like swimming and gecko-style adhesion to pier surfaces. The machine employs high-definition cameras and sonar to rapidly identify potential issues in turbulent waters, allowing divers to focus manual inspections on critical areas identified during robotic preliminary screening.

    The 46-member unit represents a unique fusion of diving expertise and engineering specialization. Beyond underwater proficiency, members must master bridge structural knowledge, interpret complex blueprints, operate specialized equipment including underwater cameras, and maintain emergency skills such as underwater welding and cutting. Many have pursued additional certifications including welding engineering and dive supervision during off-hours.

    “Every dive presents unique challenges,” noted Gao, whose deepest dive approaches 20 meters. “Northern waters require ice-breaking operations in winter, southern rivers conceal dangerous undercurrents in summer, mountain streams carry rolling rocks, while plain rivers accumulate deep silt.” Divers routinely face potential entanglement in fishing nets, equipment failures, and sudden torrents, requiring maintained calm judgment in extreme conditions.

    To date, the team has inspected over 400 railway bridges across 18 provincial-level regions, building an invaluable database of underwater structural information. During peak travel periods, operations intensify within strict two-to-three-hour windows between train services. “The most gratifying moment,” Gao reflected, “is hearing trains safely crossing after our inspection—it fills me with immense pride.”

  • Japan on the horns of dilemma: Experts

    Japan on the horns of dilemma: Experts

    Tokyo faces mounting political pressure as it navigates Washington’s controversial request for naval support in the Strait of Hormuz, exposing fundamental tensions between Japan’s pacifist constitution and its alliance obligations. The diplomatic challenge arrives ahead of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump, creating a complex geopolitical balancing act for the Japanese government.

    Political opposition has intensified following Trump’s call for five nations, including Japan, to provide naval escorts through the strategic waterway. Former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized the central legal question during a Fuji Television appearance, stating that Japan must first determine whether US airstrikes on Iran comply with international law before considering any military deployment.

    Academic experts have entered the fray, with Yamaguchi University professor Atsushi Koketsu telling China Daily that US and Israeli strikes clearly violated international law and the UN Charter. Koketsu criticized Tokyo’s reluctance to address the legality of US actions, noting this silence contradicts Japan’s self-proclaimed identity as a peaceful nation committed to international legal norms.

    The legal framework presents additional complications. Under Japan’s 2015 security legislation, any deployment would require both international legal justification and classification as a “situation threatening Japan’s survival.” The Nikkei Asia reported that government deliberations from 2015 explicitly stated Japan would not support uses of force that violate international law.

    Beyond legal considerations, energy security emerges as a critical factor. The Middle East remains Japan’s primary energy source, and military involvement could damage carefully maintained diplomatic relationships with regional partners, particularly Iran. Koketsu warned that close alignment with US policy might undermine Japan’s long-term energy security and regional standing.

    Public opinion appears strongly opposed to involvement, with an Asahi Shimbun poll showing 82% of respondents rejecting support for US strikes against Iran. Media outlets including the Tokyo Shimbun have editorialized against participation, arguing Japan should avoid military entanglement and resist US pressure.

    The government’s position remains cautiously non-committal. Prime Minister Takaichi told the House of Councillors Budget Committee that Japan currently has no plans to dispatch Self-Defense Force vessels, while avoiding direct commentary on the legality of US military operations against Iran.

  • Digital shift propels village into thriving community

    Digital shift propels village into thriving community

    Nestled in the outskirts of Guiyang, Gaozhai village has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis from traditional farming community to a buzzing digital economy hub, demonstrating China’s innovative approach to rural revitalization through technology integration.

    The transformation centers around the Xiaolanshan project, a digital cultural initiative connecting seven villages in Guizhou province’s Guanshanhu district. Unlike conventional development models that involve clearing existing structures, Xiaolanshan’s architects adopted a preservation-forward strategy, repurposing abandoned chicken sheds and vacant buildings into modern workspaces for digital enterprises.

    At the heart of this digital renaissance lies a novel mechanism for revitalizing collectively owned village construction land. Project Director Fu Lidong revealed that while only 17.6 hectares of new construction land was available, the real asset emerged from 266 vacant rural buildings spanning approximately 100,000 square meters.

    The project has successfully attracted approximately 50 technology companies and over 600 digital professionals, creating a comprehensive ecosystem encompassing audio-visual content production, data annotation services, and scenario-based applications. This convergence of traditional village life and modern digital industry has generated substantial economic benefits, with reported digital economy output exceeding 800 million yuan ($116 million) in 2025.

    Local residents have experienced tangible improvements in their quality of life. More than 80 villagers now enjoy stable employment within their community while simultaneously benefiting from rental income derived from previously idle properties. The integration of new digital residents has fostered cultural exchange, with community activities and volunteer initiatives helping bridge traditional and modern perspectives.

    The development carefully maintains ecological balance, respecting environmental protection boundaries and permanent farmland regulations. This balanced approach has preserved the area’s rural character while introducing cutting-edge digital infrastructure, creating a unique model for sustainable rural development in the digital age.

  • Pakistani Taliban announces 3-day ceasefire after Pakistan, Afghanistan pause fighting ahead of Eid

    Pakistani Taliban announces 3-day ceasefire after Pakistan, Afghanistan pause fighting ahead of Eid

    A significant de-escalation has emerged along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border as both nations and a key militant faction announced separate ceasefire agreements ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday. The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an outlawed militant organization responsible for numerous attacks, declared an unexpected three-day truce early Thursday to enable peaceful observance of the religious celebration.

    This development follows Pakistan and Afghanistan’s simultaneous announcement Wednesday of a temporary cessation of hostilities until Monday night, mediated through diplomatic efforts by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar. The ceasefire marks the first period of calm since late February when cross-border clashes reignited between the neighboring countries.

    Mohammad Khurasani, TTP spokesperson, confirmed the militant group’s ceasefire would commence with the first day of Eid al-Fitr, expected to begin Friday pending moon sighting. The TTP, designated as a terrorist organization by both the United States and United Nations, has intensified operations within Pakistan since the Afghan Taliban’s return to power in 2021.

    The diplomatic breakthrough comes amid heightened tensions following recent airstrikes in Kabul. Afghan Taliban authorities reported 408 fatalities and 265 injuries from strikes targeting a drug rehabilitation center, though these figures remain unverified independently. Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar maintained that military operations specifically targeted ammunition depots, not medical facilities.

    The temporary truce represents the most significant diplomatic achievement since October, when the same mediating nations previously brokered a ceasefire arrangement between the conflicting parties.

  • India’s ceramic hub grinds to a halt as Iran war chokes gas supply

    India’s ceramic hub grinds to a halt as Iran war chokes gas supply

    India’s ceramics manufacturing heartland faces an unprecedented production halt as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East disrupt critical energy supplies. The industrial cluster of Morbi in Gujarat state—responsible for approximately 80% of the nation’s ceramic output—has witnessed approximately 550 factories suspending operations since late February.

    The manufacturing paralysis stems from severe disruptions in propane and natural gas deliveries, essential fuels for maintaining the high-temperature kilns required for ceramics production. This supply chain crisis originated from military exchanges between the US-Israel coalition and Iran in late February, which subsequently impaired maritime transit through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

    Industry representatives indicate that while three Indian-flagged vessels have successfully navigated the conflict zone, at least 21 other ships remain stranded awaiting safe passage. The manufacturing standstill has created ripple effects across multiple dimensions:

    Economic Impact: With the ceramics sector valued at approximately ₹750 billion ($8.1 billion), the shutdown threatens both domestic supply chains and international export commitments. Morbi’s products regularly reach markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

    Workforce Consequences: Approximately 400,000 workers—including significant numbers of migrant laborers from northern and eastern India—face immediate livelihood challenges. Many are returning to their home regions as factory operations remain suspended until at least April 15th.

    Operational Challenges: Manufacturers report dual pressures—complete propane supply disappearance and highly volatile natural gas pricing—making production cost calculations impossible. The continuous nature of kiln operations means that abrupt shutdowns risk both equipment damage and product loss.

    Market Implications: Traders are currently relying on existing inventories, but warn of potential price increases and delivery delays if production doesn’t resume promptly. The industry’s extensive network of 3,000 distributors and sellers may face shortages by April if the situation persists.

    Government response has included prioritizing household, healthcare, and agricultural sectors for gas allocation while diplomatic efforts continue to stabilize energy imports. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has expressed optimism that negotiations with Iranian authorities will gradually restore normal shipping operations through the critical waterway.

  • China’s novel approach spreads its web

    China’s novel approach spreads its web

    A new literary phenomenon is sweeping across international publishing platforms as writers from diverse cultural backgrounds adopt Chinese web novel techniques to captivate global audiences. This emerging trend demonstrates how narrative structures originating from China’s digital publishing industry are resonating with creators and readers worldwide.

    Esther Akande, a 22-year-old Nigerian author writing under the pseudonym Lilac Everglade, represents this growing movement. Her fantasy work ‘Hades’ Cursed Luna’ – featuring werewolves, betrayal, and forbidden romance – has attracted millions of readers on WebNovel, the international platform operated by China’s publishing powerhouse Yuewen Group. What began as a personal creative outlet during difficult times has transformed into a sustainable career, with her writing income now funding education and home renovations.

    The distinctive appeal of these cross-cultural narratives lies in their unique structural elements. Chinese web fiction conventions emphasize rapid plot progression, reader satisfaction mechanisms, and elaborate world-building that maintain engagement. Even within darker thematic content, these stories typically incorporate humorous elements and complex relational dynamics that keep audiences invested.

    This literary cross-pollination extends beyond Africa. In Mexico, former biologist Daniel Dominguez (pen name Dagzo) has achieved notable success with ‘Weakest Beast Tamer Gets All SSS Dragons,’ where he creatively adapts Eastern spiritual cultivation concepts through a scientific biological perspective. This fusion of cultural frameworks demonstrates the versatility of Chinese narrative models when interpreted through different cultural lenses.

    The Shanghai International Online Literature Week, now in its fourth iteration, has become a gathering point for this global community of writers who are reshaping literary consumption patterns. These authors aren’t merely consuming Chinese popular culture but are actively employing its narrative frameworks to tell culturally hybrid stories that transcend geographical boundaries, creating a new paradigm in international digital literature.

  • Spring recruitment season highlights surging demand for talent in AI roles

    Spring recruitment season highlights surging demand for talent in AI roles

    China’s spring recruitment season has unveiled an unprecedented battle for artificial intelligence talent, with companies scrambling to secure skilled professionals amid explosive industry growth. Recent employment data reveals AI has become the most competitive sector in China’s job market, fundamentally reshaping recruitment strategies across the technology landscape.

    According to comprehensive reporting from domestic recruitment platform Maimai, AI-related job postings skyrocketed approximately twelvefold year-on-year during the first two months of 2026. This staggering growth dramatically outpaced the broader new economy sector, with AI positions now constituting 26.23% of all new economy jobs—a massive leap from just 2.29% the previous year.

    The intensifying competition has created severe talent shortages across specialized AI domains. High-performance computing engineers face the most critical deficit with a supply-demand ratio of 1:7, meaning only one qualified candidate exists for every seven open positions. Other roles experiencing acute shortages include simultaneous localization and mapping specialists, navigation algorithms engineers, and cloud computing experts.

    The recent emergence of OpenClaw’s open-source AI agent has further accelerated demand for AI application roles. Recruitment portal Zhaopin reported a 455% year-on-year surge in AI-related job postings during the first three weeks following the Spring Festival holiday.

    This demand translates into substantial financial incentives for qualified professionals. AI positions now offer average monthly salaries of 60,738 yuan ($8,837), representing a 26% premium over average compensation in the new economy sector.

    Industry experts attribute this hiring explosion to accelerating commercialization of large language models and expanding AI integration across business operations. Zhu Keli, founding director of the China Institute of New Economy, identifies three dominant trends reshaping internet industry employment: AI-centered specialization, vertically integrated scenarios, and increasingly hybrid skill requirements.

    “The job landscape is evolving from software-defined models toward hardware-software integration and physical-digital convergence,” Zhu noted. “Future employment value will be directly tied to technological implementation capabilities.”

    Major technology firms have responded with aggressive recruitment initiatives. Ant Group revealed that 85% of its current openings target technical roles, with over 70% specifically focused on AI including large model algorithms and multimodal generation. ByteDance announced its largest-ever internship program, planning to onboard more than 7,000 interns with over 60% allocated to AI-focused research and development. Meituan similarly launched recruitment programs emphasizing foundation models, AI applications, autonomous driving, and intelligent decision-making.

    Mo Rong, chief expert at the Chinese Academy of Labor and Social Security, emphasizes that AI literacy is becoming fundamental: “Digital proficiency and AI application capabilities are transforming into new ‘basic skills.’ Modern workers must understand AI principles and effectively utilize AI tools.”

    This shift is reflected in job requirements, with 34.39% of new positions explicitly mandating AI or large model-related skills—a significant increase from 22.35% year-on-year. Job seekers are actively adapting, with Liepin reporting a 139.67% year-on-year surge in resumes highlighting AI tool proficiency during the post-Spring Festival period.

    As technological evolution continues to shorten skill shelf lives, experts stress that continuous learning and adaptability have become professional necessities in China’s rapidly transforming digital economy.

  • Experts: Too soon to predict El Nino effect

    Experts: Too soon to predict El Nino effect

    Climate specialists from China’s National Climate Center are advising the public to treat dire social media warnings about an impending super El Niño event with measured skepticism. While online discourse has been rife with predictions of record-breaking heat and extreme weather patterns for 2026-2027, experts emphasize that current scientific modeling cannot yet confirm these alarming forecasts.

    The administration’s monitoring data indicates that lingering La Niña conditions—characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific—are gradually weakening. This transition suggests the tropical Pacific could potentially shift toward an El Niño state later this year, though significant uncertainties remain regarding the timing, intensity, and specific characteristics of such an event.

    Liu Yunyun, Director of the Climate Prediction Division at the National Climate Center, clarified the current scientific understanding: ‘While probability models indicate a strong possibility that the central and eastern equatorial Pacific will enter an El Niño phase during the latter half of this year, accurately predicting its precise onset or overall intensity remains beyond our current capabilities.’

    The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) represents a naturally recurring climate pattern involving complex interactions between ocean temperatures and atmospheric conditions across the tropical Pacific. This phenomenon typically cycles every three to seven years and exerts considerable influence on global weather systems.

    Scientific classification of ENSO phases relies on meticulous measurement of sea surface temperature anomalies in the central and eastern tropical Pacific. A sustained three-month average anomaly exceeding 0.5°C for at least five consecutive months indicates El Niño conditions, while a consistent anomaly below -0.5°C signifies La Niña.

    Chen Lijuan, Chief Forecaster at the center’s climate prediction division, provided additional context: ‘Historical data confirms that El Niño events frequently correlate with increases in global average temperatures. However, the magnitude of warming and the severity of extreme weather events depend critically on the specific strength, type, and regional climate responses to any developing event. At this preliminary stage, declaring that a super El Niño will materialize and inevitably produce the hottest year on record would be scientifically premature.’

    Experts specifically cautioned against uncritical acceptance of social media narratives predicting ‘the hottest year’ or catastrophic weather scenarios, noting that such discussions often exaggerate or misrepresent the nuanced findings of climate science. Chen emphasized the importance of interpreting climate predictions with appropriate caution, given the substantial uncertainties surrounding the timing, intensity, and regional impacts of any potential El Niño development.