Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • American receives Wudang’s first social security card for non-citizen

    American receives Wudang’s first social security card for non-citizen

    In a landmark development for foreign residents in China, American national Jake Pinnick has become the first non-citizen in Wudang to receive official social security registration, marking a significant step in the region’s integration of international residents into its social welfare system.

    Government representatives personally delivered social security identification cards to Pinnick and his daughter during a special home visit on December 9, 2025. These cards provide the family with access to comprehensive local medical insurance and pension services—benefits that Pinnick and his Chinese wife have eagerly anticipated for an extended period.

    Pinnick’s journey to this historic moment began fifteen years ago when he traveled to Wudang Mountain in Shiyan, Hubei Province, to study traditional Chinese martial arts under Yuan Shimao, a recognized inheritor of provincial-level intangible cultural heritage. After completing his training and achieving certified instructor status in 2014, Pinnick has dedicated himself to promoting Wudang culture internationally, including its distinctive kung fu techniques, traditional tea ceremonies, and classical musical instruments.

    This administrative breakthrough represents growing recognition of long-term foreign contributors to Chinese cultural preservation and demonstrates the evolving nature of social service accessibility in regional China. The personalized delivery of these documents underscores the local government’s commitment to ensuring foreign residents can fully participate in China’s social welfare infrastructure.

  • Pakistan offers to ‘take grooming gang leaders’ if UK hands over dissidents

    Pakistan offers to ‘take grooming gang leaders’ if UK hands over dissidents

    A significant diplomatic development has emerged between the United Kingdom and Pakistan, with reports indicating Islamabad has proposed a controversial prisoner exchange arrangement. According to Pakistani media sources, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi presented this proposition during a private meeting with British High Commissioner Jane Marriott in Islamabad last Thursday.

    The proposed arrangement would see Pakistan accept the return of two convicted grooming gang leaders—Adil Khan and Qari Abdul Rauf—in exchange for Britain’s extradition of Pakistani political dissidents Shahzad Akbar and Adil Raja. Both Akbar, a former minister in Imran Khan’s administration, and Raja, an ex-army major, currently reside in the UK where they have been vocal critics of the Pakistani government’s human rights record and alleged suppression of political dissent.

    This proposal comes amid complex legal circumstances surrounding the grooming case convicts. Khan and Rauf, both Pakistani immigrants who were convicted in 2012 for sexually exploiting 47 girls in Rochdale, had their British citizenship revoked following their convictions. However, just days before their scheduled deportation to Pakistan, they renounced their Pakistani citizenship, creating a legal limbo that Pakistan has until now refused to resolve.

    The potential exchange emerges as Britain’s Labour government faces increasing pressure to address child sexual exploitation more effectively. Previous attempts to establish a comprehensive nationwide inquiry into grooming gangs have encountered repeated delays and debates regarding the scope of investigation, including whether to examine ethnic, religious, and cultural factors involved in these cases.

    Political analysts suggest the UK is highly unlikely to agree to such an arrangement, with both the Home Office and Foreign Office declining to comment on the reports. Adil Raja, now working as a freelance journalist, described the proposal as ‘unprecedented and deeply disturbing,’ expressing confidence that British authorities would not ‘allow political critics to be traded away under pressure from a foreign government.’

    This development occurs against the backdrop of ongoing political tensions in Pakistan, where former Prime Minister Imran Khan remains imprisoned under circumstances that a UN report recently deemed arbitrary and in violation of international law.

  • Deepseek founder, ‘deep diver’ in Nature’s 2025 list of science influencers

    Deepseek founder, ‘deep diver’ in Nature’s 2025 list of science influencers

    Two Chinese scientists have earned prestigious positions on Nature’s annual list of the top 10 individuals shaping global scientific progress in 2025. The recognition highlights China’s growing influence across both artificial intelligence and deep-sea exploration research domains.

    Liang Wenfeng, the 40-year-old founder of DeepSeek, was honored as a ‘tech disruptor’ for revolutionizing artificial intelligence development. Nature specifically acknowledged his groundbreaking launch of an exceptionally powerful yet cost-effective large language model that fundamentally challenged prevailing assumptions about global AI capabilities. By making his model’s weights openly accessible—an unprecedented move in the industry—Liang provided researchers worldwide with free access to download and build upon the technology, accelerating innovation across multiple scientific disciplines.

    According to research Liang published in Nature this September, his model demonstrates remarkable problem-solving capacity as a reasoning engine while maintaining remarkably low training costs. The entire development process for the basic model required just $6 million, significantly less than comparable investments by competing organizations.

    Simultaneously, geoscientist Du Mengran from the Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences received recognition as a ‘deep diver’ for her pioneering work in hadal zone exploration. Currently leading a new expedition, Du emphasized that Nature’s selection represents neither a prize nor ranking but rather an editorial compilation highlighting significant scientific developments.

    Her work focuses on the ocean’s deepest layers extending beyond 6,000 meters, where she observed Earth’s deepest known chemosynthetic ecosystems. Studying these extreme environments provides crucial insights into survival mechanisms that could advance life sciences research and enhance understanding of the global carbon cycle.

    Du highlighted the extraordinary challenges of deep-sea exploration, noting that factors like extreme pressure, limited visibility, and frigid temperatures make these missions arguably more demanding than space exploration. She credited China’s strategic foresight in developing advanced diving equipment, creating novel materials, and leading global trench exploration initiatives over the past decade.

    The scientist’s findings were made possible through last year’s expedition using China’s domestically developed Fendouzhe submersible, which conducted 24 dives averaging six hours each. Du characterized the honor as belonging not to her individually but to the entire hadal exploration team, embodying the collaborative spirit of scientific discovery.

  • Former Hainan Party chief sentenced to 15 years for bribery

    Former Hainan Party chief sentenced to 15 years for bribery

    In a landmark ruling demonstrating China’s continued anti-corruption campaign, former Hainan Communist Party secretary Luo Baoming has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for accepting bribes exceeding 113 million yuan (approximately $16 million). The Shanghai First Intermediate People’s Court delivered the verdict on Tuesday, additionally imposing a 5 million yuan fine and ordering confiscation of all illicit gains to be transferred to the state treasury.

    The court established that Luo systematically abused his influential positions over a nearly thirty-year period from 1995 to 2024. During his tenure as Hainan’s top official, provincial governor, and deputy head of the National People’s Congress Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee, Luo provided unlawful advantages to various entities and individuals regarding project contracts, banking facilities, and commercial collaborations in exchange for substantial monetary benefits.

    Judicial authorities characterized Luo’s conduct as constituting the severe crime of bribery, noting the “extremely large” sums involved and “extremely huge” losses inflicted upon national and public interests. The court acknowledged mitigating factors including Luo’s voluntary surrender, full confession, cooperation in major investigations by providing critical evidence, and complete restitution of illegal proceeds, which warranted judicial leniency in sentencing.

    Luo, 73, whose political career began in 1969 with Communist Party membership obtained in 1971, rose through Tianjin municipal positions before assuming Hainan leadership roles in 2001. His political downfall commenced in July 2024 when he self-reported to disciplinary authorities, culminating in expulsion from the Communist Party earlier this year and formal indictment in June preceding September’s public trial.

  • ICC sentences Darfur militia ‘axe murderer’ to 20 years over war crimes

    ICC sentences Darfur militia ‘axe murderer’ to 20 years over war crimes

    In a landmark ruling for international justice, the International Criminal Court has sentenced former Janjaweed commander Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-al-Rahman to 20 years imprisonment for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during Darfur’s brutal conflict. The 76-year-old militia leader, widely known as Ali Kushayb, received his sentence Tuesday following an October conviction on 27 separate counts of atrocities including systematic murder, torture, and the orchestration of mass rape campaigns.

    Presiding Judge Joanna Korner delivered harrowing details of Abd-al-Rahman’s personal involvement in the violence, describing how he “personally perpetrated” beatings with axes and ordered executions. The court heard victim testimonies recounting days that “began at sunrise with torture” where “blood ran freely in the streets” without medical assistance or mercy. Judge Korner further revealed the defendant had walked on the heads of wounded men, women, and children during the 2003-2004 atrocities.

    This conviction represents the first successful prosecution of a militia leader for Darfur crimes, marking a significant milestone for the ICC since the UN Security Council referred the Sudan case in 2005. The trial saw unprecedented scope with 74 witnesses testifying, 1,861 items admitted as evidence, and 1,591 victims participating in proceedings from April 2022 through December 2024.

    Prosecutor Julian Nicholls characterized Abd-al-Rahman as “an enthusiastic, energetic, effective perpetrator” who committed crimes “knowingly, wilfully and with enthusiasm and vigour.” The defendant, who voluntarily surrendered to ICC custody in June 2020, listened impassively during sentencing.

    Human rights organizations hailed the verdict as long overdue justice. Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s regional director for east and southern Africa, noted the ruling “should serve as a warning to those committing abuses in the context of the ongoing Sudan conflict.”

    The sentencing occurs against the backdrop of continued violence in Darfur, where the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)—an offshoot of the Janjaweed—now battle the Sudanese army. The ICC is currently investigating alleged RSF crimes in el-Fasher including extrajudicial killings, torture, and mass rape reported last month. Recent estimates suggest tens of thousands have been massacred since the RSF seized the city in October, exacerbating mass displacement and starvation in a region already devastated by nearly three years of civil war.

    Outstanding arrest warrants remain for other Sudanese officials, including former president Omar al-Bashir wanted for genocide, underscoring the ongoing pursuit of accountability for Darfur’s atrocities.

  • Tony Blair ‘dropped’ from Trump’s Gaza ‘board of peace’

    Tony Blair ‘dropped’ from Trump’s Gaza ‘board of peace’

    Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has been removed from consideration for a position on a U.S.-led Gaza peace board chaired by President Donald Trump, following significant pressure from Arab and Muslim states. The Financial Times reports that Blair’s controversial legacy in the Middle East—particularly his role in the 2003 Iraq invasion and his criticized tenure as Middle East Peace Envoy—proved too contentious for regional acceptance.

    While the precise structure of this proposed ‘board of peace’ remains undefined, sources indicate it will consist exclusively of serving world leaders, with a subordinate executive board potentially including Blair alongside Trump advisers Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. Despite this setback, informed sources suggest Blair may still secure a role in future Gaza governance structures, noting that ‘The Americans like him and the Israelis like him.’

    The development occurs amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize Gaza. President Trump is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on December 29th to discuss ceasefire implementation and postwar planning. However, substantial disagreements persist regarding Hamas disarmament, Gaza’s future governance, and the composition of an international stabilization force—a key element of Trump’s peace plan that appears to have stalled.

    Meanwhile, the Gaza Government Media Office reports that Israel has committed 738 violations since the October ceasefire announcement, fulfilling less than 40% of its humanitarian obligations and exacerbating the crisis for Palestinians living under blockade and military pressure.

  • Pair discovers China’s diversity and hospitality on walk from France to China

    Pair discovers China’s diversity and hospitality on walk from France to China

    Two French adventurers, Loic and Benjamin, have successfully concluded an extraordinary 400-day journey on foot from France to China, covering more than 10,000 kilometers across diverse terrains and cultures. Their remarkable expedition, which commenced in September 2024, took them through over ten countries before finally reaching Chinese soil.

    Throughout their arduous trek, the pair experienced firsthand the renowned hospitality of the Chinese people, often receiving unexpected kindness from complete strangers. They expressed particular admiration for China’s striking contrasts between ultramodern urban centers and breathtaking natural landscapes, noting the country’s impressive cultural richness and geographical variety.

    “China has revealed itself to be both diverse and profoundly warm,” the travelers remarked, reflecting on their experiences navigating through various Chinese regions. Their journey not only served as a physical challenge but also as an immersive cultural exchange, allowing them to witness the rapid development and traditional heritage that coexist within contemporary China.

    As they approach their final destination of Shanghai, the French walkers continue to document their observations of China’s unique blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity. Their expedition stands as a testament to human perseverance and the power of cross-cultural understanding through direct engagement with different societies and environments.

  • Israel named ‘worst enemy of journalists’ by Reporters Without Borders

    Israel named ‘worst enemy of journalists’ by Reporters Without Borders

    In a damning annual assessment released Thursday, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has identified the Israeli military as the primary global threat to journalists, responsible for nearly half of all media professional fatalities worldwide during the past year. The Paris-based press freedom organization documented 67 journalist killings across the reporting period, with 43 percent occurring at the hands of Israeli forces in Palestinian territories—making this region the most lethal environment for news gatherers globally.

    RSF’s comprehensive analysis reveals that Israel’s military operations have surpassed even cartels and organized crime groups (24 percent) and the Russian army (4 percent) in journalist fatalities. The organization accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of conducting “an unprecedented massacre of the Palestinian press in recent history,” while simultaneously mounting a global propaganda campaign that falsely portrays Palestinian journalists as terrorists to justify these actions.

    The devastating toll includes over 250 media personnel killed since October 2023 according to Gaza’s Palestinian Media Office, with numerous documented cases of targeted strikes. On August 10, an Israeli attack killed Al Jazeera journalists Anas al-Sharif, Mohammed Qreiqeh, Mohammed Noufal, and Ibrahim Zaher, alongside freelance reporters Moamen Aliwa and Mohammed al-Khaldi. Israel alleged Sharif’s Hamas affiliation without presenting substantiating evidence—claims vehemently denied by Al Jazeera.

    Further atrocities include August’s ‘double-tap’ airstrikes on Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza that killed more than 20 people, including five journalists: Middle East Eye’s Mohamed Salama and Ahmed Abu Aziz, AP-affiliated freelancer Mariam Dagga, Reuters photojournalist Hussam al-Masri, and freelance reporter Moaz Abu Taha.

    Beyond the killings, RSF ranks Israel as the world’s ninth-worst jailer of journalists, immediately following Egypt. The report documents over 250 media workers detained since the Gaza conflict began, with at least 20—and potentially up to 50 according to the Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs—currently imprisoned. Most face no formal charges, instead being detained for social media activity labeled as ‘incitement’ or under administrative detention based on undisclosed ‘secret files’—a controversial practice enabling indefinite imprisonment without trial.

    International journalists have likewise faced repression, exemplified by the January detention of French journalist and Middle East Eye contributor Sylvain Mercadier for over four hours by Israeli forces while reporting from Syria. RSF concludes that Israel’s press suppression continues with impunity after more than two years of Gaza blockade and military operations.

  • China gets international recognition for search-and-rescue standards

    China gets international recognition for search-and-rescue standards

    China has attained prestigious international validation for its urban search and rescue capabilities after successfully completing the rigorous accreditation process administered by the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), a United Nations-coordinated global network. The Ministry of Emergency Management announced this milestone achievement on Tuesday, confirming China’s position as only the tenth nation worldwide to pass the International Recognition of National Accreditation Process.

    This certification signifies that China’s urban search-and-rescue system has reached internationally advanced standards, with its operational capabilities earning broad recognition from the global emergency response community. As a result of this accreditation, China now receives official authorization from INSARAG to conduct domestic assessments of rescue teams and award INSARAG certification badges to those meeting international benchmarks.

    The comprehensive evaluation exercise took place earlier this month at China’s National Earthquake Emergency Rescue Training Base in Beijing. Under the leadership of the China Earthquake Emergency Search and Rescue Center, the drill assembled over 160 personnel from multiple organizations including the Beijing Fire and Rescue Corps, the National Emergency Medical Rescue Team, the China International Search and Rescue Team, and Beijing Language and Culture University.

    The accreditation process featured an intensive 30-hour continuous field operation simulating realistic earthquake scenarios. The exercise demonstrated highly efficient and well-coordinated rescue capabilities under demanding conditions. A distinguished evaluation panel consisting of 10 international technical experts from INSARAG alongside 10 Chinese assessment experts employed a dual-standard review system combining both international and domestic criteria to ensure the professionalism and authority of the accreditation process.

  • New transport links to open remote Xinjiang village to tourism

    New transport links to open remote Xinjiang village to tourism

    The remote village of Saihantaohai, nestled within Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region’s Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, is poised to emerge from isolation as new transportation infrastructure reaches completion. Located in Hejing county at a remarkable elevation of 2,400 meters, this secluded settlement will become significantly more accessible to visitors when new highway and expressway connections open next year.

    Saihantaohai, whose Mongolian name translates to ‘beautiful valley,’ resides deep within the expansive Bayanbulak Grassland, surrounded by dramatic snow-capped mountains. The village’s stunning natural environment features towering spruce forests that rise like layered pagodas and a meandering river that cuts through lush meadows and woodlands. This pristine habitat supports rare wildlife including the Tianshan red deer (Cervus elaphus songaricus), which can occasionally be spotted grazing or moving through the landscape.

    The enhanced connectivity represents a strategic development initiative that will facilitate tourism growth while providing economic opportunities for local residents. By reducing travel barriers to this previously isolated region, authorities aim to showcase Saihantaohai’s unique ecological and cultural attributes to a broader audience. The transportation improvements are expected to create sustainable tourism pathways that balance visitor access with environmental preservation in this fragile high-altitude ecosystem.