Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • China reports rising investment in science popularization in 2024

    China reports rising investment in science popularization in 2024

    China has demonstrated significant advancements in its national science popularization infrastructure during 2024, according to official statistics released by the Ministry of Science and Technology. The comprehensive data reveals substantial growth across multiple dimensions of scientific public engagement.

    The country’s network of science and technology museums expanded considerably, reaching 1,890 facilities nationwide—marking an increase of 111 institutions compared to the previous year. This expansion represents China’s continued commitment to creating physical spaces dedicated to public science education.

    Financial investment in science outreach initiatives reached unprecedented levels, with total funding climbing to 22.22 billion yuan (approximately $3.19 billion). This figure reflects a 3.32 percent year-on-year increase, demonstrating sustained government and institutional support for science communication programs.

    The human capital supporting these efforts similarly grew, with the science popularization workforce expanding to approximately 2.21 million professionals working either full-time or part-time in the field. This represents a 2.62 percent increase from 2023, indicating career growth and opportunity in science communication sectors.

    Public participation metrics reached extraordinary scales, with over 1.44 million science lectures conducted through both online and offline platforms, collectively attracting more than 2 billion participants. Additionally, approximately 109,200 specialized science and technology exhibitions were organized nationwide, drawing 480 million visits. In a significant move toward institutional transparency and public access, 9,680 research institutions and universities opened their facilities to public tours, receiving over 24.95 million visits throughout the year.

    These developments highlight China’s strategic emphasis on enhancing public scientific literacy through multidimensional approaches including infrastructure development, financial investment, workforce expansion, and diverse public engagement initiatives.

  • Last year was wetter and warmer in China

    Last year was wetter and warmer in China

    China witnessed unprecedented climate patterns throughout 2025, characterized by record-breaking warmth and increased precipitation levels nationwide. According to the recently released China Climate Bulletin (2025), the country’s annual average temperature reached 10.9°C, matching the previous record set in 2024 and standing 1°C above the 1991-2020 baseline. This places both years as the warmest since comprehensive meteorological records began in 1951.

    The warming trend manifested most dramatically through prolonged heatwaves that affected extensive regions of central and eastern China from late June through early September. The number of high-temperature days across the nation surged to unprecedented levels, establishing new historical records.

    Precipitation patterns showed significant deviation from historical norms, with annual rainfall exceeding long-term averages by 4.5%. The summer months brought particularly intense weather activity, as frequent rainstorms triggered severe flooding across northern China. Between late July and early August, North China experienced rainfall of both exceptional duration and volume during its rainy season, while western regions recorded their heaviest autumn precipitation in history.

    Tropical cyclone activity intensified markedly, with both typhoon formation and landfall numbers surpassing seasonal averages. An unusual sequence of five consecutive typhoons made landfall or significantly affected southern China between September and October.

    While meteorological drought conditions remained generally mild nationwide, regional water shortages emerged in southern China and along the middle and lower Yangtze River reaches, where consecutive winter and spring droughts developed. The year also saw increased wind intensity, with strong wind days reaching their highest frequency since 1991. Sandstorm activity intensified during spring months, though the season’s first sandstorm event occurred later than typical timing.

    National Climate Center Deputy Director Gao Rong attributed these complex weather variations to multiple interacting atmospheric and oceanic factors across different timescales. Key influences included the early northward movement and subsequent retreat of the subtropical high-pressure system, a robust East Asian summer monsoon, and intensified rainstorm patterns across northern and northeastern regions.

    Despite these extreme weather events, vegetation growth during the 2025 growing season reached its highest level this century, particularly in western Northeast China and central-eastern Inner Mongolia.

    Looking ahead, meteorological authorities have issued specialized forecasts for the upcoming Spring Festival travel period. National Meteorological Center Deputy Director Huang Zhuo indicated that a potent cold air mass will affect central and eastern China from February 5-7, bringing widespread strong winds and temperature declines of 4-8°C, with some regions experiencing drops exceeding 10°C. Additional precipitation events are expected between February 10-13, potentially affecting transportation networks during peak travel periods. A subsequent cold air process is forecast for the early Spring Festival holiday period from February 15-23. The China Meteorological Administration will provide daily weather briefings throughout the travel season to assist public planning and safety.

  • US urged to take objective, rational perception of China

    US urged to take objective, rational perception of China

    In a significant diplomatic statement, China’s Ministry of National Defense has called upon the United States to adopt a more objective and rational perspective regarding China’s global role and military development. Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin articulated this position on Thursday in response to queries about the recently unveiled US 2026 National Defense Strategy.

    The American defense document, published by the US Department of War, outlines a strategic approach focused on deterring Chinese influence in the Asia-Pacific region through demonstrated strength rather than direct confrontation. The strategy emphasizes expanding military-to-military communications with China’s People’s Liberation Army to maintain strategic stability and foster what it describes as “a decent peace.” Notably, the plan includes establishing a robust denial defense system along the First Island Chain.

    Jiang Bin countered these proposals with firm diplomatic language, stating that historical evidence demonstrates the inevitable failure of any containment efforts against China. The spokesperson emphasized that mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation represent the only viable framework for Sino-American relations.

    While expressing China’s willingness to collaborate with the United States in fostering stable bilateral relations, Jiang simultaneously underscored China’s unwavering commitment to protecting its sovereignty, security, and developmental interests. The defense official specifically urged American leadership to cease promoting bloc confrontation tactics and to avoid contradictory statements and actions concerning China’s core interests. The statement concluded with an appeal for substantive American efforts to facilitate sound and steady development between the two nations’ military establishments.

  • 11 Myanmar syndicate members executed

    11 Myanmar syndicate members executed

    China’s judicial system has carried out the execution of eleven principal operatives from a notorious Myanmar-based criminal syndicate, marking a significant development in cross-border law enforcement cooperation. The Supreme People’s Court confirmed the executions through its official WeChat channel on Thursday, following an extensive legal process that culminated in the approval of death sentences for crimes spanning intentional homicide, assault, unlawful confinement, fraud, and illegal casino operations.

    The convicted individuals, identified as ringleaders Mg Myin Shaunt Phyin and Ma Thiri Maung along with nine accomplices, operated primarily in Myanmar’s Kokang region where they established multiple fraudulent compounds beginning in 2015. Their criminal enterprise collaborated with armed groups that provided both financial backing and military support, creating an extensive network responsible for telecommunications fraud schemes that generated approximately 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) in illicit proceeds.

    According to judicial authorities, the syndicate’s activities resulted in fourteen confirmed fatalities among Chinese citizens and numerous injuries to others. The Supreme People’s Court characterized the nature of these crimes as exceptionally severe with devastating consequences, justifying the ultimate penalty under Chinese law.

    The legal proceedings began with the Wenzhou Intermediate People’s Court’s initial death sentence verdict on September 29, which was subsequently appealed by the defendants. The Zhejiang High People’s Court upheld the original ruling in November, after which the case underwent mandatory review by China’s highest judicial authority. The Supreme People’s Court determined that the evidence presented was comprehensive, the legal procedures were properly observed, and the sentencing appropriately reflected the gravity of the offenses.

    Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun addressed the executions as part of China’s broader initiative to combat transnational criminal organizations, particularly those engaged in online fraud and gambling operations. ‘China has been actively cooperating with Myanmar and other nations to eliminate these cross-border threats,’ Guo stated, emphasizing the commitment to protecting citizens’ assets and maintaining regional security through intensified international law enforcement collaboration.

    This case represents one of several high-profile prosecutions targeting criminal networks operating across the China-Myanmar border. In a related development, five members of another family-run syndicate received death sentences in Guangdong province last November, while three additional suspects face multiple charges in Fujian province for their alleged involvement with armed criminal enterprises in Myanmar.

  • What a thaw of the ‘ice age’ with China means for the UK economy

    What a thaw of the ‘ice age’ with China means for the UK economy

    In a significant diplomatic shift, the United Kingdom and China have initiated a cautious recalibration of their economic relationship following Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s landmark visit to Beijing—the first by a British leader since 2018. The breakthrough comes as both nations confront domestic economic pressures while navigating an increasingly volatile global trading landscape shaped by U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies.

    The high-stakes diplomatic engagement yielded substantive agreements across multiple sectors without achieving a comprehensive free trade deal. The most notable outcomes include China’s commitment to halve tariffs on Scotch whisky—a move projected to generate £250 million for the British economy over five years—and the establishment of visa-free travel for UK citizens visiting China for up to 30 days.

    Commercial partnerships formed a cornerstone of the reset, with pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca announcing its largest-ever Chinese investment of $15 billion over four years to expand research and manufacturing capabilities. Simultaneously, British energy disruptor Octopus Energy revealed its inaugural entry into China’s renewable market through a strategic partnership with local firm PCG Power to develop digital electricity trading platforms.

    Prime Minister Starmer characterized the agreements as “pragmatic, hard-headed international engagement” that delivers tangible domestic benefits. The visit served dual purposes: showcasing British excellence in finance, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and clean technology while allowing President Xi Jinping to position China as a reliable Western partner amid escalating U.S. trade tensions.

    The diplomatic thaw extends beyond bilateral economics to include security cooperation, with both nations agreeing to collaborate on disrupting migrant-smuggling networks—a key priority for Starmer’s administration. This re-engagement represents a delicate balancing act for the UK, which must navigate its special relationship with Washington while pursuing independent economic opportunities with Beijing.

    Analysts suggest the UK-China reset reflects broader patterns among middle powers—including recent visits by French, Canadian and Finnish leaders—seeking to diversify trade relationships and hedge against an increasingly unpredictable United States. As Western nations compete for Chinese investment and market access, this diplomatic breakthrough demonstrates how geopolitical recalibration can yield mutually advantageous economic outcomes.

  • Starmer arrives in Shanghai as he looks to boost UK business opportunities

    Starmer arrives in Shanghai as he looks to boost UK business opportunities

    British Prime Minister Keir Starmer commenced a significant diplomatic mission in China on Friday, marking the first visit by a UK leader to Shanghai in eight years. The trade-oriented journey, accompanied by over 50 British business executives, aims to forge stronger economic partnerships with the world’s second-largest economy.

    Starmer’s initial meetings in Beijing culminated in a mutual commitment with Chinese President Xi Jinping to establish a long-term strategic partnership. This development signals a notable thaw in Sino-British relations following years of diplomatic strain.

    The UK delegation’s efforts to expand commercial opportunities encountered immediate international headwinds. U.S. President Donald Trump voiced strong reservations about Western nations engaging economically with China, specifically referencing both Starmer’s mission and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent visit to Beijing.

    “Well, it’s very dangerous for them to do that,” President Trump remarked when questioned about potential UK-China trade agreements. He extended his criticism to Canada’s outreach efforts, stating, “It’s even more dangerous, I think, for Canada to get into business with China. Canada is not doing well. They’re doing very poorly.”

    This diplomatic activity occurs against a backdrop of numerous Western nations reassessing their economic relationships with China. Many countries have experienced commercial disruptions due to recent U.S. tariff policies and are consequently exploring alternative export markets and diversified trade partnerships.

    The convergence of multiple foreign leaders in Beijing reflects a broader trend of nations seeking to rebalance their international trade strategies while navigating complex geopolitical considerations.

  • Sweeping penalties target soccer corruption

    Sweeping penalties target soccer corruption

    Chinese football authorities have unleashed the most severe disciplinary measures in the sport’s history, penalizing 13 clubs and 73 individuals in a sweeping anti-corruption campaign. The landmark sanctions come following an extensive joint investigation conducted by the Ministry of Public Security and the General Administration of Sport of China.

    The Chinese Football Association announced on January 29, 2026, that multiple clubs would face significant point deductions for the upcoming season, with fines reaching 1 million yuan ($143,900) for the most serious offenders. Reigning Chinese Super League champion Shanghai Port will begin their title defense with a five-point deficit, while Shanghai Shenhua and Tianjin Jinmen Tiger received the harshest penalties of ten-point deductions alongside maximum financial penalties.

    In a parallel move, the CFA issued lifetime bans against 73 individuals involved in match-fixing, gambling, and bribery schemes. The banned figures include former CFA chairman Chen Xuyuan and ex-national team coach Li Tie, both currently serving lengthy prison sentences following their 2024 convictions for accepting millions in bribes. In a particularly striking case, former international player Wang Dong received a lifetime ban merely eleven days after his appointment as head coach of third-tier club Changchun Xidu.

    CFA president Song Kai emphasized the organization’s “zero tolerance” stance against corruption, stating that cleaning up the sport remains paramount to China’s football revitalization project. The General Administration of Sport of China endorsed the penalties as demonstrating serious commitment to reforming league governance and promoting integrity.

    Affected clubs, including Beijing Guoan and both Shanghai teams, have publicly accepted the punishments, acknowledging management failures and pledging to implement stricter oversight and moral education programs. Legal experts have concurrently called for updating China’s 1995 sports law to include more specific provisions addressing sports corruption, suggesting that stronger legal frameworks are necessary to prevent future violations.

  • ‘Silent cafes’ a strong voice for disabled workers

    ‘Silent cafes’ a strong voice for disabled workers

    In an innovative approach to social inclusion, government service halls in Huai’an, Jiangsu province have become home to pioneering ‘silent cafés’ that employ hearing-impaired baristas. These unique establishments represent a collaborative effort between local authorities and the Cotti Coffee brand to create meaningful employment opportunities for the deaf community.

    The cafés operate with a distinctive communication model where customers place orders via QR codes or online platforms, minimizing verbal interaction. For special requests, the venues are equipped with voice-recognition tablets and writing boards. This innovative system has proven remarkably successful, with the flagship location in Huai’an’s government service center becoming a bustling hub that serves up to 200 beverages daily.

    Beyond coffee service, these spaces function as comprehensive disability assistance centers featuring artwork by disabled artists and wheelchair rental services. The initiative has already transformed lives, with over 20 individuals with disabilities receiving training and eight becoming certified baristas since the program’s inception in December 2023.

    The project’s architect, Wang Xian, left her corporate career to launch the venture after being inspired by her hearing-impaired relatives’ employment struggles. Despite initial doubts about training hearing-impaired staff to master complex coffee recipes, she witnessed extraordinary dedication and skill development among her team members.

    Government support has been crucial to the program’s success, with the service center providing rent-free space and covering utility costs. Delivery riders enjoy unrestricted access, ensuring smooth business operations. The model has proven so effective that a second location opened in Huaiyin district in July, demonstrating the program’s scalability and social impact.

    For employees like Wang Jiali, a 39-year-old barista with severe hearing loss, the café has been transformative. She describes how constant customer interaction has built her confidence and communication skills, representing a journey from isolation to meaningful social engagement. While occasional misunderstandings occur in this novel concept, these moments become opportunities for public education and mutual understanding.

  • Indonesian couple caned 140 times for sex and alcohol offences

    Indonesian couple caned 140 times for sex and alcohol offences

    In a stark demonstration of Islamic law enforcement, a couple in Indonesia’s Aceh province endured 140 strokes of the cane Thursday for violating Sharia provisions prohibiting extramarital sex and alcohol consumption. The brutal public punishment unfolded before spectators as religious authorities carried out sentences against six individuals convicted of moral offenses.

    The 21-year-old woman, whose identity remains protected, collapsed unconscious after three female executioners administered successive strikes with a rattan cane. Distressing footage captured her weeping throughout the ordeal before medical personnel transported her via ambulance following the punishment. Her male counterpart received identical corporal punishment for their shared transgressions.

    Notably among those punished was a serving officer from Aceh’s Islamic police force, who received 23 lashes alongside his female companion for being alone together in a private residence. Muhammad Rizal, commander of the Islamic police, confirmed the officer’s immediate dismissal following the judicial caning.

    Aceh remains Indonesia’s sole province implementing full Sharia jurisprudence, maintaining public caning as standard penalty for moral violations. The regional Islamic criminal code mandates 100 strokes for unmarried intimacy and 40 strokes for alcohol consumption.

    Human rights advocate Azharul Husna of Kontras Indonesia highlighted concerns regarding post-punishment protocols, noting that ‘caning procedures lack proper regulation and require improvement to address aftermath care for punished individuals.’ The practice continues drawing international condemnation from rights organizations decrying its cruel and inhuman nature.

  • Ten photos from across China: Jan 23 – 29

    Ten photos from across China: Jan 23 – 29

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