Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Book highlighting shared history across Taiwan Strait launched in Taipei

    Book highlighting shared history across Taiwan Strait launched in Taipei

    A significant literary event in Taipei has brought renewed attention to the historical connections between Taiwan and mainland China. The newly released book, “Taiwan’s Restoration: Revisited Moments of Awakening and Renewal Around 1945,” edited by media professional Chang Chun-kai, offers a detailed examination of Taiwan’s post-war landscape following the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

    The publication emerges during a period of heightened importance for historical education, coinciding with the 80th anniversary commemorations of both the World Anti-Fascist War victory and Taiwan’s return to Chinese sovereignty. The book adapts and expands upon documentary materials to present a comprehensive view of this pivotal historical moment.

    Approximately fifty representatives from Taiwan’s education and media sectors attended the launch event, where discussions emphasized the critical need for preserving historical accuracy. Participants expressed concern over contemporary trends that distort historical narratives and potentially weaken national identity within Taiwanese society.

    Prominent voices at the event included Kuan Chung-ming, former president of Taiwan University, who advocated for increased efforts to present historical events faithfully. Kuan expressed confidence that the history of the resistance victory and Taiwan’s restoration would ultimately be preserved and transmitted to future generations.

    Lin Kuang-hui, descendant of a family renowned for their resistance against Japanese aggression, highlighted how the 1945 restoration ended five decades of Japanese colonial rule. Lin called for compatriots in Taiwan to uphold patriotic traditions and collectively work toward national rejuvenation.

    Taiwan scholar Chen Chao-ying provided cultural context, noting that many families in 1945 named their children “Guangfu” (meaning restoration), reflecting the genuine public sentiment of the era. Chen expressed hope for enhanced cross-strait cooperation in research concerning Taiwan’s restoration history.

    The book launch follows last year’s legislative action by China’s national legislature designating October 25 as the official commemorative day of Taiwan’s restoration. This date marks the 1945 ceremony in Taipei where Japanese surrender was accepted, formally returning Taiwan and the Penghu Islands to Chinese sovereign jurisdiction after half a century of separation.

  • Chinese scientists map ice ‘treasure map’ for Chang’e 7 mission at moon’s south pole

    Chinese scientists map ice ‘treasure map’ for Chang’e 7 mission at moon’s south pole

    Chinese space researchers have achieved a significant technological advancement in lunar exploration by creating a sophisticated high-resolution model designed to pinpoint thermally stable water ice deposits in the moon’s southern polar region. This development emerges from the Key Laboratory of Solar Activity and Space Weather at the National Space Science Center (NSSC) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

    The innovative lunar polar water-ice thermal stability model incorporates previously unaccounted thermal properties of lunar soil under extreme low-temperature conditions. This enables precise simulation of surface radiation patterns, soil temperature variations, and identification of regions where water ice can remain stable over geological timescales without sublimating into space.

    Published in the Planetary Science Journal, the research specifically targets the Shackleton Crater area, which has been designated as a primary candidate landing zone for China’s upcoming Chang’e 7 mission scheduled for launch in 2026. The mission’s core scientific objective involves conducting unprecedented high-precision remote sensing and in-situ analysis of lunar water ice deposits.

    According to the research team, this model represents a substantial improvement over previous assessment methods by providing a detailed ‘treasure map’ of potential ice preservation sites. The technology calculates illumination distribution, lunar soil temperature gradients, and stable zones for volatile compounds including water ice with remarkable accuracy.

    The practical applications extend beyond mere mapping—the model will directly guide the Chang’e 7 mission’s detection strategies, helping mission planners identify optimal locations for ice sampling and analysis. This capability is crucial for the mission’s success in locating and characterizing one of the moon’s most valuable resources.

    As Tang Yuhua, deputy chief designer of the Chang’e 7 mission, previously emphasized, the discovery of accessible lunar water ice would dramatically reduce the economic and logistical constraints of transporting water from Earth. Such a finding would enable sustainable human presence on the moon and serve as a critical stepping stone for deeper space exploration, including potential missions to Mars and beyond.

  • China’s hospitals pilot companion-free care services

    China’s hospitals pilot companion-free care services

    Hospitals across China are implementing innovative “companion-free” care services, representing a significant shift in patient care delivery models. This initiative directly addresses the substantial caregiving burdens traditionally borne by families of hospitalized patients.

    The pilot program, currently operational in Shanghai and other urban centers, introduces professionally trained nursing assistants employed directly by medical institutions. These specialists provide comprehensive 24-hour non-medical care to patients with specific needs, including assistance with daily living activities, mobility support, and basic comfort measures.

    This systematic approach marks a departure from conventional practices where families either provided care themselves or contracted private caregivers at personal expense. The hospital-managed model ensures standardized training, consistent quality control, and regulated fee structures that make professional care more accessible.

    Medical administrators report that the program not only improves patient experience through continuous professional attention but also enables family members to maintain employment and normal daily routines. Early data suggests reduced patient anxiety and improved recovery metrics among participants receiving the specialized care services.

    The initiative forms part of broader healthcare reforms aimed at addressing challenges posed by China’s aging demographic profile and increasing chronic disease prevalence. As the program expands, healthcare authorities are developing certification standards for nursing assistants and establishing guidelines for service implementation across different hospital tiers.

  • Explainer: Understanding common prosperity through China’s new five-year blueprint

    Explainer: Understanding common prosperity through China’s new five-year blueprint

    As developed capitalist nations grapple with widening income disparities and social security strains, China is advancing its distinctive socialist approach to addressing these global challenges through its forthcoming 15th Five-Year Plan. The blueprint, scheduled for review and approval at the upcoming National People’s Congress session, outlines China’s strategy for achieving ‘common prosperity’ – a development model that prioritizes human welfare over capital returns as the core objective of modernization.

    Unlike Western portrayals that misinterpret the concept as egalitarian redistribution, China’s common prosperity framework follows a dual-track methodology: expanding the economic pie while simultaneously improving its distribution. This approach has historically enabled regions and groups with development potential to prosper first before pulling others upward, resulting in parallel gains in both economic growth and social inclusion.

    The 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) represents a critical implementation phase toward China’s 2035 modernization goals. Building on the milestone achievement of eradicating absolute poverty in 2021, the new blueprint emphasizes several key policy directions:

    Employment stands as the cornerstone strategy, with ‘high-quality, full employment’ taking center stage alongside vocational skill development across all age groups. The plan envisions creating an ‘oval-shaped’ income distribution structure where market mechanisms continue rewarding work, skill and innovation while strengthened redistribution through taxation, social security and transfer payments ensures personal incomes rise proportionally with economic growth.

    Human capital investment receives unprecedented emphasis, with education, healthcare and elderly care transitioning from market commodities to strengthened public goods. Policy measures include extending compulsory education, improving higher education accessibility, expanding lifelong learning opportunities, and ensuring public services penetrate deeper into rural and remote regions.

    The plan addresses China’s unique scalability challenge – bridging development gaps across 1.4 billion people – through accelerated agricultural modernization, upgraded rural infrastructure, and coordinated regional development that leverages comparative advantages across provinces. Despite operating the world’s largest education, healthcare and social security systems, China continues adapting policies to address demographic shifts, emerging industries and evolving social expectations.

    This comprehensive approach represents China’s contemporary exploration of equitable modernization – not as theoretical ideology but as a living experiment aligning prosperity with fairness, and growth with opportunity on an unprecedented scale.

  • Neighbors’ cross-border clashes spike

    Neighbors’ cross-border clashes spike

    Tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border have dramatically escalated into declared open warfare, with both nations reporting significant military casualties and engaging in reciprocal airstrikes against military installations. The conflict reached a critical juncture on Friday when Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif declared that “our cup of patience has overflowed,” explicitly characterizing the situation as “open war” between the neighboring nations.

    According to security sources, Pakistani forces conducted targeted airstrikes against Afghan military offices and strategic positions across multiple provinces including Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia. Simultaneously, ground operations intensified at various locations along the shared border region. The Taliban-led Afghan government confirmed these strikes while launching retaliatory attacks against Pakistani military installations, though simultaneously calling for diplomatic resolution to the escalating crisis.

    Visual evidence disseminated by Pakistani security officials depicted intense artillery exchanges illuminating night skies along the frontier, while footage from Kabul revealed substantial plumes of black smoke rising from targeted sites with significant fires visible throughout the capital. Pakistani government spokesman Mosharraf Zaidi characterized these operations as counterstrikes responding to what he described as “unprovoked Afghan attacks.”

    The human cost of the conflict remains sharply disputed between the two nations. Pakistani military spokesman Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry reported at least 12 Pakistani soldiers killed while claiming 274 Taliban officials and militants neutralized since Thursday night. Conversely, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid asserted 55 Pakistani soldiers killed and 19 posts captured, with eight Taliban fighters killed and both military and civilian casualties reported in Nangarhar Province.

    The international community has responded with growing concern to the border crisis. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is closely monitoring developments while urging compliance with international law and civilian protection. Russian authorities have called for immediate cessation of cross-border attacks and diplomatic resolution, while China has emerged as a key mediation force through its diplomatic channels.

    Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning emphasized that both nations “are neighbors that cannot be moved away” while expressing profound concern about the escalation. Beijing has positioned itself as a constructive mediator, advocating for ceasefire implementation, restraint, and dialogue-based conflict resolution. Historical context reveals this escalation follows similar hostilities in October that required mediation by Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, with Riyadh’s foreign office confirming ongoing discussions about tension reduction.

    The core dispute centers on Pakistan’s longstanding accusations that Afghanistan harbors militants conducting cross-border attacks—claims consistently denied by Afghan authorities who maintain that Pakistan’s security challenges constitute an internal matter. This fundamental disagreement continues to fuel one of South Asia’s most volatile border conflicts despite international intervention attempts.

  • Press center for two sessions opens

    Press center for two sessions opens

    Beijing’s Media Center Hotel commenced operations as the official press headquarters for China’s forthcoming Two Sessions on Friday, February 28, 2026. The facility will support comprehensive media coverage of the nation’s most significant annual political gatherings, with registration figures exceeding 3,000 domestic and international journalists.

    The press center will facilitate reporting on the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), scheduled to commence on March 5, and the parallel session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), opening March 4. Official statistics indicate the NPC currently comprises nearly 3,000 deputies, while the CPPCC National Committee maintains over 2,100 members.

    Media representation demonstrates substantial international interest, with more than 1,000 journalists from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and foreign news organizations joining over 2,000 mainland-based reporters. The press center has committed to operating with transparency while providing extensive logistical support and professional services to all accredited media personnel.

    Key agenda items include the preliminary review of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) framework and the draft government work report. This legislative session holds particular significance as it marks the inaugural year of the new five-year development cycle.

    Three major press conferences will address critical policy areas: economic development, social welfare initiatives, and foreign affairs. Senior officials from relevant State Council departments will elaborate on policy directions and address matters of both domestic and international concern.

    Veteran Hong Kong journalist Kai Lei of Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group, with over two decades of Two Sessions coverage experience, emphasized his particular focus on regional integration strategies. ‘We’re closely monitoring how Hong Kong can enhance its role as an international bridge during the 15th Five-Year Plan period,’ Lei stated, highlighting special interest in technological innovation opportunities following December’s Central Economic Work Conference proposal to establish the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as an international sci-tech innovation hub.

  • China balances GDP growth with air quality

    China balances GDP growth with air quality

    China has accomplished a remarkable environmental milestone by simultaneously boosting economic output and dramatically reducing air pollution levels throughout its 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025). Official data from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment reveals unprecedented progress in the nation’s atmospheric conditions while maintaining robust economic growth.

    According to Li Tianwei, Director of the Ministry’s Department of Atmospheric Environment, China achieved a 30 percent expansion in Gross Domestic Product while reducing the national average concentration of PM2.5 particulate matter by 20 percent during the five-year timeframe. This dual accomplishment demonstrates the effectiveness of China’s integrated approach to environmental management and economic development.

    The statistical evidence shows substantial improvements across multiple metrics. The number of urban centers meeting national air quality standards increased significantly from 206 to 246 cities. Particularly noteworthy is the performance of China’s economic powerhouses—the 29 cities with GDP exceeding 1 trillion yuan ($145.8 billion)—which achieved an average PM2.5 concentration of 27.8 micrograms per cubic meter, surpassing the national average.

    Beijing’s transformation stands as a particularly compelling case study. Through twelve years of sustained pollution control measures, the capital reduced its annual average PM2.5 density from 89.5 mcg/cu m in 2013 to just 27 mcg/cu m in 2025. This represents one of the most dramatic air quality improvements recorded in any major global city.

    The Ministry is implementing upgraded air quality standards effective March 1, establishing a transitional annual limit of 30 mcg/cu m for PM2.5 until 2030, with plans to tighten this further to 25 mcg/cu m thereafter. These standards represent a significant enhancement over the previous 2012 benchmark of 35 mcg/cu m.

    Additional indicators confirm the comprehensive nature of China’s air quality achievements. During summer 2025, the nation recorded 97 consecutive days with air quality indexes below 100—the first time such an extended period of consistently good air quality has been documented. Nationwide, cities at prefecture level and above achieved an average PM2.5 concentration of 28 mcg/cu m in 2025, with heavy pollution days accounting for just 0.9 percent of the year. Excluding dust weather impacts, the proportion of days with good air quality reached 89.3 percent, establishing new records across all three monitoring indicators.

  • Pakistan says it killed more than 300 Afghan forces in dayslong airstrikes inside Afghanistan

    Pakistan says it killed more than 300 Afghan forces in dayslong airstrikes inside Afghanistan

    The volatile Pakistan-Afghanistan border has erupted into intense military confrontation, with both nations exchanging lethal airstrikes and artillery fire across the Torkham border region. The conflict escalated dramatically when Pakistani forces, utilizing air power and heavy artillery, targeted Afghan military installations deep inside Afghan territory overnight into Saturday.

    According to Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, these operations resulted in devastating losses for Afghan forces, with over 300 casualties and more than 500 wounded. Pakistani authorities reported the destruction of 102 Afghan military posts, capture of 22 additional positions, and elimination of 163 tanks and armored vehicles across 37 locations.

    The current cycle of violence began Thursday night when Afghan forces launched retaliatory strikes against what they described as Pakistani military aggression. Islamabad maintains its initial operations targeted seven training camps and hideouts of the outlawed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Pakistan alleges receives sanctuary from Afghanistan’s Taliban government—a claim both the TTP and Afghan authorities consistently deny.

    Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry countered with claims of successful attacks on Pakistani military bases in Miranshah and Spin Wam, destroying installations and inflicting heavy casualties. Local Afghan officials additionally accused Pakistan of striking civilian areas, reporting at least 11 civilian deaths and destruction of residential properties—allegations Pakistan denies, insisting it exclusively targets military infrastructure.

    The rhetorical warfare matches the intensity of physical combat. Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid declared their strikes delivered “a message that our hands can reach their throats,” while Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif stated unequivocally on social media: “Our patience has now run out. Now it is open war between us.”

    The human toll extends beyond combatants, with hundreds of border residents fleeing to safer areas and Afghan refugees stranded at crossing points. Civilian testimonies describe families trapped by fighting and struggling to obtain food during Ramadan. Multiple international actors including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and China have initiated mediation efforts to de-escalate tensions, with Qatari officials already engaging both nations’ foreign ministers.

  • China to accelerate lunar mission plans this year

    China to accelerate lunar mission plans this year

    China has officially intensified its lunar exploration timeline, announcing a major acceleration in infrastructure development critical to its ambitious manned moon mission program. The China Manned Space Agency confirmed on Friday that 2026 will witness a full-throttle push to complete essential facilities at the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan province.

    The comprehensive development encompasses not only launch infrastructure but also sophisticated ground support systems including advanced telemetry, tracking networks, command centers, communications technology, and landing site preparations. This infrastructure surge supports the concurrent development of the program’s flagship vehicles: the Long March 10 heavy-lift carrier rocket, the Mengzhou crew spacecraft, and the Lanyue lunar lander.

    Technical milestones already achieved include successful pad abort and maximum dynamic pressure escape tests for the Mengzhou spacecraft, along with comprehensive landing and takeoff demonstrations for the Lanyue lander. The Long March 10 rocket has completed critical static ignition and low-altitude flight tests, demonstrating substantial progress toward operational readiness.

    The mission architecture involves a sophisticated orbital dance: two separate Long March 10 launches will deliver the Lanyue lander and Mengzhou spacecraft to lunar orbit. After achieving orbital synchronization, the vehicles will dock, allowing two astronauts to transfer to the lander for descent to the lunar surface. Surface operations will utilize the Tansuo rover for scientific exploration and sample collection before the crew returns to the orbiting spacecraft for Earth return.

    In a parallel development, the agency revealed that astronauts selected from Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions will likely undertake their inaugural spaceflights this year. This historic inclusion follows China’s June 2024 selection of its fourth astronaut cohort, which for the first time included payload specialists from these regions. The 2026 schedule also includes two manned spaceflights and one cargo mission to the Tiangong space station, underscoring China’s broad commitment to space exploration.

  • Three-time Melbourne Cup-winning horse Makybe Diva dies at 26

    Three-time Melbourne Cup-winning horse Makybe Diva dies at 26

    MELBOURNE, Australia — The Australian horse racing community is mourning the loss of an unparalleled champion as Makybe Diva, the only thoroughbred in history to claim three consecutive Melbourne Cup victories, has passed away at age 26. The legendary mare succumbed to a sudden onset of colic at her retirement stable near Geelong, outside Melbourne, on Saturday.

    Owner Tony Santic, who named the champion horse by combining the first two letters of five employees’ names (Maureen, Kylie, Belinda, Diane, and Vanessa), confirmed the passing in an emotional statement. The Croatian-born tuna fisherman turned racing magnate described Makybe Diva not merely as a racehorse but as cherished family, emphasizing the profound joy she brought daily alongside her historic racing achievements.

    Makybe Diva’s extraordinary career spanned from 2003 to 2005, during which she dominated Australia’s most prestigious racing event—the 3,200-meter Melbourne Cup held annually at Flemington racecourse. This iconic competition, established in 1861 and celebrated as a public holiday in Victoria state, earns its reputation as ‘the race that stops a nation.’ The champion mare accumulated approximately 14 million Australian dollars (equivalent to $10 million USD) in prize money throughout her celebrated career.

    Jockey Glen Boss, who partnered with Makybe Diva for all three historic victories, reflected on their partnership last year, acknowledging that his role was simply to avoid disappointing the exceptional athlete. The racing legend’s passing has triggered an outpouring of tributes across Australia’s sporting community, with Victorian Racing Club chairman Neil Wilson noting that Makybe Diva ‘transcended the sport of racing’ and created ‘among the most iconic achievements in Australian sporting history.’