Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Guangdong enables lifelong learning for residents through new platform

    Guangdong enables lifelong learning for residents through new platform

    In a groundbreaking educational initiative, Guangdong province has unveiled a comprehensive digital learning platform designed to provide lifelong educational opportunities for its entire population of 129 million residents. The southern Chinese economic powerhouse launched this innovative system on Wednesday as part of its strategy to strengthen human resources amid rapid technological transformation.

    The platform, described by officials as a “super learning ecosystem,” represents a strategic provincial government project aimed at supporting residents’ continuous skill development. Sponsored by the education work leading group of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, the initiative brings together multiple government departments including the Provincial Publicity Department, Education Department, and Human Resources and Social Security Department.

    Hu Jinjun, head of the Provincial Publicity Department, emphasized the project’s significance, stating that “building a comprehensive lifelong learning system is a strategic, pioneering and foundational project” that aligns with both provincial development goals and citizens’ aspirations for improved quality of life. He noted that the outdated concept of relying on a single skillset throughout one’s career has become obsolete in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.

    The platform features a unified portal providing full network access to educational resources, including a “course supermarket” offering curated selections from provincial and national providers. This infrastructure enables residents to access free courses anytime, anywhere, addressing the growing need for continuous skill upgrading.

    Du Minqi, deputy director of the Provincial Human Resources Department, highlighted how the platform responds to Guangdong’s industrial transformation: “As Guangdong accelerates the development of new quality productive forces and builds a stronger modern industrial system, new technologies represented by AI are advancing rapidly, creating numerous digital and interdisciplinary jobs that demand enhanced worker skills.”

    Academic experts praised the platform’s innovative approach. Professor Zhang Taofu of Fudan University described it as “a leapfrog innovation in learning philosophy and models” that systematically addresses core questions about where to learn, what to learn, and how to learn. Professor Zhong Zhijin of Sun Yat-sen University noted the platform’s timely response to the needs of “human-machine symbiosis era,” where independent learning and broad knowledge horizons are essential for maintaining human autonomy.

    The platform launch coincides with plans for public learning competitions covering topics from national defense literacy to Cantonese folk songs, further stimulating public engagement with continuous education. For retirees like Chen Jianfu from Guangzhou’s Tianhe district, the platform represents an valuable opportunity for personal development and community connection.

  • Online roles of teachers stir debate

    Online roles of teachers stir debate

    China’s educational landscape faces a new digital frontier as educators increasingly transition from traditional classrooms to becoming viral content creators on short-video platforms. This emerging phenomenon has sparked intense national debate regarding professional ethics, student protections, and the very definition of teaching in the digital age.

    Across platforms like Douyin, numerous accounts self-identifying as ‘experienced teachers’ have amassed substantial followings through content ranging from subject tutorials to classroom comedy skits. These teacher-influencers often simultaneously operate merchandise windows promoting educational materials and consumer products, creating a complex intersection between education and commerce.

    The practice has raised significant concerns among education experts and the public alike. Documented cases include educators filming classroom content during instructional hours, featuring students as unpaid extras in viral videos, and conducting live sales streams while ostensibly fulfilling teaching responsibilities.

    Legal frameworks provide some guidance. Ministry of Education guidelines explicitly prohibit teachers from ‘engaging in part-time work for payment that affects the performance of their primary duties.’ Additionally, China’s Civil Code protects individuals’ image rights, requiring consent from students and guardians for any commercial use of their likeness.

    Education specialists advocate for nuanced approaches rather than outright prohibition. Professor Cai Zhenhua of Xiangtan University acknowledges the potential benefits of digital innovation in education, particularly for addressing resource inequality. However, he emphasizes establishing clear boundaries based on three criteria: interference with primary duties, infringement of student rights, and impact on educational equity.

    Professor Gao Hang of Renmin University highlights more severe implications, noting that student-focused content can expose minors to privacy violations and psychological harm. ‘Some videos feature close-ups of students, exposing biological information that could be misused with AI tools for illegal activities,’ Gao warned. He also expressed concern about content that attracts inappropriate commentary toward young students.

    Both experts recommend comprehensive management systems including preemptive content review mechanisms, ongoing monitoring of teacher accounts, and consequences linking online behavior to professional evaluations. They stress that while teachers deserve personal expression rights, their demonstrated public influence requires higher ethical standards regarding commercial activities and student protections.

    The resolution likely requires balanced approaches that harness digital innovation’s benefits while safeguarding educational integrity and未成年 protections.

  • Bonded zone in Xiong’an gets nod

    Bonded zone in Xiong’an gets nod

    Xiong’an New Area has reached a significant milestone in its development as the comprehensive bonded zone received official approval for its second phase, enabling full operational capacity. The General Administration of Customs granted formal approval on Tuesday, allowing the entire 0.63-square-kilometer facility to commence complete operations following verification that all infrastructure met regulatory standards.

    The newly activated second phase, spanning 0.21 square kilometers, will specialize in high-end manufacturing, intelligent logistics systems, research and development design services, and comprehensive inspection and maintenance operations. This expansion integrates seamlessly with the initial phase to create substantially enhanced industrial development space within the strategic economic zone.

    According to Zhang Jing, deputy director of the Xiong’an Free Trade Zone administrative committee, the fully operational bonded zone represents a special customs supervision area offering the highest level of openness and most favorable policies available. The facility will serve as a cornerstone for implementing the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei coordinated development strategy while advancing Xiong’an New Area’s transformation into a modern, high-standard urban center.

    The zone has already demonstrated substantial economic impact, recording over 60 billion yuan ($8.8 billion) in total import and export value during the previous year. To date, 121 enterprises have registered within the zone, including 47 customs-registered companies and three subsidiaries of central State-owned enterprises, with industrial projects attracting 520 million yuan in investment.

    Customs authorities have implemented innovative clearance models including direct loading for exports and streamlined inspection protocols for imports. The zone has pioneered intelligent automatic inspection systems and supports mixed container shipments combining domestic and foreign trade goods. Core policies such as ‘classified supervision’ have enabled significant reductions in transportation and operational costs for enterprises.

    Li Yufeng, deputy head of Xiong’an Customs, emphasized ongoing enhancements to supervision services including one-stop clearance procedures, improved logistics connectivity with surrounding ports, and the implementation of advanced technologies including internet of things and blockchain systems to develop sophisticated digital supervision models.

    Enterprise representatives reported substantial operational benefits, with Yuan Longzhou, deputy general manager of Xiong’an Electronic Port Co, noting that authorities have provided comprehensive support including warehouse rent subsidies and assistance with local hiring. The construction of a dedicated airfreight station has significantly streamlined customs clearance processes for import and export goods.

    Established with State Council approval in June 2023, the bonded zone represents a critical component of China’s continued push for high-level opening-up and regional economic integration, creating what officials describe as a ‘dual-engine opening pattern’ that combines the advantages of both the bonded zone and free trade zone mechanisms.

  • ‘Shirtless’ protest at AI summit sparks political storm in India

    ‘Shirtless’ protest at AI summit sparks political storm in India

    A dramatic demonstration at Delhi’s prestigious India AI Impact Summit has escalated into a significant political confrontation, exposing deep divisions over democratic expression in the world’s largest democracy. Members of the Indian Youth Congress, the youth wing of the primary opposition party, orchestrated a striking protest on February 20th during the summit’s closing ceremonies.

    The protesters executed a carefully staged demonstration where they removed their jackets to reveal T-shirts criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration. Subsequently, they removed these shirts entirely while vocalizing strong opposition to rising unemployment rates and a proposed India-US trade agreement they claim would adversely affect farmers, small businesses, and youth employment prospects.

    The visual documentation of this event rapidly circulated across social media platforms, triggering intense national discourse regarding appropriate forms and venues for political protest. This incident proved particularly contentious given the summit’s significance as a landmark gathering for artificial intelligence development in India and the Global South, featuring prominent international figures including Sam Altman and Dario Amodei.

    Law enforcement authorities responded by arresting eight Youth Congress members, including National President Uday Bhanu Chib, on charges including rioting, criminal conspiracy, and unlawful assembly. Police allege the protest deliberately violated security protocols and involved jostling of officers, while investigators maintain Chib functioned as the ‘mastermind’ despite not being physically present at the demonstration.

    The political fallout has reached the highest levels of government, with Prime Minister Modi condemning the Congress party for allegedly tarnishing India’s international standing. Conversely, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has characterized the arrests as evidence of the government’s ‘dictatorial tendencies,’ defending the protest as legitimate patriotic expression rather than criminal activity.

    This incident has ignited broader philosophical debates about democratic norms, with media outlets and political analysts offering polarized perspectives. Some commentators have criticized the protest as an inappropriate spectacle that undermined a significant international event, while others have defended it as a valid exercise of democratic dissent within important public forums.

    The judicial proceedings continue as Chib remains in police custody, with his legal representatives challenging the evidentiary basis for conspiracy charges. The case has subsequently inspired additional protests from Youth Congress members, ensuring this political confrontation remains at the forefront of India’s ongoing discourse about the boundaries between legitimate protest and public disruption.

  • Tianjin team pioneers circuitry leap

    Tianjin team pioneers circuitry leap

    A research team from Tianjin University has achieved a groundbreaking advancement in flexible electronics by developing an ultra-rapid, cost-effective method for printing high-performance electronic circuits directly onto complex three-dimensional surfaces. This technological leap addresses longstanding challenges in manufacturing circuits on non-planar structures and promises to accelerate innovation in robotic systems, wearable technology, and multiple industrial applications.

    The core innovation involves a novel approach utilizing commercially available thermoplastic films that contract when heated, enabling them to conform tightly to irregular shapes ranging from robotic appendages to aerodynamic surfaces and even human fingers. The research team, led by Jiang Chengjie, overcame the critical limitation of conventional metal conductors—which typically fracture during film contraction—by engineering a specialized semiliquid metal material boasting exceptional electrical conductivity and fluid properties.

    Through sophisticated pre-calculation simulations, the researchers developed a printing technology that precisely applies circuit patterns onto flat thermoplastic sheets. When subjected to warm water or hot air at approximately 70°C, these two-dimensional circuits transform into perfectly fitted three-dimensional configurations within a remarkable five-second timeframe. The resulting circuits demonstrate extraordinary mechanical resilience, maintaining stable electrical performance through 5,000 cycles of bending and twisting stress tests.

    The practical applications are already demonstrating significant potential. In embodied intelligence, the team has created customized tactile sensor arrays for robotic arms and heads, effectively granting machines sensitive electronic skin capabilities. They’ve additionally developed an intelligent glove integrating pressure and temperature sensors that enables robots to identify objects through touch with 97% accuracy.

    Beyond robotics, this technology shows promising applications across smart agriculture, aerospace engineering, and healthcare technology. Specific implementations include environmental monitoring systems, aircraft wing de-icing mechanisms, and advanced wearable health sensors. The circuits have additionally proven reliable adhesion on challenging surfaces including polytetrafluoroethylene, moist wood, and rough plaster—significantly expanding potential use cases across industries.

  • China’s top legislature concludes standing committee session

    China’s top legislature concludes standing committee session

    The 21st session of China’s 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee concluded in Beijing on February 26, 2026, marking significant legislative and personnel developments ahead of the upcoming annual parliamentary meeting. Presided over by NPC Standing Committee Chairman Zhao Leji, the closing session witnessed several critical decisions that will shape the country’s legislative agenda.

    In a notable personnel change, lawmakers voted to remove Wang Xiangxi from his position as Minister of Emergency Management. The decision was subsequently formalized through a presidential order signed by President Xi Jinping. The session also addressed various organizational matters, including the approval of deputy qualification reports and additional personnel-related bills.

    Legislators gave preliminary approval to the draft work report of the NPC Standing Committee, with the Council of Chairpersons recommending that Chairman Zhao Leji deliver this report during the forthcoming fourth session of the 14th NPC. The committee further adopted the draft agenda for the NPC session and proposed the composition of the session’s presidium and secretary-general, which will be submitted to the preparatory meeting for deliberation.

    Addressing the assembly, Chairman Zhao emphasized the significance of the upcoming NPC session, which will review and approve China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) and deliberate on several crucial legislative documents. These include the draft environmental code, the draft law on promoting ethnic unity and progress, and the draft law on national development planning.

    Zhao called upon committee members to maintain focus on the central priorities of the Party and the nation while executing their statutory responsibilities with heightened dedication. He stressed the importance of embracing suggestions from deputies and welcoming supervisory input to ensure the annual NPC session proceeds with efficiency and pragmatism.

    The session concluded with Chairman Zhao presiding over a meeting of the Council of Chairpersons and a subsequent lecture for lawmakers, underscoring the educational component of the legislative process.

  • Tourists flocking to site with Mars theme

    Tourists flocking to site with Mars theme

    A pioneering Mars-themed educational tourism complex in China’s northwestern Gobi Desert has emerged as an unexpected hub for blending space exploration with traditional Lunar New Year celebrations, signaling a transformative shift in how modern families approach cultural holidays.

    The Mars Base 1 Camp, strategically situated within the crimson-rock terrain of Jinchang, Gansu Province, has experienced remarkable visitor growth during the recent Spring Festival period. This innovative destination has successfully merged astronomical education with cultural preservation through cutting-edge technological experiences.

    During the holiday season, the facility introduced a novel ‘cosmic blessings’ ceremony where participants attached handwritten wishes to miniature rocket models that were ceremonially launched into the desert sky. The base creatively integrated traditional dragon dances and lion performances against its otherworldly backdrop, while incorporating digital innovations including virtual lantern displays and augmented reality red envelope games.

    According to municipal tourism authorities, the complex recorded approximately 503,000 visits throughout 2025, representing a near doubling of its previous year’s attendance figures. This growth trajectory positions the facility among the region’s most rapidly expanding cultural-educational tourism destinations.

    Chen Guohai, Deputy Director of Jinchang’s Cultural and Tourism Bureau, explained the philosophical approach: “We’re reimagining traditional blessing rituals through aerospace technology, enabling visitors to experience festive customs within an interstellar context. This fusion represents how technological advancement can empower cultural tourism while preserving our heritage.”

    Developed with collaboration from aerospace research institutions, the base stands as China’s inaugural immersive Mars simulation environment. Located merely thirty minutes from Jinchang’s urban center, the facility features meticulously designed habitat modules, rover replicas, and mission-oriented activity zones that replicate extraterrestrial living conditions.

    Beyond its recreational appeal, the complex serves significant academic functions. Peking University’s School of Earth and Space Sciences has designated the Martian landscape simulation as an official multidisciplinary training base, enabling students to conduct field research and environmental simulations under extreme conditions.

    Founder Bai Fan articulated the project’s dual mission: “Our objective centers on promoting public engagement with space science while establishing deeply immersive learning environments. Visitors can investigate simulated survival systems, examine hydroponic agricultural installations, and participate in realistic astronaut training exercises.”

    The destination’s popularity underscores broader transformations within China’s tourism sector, where science-oriented, experiential attractions are increasingly driving cultural consumption patterns. Local authorities have strategically incorporated the base into regional Spring Festival initiatives that interconnect scenic attractions, winter sports facilities, and culinary promotions through discounted access programs.

  • Shell waste technology reaps rewards for Zhanjiang

    Shell waste technology reaps rewards for Zhanjiang

    Researchers from Lingnan Normal University in Zhanjiang, Guangdong province, have pioneered an innovative biotechnology that converts discarded shrimp and crab shells into high-value materials with significant applications in food preservation and aquaculture sustainability. Led by Professor Liu Kaidong and Liang Fengyan from the School of Life Science and Technology, the team has developed advanced chitosan extraction and modification techniques that address both environmental concerns and economic opportunities.

    The technology centers on extracting chitin from seafood waste and transforming it into chitosan through deacetylation processes. This natural polysaccharide possesses remarkable antibacterial properties and complete biodegradability. Through functional modification and forming processing techniques including dip-coating/spray-coating film formation, ionic-covalent cross-linking, and microencapsulation, the researchers have created multifunctional materials that leverage chitosan’s inherent film-forming capabilities combined with natural plant extracts.

    In agricultural applications, the chitosan-based preservation systems extend fruit and vegetable shelf life by 200-300%, significantly reducing post-harvest losses. Specific results include extending lychee’s ambient freshness to 6-8 days and reducing papaya decay rates below 5%. Compared to traditional chemical preservatives, this approach offers superior safety and environmental compatibility while enabling price premiums of 10-20% for quality produce.

    Aquaculture applications demonstrate even more dramatic impacts, with pathogen inhibition exceeding 90% against organisms like Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The technology reduces vibriosis incidence below 5% while increasing survival rates by 15-25% across crustaceans, fish, and shellfish. Implementation methods include water dispersion and feed supplementation, though careful concentration management is required for delicate species like sea cucumber and abalone fry.

    The economic implications for Zhanjiang—China’s renowned ‘seafood capital’—are substantial. Annual projections indicate reduction of fruit and vegetable losses by 300,000-750,000 metric tons, generating additional revenue of 600 million to 1.5 billion yuan. Shrimp production could increase by 80,000-240,000 tons annually with comprehensive direct benefits reaching 3-8.5 billion yuan while reducing cultivation costs by 500-1,000 yuan per mu.

    This technological breakthrough addresses critical environmental challenges posed by marine solid waste while creating substantial economic value. The research team continues to promote integration between scientific advancement and local industrial development, driving sustainable growth in the marine economy through innovative green technologies.

  • Netizens captivated by pony figurines

    Netizens captivated by pony figurines

    In an extraordinary fusion of classical artistry and contemporary design, Shandong Art Museum’s Mabiaobiao pony figurines have emerged as a cultural phenomenon across China. These meticulously handcrafted creations, whose name translates to “spirited little horse,” have captivated netizens and art enthusiasts alike, generating over 900,000 yuan ($130,546) in sales since their introduction.

    The artistic journey began in September 2025 when Jinan-bordering Zibo’s Xiaoxiami polymer clay studio received a unique commission: to interpret over 200 paintings by legendary Chinese artist Qi Baishi (1864-1957) into three-dimensional forms. While Qi remains celebrated for his traditional shrimp and floral paintings, the studio’s team found particular inspiration in his dynamic, rarely featured equestrian artwork.

    “Translating Qi’s free and lively artistic spirit into clay presented significant artistic challenges,” acknowledged Wang Zhi, the studio director. Specializing in realistic sculpture, Wang assembled a team of artists who spent months perfecting their technique to preserve the essence of Qi’s distinctive brushwork. The most complex aspect proved to be recreating the horse’s flowing mane, which ultimately led to the innovative use of natural sheep wool for its softness, durability, and styling versatility.

    The breakthrough moment arrived when the first batch of completed ponies with their extravagant manes sparked spontaneous creativity within the studio. “We couldn’t resist braiding different hairstyles for them,” Wang recalled, unwittingly establishing the customizable feature that would become the product’s signature appeal.

    Social media platforms including Xiaohongshu and Weibo rapidly amplified the phenomenon, with users sharing affectionate posts and styling suggestions. The museum embraced this collaborative relationship, incorporating netizen feedback on hair color, body tone, and volume into subsequent designs. Popular demand prompted new color variations in pink and blue, while early comments about thin manes inspired a fluffier redesign.

    At the museum’s retail space, visitors meticulously examine each pony’s unique mane texture, curl pattern, and volume. “Each piece is distinctive—we can create pigtails or spiky hairstyles according to our preferences, essentially owning an exclusive companion,” remarked student Liu, who had just acquired one.

    The figurines’ success stems from their unique positioning between artistic heritage and daily life. “Mabiaobiao carries the soaring energy of Qi’s horse, embodying the belief that ‘steady steps cover a thousand miles,’ while its authentic appearance brings lofty art into people’s daily experiences,” explained Cui Wentao, deputy director of Shandong Art Museum.

    Each sculpture undergoes meticulous hand-shaping, baking, and finishing processes, with any imperfections necessitating complete restart. This painstaking craftsmanship results in limited availability, yet visitors patiently await the opportunity to acquire these unique artistic companions that successfully bridge centuries of Chinese cultural expression with modern creative consumption.

  • Measures to spur services consumption

    Measures to spur services consumption

    In a strategic move to rebalance its economic model, China has unveiled comprehensive sector-specific measures designed to catalyze growth in services consumption. This initiative, spearheaded by the State Council, targets the cultivation of new economic drivers as the nation navigates a significant structural shift in domestic demand, where spending on services is rapidly eclipsing goods consumption as a primary growth engine.

    The detailed work plan, released in late January, focuses on two tiers of service sectors. For established sectors like transportation, domestic services, online audiovisual content, tourism, automotive aftermarket, and inbound consumption, the strategy emphasizes enhancing service quality, expanding pilot programs, creating innovative consumption scenarios, and developing professional talent.

    For emerging potential sectors—including performance arts, sports events, and emotion/experience-oriented services—the plan outlines measures to refine incentive mechanisms, strengthen safety protocols, cultivate premium brands, and construct supporting digital and physical platforms.

    This consumption-focused transition comes amid persistent external demand uncertainties. Officials highlight that China’s consumption structure is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Ministry of Commerce data reveals that between 2020 and 2025, per capita service consumption expenditure grew at an impressive 8.5% annual rate. Services now constitute 46.1% of total household spending, marking a 3.5 percentage point increase over the five-year period.

    To operationalize this vision, the Ministries of Commerce and Finance have launched extensive pilot programs across 50 selected cities with a combined population exceeding 480 million. These cities, which account for over half of national retail sales, have received an initial fiscal injection of 8.6 billion yuan ($1.25 billion) to test innovative consumption models and business formats.

    The economic impact is already materializing. National Bureau of Statistics data shows service retail sales grew 5.5% year-on-year in 2025, outpacing goods retail sales by 1.7 percentage points. Sub-sectors including culture, sports, tourism, and transportation all maintained robust double-digit growth.

    Winter tourism exemplifies this surge. China’s ski resorts recorded 118 million visits during the November 2025-January 2026 peak season, generating 69.15 billion yuan in spending through 890 million transactions—a 6% annual increase. Particularly striking was the 89.2% surge in overseas visitors hitting Chinese slopes.

    Concurrently, China is aggressively opening its services sector to international consumers through extended visa-free policies covering over 40 countries until December 2026 and expanded visa-free transit arrangements at 65 ports. The effectiveness is undeniable: Spring Festival period flight bookings to China skyrocketed 400% year-on-year, with Argentine travelers showing a 900% increase and European nations exceeding 200% growth.

    The comprehensive strategy represents more than economic rebalancing—it aligns with broader social priorities including aging-in-place services for a graying population, cultural enrichment, and sustainable tourism development that distributes economic benefits beyond traditional coastal manufacturing hubs.

    As Yuekai Securities Chief Economist Luo Zhiheng notes, with China’s per capita GDP exceeding $10,000, consumption upgrading is accelerating rapidly. However, services’ share in household spending remains below the 60-70% typical in developed economies, indicating substantial expansion potential still lies ahead in China’s consumption transformation journey.