Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Starmer says ‘good progress’ on tariffs and visa-free travel in China talks

    Starmer says ‘good progress’ on tariffs and visa-free travel in China talks

    In a landmark diplomatic engagement, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer concluded a historically significant meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, marking the first UK prime ministerial visit to China in eight years. The extensive 80-minute dialogue yielded substantial progress on multiple fronts while addressing contentious bilateral issues.

    The summit produced concrete agreements including reduced tariffs for British whisky exports, potential visa-free travel arrangements for UK citizens, and enhanced cooperation on combating irregular migration. A particularly significant outcome involves joint UK-China law enforcement efforts to disrupt criminal networks supplying small boat engines used for Channel crossings, with over 60% of these engines previously identified as Chinese-manufactured.

    President Xi characterized the relationship as having endured ‘necessary twists and turns’ while emphasizing the imperative of dialogue in today’s ‘turbulent and fluid’ global landscape. He acknowledged previous Labour governments’ contributions to Sino-British relations and invoked Chinese philosophical wisdom, urging both leaders to ‘range far your eye over long distances’ in pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation.

    The Prime Minister accompanied his diplomatic mission with a symbolic gesture—presenting President Xi with a football from the recent Premier League clash between Manchester United and Arsenal, reflecting their respective club allegiances while demonstrating cultural diplomacy.

    Despite these developments, the visit occurs amid heightened geopolitical tensions and domestic criticism. Opposition leaders have questioned the timing and substance of the engagement, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch advocating for alignment with nations sharing Britain’s strategic interests rather than those perceived as undermining Western economies.

  • Beijing on alert as Nipah virus spreads in India

    Beijing on alert as Nipah virus spreads in India

    Chinese health authorities have activated comprehensive monitoring protocols in response to the Nipah virus outbreak detected in India’s West Bengal region, while confirming zero domestic infections to date. The National Disease Control and Prevention Administration reported Tuesday that risk assessment measures have been intensified despite the relatively low probability of cross-border transmission.

    The Nipah virus, identified initially in Malaysia during the 1990s, represents a severe zoonotic pathogen with documented fatality rates ranging from 40% to 75% according to World Health Organization data. Transmission occurs primarily through fruit bats (the natural reservoir), pigs, and direct human-to-human contact. Clinical manifestations include high fever, respiratory distress, neurological complications, and potentially fatal encephalitis. No approved vaccines or specific antiviral treatments currently exist, with medical management limited to supportive care.

    Chinese health officials emphasized the virus’s limited environmental persistence, noting that “the risk of public exposure remains low” due to the pathogen’s vulnerability outside host organisms. Nevertheless, the administration has strengthened border surveillance capabilities, enhanced laboratory testing preparedness, and maintained strategic stockpiles of Nipah-specific nucleic acid detection kits across all provincial-level disease control centers.

    Notably, Chinese researchers have identified a promising therapeutic candidate—a repurposed COVID-19 antiviral demonstrating significant efficacy against Nipah in preliminary studies. This orally administered medication could potentially address the current treatment gap if clinical validation proves successful.

    Neighboring Asian nations have implemented coordinated response measures. Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority instituted mandatory health screenings for travelers arriving from West Bengal, while Myanmar heightened monitoring protocols due to its substantial fruit bat populations and shared borders with affected regions. Indian health authorities confirmed successful containment of the outbreak, with all 196 identified contacts testing negative following two confirmed cases.

    The global health community continues to monitor the situation, balancing vigilance against unnecessary alarm given the outbreak’s current geographical limitation and contained status.

  • International team gets close look at China’s grassroots policing

    International team gets close look at China’s grassroots policing

    FUJIAN, CHINA – An international delegation comprising police liaisons from 11 nations and international organization representatives recently concluded an immersive four-day inspection of China’s grassroots law enforcement systems in Fujian province. Organized by China’s Ministry of Public Security from January 12-15, the program offered unprecedented access to policing operations across multiple cities, challenging conventional perceptions of law enforcement institutions.

    The delegation’s itinerary included detailed examinations of police facilities in Fuzhou, Quanzhou, and Zhangzhou, where participants observed firsthand the integration of administrative services, technological innovation, and cultural sensitivity within local precincts. Brazilian Federal Police liaison officer Antonio de Padua Vieira Cavalcanti expressed surprise at the welcoming atmosphere within Chinese police stations, noting the stark contrast to more institutional environments in Brazil. “It is a very warm space where people can go to find services,” Cavalcanti remarked.

    A significant focus was placed on the renowned Zhangzhou 110 model, a rapid-response unit that has gained national recognition for its community-oriented approach. Philippine embassy police attache Marcy Salting praised the unit’s compassionate methodology, stating: “It really shows how compassionate you are. I really salute all of you, and I would say that I learned a lot from it.”

    The tour also highlighted China’s specialized environmental policing initiatives, with delegates visiting Luojiang district’s dedicated natural resources protection station. Jason Beatty, an attache with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, acknowledged China’s progressive approach to ecological enforcement, particularly noting efforts in tiger conservation and mangrove restoration. “A renewed focus on environmental policing is vital for human survival,” Beatty emphasized, stressing the importance of international cooperation in preserving ecosystems.

    Technological advancements formed another critical component of the demonstration, with China’s “AI Plus” initiative and big data systems for combating property crimes drawing particular interest. Sener Mavzer, counselor for security cooperation with the Turkish Gendarmerie, noted China’s impressive pace of advancement in crime prevention technology, expressing eagerness to learn from these systems.

    The program concluded with strengthened commitments to international collaboration, particularly in addressing transnational crimes and environmental offenses. German Federal Police attache Stefan Korting emphasized that understanding China’s policing history and specific systems through visits to police museums was key to building “a good future” of cooperative law enforcement.

  • Ultra-strong magnet sets world record

    Ultra-strong magnet sets world record

    Chinese scientists have achieved a monumental breakthrough in magnetic field technology by creating the world’s most powerful all-superconducting user magnet, registering an unprecedented central magnetic field strength of 35.6 tesla. This extraordinary achievement, accomplished at the Synergetic Extreme Condition User Facility in Beijing’s Huairou district, represents a magnetic force exceeding 700,000 times that of Earth’s natural magnetic field.

    The newly developed magnet stands as the globe’s sole superconducting apparatus capable of generating ultra-strong magnetic fields beyond 30 tesla specifically designed for scientific experimentation. This technological marvel distinguishes itself through its open-access architecture, enabling both domestic and international research teams to conduct cutting-edge material investigations under extreme experimental conditions.

    Superconducting magnet technology offers revolutionary advantages including zero electrical resistance, exceptional operational stability, and significantly reduced energy consumption when maintained at cryogenic temperatures. These characteristics make such instruments vital for advanced scientific infrastructure, medical imaging applications, and national defense technologies.

    The record-breaking performance was realized while maintaining a substantial 35-millimeter bore diameter, achieved through groundbreaking innovations in core technologies. The Institute of Electrical Engineering at the Chinese Academy of Sciences spearheaded revolutionary advances in magnet design and construction methodologies, while their counterparts at the CAS Institute of Physics conquered challenges related to precision measurement and system integration under extreme environmental conditions.

    According to CAS academician Wang Qiuliang, the current bore dimensions adequately accommodate most experimental requirements including nuclear magnetic resonance studies, specific heat measurements, and electrical resistance assessments. Research initiatives are already underway to expand the magnet’s bore diameter to support an even broader spectrum of measurement techniques.

    Professor Luo Jianlin from the Institute of Physics emphasized the significant operational cost advantages of all-superconducting magnets compared to conventional resistive magnets, noting that superconductors eliminate energy loss through their zero resistance properties. Future development plans target surpassing 40 tesla magnetic field strength while enhancing the refrigeration capacity of liquid helium systems to reduce long-term maintenance costs for ultra-low temperature environments.

  • China bans 73 people from soccer for life in latest anti-corruption controversy

    China bans 73 people from soccer for life in latest anti-corruption controversy

    In an unprecedented move to cleanse Chinese football of systemic corruption, authorities have issued lifetime bans to 73 individuals and imposed significant sporting penalties on nine top-flight clubs. The Chinese Football Association (CFA) announced these stringent measures on Thursday as part of its ongoing campaign against match-fixing and financial misconduct.

    Among the most prominent figures permanently barred from all football-related activities are Chen Xuyuan, former president of the CFA, and Li Tie, former national team manager and former Everton midfielder. Both officials were previously convicted in 2024 on corruption charges involving millions of dollars in bribery schemes. Li received a 20-year prison sentence while Chen was handed a life term for their roles in undermining the integrity of Chinese football.

    The disciplinary actions extend beyond individuals to club-level punishments. Shanghai Shenhua, last season’s runners-up, and Tianjin Jinmen Tigers face the most severe sanctions with 10-point deductions and fines of 1 million yuan ($143,788). Defending champions Shanghai Port will begin the 2026 season with a five-point deficit.

    CFA officials emphasized that the severity of punishments reflects ‘the amount, nature, seriousness and social impact of the improper transactions’ involved. This latest crackdown follows September’s disciplinary action that saw 43 officials and players receive lifetime bans, demonstrating the association’s commitment to its zero-tolerance policy against corruption.

    The sweeping measures represent the most comprehensive attempt to reform Chinese football since President Xi Jinping’s call to develop the sport nationwide, addressing deep-rooted issues that have plagued the country’s football development for years.

  • 2025 border crossings hit record high

    2025 border crossings hit record high

    China achieved an unprecedented milestone in cross-border mobility during 2025, with national immigration authorities processing a record-breaking 697 million border crossings—marking a substantial 14.2% increase from the previous year. This remarkable surge was primarily driven by the country’s expansive visa-free policies and enhanced immigration service efficiency.

    Foreign nationals accounted for over 82 million crossings, representing a 26% year-on-year increase, with more than 30 million entries occurring through visa-free channels. This visa-free segment witnessed nearly 50% growth compared to 2024, constituting 73% of all foreign entries into China.

    Domestic travel patterns showed equally impressive growth, with mainland residents making 335 million border crossings (up 15%) and residents from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan accounting for nearly 280 million crossings (a 10% increase).

    The National Immigration Administration’s spokeswoman Lyu Ning attributed this historic movement to comprehensive policy reforms and innovative measures designed to support high-quality development and stimulate economic momentum. Administrative enhancements included expanding the online travel document application pilot to 50 cities, resulting in 457,000 successful digital applications.

    Significant policy expansions featured the inclusion of Indonesia in the 240-hour visa-free transit program and the designation of five additional ports in Guangdong province for the scheme, bringing the national total to 65 eligible ports. Additionally, China launched visa-free entry for tourist groups from ASEAN countries visiting Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan province.

    Through coordinated efforts with relevant departments, China increased its unilateral visa-free countries to 48 and mutual visa exemption partners to 29, with 28 countries now granting unilateral visa-free access to Chinese citizens.

    These initiatives have significantly boosted the ‘Travel in China’ and ‘Shop in China’ campaigns while enhancing China’s global image as an open, inclusive, and dynamic destination. Ministry of Commerce data revealed that expanded visa-free policies and optimized tax refund measures nearly doubled sales of tax-refundable goods.

    China Tourism Academy President Dai Bin characterized 2025 as a landmark year for China’s institutional opening-up in tourism, noting the country’s leadership in tourism exchanges with Belt and Road Initiative partners across Southeast Asia, West Asia, Africa, and Latin America. European tourism exchanges have nearly returned to 2019 levels.

    Looking ahead to 2026 and the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), China is positioned to assume a greater role in global tourism development. The National Immigration Administration has committed to continuing the expansion and deepening of high-level opening-up policies, optimizing immigration measures, and responding to public demands to further drive economic and social development through continuous reform and innovation.

  • Domestic drugmakers take center stage in development, innovation

    Domestic drugmakers take center stage in development, innovation

    In a remarkable transformation of China’s healthcare landscape, domestic pharmaceutical companies are emerging as powerful innovators, delivering breakthrough treatments to patients at unprecedented affordability. The story of Zhang, a 38-year-old thyroid eye disease patient in Beijing, exemplifies this shift. His access to a novel domestic injection—the first new treatment for his condition in China in over seven decades—comes at a fraction of the cost of foreign equivalents, thanks to its inclusion in the national reimbursement drug list.

    This patient-centric revolution stems from comprehensive regulatory reforms, substantial capital investments, and a strategic focus on research innovation. While drug development remains notoriously challenging—typically requiring a decade and approximately $1 billion per successful medication with a 90% failure rate—Chinese companies are defying these odds through systematic advancements.

    China’s regulatory framework now recognizes two distinct categories of novel drugs: improved formulations of existing treatments (such as Zhang’s injection) and truly innovative drugs containing new molecular entities. This classification system has created a structured pathway for pharmaceutical advancement, encouraging both incremental improvements and groundbreaking discoveries.

    The expansion of Beijing’s national reimbursement drug list for 2026 has been instrumental in making cutting-edge treatments accessible to ordinary citizens. Patients who previously faced financial barriers to innovative therapies now receive coverage for domestically developed medications, creating a virtuous cycle that rewards innovation while improving public health outcomes.

    Industry analysts attribute this biopharmaceutical renaissance to three key factors: streamlined regulatory approval processes that reduce development timelines, increased venture capital flowing into life sciences, and a growing pool of scientific talent returning to China from overseas research institutions. This convergence of factors has positioned Chinese drugmakers not just as local providers, but as emerging global competitors in the high-stakes pharmaceutical industry.

  • Restored moat better reflects glory of Xi’an city wall

    Restored moat better reflects glory of Xi’an city wall

    After a monumental 40-year restoration endeavor, Xi’an’s ancient city wall is once again encircled by a pristine moat, marking a significant achievement in urban conservation. The recently completed project has fully reconnected the moat water system for the first time in over seven decades, transforming what was previously considered an urban eyesore and seasonal flood hazard into a breathtaking historical landmark.

    The revitalized moat now presents visitors with a spectacular visual panorama where sunlight dances upon crystal-clear waters against the majestic gray stone fortifications. This transformation has already captivated tourists, with many expressing astonishment at the dramatic improvement in both aesthetic appeal and environmental quality.

    According to Jia Haitao, cultural heritage specialist at the Xi’an City Wall Management Committee, the 14.6-kilometer moat originally served as a critical military defense feature during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). “For centuries, successive dynasties maintained this defensive legacy utilizing both engineered and natural barriers against approaching forces,” Jia explained.

    In contemporary times, the waterway functioned primarily as a storm drainage system until sedimentation and pollution gradually diminished its utility and created unpleasant odors. The restoration initiative launched in 1983 mobilized hundreds of thousands of local volunteers, with additional support coming from 5,000 PLA soldiers in 1998, creating shared community memories of collective civic effort.

    The final 859-meter section near Xi’an Railway Station, completed January 20, 2026, presented particular challenges. Project manager Wang Jie from Sinohydro Corporation Engineering Bureau 15 described how silt accumulation averaging 1.2 meters had compromised drainage capacity and created seasonal flooding that inundated underground facilities.

    The comprehensive rehabilitation included extensive desilting operations and the introduction of water-purifying vegetation including irises and water lilies to establish sustainable ecological circulation. The renewed moat now significantly enhances urban flood control capabilities while providing new green spaces for residents and visitors alike.

    Local residents have welcomed the transformation, with Wang Jianguo recalling childhood memories of polluted waters now replaced by thriving ecosystems attracting waterbirds and surrounded by landscaped pathways. The illuminated nightscape of the ancient wall reflected in the restored waters has further elevated Xi’an’s tourism appeal, with travel content creators highlighting the moat-side experience as an essential attraction rivaling even the famous Terracotta Warriors.

  • China executes 11 members of Myanmar-based syndicate in crackdown on scam operations

    China executes 11 members of Myanmar-based syndicate in crackdown on scam operations

    Chinese authorities have carried out the execution of eleven individuals belonging to a transnational criminal organization based in Myanmar, marking a decisive conclusion to a major case involving extensive scam operations and multiple homicides. The Wenzhou Intermediate People’s Court confirmed the executions on Thursday, following the rejection of the defendants’ appeal in November.

    The convicted individuals, including ringleaders Ming Guoping and Ming Zhenzhen, were found guilty of operating sophisticated gambling and financial scam schemes that generated over $1 billion in illicit proceeds. The court identified Zhou Weichang, Wu Hongming, and Luao Jianzhang as key operatives within the criminal network.

    This criminal syndicate was responsible for the deaths of fourteen Chinese citizens, drawing intense scrutiny from Chinese law enforcement. The crackdown began in November 2023 when Chinese authorities coordinated with border security forces to detain the family-operated crime group.

    The case highlights the growing problem of industrial-scale scam operations throughout Southeast Asia, particularly in border regions of Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. These criminal enterprises employ both trafficked and voluntary labor to perpetrate digital fraud schemes targeting victims globally.

    International pressure has been mounting on regional governments to address the proliferation of cross-border criminal activities, with China, the United States, and other nations calling for coordinated action against these transnational networks.

  • Vietnam and the EU upgrade ties as Trump tariffs reshape global trade

    Vietnam and the EU upgrade ties as Trump tariffs reshape global trade

    HANOI, Vietnam — In a significant geopolitical realignment, Vietnam and the European Union formally elevated their bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on Thursday. This designation represents Vietnam’s highest tier of diplomatic engagement, placing the EU alongside major global powers including the United States, China, and Russia in terms of diplomatic priority.

    The announcement was made during an official visit to Hanoi by European Council President Antonio Costa, who emphasized the strategic importance of this strengthened alliance. “At a moment when the international rules-based order is under threat from multiple sides, we need to stand side by side as reliable and predictable partners,” Costa stated, characterizing the partnership as fundamentally about “developing spheres of shared prosperity.”

    Vietnamese President Luong Cuong hailed the diplomatic upgrade as a “historic milestone” for the Southeast Asian nation, signaling a deepened commitment to multilateral cooperation. The enhanced partnership comes as both entities seek to recalibrate their economic and trade relationships in response to ongoing disruptions in global finance and supply chains, partly driven by increasing U.S. tariff pressures.

    The agreement builds upon the foundation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) which came into force in 2020, one of the most comprehensive trade pacts between the EU and a developing country. This new strategic framework is expected to expand cooperation beyond trade into areas including security, digital innovation, climate action, and sustainable development, creating a more robust institutional framework for long-term collaboration.