Latest news with #Mongols
West Australian
5 days ago
- West Australian
Notorious Mongols bikie Troy Mercanti pleads not guilty to being involved in punch-up at Como pub
Notorious Mongols bikie Troy Mercanti pleads not guilty to being involved in punch-up at Como pub
Barnama
22-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
- Inner Mongolia, A Blend Of Rich Heritage And Modern Progress
Opinions on topical issues from thought leaders, columnists and editors. In fact, fewer people are aware that Inner Mongolia is a vibrant and dynamic autonomous region of China, where ancient customs and modern progress exist side by side in remarkable harmony. Some even mistakenly believe that Inner Mongolia is part of the sovereign nation of Mongolia. It is not. When one thinks of Mongolia, images of vast grasslands, wild horses, and people in traditional Mongolian attire often come to mind. Many of us, too, had assumed that Inner Mongolia was defined solely by its cultural heritage and scenic landscapes – until we saw how much more it has to offer. A group of 23 journalists from across the Asia-Pacific region recently took part in a visit to Inner Mongolia, organised by the China Public Diplomacy Association and The Global Times, to witness the region's development first-hand. While its rich cultural heritage continues to captivate visitors, Inner Mongolia is also making strides in technology, green energy, and sustainable economic growth -showing the world that it is far more than just a scenic landscape. The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in northern China is frequently mistaken for its neighbouring country, Mongolia. However, the two are entirely distinct. Inner Mongolia has been an integral part of China for centuries and serves as a cultural crossroads for various ethnic groups, including Mongols, Han Chinese, and others. Despite its deep-rooted nomadic traditions, the region has embraced modern development while maintaining a strong sense of cultural identity. Bilingual street signs in Mongolian and Chinese, traditional festivals such as the Nadam Fair, and the iconic 'salty' milk tea all reflect this rich fusion of heritage and modern life. Yet beyond the surface of cultural vibrancy lies a rapidly transforming economy – one that is increasingly powered by innovation and sustainable growth. Hohhot, where tradition meets innovation Hohhot, the regional capital, is known as the 'Blue City', a name derived from the Mongolian word Kökeqota but beyond its poetic nickname, the city has earned another title too, China's Dairy Capital. Home to Yili Group, one of the world's top five dairy producers, Hohhot has transformed into a hub of agricultural technology. The Yili Modern Intelligent Health Valley, a sprawling 120-square-kilometre development, showcases this transformation. Visitors could witness robotic milking systems, AI-driven production lines as well as sustainable farming practices here. This 'Dairy Silicon Valley' is not just a manufacturing base but a testament to how traditional industries could evolve through innovation. New faces of Inner Mongolia While grasslands and deserts still define much of Inner Mongolia's vast landscape, the region is rapidly emerging as a leader in digital innovation and renewable energy. At the forefront of this transformation is the Inner Mongolia Data Exchange Centre – the region's only official platform for data transactions. By enabling secure and efficient data trading, the centre is positioning Inner Mongolia as a vital hub in China's tech-driven economic growth. In Ulanqab, a city traditionally celebrated as the 'Potato Capital', major strides are being made in green technology. According to Shudu Kaida Food Co. Ltd, the Kaida Potato Park – currently under development – is expected to become Asia's largest potato industry base by 2026. The company has earned international acclaim for its high-quality potato-based snacks, which are exported to over 30 countries. Another significant milestone in Ulanqab is the establishment of the Yunda Holdings Northern Headquarters, which houses China's first 13-megawatt onshore wind turbine testing platform. This facility not only marks a leap in wind energy technology but also reinforces China's broader goals for green energy advancement. Even agriculture in Inner Mongolia is embracing innovation. In Chayouqian Banner, the Cold-Tolerant Vegetable Academician Workstation has successfully developed crop varieties that can survive harsh winters, converting previously barren land into productive farmland. Also, in Chayouqian, a high-tech Plant Factory Complex is cultivating strawberries year-round using controlled-environment technology. These premium strawberries yield 15 times more than conventional methods and are sold at high market value, demonstrating how cutting-edge agricultural solutions are revitalising rural economies and improving local livelihoods. Beyond tourism - factories, labs and trade corridors While tourism remains an important pillar of Inner Mongolia's economy – with scenic destinations like the Chilechuan Grassland drawing visitors eager to experience its rich nomadic culture – the region is steadily diversifying into sectors far beyond its traditional image. One standout initiative is by M·Grass, a company specialising in ecological restoration, which has successfully rehabilitated more than 2.2 million hectares of degraded land using advanced seed technology. Their work reflects Inner Mongolia's growing reputation as a hub for sustainable development and innovation. The Qisumu International Logistics Park, covering 14 square kilometres, has emerged as a vital trade artery linking China with neighbouring countries such as Mongolia and Russia, facilitating cross-border commerce and boosting regional connectivity. Complementing these industrial strides are ongoing efforts in desertification control and grassland restoration, underscoring the region's long-term commitment to environmental preservation. In terms of economic performance, Hohhot recorded a fiscal revenue of 25.48 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a 7.8 per cent year-on-year increase, while Ulanqab's gross regional product rose by 5.4 per cent, pointing to steady growth across sectors. A significant infrastructure milestone was marked on 14 May 2025 with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Gantsmod–Gashuunsukhait Railway, a new cross-border transport link between China and Mongolia. Once completed in 2027, the railway is expected to handle up to 30 million tonnes of freight annually – dramatically improving energy trade logistics and strengthening economic ties between the two nations. As Inner Mongolia continues to evolve, it is proving to be far more than just a cultural treasure. For those who still picture only yurts and horseback riding, a closer look reveals a dynamic region teeming with factories, research hubs, green innovations, and international trade corridors – a land of growing promise and limitless potential. -- BERNAMA Kisho Kumari Sucedaram is a journalist with BERNAMA.
Telegraph
19-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
What the Germans are getting right about gut health
It's hard to deny, fermented foods are having a moment. Once the preserve of niche health food stores, sourdough loaves, kefir, kimchi, and miso are fast becoming everyday items, celebrated for their gut health benefits. But while our supermarket shelves might be groaning with trendy kefir 'gut health shots' and 'super-beet kimchi', a recent study shows we might be missing a trick when it comes to healthy ferments. The study from the University of California suggests that an old-school staple – sauerkraut – packs an equally powerful probiotic punch, delivering myriad health benefits. It's affordable, easy to make and teaming with gut-healthy live bacteria. Dr Hannah Richards, a gut nutrition specialist, explains that ferments like sauerkraut, 'support immune regulation and reduce inflammation, which can help prevent cancer'. Literally translated as 'sour cabbage' in German (though the dish first originated in China over 2000 years ago) sauerkraut has been a beloved staple in Germany and Eastern Europe for hundreds of years, after it was brought to Europe by the Mongols in the 13th and 14th centuries. Shredded, salted and fermented in its own brine before being ladled into stews and soups by devoted fraus to their young. Its cultural impact was so powerful that during the First World War, 'Kraut' became slang for German soldiers. But don't be deterred by the name – or its ration-era connotations. Tangy, salty, and with just the right bite, sauerkraut offers the same zing as any trendy pickle. But unlike the pickle (which is usually soaked in sugary vinegar) the health benefits are impressive. It all comes down to the fermentation process. 1. It improves digestion As it ferments, sauerkraut becomes loaded with natural enzymes produced by the lactic acid bacteria. These enzymes help break down food into simpler, more absorbable forms, making it easier for your body to access all the vitamins and minerals in your meal, giving more bang for your nutritional buck. Dr Richards explains, 'You want a really good varied amount of bacteria in your gut, the more you have, the better your digestion is going to be.' On top of this, cabbage itself is a cruciferous vegetable, meaning it is naturally rich in the non-digestible fibres known as prebiotics. Unlike probiotics, which are live bacteria, prebiotics help your existing gut microbes thrive. Think of them as fertiliser for your gut ecosystem. 2. Boosts your immune system As over 70 per cent of our immune system lives in the gut, a balanced gut microbiome – the millions of microbes including bacteria, viruses, and fungi that naturally live inside us – is essential. Research shows that sauerkraut's probiotic strains aid just that, and, in the process, strengthen the gut lining. This reduces the leaking of inflammatory toxins, such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS), into the bloodstream. Dr Richards breaks it down: 'By having more bacteria, you have a more balanced microbiome and stronger immune system. Less LPS equals less immune activation, which then equals less inflammation.' Left untreated, inflammation can seriously damage our cells, leading to various health issues including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cancers, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. 3. Can make you happier There is no instant fix or miracle supplement when our mental health dips. Serotonin is the hormone responsible for mood regulation, sleep and appetite amongst other things; those deficient in it often experience symptoms of anxiety or depression. Since a staggering 95 per cent of our bodies' supply is made in the gut means that caring for our microbiomes should be a top priority when it comes to mental wellbeing. Studies have also pointed to the fact that certain strains of probiotic bacteria, such as lactobacillus helveticus and bifidobacteria, longum, found in fermented food like sauerkraut, may also improve symptoms of anxiety and depression. This is because these bacteria produce compounds called short-chain fatty acids which help reduce inflammation. Studies suggest that increased inflammation can lead to higher levels of anxiety. Sauerkraut is also rich in mood-balancing probiotics and minerals such as magnesium and zinc, commonly used by nutritionists to manage mood disorders. 4. Supports heart health 'The gut microbiota plays a really important role in regulating and lowering cholesterol,' says Haworth. 'They do this through the compounds they produce when breaking down the prebiotics found in sauerkraut.' These compounds (short chain fatty acids) help regulate blood fat levels, including lowering LDL cholesterol, the so-called 'bad' kind that can clog up arteries and raise the risk of heart disease. At the same time, a healthy gut can support levels of HDL cholesterol – the 'good' kind – which helps sweep excess cholesterol back to the liver for processing. A happier gut means a healthier heart – and all the more reason to keep an eye on your diet. 5. May reduce cancer risk Cabbage is naturally rich in glucosinolates, found to have 'anti-cancer properties,' says Richards. They are powerful compounds that survive the fermentation process and help detoxify carcinogens, protecting cellular DNA in the process. Research also points to sauerkraut's role in shielding colon cells from oxidative stress, thanks to its anti-inflammatory fibre content and antioxidant vitamins C and K. It is no coincidence, Richard notes, that 'the natural diet, traditions, and culture of food in eastern Europe and parts of Asia are responsible for the lower prevalence of cancer'. So yes please, pass the bigos (a Polish stew made from chopped meat and sauerkraut). A spoonful will do… While delicious, sauerkraut isn't a vegetable to heap onto your plate. Save the serving spoons for the leafy salads. Dr Richards advises that less is more: 'Ferments are great for the gut, but too much can be an overload. You want it to be a pleasant surprise or aftertaste as opposed to overpowering and sour.' Highly fermented foods are potent and medicinal and can have greater side effects than a few ginger shots or a kale binge. If overdone, they can trigger digestive issues like bloating and acid reflux, especially in people with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). 'They need to be seen as a supplement or as a medicinal offering,' advises Richards. 'A tablespoon [roughly 10g] mixed through your salad is enough.' How to include sauerkraut in your diet While perhaps a little scarier than the gut health titans sourdough and Greek yogurt, this superfood can be incorporated into your diet as a sprinkling or a dollop on most everyday dishes. Here's how: As a topping: Sprinkle it on green salads, avocado toast, or a loaded baked potato for an extra zing. In sandwiches or wraps: Pair with sliced chicken or turkey in a hearty sandwich, or add to a falafel and hummus wrap for some delicious depth. In stews and soups: Stir into your pork stroganoff or chicken casserole with a dash of stock or wine. As a replacement for ketchup: You will get the same vinegary hit, without the refined sugar. How to maximise its benefits: Pair it with a varied diet: You need lots of different bacteria in your gut for optimum health. This is achieved by eating a healthy diet varied in colour, texture and taste. Build up slowly: Start with small amounts less often to let your digestive system adjust. Look in the chilled section: Many varieties are pasteurised to extend their shelf-life, killing the majority of the bacteria within. Supermarkets will keep 'live' probiotics chilled. Put the table salt down: Sauerkraut is high in sodium so be careful with over-seasoning the rest of your meal. If your recipe requires salt, use good quality sea salt rather than the processed alternatives. FAQs Is it OK to eat sauerkraut every day? Sauerkraut is incredibly nutritious, and eating a tablespoon, roughly 10g, a day will strengthen your gut microbiome. Is sauerkraut anti-inflammatory? Sauerkraut is highly anti-inflammatory. It contains antioxidants like sulforaphane which help combat inflammation induced by cellular damage. This is because they combat the molecules that damage cells known as 'free radicals'. What is the healthiest way to eat sauerkraut? Raw and in small amounts, preferably just before or during meals to ensure probiotic benefits.
Jordan Times
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Mission to the Mongols: How papal envoy failed to win over the Tatars
Ascelin of Lombardy receiving a letter from Innocent IV, and remitting it to the Mongol general Baiju (Photo courtesy of Paris, Bibliothèque de l'Arsenal) AMMAN — In the mid-13th century, a flurry of diplomatic efforts unfolded between the Papal State and the rising Tatar Empire, with Rome hoping to convert the Mongols to Christianity, while the Tatars sought recognition as a dominant world power. Among these early emissaries was Simon of Saint-Quentin, a Dominican friar who played a central role in a little-known but significant papal mission to the East. In 1245, Pope Innocent IV dispatched an embassy led by Dominican friar Ascelin of Lombardia, accompanied by Simon of Saint-Quentin, to the Mongol frontier. Their journey, which lasted over three years, would culminate not in alliance, but in diplomatic failure and near disaster. 'The embassy of Ascelin and Simon proceeded to the camp of Baiju at Sitiens in Armenia, lying between the Aras River and Lake Sevan, fifty-nine days' journey from Acre,' noted Canadian historian Stephan Pow, an expert on medieval missions to the East. Simon later compiled his observations in a now-fragmentary account titled History of the Tartars, preserved in the writings of fellow Dominican Vincent of Beauvais. Unlike the more complete History of the Mongols by Franciscan envoy John of Plano Carpini, Simon's work survives only in excerpts, offering scattered insights into a mission marked by cultural clashes and political missteps. Historical records suggest Ascelin's party departed Lyon in early spring 1245, carrying papal letters—Dei patrisimmensae and Cum non solum, urging the Mongols to embrace Christianity and refrain from further attacks on Christian territories. These letters were also delivered by the Franciscan Carpini to Mongol leaders Batu and Güyük Khan. According to Simon, Ascelin's journey spanned 'three years and seven months,' ending in late 1248. The party grew during the mission to include Dominicans Alexander and Albertus, while Simon himself joined in autumn 1246. They set out from Acre for Baiju's encampment in the Armenian highlands. Instead of the traditional overland route through Antioch and Aleppo, the friars opted for a detour via Cilicia and Anatolia, likely to avoid conflict zones in northern Syria. Their path led them through Kayseri, Sivas, and Ani to Tbilisi, where they were joined by Guichardus of Cremona, a friar familiar with Tatar customs. On May 24, 1247, the mission reached Baiju Noyan's headquarters near Sisian, in present-day southern Armenia. However, tensions quickly arose. The Dominicans refused to show deference to the Mongol commander, declining to kneel or recognize the authority of Güyük Khan. Their insistence on Christian supremacy further inflamed hostilities. Baiju reportedly considered executing the envoys, but was dissuaded by one of his advisers and his senior wife. The friars were detained for two months and only released after the arrival of Arghun Aqa, a newly appointed Mongol administrator in Georgia. Ultimately, the mission ended in failure. Ascelin refused to continue to the Mongol court, and the group returned westward with little to show for their efforts. Though overshadowed by more famous expeditions, the mission of Saint-Quentin and his companions reveals the complexities—and perils—of medieval diplomacy at the crossroads of empires.
The Star
05-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Close the US military bases in Asia
US PRESIDENT Donald Trump is again loudly complaining that the US military bases in Asia are too costly for the US to bear. As part of the tariff negotiations with Japan and Korea, Trump has called on the Asian nations to pay for stationing the US troops. Here's a much better idea: close the bases and bring home the US servicemen. Trump implies that the US is providing a great service to Japan and Korea by stationing 50,000 troops in Japan and nearly 30,000 in Korea. Yet these countries do not need the US to defend themselves. They are wealthy and can certainly provide their own defence. Far more importantly, diplomacy can ensure the peace in northeast Asia far more effectively and far less expensively than US troops. The US acts as if Japan needs to be defended against China. Let's have a look. During the past 1,000 years, during which time China was the region's dominant power for all but the last 150 years, how many times did China attempt to invade Japan? If you answered zero, you are correct. China did not attempt to invade Japan on a single occasion. You might quibble. What about the two attempts in 1274 and 1281, roughly 750 years ago? It's true that when the Mongols temporarily ruled China between 1271 and 1368, the Mongols twice sent expeditionary fleets to invade Japan, and both times were defeated by a combination of typhoons (known in Japanese lore as the Kamikaze winds) and by Japanese coastal defenses. Japan, on the other hand, made several attempts to attack or conquer China. In 1592, the arrogant and erratic Japanese military leader Toyotomi Hideyoshi launched an invasion of Korea with the goal of conquering Ming China. He did not get far, dying in 1598 without even having subdued Korea. In 1894-1895, Japan invaded and defeated China in the Sino-Japanese war, taking Taiwan as a Japanese colony. In 1931, Japan invaded northeast China (Manchuria) and created the Japanese colony of Manchukuo. In 1937, Japan invaded China, starting World War II in the Pacific region. Nobody thinks that Japan is going to invade China today, and there is no rhyme, reason, or historical precedent to believe that China is going to invade Japan. Japan has no need for the US military bases to protect itself from China. The same is true of China and Korea. During the past 1,000 years, China never invaded Korea, except on one occasion: when the US threatened China. China entered the war in late 1950 on the side of North Korea to fight the US troops advancing northward towards the Chinese border. South Korea needs deterrence against North Korea, to be sure, but that would be achieved far more effectively and credibly through a regional security system including China, Japan, Russia, North Korea, South Korea, than through the presence of the US, which has repeatedly stoked North Korea's nuclear arsenal and military build-up, not diminished it. In fact, the US military bases in East Asia are really for the US projection of power, not for the defense of Japan or Korea. This is even more reason why they should be removed. Though the US claims that its bases in East Asia are defensive, they are understandably viewed by China and North Korea as a direct threat – for example, by creating the possibility of a decapitation strike, and by dangerously lowering the response times for China and North Korea to a US provocation or some kind of misunderstanding. Russia vociferously opposed Nato in Ukraine for the same justifiable reasons. Nato has frequently intervened in US-backed regime-change operations and has placed missile systems dangerously close to Russia. Indeed, just as Russia feared, Nato has actively participated in the Ukraine War, providing armaments, strategy, intelligence, and even programming and tracking for missile strikes deep inside of Russia. Note that Trump is currently obsessed with two small port facilities in Panama owned by a Hong Kong company, claiming that China is threatening US security (!), and wants the facilities sold to an American buyer. The US on the other hand surrounds China not with two tiny port facilities but with major US military bases in Japan, South Korea, Guam, the Philippines, and the Indian Ocean near to China's international sea lanes. The best strategy for the superpowers is to stay out of each other's lanes. China and Russia should not open military bases in the Western Hemisphere, to put it mildly. The last time that was tried, when the Soviet Union placed nuclear weapons in Cuba in 1962, the world nearly ended in nuclear annihilation. Neither China nor Russia shows the slightest inclination to do so today, despite all of the provocations of facing US bases in their own neighbourhoods. Trump is looking for ways to save money – an excellent idea given that the US federal budget is haemorrhaging US$2 trillion (RM9.5 trillion) a year, more than 6% of US GDP. Closing the US overseas military bases would be an excellent place to start. Trump even seemed to point that way at the start of his second term, but the Congressional Republicans have called for increases, not decreases, in military spending. Yet with America's 750 or so overseas military bases in around 80 countries, it's high time to close these bases, pocket the saving, and return to diplomacy. Getting the host countries to pay for something that doesn't help them or the US is a huge drain of time, diplomacy, and resources, both for the US and the host countries. The US should make a basic deal with China, Russia, and other powers. 'You keep your military bases out of our neighborhood, and we'll keep our military bases out of yours.' Basic reciprocity among the major powers would save trillions of dollars of military outlays over the coming decade and, more importantly, would push the Doomsday Clock back from 89 seconds to nuclear Armageddon. Prof Jeffrey D. Sachs is director of the Centre for Sustainable Development at Columbia University. He is also President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. The article was originally published on Other News.
