Latest news with #TsinghuaUniversity
CNA
18 hours ago
- Business
- CNA
China unmoved by US rhetoric, focused on bigger diplomatic picture: Analyst
Da Wei, Director of CISS and Professor of the School of Social Sciences at Tsinghua University, joins CNA's Olivia Siong from the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue to unpack US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's speech. He emphasised that ongoing trade talks and a potential leaders' summit will shape the true direction of US-China ties.
Forbes
6 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
Toxic Metals In Soils Threaten Billions Of People
Map showing where soil pollution by toxic metals is exceeding agricultural thresholds. Toxic and harmless metals are ubiquitous in soils, yet their worldwide distribution is still poorly known. A research team led by Hou Deyi from the School of Environment at Tsinghua University, Beijing, helped by artificial intelligence, mapped the distribution of potentially toxic metals like arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, nickel and lead at 796,084 sampling points from 1,493 regional studies. The resulting map reveals a previously unrecognized high-risk, metal-enriched zone in low-latitude Eurasia. Combing the map with data on land use and population density shows that 14 to 17 percent of cropland is affected and the researchers estimate that between 0.9 and 1.4 billion people live in regions with soils dangerously polluted by toxic metals. Pollution by toxic metals is complicated and depends on a variety of environmental factors. Some metals like chromium and nickel can derive from weathering of basalt, a type of volcanic rock quite common worldwide, and some metamorphic rocks. Copper is an essential micronutrient for plant growth and human and animal health found naturally in soils, but at higher levels it can be toxic. Lead can also become toxic at higher levels and is often found in water. Arsenic-bearing aquifers are common in some sedimentary rocks. Human activity, ranging from mining, industrial production, transportation and military operations, can release many different metals into the environment. Temperature, precipitation, and evaporation likely contributing to relatively high metal exceedance in southern China, India, the Middle East, Central America, and Central Africa. Such conditions accelerate the weathering processes that release metals from the bedrock and enhance the enrichment of metals in clay minerals. A warm and wet climate is also good for plant growth, and such subtropical climate zones are important for global agriculture. Mining and smelting activities are major contributors to metal pollution, but surprisingly, also agriculture. The proportion of irrigated land was also found to be a strong predictor of metal levels exceeding safe thresholds. Water contaminated by industrial activities and inadequate wastewater treatment can lead to widespread contamination of agricultural soils. The study,"Global soil pollution by toxic metals threatens agriculture and human health," was published in the journal Science.
India Gazette
7 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
French entrepreneur bullish on global prospects of SW China's shellac industry
KUNMING, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Yannick Benichou, a French national with a master's degree in nuclear energy from Tsinghua University, never imagined his career would lead him to dealing with insects in southwest China's Yunnan Province. In 2016, Benichou joined Anning Decco Biotech Co., Ltd., a multinational company with over two decades of involvement in Yunnan's shellac industry. Recognizing the global potential of this niche sector, he has been instrumental in driving the company's international growth. "Shellac was traditionally used in ancient Chinese medicine. Today, it's used in a wider range of things such as chewing gum, candy coatings, chocolate glazing, fruit preservation, and even in carbonated beverages and baked goods," said Benichou, as he showed shellac samples while confidently speaking in fluent Mandarin. Shellac is a natural resin secreted by shellac bugs as they feed on host trees. Non-toxic, insulating, moisture-resistant and antifungal, shellac has been used for over 3,000 years. While its early applications were largely medicinal, it now finds broad use across the food, pharmaceutical, chemical and high-end manufacturing industries. China is the world's third-largest producer of shellac, following India and Thailand. As the main shellac production base in China, Yunnan contributes 95 percent of the country's total output. In recent years, Yunnan's shellac has gained increasing popularity both at home and abroad. "Shellac trees are particularly well-suited to Yunnan's mountainous terrain. They are easy to manage, yield quick returns and deliver high economic benefits," said Chen Youqing, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of Forestry, adding that the crop has become an important means for local farmers to boost their incomes. Benichou said his company chose Yunnan not only for its long history and abundant shellac resources, but also for its strategic location linking South and Southeast Asia. He added that the province's rapidly improving infrastructure over the past decade -- especially the launch of the China-Laos Railway in 2021 -- has significantly enhanced the region's connectivity with neighboring countries, further strengthening its role in cross-border trade. Last year, Benichou's company achieved sales revenue of 84.37 million yuan (about 11.75 million U.S. dollars), with an annual output of 800 tonnes of refined shellac. Its products are now exported to the United States, Spain, Italy, Britain, Israel and South Africa. Meanwhile, the province's total shellac exports under customs supervision surged 44.2 percent year on year in the first quarter this year, reaching 16.87 million yuan. Key export markets included Britain, Spain, Italy and South Africa, according to Kunming Customs. Looking ahead, Benichou hopes to turn Yunnan's ecological advantages into economic benefits by expanding into global markets and contributing to rural revitalization across the province.
Tatler Asia
27-05-2025
- Business
- Tatler Asia
Top 10 universities in Asia, according to the 2025 THE World University Rankings
Tsinghua University, China Peking University, China National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore The University of Tokyo, Japan Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore The University of Hong Kong (HKU), Hong Kong Fudan University, China The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Hong Kong Zhejiang University, China Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), China 1. Tsinghua University, China Above Tsinghua University, China (Photo: N509FZ/Wikimedia Commons) Ranked 12th in the world, Tsinghua University is the top Asian university in the World University Rankings. Located in Beijing, Tsinghua University is considered one of China's most prestigious institutions, especially in engineering, technology, and science. Often dubbed 'China's MIT', it is known for academic excellence, impactful research, and deep industry ties. Notable alumni: Chinese President Xi Jinping, former Premier Zhu Rongji, former President Hu Jintao, businesswoman Zhang Zetian. Apple CEO Tim Cook is the chairman of Tsinghua's School of Economics and Management Advisory Board. Read more: The urgency of early sustainable thinking education for Generation Alpha 2. Peking University, China Above Peking University (Photo: Beijing University/Kent Wang via Wikimedia Commons) Also based in Beijing, Peking University (Beida) rivals Tsinghua in prestige, and is ranked just behind it, at 13th in the world. Renowned for its strength in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, it is also a cultural icon in China. Notable alumni: Former Premier Li Keqiang; Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo; Nobel Prize for Medicine laureate Tu Youyou; Robin Li, founder of Chinese search engine Baidu; and Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand 3. National University of Singapore, Singapore Above University Hall, National University of Singapore (Photo: Commons) Singapore's flagship institution, NUS is a leading force in research and innovation across disciplines such as computer science, law, engineering, and business, with partnerships with industry and government driving cutting-edge developments in many areas. It is currently ranked 17th in the world. Notable alumni: Founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Singapore's first female President Halimah Yacob, and former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong 4. The University of Tokyo, Japan Above The Clock Tower at the University of Tokyo (Photo: Guilhelm Vellut/ Wikimedia Commons) Japan's top university, The University of Tokyo, is ranked 28th in the World University Rankings. Known as UTokyo, it was founded in 1877 and has had a long history as Japan's leading institution of higher learning. It offers a broad spectrum of disciplines and is acclaimed for its rigorous academic standards, with multiple Nobel laureates among faculty and alumni. Notable alumni: Nobel-winning authors Yasunari Kawabata and Kenzaburo Oe, Empress Masako of Japan, Studio Ghibli co-founder Isao Takahata, and Kiichiro Toyoda, founder of Toyota 5. Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Above Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (Photo: Nanyang Technological University) Nanyang Technological University is renowned as one of the top two universities in Singapore. Currently ranked 30th in the world, NTU is notable for its rapid ascent in global rankings, with particular strengths in engineering, interdisciplinary research and sustainability. Notable alumni: Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, entrepreneur Merry Riana, and Indonesian billionaire Dato' Sri Tahir, founder of Mayapada Group 6. The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Above The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Photo: HKU Heritage Fund) Ranked 35th in the world, Hong Kong's oldest university, HKU, boasts global recognition for its medical, legal, and humanities programmes. Its international faculty and student body reflect its cosmopolitan base. Notable alumni: Republic of China founder Sun Yat-sen, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam and SARS researcher Dr. Guan Yi 7. Fudan University, China Above The Lee Shau Kee Library in Fudan University, China (Photo: Fudan University) Located in Shanghai, Fudan University is a member of China's elite C9 League, also known as the Chinese Ivy League. At number 36, it is respected for its strengths across a wide range of disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, science and medicine, as well as its substantial research output and continued international engagement. Notable alumni: Wang Huning, a distinguished politician and member of China's Politburo Standing Committee; People's Republic of China Vice President Han Zheng; Zhang Weiwei, and Guo Guangchang, director of the China Institute of Studies at Fudan University; and Guo Guangchang, chairman and co-founder of Fosun International 8. The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Above The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Photo: CUHK) The Chinese University of Hong Kong is the second oldest university after HKU, and is ranked at number 44 globally. It is renowned for its bilingual approach to education in English and Chinese. CUHK is recognised for its strong research output, particularly in medicine, business and the social sciences, as well as its multiculturalism, which embraces both Chinese and Western cultures, and its strong links with local and regional communities. Notable alumni: Physics Nobel laureate Sir Charles Kao, HKMA chief Norman Chan, HKTV founder Ricky Wong and former HKEx Chairman Sir Chung-kong Chow 9. Zhejiang University, China Above Zhejiang University, China Ranked 47th in the world, ZJU, in Hangzhou, is one of China's largest and most comprehensive universities in China. With an outstanding reputation in the fields of engineering and science and technology, it enjoys substantial research support and strong cooperation with the industry. Currently, more than 50 faculty members of ZJU are members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), which are leading consultative institutions in science and technology in the People's Republic of China. Notable alumni: Chinese Premier Li Qiang, DeepSeek AI founder Liang Wenfeng, BBK Electronics founder Duan Yongping and Pinduoduo founder Colin Huang 10. Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China Above Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China (Photo: Shanghai Jiao Tong University) Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is another leading university in Shanghai, with a long history and a reputation for engineering, science, technology, medicine, and business. Ranked at number 52 in the world, SJTU is committed to continuously supporting important research, promoting internationalisation and global cooperation. Notable alumni: Former Chinese President Jiang Zemin, basketball star Yao Ming, table tennis legend Ma Long, and Lenovo CEO Yang Yuanqing
News18
26-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Amid Trump's War On Harvard, Academia, China Steps In To Attract Global Talent: Report
Last Updated: As Trump freezes Harvard grants and targets foreign scholars, China steps up efforts to attract global talent, reshaping the battle for academic and research influence. As US President Donald Trump ramps up his attacks on elite universities like Harvard, the fallout may be helping China gain ground in a new battleground between the world's top powers — education and research. An example of this shift is former Harvard chemist Charles Lieber, who recently took up a post at Tsinghua University's Shenzhen campus. Lieber had been convicted in 2021 in the US for concealing ties to Chinese research funding. He is among a small but growing group of senior Western scholars now relocating to China, while others, like Nobel-winning physicist Gérard Mourou and celebrated mathematician Kenji Fukaya, have joined Chinese institutions by choice, according to a report by the Economist. Microsoft AI researcher Alex Lamb, for instance, confirmed he is leaving his New York lab to join Tsinghua's new AI college, citing the university's improving academic strength and student quality, the magazine said in a report. advetisement These names join a broader wave of top researchers of Chinese origin who have left US universities. Sun Song, a highly regarded mathematician from the University of California, Berkeley, is now at Zhejiang University, which is closely tied to Chinese AI firm DeepSeek. Beijing, under Xi Jinping, has made attracting global talent a national priority. A plan rolled out in 2021 set goals to make China a top global destination for talent by 2030 and the leading one by 2035. The recruitment focus has been two-fold: a small number of decorated senior researchers and a larger pool of rising young scientists. In 2024, top Chinese leadership pledged to make it easier for foreign scholars and skilled workers to relocate to China, while universities are now more aggressively promoting national scholarship funds aimed at foreign talent. This effort is playing out as the US research environment faces growing uncertainty. Trump, now in his second term, has revived and expanded his campaign against higher education. In a flurry of posts on Truth Social on Memorial Day, he accused Harvard of being 'very antisemitic" and said he was considering pulling $3 billion in grant money from the university and redirecting it to trade schools across the US. He has already frozen $2.2 billion in federal grants and $60 million in contracts linked to Harvard, and threatened to place $9 billion more under review. He also called for a list of Harvard's foreign students—who make up a sizable portion of the university's enrollment and revenue—suggesting some may not be allowed to re-enter the country. 'We want to determine… how many radicalized lunatics, troublemakers all, should not be let back into our Country," he wrote. The administration had recently moved to block Harvard from enrolling foreign students altogether, but a court has temporarily paused the order. Trump's broader message is clear: federal science funding is now a tool of control. Advertisement During his first term, the Justice Department had already launched investigations into researchers with links to China. Many of those cases failed in court, but the impact lingered. A Princeton researcher, Yu Xie, notes that over half of Chinese and Chinese-American scientists in the US considered leaving the country and several hundred likely did. Now, Trump is reportedly planning $23 billion in cuts to science spending in the next fiscal year. And while the US still leads in innovation, experts note the gap with China is shrinking. Beijing's approach remains top-down and lacks intellectual freedom, but at a time when American scientists face frozen grants, visa scrutiny and political backlash, some are still willing to take the trade-off, the Economist said. top videos View All The European Union, sensing the opening, announced on May 5 that it will spend over $560 million to attract researchers caught in the crossfire. As the US clamps down on its own research institutions, countries like China and blocs like the EU are seizing the chance to lure away disillusioned talent, reshaping the global research map in the process, the report indicated. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : donald trump Harvard University Xi Jinping Location : Washington/New Delhi First Published: May 26, 2025, 21:17 IST News world Amid Trump's War On Harvard, Academia, China Steps In To Attract Global Talent: Report
