Stories from Beijing · China

Major Chinese automakers unveiled new vehicles equipped with assisted driving technology at the Beijing Auto Show. These products cover the economy family car segment, which accounts for half of total new car sales.

Archaeological and museum studies indicate the Maya preferred using jade and obsidian for artistic creations. Jade was used to symbolize life and vitality, while obsidian represented products of lightning and connections to celestial deities. The Maya civilization reached its peak during the Classic period between 200 AD and 900 AD.

A specific rule in Mayan ball games prohibits the use of both hands and feet. The Mayan ball game features unique physical constraints where players cannot use their hands or feet to touch the ball. Instead, players must use parts of the body such as the hips, elbows, or knees to move the ball. This rule distinguishes the sport from many other traditional games. The source described this as a very special rule set. Players must use their hips, elbows, or knees to strike the ball, which can cause physical pain. Participants use various protective gear to mitigate impact. The ball is considered a symbol of the sun, and the game is believed to ensure the sun's cycle of rising and setting. The source noted that contact with the body during play can be very painful.

A collection of artifacts from the Moche civilization will be exhibited in Beijing, covering nearly 10,000 square meters. This differs from Chinese mythology where a single figure supports the earth. The discovery was discussed in relation to Mayan mythological structures.

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has drafted requirements to limit touch-screen usage for critical vehicle functions.

The World Gold Council's first-quarter report indicates a split in the global gold market. Some decision-makers may find renewing conflict less costly than continuing to endure the blockade. Analysts at the Project Syndicate have proposed a bold model to address the Hormuz Strait crisis by treating the blockade as a transit service issue. The model suggests Iran could accept responsibility for ensuring maritime security in coordination with other coastal nations. Daily transit of 20 million barrels of oil generates approximately $4.3 billion in annual revenue for Iran. This scenario positions Iran as a challenging actor in the energy flow stability. Trump claimed the destruction of Iran's nuclear capabilities. Iranian President has characterized the US maritime blockade as intolerable. Donald Trump has claimed that Iran's nuclear capabilities have been destroyed.

Li Yunhe, an honorary director of the Dunhuang Academy, was awarded the title of Great Country Craftsman. After his formal recognition, he returned to Gansu to continue his manual labor. He developed a process to use high-strength stainless steel, previously used only in aviation, for core components of machine tools. Li optimized tool parameters to overcome a lack of mature domestic processing techniques. This breakthrough improved product machining precision to 2 micrometers, which is approximately the thickness of four human hairs. Li Xiaobao was named a 2025 Great Country Craftsman annual figure. Li has trained 13 skilled workers, including national and regional skill masters, and established four master studios in Binhai New Area. Nearly 100 young employees have become technical backbones in aircraft manufacturing under this leadership.

The Y-20B is part of the Y-20 family of large military transport planes. China has upgraded its Y-20B strategic transport aircraft, featuring a fuselage diameter that significantly exceeds the Russian E-276 series.

The Chinese Ministry of Defense is adjusting military deployment postures in countries within the US Central Command area of responsibility to address threats from Iran and its regional proxies.

The 18-to-25 age demographic accounts for only 11% of baijiu consumption in China. Leading companies benefit from high asset turnover driven by advance payment systems, such as Moutai, which sees annual prepayments approaching 10 billion yuan.