Stories from Beijing · China

Engineer Li Bazhou has been assigned the responsibility for the system architecture and complete machine design of the Lin Dingyang Bridge's integrated smart tower machine. The system features an integrated 'intelligent brain' that manages automated climbing, machine-assisted construction, emergency shutdowns, and real-time safety monitoring, along with amenities like ventilation, fire suppression, and rain protection. Engineers are optimistic about exposing and resolving potential issues through these tests to drive further improvements. Challenges such as high salinity, strong winds, and frequent storms pose difficulties for engineering construction, with basic wind speeds reaching 37 meters per second. Building a 270-meter ultra-high bridge tower on the Lingdingyang sea presents immense challenges.

China will continue its policy of exempting vehicles with seven seats or fewer from highway tolls during the May Day holiday. The toll-free policy for highways, including those with up to seven lanes, will run from midnight on Friday, May 1, until 24:00 on Tuesday, May 5. New regulations regarding the management of telecommunications and SMS services are set to take effect on May 1. China has become the first major economy to implement unilateral zero-tariff treatment for all least developed countries that have established diplomatic relations with China, including all African nations with diplomatic ties. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian stated on April 29 that the move aims to share opportunities with Africa amid rising global protectionism. The policy is intended to boost trade, investment, and cooperation between China and Africa.

Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed a desire for cooperation between China and the United States. The Pentagon also stated a commitment to maintaining stable relations with China. The Chinese Foreign Minister stated that China-US relations enjoy bright prospects.

A trending topic on Zhihu explores whether the independent game industry is reaching a state of saturation. Trending discussions on Zhihu explore whether the high volume of production and distribution of independent games will lead to market saturation and examine future industry prospects. The topic is currently trending on Zhihu with a heat index of 720,000, focusing on whether the influx of indie game production and distribution will lead to market saturation. Discussions are trending regarding whether the independent video game market is reaching a state of saturation. The debate is specifically trending on Chinese social media platforms regarding the impact of high production volumes on industry prospects. The discussion has reached the top 20 trending topics on Zhihu with 720,000 heat units, specifically focusing on industry development prospects.

China Construction Bank has been fined over 43.5 million yuan for failing to fulfill customer identity verification obligations.

International flight bookings for travelers visiting China during the Spring Festival have increased by more than fourfold. China has developed a direct-casting technology to produce high-end steel plates, aiming to replace traditional mold-casting methods. This method aims to reduce investment costs and workshop footprint compared to traditional methods requiring 30-meter deep pits. The process involves managing the deformation of hundreds of tons of red-hot steel plates during vertical-to-horizontal bending to prevent surface cracks. China's Transport Ministry expects approximately 1.5 billion cross-regional travelers to stay within the country. This shift supports Beijing's efforts to boost domestic consumption during an economic slowdown and period of stagnant wage growth. Local governments are implementing tourism campaigns and rolling out vouchers to encourage domestic spending.

Chinese spokesperson Zhang Xiaoguang stated that the Asia-Pacific region needs peace and stability rather than the introduction of external forces. China characterized the move as a threat to global peace and stability. The decision by Japan is reportedly based on a desire to restore institutional and cognitive recognition of military honor. The move is described as an attempt to achieve breakthroughs in both institutional and cognitive levels. The report characterized the action as causing pain to the victims of the war. The source noted that these actions disregard the historical context of Japan as a defeated nation. The report claimed these moves undermine Japan's self-identification as a peaceful nation. The broadcaster noted that Japan is seeking breakthroughs in institutional and cognitive levels by attempting to recover WWII-era military ranks.

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng held a telephone call with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Greer. The comments were made regarding the current state of bilateral market and diplomatic relations. Bessent noted on social media that the discussion included potential visits by Donald Trump to China. Bessent also characterized recent Chinese regulatory measures outside the Asia-Pacific region as provocative and impactful to global supply chains. Trade Representative Jameson Greer and Treasury Secretary Scott Besant held video call discussions with Chinese Vice Premier He Li Feng. The talks occurred ahead of President Donald Trump's planned trip to Beijing in approximately two weeks. Washington representatives described the discussions as candid.

Ten Chinese government departments, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, have jointly released a document regarding artificial intelligence technology ethics.

Ticks, known locally as 'grass crawlers,' are increasingly active during spring and summer months to reproduce. The active period for these ticks occurs annually from April to October.