Stories from Beijing · China

Gold ETF inflows reached a high in the first quarter, according to a report from CNR Economic Voice. The movement is characterized as a sign of international determination. The number of participating vessels in the aid flotilla has increased from approximately 40 ships to over 60 ships. Participant numbers are also reportedly rising. This development follows previous attempts regarding Israeli actions in Syria. Observers report that Zodiac boats are being used to intercept and redirect individual vessels within the aid flotilla. The strategy involves cutting off boats one by one and increasing the distance between them to disperse the fleet. This approach is reportedly being used to facilitate potential harassment or attacks against the flotilla.

Beijing Horizon Information Technology Co., Ltd. increased its capital to US$2.5 billion. This represents an approximate 67% increase in capital as of April 28, 2026.

CNC short video investment volume is expected to increase by 40 percent compared to last year.

China is promoting the concentration of state-owned capital into key industries and critical sectors. The strategy involves withdrawing state capital from general competitive areas to foster emerging industries.

The Wukong dark matter particle detection satellite has maintained a stable orbit for over 10 years since its launch in late 2015.

Researchers in China have developed a method to identify specific corn varieties on the same day a sample is collected. The system can determine the specific variety of a seed sample on the same day it is tested. China aims to focus on self-controllable technical foundations and key technologies within the autonomous driving sector to ensure sustainable industry development. Jing Bing, Deputy Director of the First Inspection Division, stated that China and the U.S. China aims to lead in the large-scale commercialization of autonomous driving and the establishment of international standards. China stated at the eleventh review conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons that Japan's nuclear issues have become a reality rather than a potential threat under the Sanae Takaichi government.

Researchers at the Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences have constructed the world's largest corn standard DNA fingerprint library. The library stores molecular information for over 100,000 corn varieties. The team also developed a DNA fingerprint library compatible with multiple crops, markers, and platforms. China is currently the world's largest producer and consumer of fresh corn. Researchers have developed a technique to identify corn seed varieties on the same day they are sampled. The technology allows for the immediate identification of specific corn varieties from a sample, even among over 100,000 existing varieties, on the same day of testing. This technical work, which originated over 30 years ago, allows for the immediate identification of specific corn varieties based on molecular signatures.

Global corn production reaches approximately 1.3 billion tons annually, which is equivalent to absorbing 4 billion tons of carbon dioxide.

Stowe National Integrated Circuit Fund announced it will reduce its holdings in a company by no more than 0.7%. Several Chinese companies reported changes in shareholding and financial performance. Longpan Technology reported a profit turnaround of 214 million yuan. Chinese A-share listed companies reported a first-quarter net profit of 60.82 billion yuan, representing a 3.01% year-on-year increase. Total operating revenue for the period from January to March reached 736.87 billion yuan. Net profit for the quarter was 46.52 billion yuan, showing improvement compared to the fourth quarter of 2025. Analysts are monitoring the consumer sector's Q1 performance as a key indicator of economic momentum. Chief Economist Jin Donghui noted that the consumer sector's Q1 report is a key indicator for observing consumption momentum.

Hanwuji announced a 159.56% year-on-year increase in revenue to 2.885 billion yuan for the first quarter of 2026. Hanwuji reported Q1 2026 operating revenue of 2.885 billion yuan, up 159.56% year-on-year, and net profit of 1.013 billion yuan, up 185.04%.