Stories from Beijing · China

Beijing is banning the sale of drones within city limits starting this Friday. Chinese authorities have prohibited the sale and use of civilian drones within Beijing. The municipality cited security reasons for the ban. Violators face fines for non-compliance. The ban affects residents' leisure activities in popular locations. Authorities typically contact purchasers on the same day of purchase to inquire about the reasons for the acquisition. The ban affects popular weekend activities, including drone use at the Great Wall of China located within the Beijing municipality. The measure, effective as of Friday morning, has resulted in the removal of all drone products from electronics retailers in the Saint-Litoun district. Major electronics retailers in the Saint-Liutun district have removed all drone products from their shelves following the decision.

Mercedes-Benz reported a 27 percent decline in sales in the Chinese market compared to 2022. The company plans to counter these losses with a new model offensive. This strategy includes an increasing focus on local market alignment, particularly in China.

Chinese scientists have announced a technological breakthrough in artificial intelligence by creating a chip that generates images and video significantly faster than standard processors.

Regulatory authorities in China are investigating price fraud within the accommodation industry. This behavior is attributed to fundamental market pressures within the industry. The practice makes consumer rights protection difficult as complaints are hard to process. Current fines for these violations are reportedly insufficient to deter merchants from continuing the practice. Some platforms may also fail to distinguish these fraudulent activities from legitimate issues like system failures or renovations. Experts suggest that regulation is necessary to prevent merchants from using these tactics to exploit travelers and damage the reputation of local tourism. The industry is described as a primary window for cultural tourism. Chinese authorities have released the 2026 version of a team travel guide to combat fraudulent business practices.

The State Administration for Market Regulation will deploy a six-month nationwide crackdown targeting illegal activities in the influencer-led food industry. The crackdown focuses on influencers who use deceptive practices to mislead consumers. The campaign will focus on false advertising, including claims that food can prevent or treat diseases, and the use of fake expert personas. Dong Honggang, deputy director of the Food Production and Operation Department of the State Administration for Market Regulation, announced a major crackdown on live-streamers using coded language to promote food products. China has launched its first national-level data management service platform to support artificial intelligence development. China's State Administration for Market Regulation is conducting a six-month special rectification campaign targeting false advertising in online food sales.

China's Ministry of Water Resources reported that the South-to-North Water Diversion Project's East and Middle routes have transferred over 887.6 billion cubic meters of water since full operation began 12 years ago. The Middle Route spans from 32.4 degrees north to 40 degrees north latitude. Li Yong, director of the Water Conservancy Project Management Department, stated the project uses a digital monitoring system to ensure safety across the central route spanning 32.4 to 40 degrees north latitude. The project involves a 480-kilometer area north of the Yellow River and has faced discrepancies between planned and actual engineering progress over the last three years. The mobile charging industry in China is expected to exceed 320 billion yuan by 2030.

The China Iron and Steel Association reported that crude steel production for member enterprises decreased by 4.9 percent year-on-year during the first quarter. Jiang Wei stated that steel enterprises must maintain strategic focus and adhere to self-discipline to control inventory reductions. The industry must avoid excessive internal competition through coordinated governance between the government, industry, and enterprises. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs stated that China's current vegetable planting area exceeds 90 million mu.

Over 3,700 A-share companies have disclosed their 2025 annual reports. Nearly 3,000 of these companies reported profits, representing over 80% of the group. The National Bureau of Statistics is scheduled to release the April Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) and Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index tomorrow. Multinational corporations are utilizing China's industrial supply chain to transform the country into an innovation hub for global use. More than 3,700 A-share companies have recently disclosed financial results. Nearly 3,000 companies in China have achieved profitability, representing over 80% of the companies surveyed. Data shows that 2,934 out of 5,463 A-share listed companies disclosed 2025 annual reports as of 9:30 PM on April 28. Han Wuji announced a first-quarter 2026 revenue of 2.885 billion yuan, representing a 159.56% year-on-year increase.

At the ongoing Beijing Auto Show, new Chinese battery technology demonstrated stable charging and discharging in extreme temperatures. The batteries also maintained normal discharge capabilities at -50 degrees Celsius.

Reports indicate that negative reviews on Chinese platforms are being systematically deleted or altered for a fee. Reviewers are allegedly paying platform insiders to delete negative reviews and flood products with fake positive ratings in China.