Stories from Beijing · China

Chinese traffic police have clarified that failing to move for more than 20 seconds after a green light turns on is a traffic violation. Police specify that staying stationary for over 20 seconds after a green light is a violation equivalent to running a red light under Article 44. Police clarified that failing to move within 20 seconds of a green light is a violation of Article 44 of the Road Traffic Safety Law.

China's online retail sales of goods grew 7 percent year-on-year in the first quarter. Regulated cryptocurrency operations are expected to begin within a regulated framework by the end of the year. This growth represents 24.8 percent of total social consumer goods retail sales, an increase of 0.6 percentage points from the previous two months.

AI technology is reducing semiconductor research and development cycles by more than half. AI is accelerating the modeling, architectural simulation, and stacking processes for advanced semiconductor manufacturing.

China is testing a high-speed maglev train utilizing vacuum technology. The train uses magnetic levitation to maintain a non-contact state with the track, with a gap of approximately 10 millimeters.

Baidu announced a restructuring of its professional and management grading systems effective May 1. Baidu will replace its letter-based grading system with a numeric 5-to-12 scale effective May 1. Baidu is transitioning from letter-based job labels to a 5-12 numerical grading system starting May 1 to integrate professional and management career paths. Baidu is replacing its existing letter-based job titles with a numeric system ranging from levels 5 to 12. The change merges professional and management tracks for employees below middle management to break institutional barriers. Baidu's new grading system, effective May 1, replaces letter-based labels with a 5-to-12 numerical scale. This change is intended to develop versatile leadership talent within the company.

Robot rental orders have seen growth as robotics enter the life services sector in China. The initiative also aims to improve field operation protections and professional development pathways for geologists. The strategy involves using big data and artificial intelligence to develop intelligent geological systems and targeting deep-earth and deep-sea technologies. Gao Bo, deputy director of the Transport Service Department of the Ministry of Transport, introduced this projection. The Ministry of Transport is guiding local departments and major rental enterprises to prepare for holiday travel. Efforts focus on improving vehicle safety inspections and ensuring easier rental and return processes. The daily average rental volume is projected to reach 700,000 vehicles, a 30% year-on-year increase, according to the Ministry of Transport.

The first fully AI-generated film, titled "Soul Ferry: Floating Dream," is expected to be released during the summer season. The film titled 'Soul Ferrying: Floating Dream' is expected to target a summer release window.

The State Council Information Office held a press conference at 10:00 AM to introduce the general arrangements and preparatory progress for the 2026 China Cyber Civilization Conference. Chen Yiji, standing committee member of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, will introduce plans for the 2026 China Cyber Civilization Conference. Officials in Beijing will hold a briefing to announce the date, theme, and core information for the 2026 China Cyber Civilization Conference. The event is described as a high-specification and authoritative platform for cyber civilization construction in China. The briefing is expected to cover the main forum, forum settings, and innovative arrangements for the conference. Media attention is focused on the main forum and specific forum settings, which will reflect the current focus of internet governance.

China added 2.99 million new urban jobs during the first three months of the year. China reported 2.99 million new urban jobs in the first quarter with an average unemployment rate of 5.3%.

The world's largest automobile transport ship manufactured in China has been delivered.