Stories from Beijing · China

The Hormuz Strait dispute remains a sensitive issue requiring ongoing communication between parties. Resolving the dispute and disagreements regarding the Hormuz Strait will likely require a amount of time. Liu Xinchun, Dean of the China Institute of Arab Countries at Linxia University, noted that breakthroughs in negotiations require specific progress on the Hormuz Strait issue. Negotiations regarding the Hormuz Strait dispute face hurdles as parties struggle to find a compromise. Chinese leader Xi Jinping called for the Strait of Hormuz to remain open to ensure the free flow of energy and trade. He stated that the strait is an economic artery rather than a narrow regional passage. This position aligns with the United Arab Emirates' stance on maintaining global economic stability and confidence through unobstructed maritime routes.

China has added 12 new sites to the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. The new sites include Changshan in Zhejiang Province and Siguniang Mountains in Sichuan Province. China's birth rate has fallen below the death rate by 352,000 people, marking the largest population deficit since World War II. The decision comes as China's economy achieved 5% growth in the first quarter of 2026 despite geopolitical risks and changing trade environments. The agency cited China's large-scale market, complete supply chain system, and export competitiveness as foundations for its credit rating. This follows the implementation of macro-economic control policies by the Chinese government to manage economic pressures. The rating was maintained with an outlook upgraded to stable, supported by China's macroeconomic policies and supply chain advantages.

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology reported that the total number of mobile phones running the open-source HarmonyOS reached over 55 million units by the end of March. Total shipments of mobile devices running the open-source HarmonyOS exceeded 55 million units as of late March. The minister noted that industrial software has formed a product system covering key industries, significantly increasing overall technical strength. This announcement follows reports of increased capacity in China's new energy vehicle sector. Huawei's homegrown HarmonyOS operating system has surpassed 55 million smartphone users in China. The expansion is part of a strategic effort to reduce domestic reliance on foreign technology.

China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) reported a first-quarter profit of 39.14 billion yuan under Chinese accounting standards. Finance Manager Huang Yufan stated that international oil price volatility, influenced by Middle East tensions, has impacted market conditions. Brent crude prices rose from an average of approximately $64 per barrel in January to approximately $98 per barrel in March. Gasoline sales revenue rose approximately 10 percent to 97 billion yuan due to a 4.5 percent increase in the average realized oil price. CNOOC reported that its first quarter costs rose over 5% year-on-year to $28.41 per ton. This marks the fastest growth rate in six quarters. Total oil and gas production reached 20.5 million barrels, a record high that increased by 8.6 percent year-on-year. Revenue also rose by nearly 9 percent during the period.

China has implemented the country's first high-speed train control system based on Ethernet technology. China has successfully implemented Ethernet-based control systems for high-speed rail operations. The Beijing-Guangzhou high-speed railway has achieved full-line operation at a standard speed of 350 kilometers per hour. The development of this system took five years of independent research and development. The train is described as one of the fastest commercial operating trains in the world. This technology represents a step in China's transition from catching up to leading in rail technology. China has completed five years of research and development for a self-developed 600 km/h high-speed rail transportation system.

China plans to comprehensively implement an 'AI Plus' action to improve artificial intelligence governance.

A meeting said the use of macroeconomic policies to enhance the foresight, flexibility, and targeting of monetary policy. Specific examples include chefs, delivery personnel, sanitation workers, and soldiers. The broadcast said that all labor is valuable and contributes to a better life, citing educator Tao Xingzhi's saying, "Life's two treasures are hands and brain." It identified workers in various professions, including chefs, delivery drivers, sanitation workers, and soldiers. President Xi Jinping has consistently praised the spirit of labor and craftsmanship since the 18th Party Congress. Reforms are underway to attract talented young students to scientific research. The emphasis is on fostering a high-quality workforce and achieving breakthroughs in science and technology.

Reports indicate China is developing mini nuclear weapons and dangerous missiles, posing a nuclear threat to India's neighbors. China Communications Construction Group has built a vehicle carrier measuring 230 meters long and 40 meters wide. The vessel features 14 garage decks designed to accommodate electric vehicles, new energy vehicles, and heavy trucks. It has a maximum capacity of 10,800 vehicles per trip. The ship is equipped with a new green fuel system to meet global environmental standards. The vessel is designed to transport electric vehicles while minimizing acoustic impact on marine life, which is sensitive to noise. The ship is expected to travel via the North Sea to the Baltic Sea. The vessel features a new green fuel system meeting global environmental standards and arrives amid reports that China's patent applications now exceed all other countries.

China's new energy vehicle exports maintained high growth in the first quarter of 2026. Geely Auto also reported strong performance with cumulative first-quarter sales of 709,400 vehicles, including 369,100 new energy vehicles. The company noted that overseas per-vehicle profitability is several times higher than domestic levels. China's general customs data shows a 15% year-on-year increase in total trade in goods. Demand in Europe is reportedly strong due to the current geopolitical situation and rising prices. The company also reported growth in exports to Maghreb countries and Southeast Asia. The growth was driven primarily by exports from Uganda, Ethiopia, and Rwanda. The source noted that these volumes represent approximately 500 million in value. This shift in trade patterns follows similar trends in other sectors like cocoa and textiles in Ghana.

The snooker qualifying quarterfinals are taking place in Beijing. Player Wu Yize currently leads with a score of 9-7. The match has entered its third and decisive stage. Wu Yize maintained composure to extend his lead to 10-7 before his opponent attempted a comeback. He secured victories in the twentieth and twenty-first frames to maintain control. He is scheduled to face Iranian player Vafaei in the next round. Vafaei previously advanced by defeating world number one Trump with a score of 13-12. Wu Yize secured a place in the snooker quarterfinals after winning the 20th and 21st frames to withstand pressure. In a separate match, four-time champion John Higgins defeated seven-time champion Mark Allen 13-12. The four semi-finalists for the Snooker City Top Tournament have been determined.