Stories from Beijing · China

Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Zhejiang University are adding new majors in giant intelligence. China's Ministry of Education is optimizing undergraduate major settings to align with national strategic needs. Nine Chinese universities, including Harbin Institute of Technology, Beihang University, and Zhejiang University, have added new majors in the 2026 undergraduate professional catalog. Beihang University has established a Giant Intelligence Robotics Institute, according to Wei Hongxin, the institute's director. Eight provinces and municipalities, including Heilongjiang and Chongqing, are piloting programs to align academic disciplines with regional economic development. The program is in its first year of enrollment with 30 available spots.

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

Ten Chinese government departments, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Cyberspace Administration, have jointly issued the 'Measures for the Review of Artificial Intelligence Science and Technology Ethics and Services (Trial)'. The 22nd meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress convened at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on the afternoon of the 27th.

China's Foreign Minister stated that relations between China and the United States enjoy bright prospects.

Geely Holding Group plans to launch more than ten new electric vehicle products globally over the next five years.

SAIC Motor General Manager Zhao Fei announced plans to build an overseas production capacity of 800,000 vehicles by 2030.

China's Politburo announced a directive today to respond to external shocks following a top decision-making meeting. The directive follows concerns regarding potential disruptions in the Middle East. Analysts suggest China is better positioned to weather a closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to ample oil reserves and heavy coal use. The announcement did not directly reference the war on Iran. The decision comes as the national economy shows signs of strain from Middle East disruptions. Before the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, more than 90 percent of China's oil shipments were sourced from Iran. Washington is currently attempting to disrupt this critical trade route. His directives included reducing casualties, fully treating the injured, scientifically organizing search and rescue, preventing secondary disasters, and properly handling aftermath.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is marking its 25th anniversary of formation. The organization has become an influential international body within the Eurasian space. Regular contacts between defense departments contribute to its role in ensuring stability and security in the region.

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology reported that mobile phones equipped with the open-source Hongmeng operating system reached 2,012,019 units by the end of March. This milestone reflects the growing adoption of the domestic operating system in China. China's Vice Minister of Industry and Information Technology, Xin, stated that mobile phone shipments using the open-source HarmonyOS exceeded 55 million units by the end of March.

China has issued a 40-day aviation warning for airspace over the East China Sea and Yellow Sea, according to the Japan Institute of International Affairs. Wave heights in the southwestern East China Sea are reported between 2.5 and 3.8 meters. Wave heights in the Zhejiang coastal waters are between 1.8 and 2.8 meters. Small vessels are advised to avoid going to sea during this period. The wave activity is expected to weaken and dissipate by tomorrow.