Stories from Beijing · China

China's Cyberspace Administration has identified 33 problematic applications and mini-programs that are collecting and using personal information. Sixty-seven mobile applications were found to be illegally collecting or using personal information, according to a joint announcement by China's Cyberspace Administration, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and Ministry of Public Security.

Chinese automotive bloggers visited the 2020 Beijing International Auto Show and expressed admiration for the high cost-effectiveness of Chinese cars. Media analysis suggests that King Charles III's upcoming visit to the United States holds more symbolic than substantive meaning for bilateral relations, especially amidst tensions over the Iran conflict. Chinese mainstream car companies are launching new vehicles equipped with driver-assistance technology at the Beijing Auto Show. The 2026 Beijing Auto Show features vehicles equipped with large screens and AI assistants that can personalize user preferences. Many Chinese brands are expanding into the European market, with German automakers investing billions in developing new electric vehicles specifically for China. The success of these investments will be determined by Chinese consumers.

Temperatures in northern China are expected to rise rapidly starting tomorrow, with many areas in North China and the Northeast potentially breaking their highest temperatures of the year. Northeastern, North China, and Northwest regions will see temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius, with many areas in North China and Northwest China exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. Cities like Taiyuan, Shijiazhuang, and Jinan are predicted to see concentrated temperature highs. This follows a general rise in temperatures nationwide since yesterday. This heatwave is expected to impact travel, particularly on highways. Today, temperatures are expected to reach new highs in Northeast, North China, and Northwest China, as well as parts of the Yellow Sea, Jianghuai, and Jiangnan regions. Many areas in Taiyuan, Shijiazhuang, Jinan, and Beijing-Tianjin will exceed 30 degrees Celsius.

Structural deposits are presented as an investment option for investors. China's central bank has maintained its benchmark lending rates, indicating a pause in monetary easing. China's financial sector is focusing on structural deposits as interest rates remain stagnant.

China has no interest in threatening others, making the 'China threat' theory baseless. China's ancient yet vibrant nation is embracing the world with an open attitude. High-quality development and high-level opening up are for global economic growth. The government stated that this narrative is unfounded. This statement comes amid ongoing international discussions about China's global influence. A former president stated that China's rise does not constitute a threat and denied that China has any interest in dominating or attacking the United States. A commentator expressed disagreement with the notion that China's rise poses a threat to the United States. The commentator's father, George H.W. Bush, also did not believe China was a threat during his presidency. A statement from CRI News Radio asserts that China has no interest in attacking the US or threatening the individual.

Law enforcement officials in China have launched an investigation into a business suspected of producing and selling substandard children's cosmetics through e-commerce platforms and showrooms. Authorities seized 403 pieces of non-compliant products and ordered an immediate recall of all problematic items.

Ten Chinese departments, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Cyberspace Administration, issued the 'Measures for the Review of Artificial Intelligence Science and Technology Ethics and Services (Trial)'.

China's National Development and Reform Commission has issued a decision to prohibit the foreign acquisition of the Minus project. The deal involved the transfer of core technology, code, data, and a complete research and development team. A joint security review by the Ministry of Commerce and the NDRC was initiated in early 2026 to investigate technology exports and cross-border data transfers. This follows a December 2025 announcement where US tech giant MATA agreed to acquire Manas for approximately $2 billion. Chinese regulators have blocked Meta's acquisition of the AI startup Manus. MENUS is described as the world's first general-purpose AI agent developed by a Chinese team. China continues to accelerate innovation through expanded digital infrastructure and clinical research capabilities.

The Palace Museum in Beijing is displaying Northern Song Dynasty Guan ware celadon ceramics. One specific piece, a primary vessel, is noted for its simple and solemn style used in Song imperial court settings. Only approximately ten such pieces are known to exist worldwide. The collection highlights the Song Dynasty's mastery of using subtle colors and shapes to create aesthetic value. An exhibition features Chinese porcelain, including items from the Qing Dynasty and the Puntsky period.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that the United States is attempting to stifle Chinese companies through extreme pressure. China's Ministry of Commerce criticized a draft European Union law designed to strengthen strategic industrial sectors including batteries, electric vehicles, photovoltaics, and key raw materials. Beijing stated the draft contains serious investment obstacles and institutional discrimination. The law aims to bolster strategic industries within the European Union. Industrial firm profits in China rose 15.8 percent in March compared to the previous year. This follows a 15.2 percent increase recorded during the January-February period. The growth indicates signs of economic recovery in the first quarter despite Middle East war impacts. The data specifically covers firms with annual revenues of at least 20 million yuan from main operations.