Stories from Beijing · China

Chinese AI firm DeepSeek has released a new artificial intelligence model that claims parity with industry leaders OpenAI and Google. The launch marks a significant step in the competitive landscape of global generative AI development. The release comes as international attention shifts toward China's growing technological capabilities in the machine learning sector. This latest iteration follows previous versions that were reportedly trained using NVIDIA hardware. The release comes amid ongoing technological competition between China and the United States.

China has implemented new export restrictions targeting European Union companies in response to arms sales involving Taiwan. China, the world's largest exporter of solar panels, is considering restrictions on solar manufacturing equipment destined for the United States. The move could impact foreign relations between the two nations. This supply falls short of the global requirement of 50,000 tons per year. The reduction follows a previous instance where China restricted exports to Japan following a collision between Chinese fishermen and the Japanese Coast Guard. The supply shortage has prompted calls to revive domestic production in the United States. Global demand for these materials is estimated at 50,000 tons annually. This supply gap is being cited as a driver for the revival of U.S.-based MaliCorp. This supply gap is expected to drive prices higher, according to the source.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that relations between China and the United States show positive potential. This comment follows recent diplomatic shifts and aims to signal a desire for stable bilateral engagement. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that China-US relations maintain overall stability under the strategic leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Trump.

Four Chinese government departments have issued a directive to accelerate the high-quality development of technology insurance. This initiative aims to support innovation and provide better risk management for the evolving tech sector. China has developed a missile capable of precisely targeting US naval vessels and aircraft carriers. The development is reportedly being closely monitored by both China and Russia. The capability is intended to pose a threat to US maritime operations.

New technical service management regulations have been issued in China, specifically addressing safety standards for 3D printing equipment. China will implement comprehensive tariff measures against 53 African countries starting May 1, 2026. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated on April 29 that these measures aim to share opportunities with Africa amidst rising global protectionism and unilateralism. Lin noted that the Middle East situation is having spillover effects on the African continent. The move is described as an effort to contribute to global peace and development through China-Africa stability. The 22nd meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress passed the Assistance Law on April 30, 2026. Zhao Leji announced that the National People's Congress passed eight draft laws during its recent session.

China's solar energy exports reached unprecedented volumes in March 2026. China doubled its exports of electric and hybrid vehicles between 2024 and 2025. Last year, 2.6 million such vehicles arrived in foreign markets. Chinese manufacturers are leveraging falling oil prices linked to Middle East conflicts to expand into European markets. Major European automakers like Volkswagen and BMW face increasing competition from these technologically advanced Chinese firms. This amount is equivalent to the entire existing solar capacity of the United States. For comparison, Quebec's maximum hydroelectric capacity is 41 GW. China produced approximately 92% of the world's solar modules in 2025. The country has been developing its solar and wind energy sectors for over 30 years. The country is currently a global leader in the production of equipment for both solar and wind sectors.

A Stanford report indicates China is the global leader in the number of AI-related publications and patents. This comes as generative AI usage rates jump to 44.5%, though paid subscriptions remain low at 7.9%. Han Xiqiu, China's first female chief scientist for oceanographic research, led a team in the Southwest Indian Ocean.

China is actively diversifying its energy portfolio by shifting focus from traditional oil sources toward renewable energy sectors. This milestone coincides with a corresponding drop in fossil power usage. Solar and wind power accounted for 22 percent of all electricity produced in China in 2025. China has been developing solar and wind energy for over 30 years. The country currently provides approximately 92 percent of global solar module production. This renewable energy output represents approximately one out of every five kilowatt-hours generated in the country. This energy transition includes developments in electric vehicles, electric buses, and energy storage. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a document stating Japan should be completely disarmed according to the Cairo Declaration and Potsdam Proclamation.

China Construction Bank has been penalized over 43.5 million yuan for failing to fulfill customer identity verification obligations. The fine highlights increased regulatory scrutiny over anti-money laundering protocols in the Chinese banking sector.

Chinese authorities have reportedly barred the founders of Manus from leaving the country following a $2 billion acquisition by Meta. The move comes as part of a broader crackdown on tech assets and personnel following major global acquisitions. The incident highlights increasing tensions between Chinese regulatory oversight and international tech expansion. Chinese authorities have blocked Meta's proposed $2 billion acquisition of the artificial intelligence company Manus. China's National Development and Reform Commission announced on Monday, April 27, that it has rejected Meta's proposed acquisition of Chinese artificial intelligence startup MENACS. The review mechanism for foreign investment security cited regulatory compliance in its decision. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has requested that Meta unwind its US$2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus.