Stories from Beijing · China

Heavy rainfall is forecasted to move from west to east across southern China, including parts of Jiangnan, South China, and the eastern regions. Meteorological updates indicate heavy rainfall is moving from west to east across several regions. Temperatures in Xi'an and Lanzhou are expected to decrease by approximately 9 degrees Celsius on May 1st. The Central Meteorological Observatory predicts a period of precipitation and cooling across most of China during the early May Day holiday. Southern China is expected to experience heavy rainfall, with some areas facing thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail. Southern China is experiencing continuous rainfall, with heavier precipitation expected on May 2nd. The May Day holiday box office exceeded 300 million yuan, with the first day's average ticket price at 36.8 yuan, the lowest in four years.

Reports indicate China is developing mini nuclear weapons and dangerous missiles. The United States has issued warnings regarding these developments. China has developed a robotic submersible capable of reaching depths of nearly 12,000 feet. The technology is capable of cutting undersea internet cables at these depths. Chinese officials state the device is intended for research purposes. This development follows reports regarding China's maritime capabilities. The specific purpose of the submersible remains a subject of international scrutiny. The technology allows for operations at depths to potentially interfere with subsea infrastructure. The capability is noted alongside ongoing discussions regarding China's strategic maritime activities. China is advancing a new 'Smart Economy' strategic framework as outlined in the recent government work report.

China's new employment group, characterized by flexible work, has reached an estimated 84 million people nationwide. New management protocols for the onboarding process of these new employment groups are also being said. Chinese authorities are said the role of corporate headquarters in regulating the 'new employment group' to improve worker well-being. Chinese authorities are proposing measures to ensure reasonable labor compensation for new employment groups, including internet platform workers. The proposal focuses on balancing work tasks with labor intensity and ensuring protections for rest periods. It also addresses contract certainty and implementation in special circumstances. Implementation will focus on contract certainty and specific labor intensity metrics.

The 2026 Snooker tournament continues its round of 16 matches on April 27. Athletes are facing bans due to doping offenses. The 2026 Snooker Championship enters its round of 16 stage on April 27. The snooker competition continues on April 27 in Beijing. Chinese player Wu Yize is set to face four-time champion Mark Selby in the third stage of their match on April 27.

The 2026 World Diving World Cup finals are taking place this week at the National Aquatics Center in Beijing. Over 90 elite divers from 17 different countries and regions are participating in the competition. The event is taking place at the Water Cube. The Chinese team will compete as the home nation during the competition. The Diving World Cup Super Finals will take place in Beijing from May 1 to May 3. The event will feature top divers including Olympic champion Chen Yuxi, Chen Yewen, Lian Junjie, and Wang Zongyuan. The schedule includes synchronized and mixed team finals on May 1, followed by men's 3m springboard and women's 10m platform finals on May 2. The final day on May 3 will feature women's 3m springboard and men's 10m platform competitions. In the previous season's finals, the Chinese team won all available gold medals.

BYD is on track to sell 10 million vehicles in 2026. The company's growth has been noted during recent auto shows. Chinese electric vehicles are being described as significantly cheaper than competitors, with some models priced at half the cost of others. This trend is impacting market perceptions of Beijing-made cars.

The Australian dollar is maintaining a short-term high position against the US dollar. The Australian dollar's selling price against the Korean won is 7.836. Current quotes are at 1.3584, with the daily cycle showing high volatility but a recent rebound. Short-term support is identified between 1.3490 and 1.3510.

The Central Meteorological Observatory issued a yellow wind warning for several regions in China. Draft amendments to the Agriculture Law, Defense Mobilization Law, and Water Law will be submitted for deliberation. Chinese authorities are proposing amendments to change the terminology for certain individuals from 'aid recipients' to 'displaced persons.' The modification does not change the content of the existing relief system or the normal operation of aid work. New policy discussions in China are addressing the need for reasonable compensation for workers in the new economy. China's cumulative installed capacity for wind and solar power reached 1.898 billion kilowatts by the end of the first quarter. This represents a 28.1% increase compared to the same period last year. The country's energy supply remained stable during the first quarter with growth in oil and gas production.

A monitor for the Beijing Wildlife Registry, Sha Fei, reported discovering a bearded vulture at the Heishantou monitoring point in Baiwangshan. A juvenile bearded vulture has been identified in Beijing, marking a rare sighting for the species in China.

Australian buyer Ronak Panchal met with 15 suppliers during a trade matchmaking event to discuss cooperation details. The event is part of a series of 28 matchmaking activities designed to connect international buyers directly with Chinese factories. These activities aim to establish efficient bilateral trade channels.