Stories from Beijing · China

A Stanford report identifies China as the global leader in AI-related publications and patent counts. The increase reflects the government's strategic vision to establish the country as a global technology leader through an innovation-driven economy. These filings are concentrated in frontier technology sectors including AI, 5G, and high-end robotics. China currently holds 61% of the world's artificial intelligence patents as of April 20, 2026. The country is utilizing nuclear energy to reduce coal dependency, secure energy supplies, and support economic growth. The United States remains the world's leading civilian nuclear power, followed by France. The International Atomic Energy Agency provided these latest figures. China possesses 61% of global artificial intelligence patents, with over 2.29 million patents filed.

China is launching a massive strategic overhaul to integrate software capabilities with its $14 trillion industrial sector. The initiative aims to address critical vulnerabilities in the global supply chain by strengthening domestic technological links. This move is intended to solidify China's position as the world's primary manufacturing hub. China has comprehensively restructured its regulatory and prevention system, establishing a preliminary normalized regulatory network. China's automotive export model is transitioning from simple vehicle exports to localized overseas factory production.

Spanish nuclear company ENUSA participated in the Nuclear International Exhibition held in Beijing, China. A company delegation visited the site to share technological advancements in the nuclear sector. This move strengthens the company's international presence within the global nuclear energy market. The automotive brand Omoda is presenting new technologies at the 2026 Beijing International Automobile Exhibition. The company is celebrating one million sales during the event.

The United States is reportedly threatening to disrupt secretive shipments of Iranian oil destined for China. China's petroleum sector remains resilient despite risks stemming from the war in Iran. The country maintains guaranteed crude and gas supplies through increased domestic production and diversified imports. Authorities are also utilizing temporary price interventions to manage the market. Chinese buyers are facing financial difficulties and liquidity issues, reducing their incentive to purchase Iranian oil. Despite Trump's recent policies, there may be an increase in oil purchases from Iran. The ability to sell this oil remains uncertain due to US pressure on money transfers and the UAE. If Iran can sell its oil, it could reach 2 million barrels per day, but the actual amount reaching Iran remains unclear.

China has successfully launched its first 'Pre-6G' network, marking a significant step toward next-generation telecommunications technology. This development aims to bridge the gap between current 5G capabilities and future 6G standards. The move reinforces China's position as a global leader in telecommunications infrastructure. The satellite aims to fill gaps in high-frequency, three-dimensional atmospheric detection. Chen Zhenlin stated that the mission supports precise monitoring of extreme weather. The initiative is part of a broader effort to achieve autonomous control over key meteorological satellite technologies by 2030.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a stern protest against Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for offering tributes to the Yasukuni Shrine. Beijing condemned the move, stating the shrine serves as a symbol of Japanese militarism. Demonstrators in China have criticized Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's actions, alleging they deny Japan's history of aggression.

Germany's economy chief is scheduled to make an inaugural trip to China to discuss bilateral trade relations. The meeting marks the second leg of Wong's East Asia tour. The two officials will co-chair the eighth round of the China-Australia Foreign and Strategic Dialogue. China's Foreign Ministry stated the talks will cover bilateral relations and regional and global issues of common concern. The response followed a visit by 166 members of the Diet, including conservative groups and members of the Sanseito party, on June 28. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian addressed the issue during a regular press conference. The shrine is viewed by China as a spiritual tool of Japanese militarism used to justify aggressive wars. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed strong indignation and stern condemnation regarding the actions of Japanese conservative groups.

International flight bookings to China have increased by over four times as travelers flock to the country for the Lunar New Year celebrations. This surge highlights the growing global appeal of Chinese cultural festivities. China expects cross-regional passenger flows to reach 1.52 billion people during the upcoming holiday period. China's May Day Cultural Tourism Week will run from late April through the end of the May Day holiday. China's Ministry of Transport announced that cross-regional passenger travel during the upcoming May Day holiday is expected to reach a record high for this period. China expects highway traffic to account for 91.6% of holiday travel, with approximately 64 million vehicles expected on national expressways. China expects 107 million railway passengers and 11.75 million civil aviation passengers during the upcoming May Day holiday.

Reports from the PLA Daily suggest a continued purge of military and political leadership to address 'residual corruption.' This follows the arrest of Zhang Youxia and signals a deepening internal crackdown within the People's Liberation Army.

The 2025 version of the 'Guidelines for the Construction of the Standard System for the Technology Service Industry' has been released in Beijing. This update aims to optimize the layout and development of the technology service sector following a major annual meeting. China's State Administration for Market Regulation has released new mandatory national standards for hazardous substances in indoor decoration and renovation materials.