Stories from beijing · China

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.

Chinese authorities are implementing policies to reduce travel costs and encourage tourism through regional discount packages. Officials are specifically targeting travel agencies involved in forced shopping practices to protect consumer rights ahead of the May Day holiday.

Unisoc and ADAYO Huayang GM jointly released a new generation of AI cockpit platform at the 2026 Beijing International Auto Show. The technology is designed for automotive integration.

A large-scale exhibition in China is showcasing 1,351 new products across 727 participating enterprises. The second phase of the original equipment exhibition is currently underway in Beijing. The second phase of the Canton Fair features 1,351 new product booths across a 27,300 square meter exhibition area. A star product featuring professional non-perforated permeable fabric was showcased at the second phase of the Canton Fair, offering high drainage rates and disinfection capabilities.

Newly appointed Central Election Commission (CEC) chairperson Michael You has outlined the agency's primary objectives. The priorities include discussions regarding elections, referendums, and the rights of Chinese spouses. Ding Xuexiang discussed five key points regarding China's artificial intelligence development.

Analyst Ge Xiangkun reports that first-quarter public investment trends suggest a potential 10% excess return if current trends continue.

China's National Medical Products Administration released its 2025 annual report on adverse drug reaction monitoring. The 2025 annual report from the National Medical Products Administration confirms over 2.7 million reports, showing a year-on-year increase. Since the establishment of the national monitoring network, a cumulative 28.6 million reports have been recorded. Tian Chunhua, head of the National Drug Adverse Reaction Monitoring Center, stated the increase indicates a more robust monitoring system. The monitoring aims to detect and control safety risks to protect public health.