Stories from beijing · China

International consensus is forming regarding key performance standards for next-generation sixth-generation fighter jets. Experts suggest these aircraft will function as the core of intelligent aerial combat systems rather than standalone improved planes. The development occurs amid diverse global competition and the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence technology. The shift focuses on moving from stealth capabilities toward omnidirectional, all-aspect performance.

New financial marketing regulations in China prohibit non-bank payment institutions from listing loan installment products directly as payment options. China's eight departments have issued new regulations to address the frequent bundling of credit installment products like 'Baitiao' and 'Yuefu' with online shopping, food delivery, and travel services. Products like 'Baitiao' and 'Monthly Payment' will face adjustments, signaling a regulatory shift. Many consumers complained about passively agreeing to installment services without full disclosure or understanding of their credit nature, resulting in overdue payments. The move signals a regulatory adjustment for 'Bai Tiao' and 'Moon Payment' services. The regulations aim to curb default practices and improve transparency in the use of 'Bai Tiao' and 'Yue Fu' services, which have led to numerous consumer complaints.

Artificial intelligence and big data technologies have significantly increased the efficiency of organizing ancient text archives. Researchers have successfully completed the digital upload of 8,500 volumes of the Yongle Encyclopedia. High-definition image databases now allow for the rapid supplementation of tens of thousands of ancient books. This process involves collecting, organizing, and interpreting historical data to establish temporal coordinates.

Researchers published a study this week regarding the progress of China's Great Green Wall reforestation project. The initiative aims to counter desertification, specifically targeting the Gobi Desert in northern China. The project uses vegetation to prevent sand encroachment. The research team is composed primarily of Chinese scientists. The findings suggest the project offers lessons for global desertification mitigation. China's northern forest coverage increased from approximately 5% in 1978 to 14% in 2023. The project's success is attributed to modified approaches following previous failures and essential financial stability. China has cleared over 21,000 US dollars worth of landmines and unexploded ordnance in countries including Lebanon, Congo, and Liberia. China has provided landmine detection and clearing equipment to more than 40 countries since 1998.

China has lowered the criminal threshold for medical bribery to target corruption in the healthcare sector. Schemes included high-interest short-term loans targeting students, such as borrowing 1,200 units to repay 2,000 after one week. The investigation follows reports of these shops using cloud drive links to bypass platform security. Investigators found lenders required students to provide ID photos and Xuexin (CHSI) account passwords to facilitate loans. One reported scheme involved borrowing 1,200 units and repaying 2,000 units one week later. This represents an annualized interest rate of approximately 3,476%, far exceeding the 12% judicial protection limit. This rate significantly exceeds the 12% judicial protection limit set by the Supreme People's Court. Authorities in Beijing have arrested 32 individuals involved in a fraudulent mobile device lending scheme.

Researchers in Beijing are working to preserve and study the stone carvings at Yunju Temple. Wei Pengju is leading efforts to preserve and disseminate the thousand-year-old culture of Yunju Temple. Wei Pengju said using digitalization to protect the carvings' calligraphy and cultural continuity. Wei Pengju stated that digital information tools are essential for the preservation and utilization of stone carvings at Yunju Temple. Wei Pengju suggests involving more academic forces to balance the protection and utilization of stone carvings.

Experts forecast that consumer-grade 6G services are likely to enter the market around 2030. Experts suggest mass-market penetration may take several years beyond the initial 2030 consumer entry, with costs expected to drop via scale effects. Initial construction costs for 6G networks are expected to be high.

Ten Chinese government departments, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, have jointly issued a document regarding artificial intelligence technology ethics. The State Council released opinions on April 21 to promote the expansion of the service industry system.

Over 20% of wealth produced in China has been lost due to a real estate crisis. Retail sales grew by only 3% in 2022, with growth slowing to 0.9% in December. House prices fell by approximately 4% over the last year. The economic instability follows a period of weak growth in 2025. The hospitality and catering industry has criticized government subsidies for failing to offset rising costs. Housing supply for sale in China fell between 10% and 15% year-on-year between early 2025 and early 2026. Demand continues to outpace supply in the market.

Beijing port recorded over 7 million inbound and outbound travelers as of 8:00 AM today. Beijing port passenger traffic exceeded 7 million entries and exits this year as of 8:00 AM on April 26. Traffic reached 7 million people, a 13.3% year-on-year increase, with foreign travelers exceeding 2.28 million (up 34%). Beijing Capital International Airport reported that inbound and outbound passenger volume at Beijing ports exceeded 7 million people as of 8:00 on April 26. Beijing port inbound and outbound passenger volume is projected to exceed 334,000 people during the upcoming May Day holiday. Beijing Border Station expects 89,000 travelers at the Daxing International Airport port, averaging 18,000 people per day. Beijing border inspection authorities expect the number of people entering and exiting Beijing ports to surpass 334,000.