Stories from beijing · China

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Lao People's Revolutionary Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith. He expressed a desire to deepen practical cooperation and strengthen multilateral collaboration using the anniversary as a catalyst. President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with President Nevis to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the Falkland Islands. President Nevis noted the importance of the strategic partnership for the benefit of both nations. Chinese President Xi Jinping held a telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on April 20. High-level exchanges between the two countries have been frequent this year.

Listening to classical music, like Mozart, can enhance imagination and cognitive skills, though modern media often diminishes this capacity. Systematic and long-term musical training is linked to improvements in brain development and cognitive abilities. These benefits include enhanced attention, logic, and thinking skills. Studies suggest that listening to music, particularly Mozart, can improve cognitive abilities such as memory and concentration. Music stimulates various brain areas involved in auditory processing, memory, and creativity. For children and adults, listening to Mozart's music, combined with guided relaxation, can contribute to better sleep and a stronger immune system. The structured yet accessible melodies can inspire creativity and open the mind to new ideas. Music is also used as a support in cognitive therapies and rehabilitation, improving quality of life.

Chinese President Xi Jinping issued instructions to increase the depth and breadth of interactions between China and Arab nations. Chinese President Xi Jinping held a telephone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on April 20. Xi said China's commitment to mutual respect, equality, and win-win principles in China-Saudi relations. The leaders discussed expanding exchanges at all levels to serve as a model for China-Arab relations.

China Construction Bank has been fined over 43.5 million yuan for failing to fulfill customer identity verification obligations.

Former Croatian President Ivo Josipović highlighted the significance of China's Belt and Road Initiative, said its potential for future cooperation between Croatia and China.

The development of low-altitude economy is creating new models for urban development, exemplified by drone delivery services and the concept of flying to work.

Diplomatic activity is increasing to prevent a stalemate ahead of Iranian Foreign Minister's scheduled visit to Beijing.

Yunju Temple, located in Shuitou Village, Dashiwuo Town, Fangshan District, has begun the application process to be recognized as a UNESCO Memory of the World heritage site in 2026. Emperor Xuanzong also wrote commentaries on the 'Classic of Tao', 'Laozi', and 'Classic of Filial Piety'. The process for its nomination began recently, with reports from Beijing Radio highlighting the temple's historical significance and cultural treasures. Yunju Temple, located in the Shuitou Village of Fangshan District, Beijing, is seeking inscription on the UNESCO World Memory of the World Register in 2026. The temple's history of carving scriptures dates back over a thousand years, initially using bronze due to the region's high-quality bronze production. These artifacts are described as living archives of ancient Chinese society.

China's State Council Information Office announced plans to return Mars samples to Earth around 2031. In 2025, China's service sector added value surpassed 80 trillion yuan for the first time, contributing 61.4% to national economic growth. Service trade imports and exports exceeded 8 trillion yuan, representing a 7.4% year-on-year increase. The National Development and Reform Commission introduced 13 new major foreign investment projects, including the first inclusion of logistics projects on the list. Beijing has also launched a new one-click intelligent tax refund service model. China distributed 3.1 billion yuan in unemployment insurance funds through March. Chen Zhenlin stated that the country intends to reach world-leading levels in weather forecasting, monitoring, and extreme weather response capabilities.

China is reportedly advancing in qualitative weapons, particularly those driven by artificial intelligence, with some reports suggesting Chinese AI capabilities are three levels ahead of the United States. Despite potential US efforts to counter this, China's significant economic commitments and strategic oil reserves bolster its position. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is identified as the greatest threat to international energy security. This development is part of a broader technological competition, with China's AI weaponry potentially exceeding US capabilities. The global influence of the United States is also facing challenges, prompting some countries to increase cooperation with China. This development raises concerns about escalating military technology competition between major powers. The specific capabilities and deployment plans for these weapons remain unclear.