Stories from China

China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment reported an overall improvement in air quality during the first quarter of 2026. PM2.5 average concentrations in the Yangtze River Delta decreased by 2.3% year-on-year, and heavy pollution days fell to 1.6% of the total. Surface water quality remained stable, with 89.5% of water categorized as types 1 to 3 (excellent/good). The proportion of days with heavy or severe pollution fell to 1.6%, a 0.2 percentage point decrease from the previous year. President Xi Jinping has issued instructions to summarize and apply development experiences from Yiwu to promote high-quality growth. PM2.5 concentrations in 339 cities averaged 40.6 micrograms per cubic meter, a 1.2% year-on-year decrease, while PM10 averaged 63 micrograms per cubic meter.

Goldman Sachs reports indicate China has achieved breakthroughs in low-cost computing power for high-end AI large model manufacturing. Analysts no longer view Chinese technology stocks solely as contract manufacturers but as globally competitive sources of innovation. Investors are reportedly willing to pay premiums for these technical barriers. In the first quarter of 2026, 15 hard-tech companies achieved dual A-share and H-share listings.

Cui Hongjian, Director of the EU and Regional Development Research Center at Beijing Foreign Studies University, stated that European trust in the United States is decreasing. This shift is driven by changing perceptions of NATO's strategic importance. According to Cui, the strategic value of Europe is declining in the eyes of the United States. Furthermore, the benefits that NATO provides to the U.S. are reportedly diminishing. The report notes that even under Donald Trump, NATO is viewed as having reduced utility. Some perspectives, including those associated with Donald Trump, suggest NATO has become a burden.

CITIC Securities (6000030) reported that its securities investment business revenue accounted for 36.88 percent of the company's total revenue in 2025. This segment saw a year-on-year growth of 25.55%. Securities derivatives currently represent 38.89% of the firm's net capital. The company aims to increase the proportion of emerging income from structured products to over 40% in the coming years to establish a stable cash flow. The company holds comprehensive licenses, including access to US stocks via Hong Kong. Short-term profit contributions from overseas expansion are currently expected to be difficult. While profit contributions are not expected in the short term, the strategic focus remains on global layout.

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.

Latest data indicates there are fewer than 1,000 wild camels remaining worldwide. Monitoring equipment remains operational via wireless transmission despite a lack of mobile signal in the area. There are approximately 700 wild camels remaining within China, a population described as rarer than giant pandas. These skills include identifying fixed water sources in the desert and learning which plateau plants are edible. Young camels must also learn to recognize human sounds and scents to avoid danger and master local terrain to find shelter from sandstorms. Staff constructed artificial water reservoirs to supplement natural precipitation and stabilize water sources. These reservoirs are fed by snowmelt from Erjinsan. The project covers a 46.8-kilometer desert area within the reserve.

Guangxi is upgrading tourism services to transition from day-trip transit to multi-day consumption.

A cross-border tourism model in Guangxi is driving rapid development in local sectors including police districts, homestays, catering, and transportation. Cross-border group tourism in Guangxi has seen a increase in visitor numbers this year.

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.