Stories from China

Four prominent anchors, Mingming, Tianquan, Zhongcan, and Linlin, announced their departures from East Buy via social media on April 25. The anchors cited difficulty adapting to recent company changes and feelings of anxiety and internal friction. They expressed gratitude to founder Yu Minhong in their statements.

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to President-elect Romuald Wadagni of Benin.

China is pursuing an open approach to telecommunications and scientific advancement, recognizing that progress is impossible in isolation. The nation's 'New Infrastructure' program, launched in 2021, involves investment in 'smart' technologies and networks. Despite strict internet censorship, Chinese leadership understands that isolation would hinder its ability to compete globally. The strategy focuses on increasing openness in communication rather than solely expanding resources or artificial intelligence capabilities. This approach counters calls from some, like those associated with Donald Trump, to restrict technology exports to China. The development poses a nuclear threat to India's neighborhood and has prompted warnings from the United States.

Tourism between Russia and China is gradually recovering, specifically regarding travel to Hainan. Russian tourism to China's Hainan province is projected to increase in the coming years. Sergey Golov, President of the Union of Travel Agencies and member of the tourism coordination council, stated that China is currently a priority destination for Russian travelers. He noted that Hainan did not always enjoy high popularity among Russians prior to the pandemic. Golov noted that Hainan's popularity among Russians has grown significantly compared to previous periods. The island received 165,000 Russian visitors during the first quarter of this year. Total annual visitors from Russia to the province are expected to reach approximately 700,000. Travelers have cited the local climate, food, and beach conditions as primary attractions.

Extransfer founder and CEO Deng Guobiao announced the platform now supports local collection accounts in nearly 60 countries. This expansion allows sellers to receive payments in local currencies, intended to increase transaction security and stability for international buyers and sellers. The announcement coincided with a report from the Ministry of Commerce Research Institute regarding the growth of industrial goods exports. The service aims to facilitate smoother cross-border trade for global clients. The announcement coincided with activities at the 139th Canton Fair involving nearly 100 participating enterprises and trade service institutions.

The 139th Canton Fair held an emerging markets trade compliance development exchange on April 25 in Guangzhou. The event invited exhibitors, trade service institutions, and think tank experts to discuss compliance systems for Central Asia and Central/Eastern Europe. Feng Zhongping, director of the European Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, participated in the session. The exchange aimed to provide companies with strategies for optimizing overseas expansion. The fair currently hosts global high-end brands representing over 80% of its client base. Experts and think tanks shared practical experiences to help enterprises optimize overseas expansion strategies. The event focused on interpreting trade compliance systems for Central Asian, Middle Eastern, and Eastern European markets.

Chinese authorities have implemented stricter regulations targeting government officials whose family members reside abroad.

Tianjin expects to reach 13,000 technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises this year.

The China International Law Association is holding its 2026 annual academic conference in Shanghai from April 25 to 26. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson addressed questions regarding the trial's anniversary. A spokesperson said that the trial, like the Nuremberg trials, serves to condemn war criminals. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Tokyo Trial judged human conscience and historical justice.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun denied reports that US forces intercepted a vessel departing from mainland China in the Strait of Hormuz. The comments were made during a routine press conference on April 29. China has rejected a joint statement from the United States and five American nations accusing it of politicizing maritime trade to pressure Panama. He characterized Japan's approach as creating small circles and camp confrontation rather than pursuing peace and cooperation. Lin stated that the claims are fabricated and distort the truth. The spokesperson said that the Panama Canal must remain a permanently neutral international waterway. Lin Jian stated that China's position regarding Panama ports is clear and will firmly defend China's legitimate rights. Lin further alleged that the US has long occupied the Panama Canal and trampled on Panamanian sovereignty.