Stories from China

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.

Protesters gathered at the Chinese embassy to demonstrate regarding the status of the Panchen Lama. The demonstration highlights ongoing concerns that the next Dalai Lama will be selected outside of China. The current Panchen Lama was reportedly abducted in 1995, and his current whereabouts and health remain unknown. Activists continue annual demonstrations to ensure the case is not forgotten. Protesters in Frankfurt highlighted the ongoing disappearance of the Panchen Lama during demonstrations. Participants said the need for official investigations into the matter. Protesters gathered in London to draw global attention to the disappearance of the Panchen Lama and the detention of activists. Participants highlighted the plight of detainees and called for international awareness of human rights issues in the region.

A demo flight for the Long March 10B rocket is currently scheduled for April 28, 2026, with a subsequent launch window on April 30, 2026. The status for the April 30 launch is currently listed as to be determined. The launch status is currently listed as 'To Be Confirmed'. The Soyuz 2.1b rocket is also scheduled for launch on April 30, 2026.

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.

A swan named Gutianle completed a 2,000-kilometer migration from Minjiang River estuary in Fujian to Baotou in Inner Mongolia. The journey, which took several months, utilized an ecological corridor spanning from China's southeast coast to the Yellow River. The migration was tracked as part of a conservation effort to monitor bird movements across the region. The bird traveled from the Min River estuary in Fujian province to the banks of the Yellow River in Baotou, Inner Mongolia. This migration journey began on March 17 and took several months to complete. The flight path crossed from the southeastern coast of China to the northern regions. A swan named Gutianle completed a 2,000km journey from Fujian's Minjiang estuary to Baotou, Inner Mongolia, following a March 17 departure. The migration began on March 17, traveling from the Minjiang estuary to the Tuyaoqi area in Baotou.

Sui Dynasty granaries, including the Taicang granary, were constructed outside the city walls of Luoyang.

A Long March 7A rocket launch with an unknown payload is scheduled for April 30, 2026. The launch status is currently listed as to be determined. The launch is currently listed with a status of 'To Be Determined'.

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