Stories from China

Experts report that the fertile black soil in Northeast China is becoming thinner, weaker, and harder. This soil hardening makes cultivation and crop root growth difficult, and also hinders water storage. Experts note that the soil is a cyclical resource and that the region's reliance on expensive soybean imports from the US highlights the need for domestic development.

Russia's cooperation with Chinese companies on drones was previously an open secret. However, recent developments suggest a shift, possibly influenced by a US directive to take action against China. This has led to statements and evaluations, according to a report in 'Sueddeutsche Zeitung'.

Researcher Lu Pangdi proposed a classic organizational conflict model in 1967, dividing conflict into five progressive stages.

China has implemented a new law aimed at the assimilation of ethnic minorities. This law is seen as problematic and contrary to democratic values. China is promoting state-centric and authoritarian values internationally, particularly in the Global South and within Western societies.

The AI company Manus, founded in March, was valued at 1.5 billion dollars just one month later. Manus is part of the parent company Butterfly Effect, based in Wuhan. The company offers services including flight searches, hotel comparisons, itinerary planning, and booking travel components. The company's AI was described as a 'DiepSiek II moment,' comparable to another well-known Chinese AI. Artificial intelligence company Manus has achieved a valuation of $1.5 billion.

The Romanian National Hockey team has arrived in Shenzhen, China, for the World Championships with the objective of promotion to Division One. They will compete against Spain, Estonia, South Korea, and China. Former player Otilonog believes Estonia and China will be the main adversaries in this battle. The top-ranked team in the group will earn promotion to Group A. Romania's group also includes the host nation China, Spain, and Estonia. The Romanian men's national ice hockey team lost to China with a score of 4-3 during overtime at the Division Antigrupa B World Championship in Shenzhen. Romania is scheduled to play against a Spanish selection tomorrow at 7:30 AM Romanian time.

Several Chinese technological goods are included in a list of items subject to scrutiny from third countries. Chinese domestic automakers are competing on innovation, not just price, by developing future autonomous driving solutions. At a recent auto show, many exhibited vehicles featured large central control screens and AI assistants. These systems can automatically adjust cabin temperature and seat positions based on user preferences, and even recommend and book nearby restaurants. Chinese consumers will ultimately decide if this focus on R&D for new electric vehicles tailored to the Chinese market is worthwhile. For German manufacturers, 2026 is poised to be a year as they contend in the highly competitive Chinese market. Cars at the auto show featured large central screens and AI assistants that could adjust cabin settings and recommend restaurants.

Three prisoners were executed by being pushed from a cable car.

The Shang Ya Xu covered bridge in Shangtai Village cost 3.8 million yuan, with 500,000 yuan still outstanding as a loan. Typhoon Meranti struck China on September 15, 2016, causing widespread flooding. Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County in Guangxi, China, boasts the most complete and concentrated collection of Dong architectural clusters. The Yongji Bridge in Chengyang Bazhai, Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County, Guangxi, is described as China's best-preserved and largest wind-rain bridge. These unique architectural structures serve as community gathering places and are integral to the cultural heritage of the ethnic minorities in the area. Efforts are underway to ensure their continued preservation. Wind-rain bridges, also known as 'langtiao' bridges, are constructed using mortise and tenon joinery without nails.

Chinese officials are participating in state-sponsored mountain rituals, which include climbing, sightseeing, and composing poetry. Rituals performed after a mountain climbing event were inscribed on the cliff face of Jiuri Mountain. The ancient Zhaozhou Bridge, a unique wooden arch bridge with Chinese characteristics, is undergoing extensive restoration. Three ancient bridges in China's Tai Shun region were destroyed by Typhoon Meranti on September 15, 2016. The bridges, including the San Kui Town Xuezai Bridge, Wen Zhong Bridge, and Wen Xing Bridge, were centuries old and made of dried wood, making them vulnerable to fire and flood. Their destruction was attributed to heavy rains and flooding.