Stories from China

L3-level autonomous vehicles have begun appearing on roads in major Chinese cities including Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and Shanghai. These vehicles operate under specific approvals and are restricted to designated routes. Previously, autonomous test vehicles were required to use white trial license plates and were prohibited from driving on main arterial roads. The new implementation allows for broader integration into urban traffic systems following regulatory approval. New regulations allow these vehicles to travel on main arterial roads following specific approval processes. L3 autonomous vehicles are now permitted on specific approved routes in Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, moving beyond previous restrictions to white-plate test zones. China is expanding the deployment of Level 3 autonomous driving technology.

Tracking data confirms a migratory swan has arrived in the Baotou region of Inner Mongolia.

The Dunhuang manuscripts at Dunhuang contain over 35 million words of text. The collection represents a cultural heritage preserved through centuries of history. Efforts are being made to promote and translate these texts for modern audiences. The Dunhuang manuscripts at Yunju Temple consist of 14,641 stone tablets containing over 35 million words of scripture. The Dunhuang Sutras housed at the Yunju Temple Relics Museum contain approximately 35 million words. The Yunju Temple Sutras offer primary source material regarding the stability and continuity of Chinese civilization. The texts provide insights into historical changes in geography, local customs, and social conditions since ancient times. The findings are noted for their high calligraphic value and importance as rare ancient documents.

Scientists have identified the natural habitat of wild peach trees in eastern Tibet, China. The discovery follows investigations into how the species transitioned from wild thickets to cultivated varieties. Researchers noted that the peach did not emerge as a cultivated plant but originated from these specific wild groves. This finding clarifies the evolutionary history of the fruit in the region.

Reports indicate merchants are mixing rhenium powder into gold to create high-purity counterfeits.

A frontier laboratory has achieved a breakthrough in the mass production of non-oriented electrical steel with a thickness of 0.1mm. This material is a core component for electric motors and generators. The new thickness meets the requirements for miniaturization and high-speed rotation in emerging industries like low-altitude aircraft. Traditional electrical steel materials typically have a thickness of approximately 0.5mm. A specialized production line for high-performance electrical steel is scheduled to begin operations in 2026. The production line will focus on high-performance materials for high-end medical equipment and humanoid robot joints. The new steel features higher magnetic permeability, allowing for more powerful motors of the same volume with faster response speeds.

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.