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89Enes Kanter Freedom: Eileen Gu built her fame in a free country, but chose to represent an authoritarian regime
Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom criticized Olympic skier Eileen Gu for choosing to represent China, calling the nation "the worst human rights abuser on the planet." Freedom made his comments on Fox News' 'The Ingraham Angle'.
Why Is Everyone So Nice to Eileen Gu?
The Free Press analyzes why Eileen Gu, born and raised in San Francisco and educated at Stanford, chose to compete in freestyle skiing for China instead of the United States. The piece dives into the perceived "niceness" towards her despite the controversial decision, exploring the complex factors that shaped her choice.
China views sports industry as new growth driver in next five years
China aims to grow its sports industry into a new economic pillar over the next five years. Specific targets include increasing the industry's total scale to 5 trillion yuan and establishing a system to support the sector's sustainable development.
‘It’s a nice surprise to be treated like kings!’ Why are mid-level British indie bands massive in China?
British indie band Swim Deep has experienced a massive surge in popularity in China, playing to crowds of tens of thousands compared to hundreds in the UK. This phenomenon extends to other mid-level British indie bands who are finding unexpected success in the Chinese music scene.
Climate reparations and the language of justice: a legal imperative - Grantham Research Institute on climate change and the environment
Joy Reyes and Sahar Shah of the Grantham Research Institute explore the concept of climate reparations and how the law can transform it into actionable obligations. They argue that a focus on legal mechanisms is essential to shift climate reparations from a theoretical ideal to a practical reality.
Cumulative CO₂ emissions
Our World in Data presents a graph showing cumulative CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels and industry since records began. It excludes emissions from land-use changes and tracks the running total in tonnes for different countries and regions.
US funding for global internet freedom ‘effectively gutted’
US funding for programs supporting global internet freedom is facing significant cuts, potentially crippling efforts to help people in oppressive regimes bypass government censorship. Organizations that develop technologies enabling users to evade surveillance and access unrestricted internet are under threat, jeopardizing the US's commitment to promoting free and open internet access worldwide.
AllLookSame
AllLookSame.com presents a quiz and game exploring perceived differences between people from China, Japan, and Korea. It uses user interaction as a tool to question stereotypes and broaden perspectives on cultural diversity.
2026 Spring Festival
The provided URL is a special page by CGTN dedicated to the 2026 Spring Festival. It integrates resources to offer a comprehensive view of Spring Festival events, including the CCTV Gala and Super Night, aiming to connect tradition with modernity for a global celebration.
How Eileen Gu Became the Olympics' Star Freestyle Skier
Eileen Gu, the freestyle skier who won three medals at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics representing China, is preparing to compete at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in 2026. The interview discusses her training, goals for the upcoming games, and her diverse range of endorsements and activities.
Semafor Flagship: Experiments with millions
Semafor's Flagship newsletter highlights the latest AI model releases from Chinese tech companies, the gathering of AI leaders in India, and the increasing popularity of Tinder in Saudi Arabia. The newsletter also covers various business, cultural, and technological trends.
China's humanoid robots take centre stage for Lunar New Year showtime
China showcased its humanoid robots during the CCTV Spring Festival gala, the country's most-watched TV show, highlighting Beijing's ambition to lead in humanoid robotics and advanced manufacturing. This event underscores China's industrial policy focused on dominating the future of manufacturing.
Chinese robot boxing draws crowds in San Francisco
Chinese humanoid robot manufacturer Unitree is providing robots for VR-controlled boxing matches in San Francisco, staged by Rek and Ultimate Fighting Bots. Experts call the staged matches “robot theater.”
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Executives are worried about a potential shift in policy in Washington, D.C., ahead of Donald Trump's planned visit to China in April. The concerns apparently revolve around international trade and economic relations.
Why Europe Is Talking About Nuclear Weapons
The article discusses the increasing conversation around nuclear weapons in Europe due to declining confidence in American protection. It highlights the need for Europe to consider its own deterrence capabilities as a collective.
Alibaba unveils new Qwen3.5 model for 'agentic AI era'
Alibaba has launched Qwen 3.5, a new AI model designed for independent complex task execution. Alibaba claims Qwen 3.5 outperforms major U.S. models on various benchmarks while also offering improved performance and lower costs.
China’s New AI Billionaires Challenging US Tech Dominance: List
China is fostering a new class of AI billionaires as the country pursues technological independence. These rising tech leaders are developing AI solutions and challenging US dominance in the field.
China Daily Website - Connecting China Connecting the World
China Daily is the largest English portal in China. It provides news, business information, BBS, and learning materials.
Morocco to host Africa’s first battery gigafactory with $5.6 billion Chinese investment
Morocco is set to host Africa's first battery gigafactory, supported by a $5.6 billion investment from China. This initiative marks a significant step for Morocco in the electric vehicle battery market.
A Wave of Unexplained Bot Traffic Is Sweeping the Web
Websites are experiencing an influx of bot traffic originating from IP addresses in Lanzhou, China, affecting small publishers and even US federal agencies. Security experts are investigating the cause and potential risks associated with this unexplained automated activity.
Made In China
The WIRED tag "Made In China" provides unbiased tech news coming out of China. The tag's newsletter, delivered on Thursdays, is curated by WIRED senior writer Zeyi Yang and senior editor Louise Matsakis.
The Wall Dancers by Yi-Ling Liu: 9780593491850
Penguin Random House details Yi-Ling Liu's book, "The Wall Dancers," which explores the dynamic between freedom and control on the Chinese internet. The book offers an eye-opening exploration of China's internet landscape.
How China Built a Chip Industry, and Why It’s Still Not Enough
China's decade-long effort to achieve self-sufficiency in chip manufacturing has resulted in domestic firms producing fewer and lower-performing chips compared to foreign competitors. Despite significant investment, the Chinese chip industry still lags behind, particularly in advanced technologies, requiring continued reliance on international suppliers.
China’s ByteDance releases Doubao 2.0 AI model for 'agent era'
ByteDance has launched Doubao 2.0, an upgraded version of its widely used AI application in China, on Saturday. The company aims for the model to enter the 'agent era' of AI technology.
India partners with Alibaba.com for export push despite past China tech bans
India is partnering with Alibaba.com to boost exports by leveraging its B2B network of 50 million buyers across 200 countries. This move comes despite previous bans on Chinese tech companies within India.
Sharp China
This episode of Sharp China covers pending Taiwan arms sales, the sentencing of Jimmy Lai, Takaichi's secured supermajority, and AI models being used as propaganda vectors. It analyzes China's influence and global impact across these domains.
China's Baidu adds OpenClaw AI into search app for 700 million users ahead of Lunar New Year
Baidu is integrating its OpenClaw AI into its search app, allowing 700 million users to directly instruct the AI to perform tasks. The rollout is planned to coincide with the Lunar New Year.
Why Internet Stars Are Chinamaxxing
The GQ article explores the phenomenon of Western internet stars seeking audiences and opportunities in China's massive streaming market, which exists behind the Great Firewall and outside the reach of platforms like YouTube. It examines the challenges and potential rewards for creators attempting to "chinamaxx" their careers.
Exclusive: Trump pauses China tech bans ahead of Xi summit
Ahead of a meeting in April, the Trump administration shelved key tech security measures aimed at China. These measures included a ban on China Telecom's U.S. operations and restrictions on sales of Chinese equipment for U.S. data centers.
OpenAI Accuses China's DeepSeek of Distilling US AI Models to Gain an Edge
OpenAI alerted U.S. lawmakers that DeepSeek, a Chinese AI firm, is allegedly employing sophisticated techniques to extract data from leading American AI models. The goal is to train DeepSeek's R1 chatbot and gain a competitive advantage, according to a memo reviewed by Bloomberg News.
China has planted so many trees around the Taklamakan Desert that it's turned this 'biological void' into a carbon sink
China has planted a large number of trees around the Taklamakan Desert, one of the world's largest sandy deserts. This large-scale ecological engineering project has transformed the area from a biological void into a carbon sink, helping to mitigate climate change.
Ukrainian flashes 'No War in Ukraine' sign after Olympic run
Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych displayed a "No War in Ukraine" sign after finishing a run at the Beijing Olympics. The gesture occurred amidst rising tensions between Ukraine and Russia.
America's Cyber Defense Agency Is Burning Down and Nobody's Coming to Put It Out
ThreatHunter.ai reports that the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has lost a third of its workforce and lacks a confirmed director. The article also notes a concerning incident where the acting leader uploaded sensitive documents to public ChatGPT while China is allegedly pre-positioned inside U.S. critical infrastructure.
Chips and Geopolitics
This Stratechery article by Ben Thompson analyzes the geopolitical implications of the semiconductor industry, particularly the competition between the United States and China. It discusses how control over chip manufacturing influences national security and global power dynamics.
The China Cultural Clash
Ben Thompson's Stratechery article analyzes the cultural clash arising from the globalization of technology and business, particularly concerning the differences between Western and Chinese values and perspectives. He uses examples of business decisions and cultural norms to illustrate the challenges and potential conflicts that arise when these two systems interact.
The TikTok War
Ben Thompson analyzes the geopolitical and business implications of TikTok's popularity and potential sale. He examines the app's unique algorithm, its relationship with the Chinese government, and the strategic motivations behind potential U.S. actions, including a possible ban or forced sale.
Apple’s China Problem
Ben Thompson's Stratechery article from 2017 analyzes Apple's struggles in the Chinese market. The article highlights the tension between Apple's need to comply with Chinese regulations and its brand image as a champion of freedom and privacy.
Xi Jinping Thought, Facebook’s Blindspot, The Moat Map Revisited
Ben Thompson's Stratechery article from 2020 discusses Xi Jinping's approach to technology regulation in China, contrasting it with Facebook's (Meta's) perceived blind spot regarding its societal impact. The piece revisits the concept of "moats" in business strategy, analyzing how regulatory environments can act as moats.
Zhipu leads rally in Chinese AI stocks, surging 30% as a wave of new releases hits market
Chinese AI stocks rallied, led by a 30% surge in Zhipu, driven by new model and agent releases. The Shanghai STAR AI Industry Index initially climbed 1.7% before reducing gains.
Singapore says China-backed hackers targeted its four largest phone companies
Singapore reports that hackers backed by China gained limited access to critical systems of its four largest phone companies. The Singaporean government stated that no customer data was stolen, and services were not disrupted.
Politics and Protest at the Olympics
The Council on Foreign Relations provides a timeline of political statements made at the Olympics via boycotts and protests from 1906 to 2024. Despite the International Olympic Committee's claim of apolitical games, governments and athletes have used the Olympics to make political statements.
China’s Zhipu Rolls Out New AI Model in Stealth Mode
Chinese AI developer Zhipu has launched its new large language model, GLM-5, under the alias Pony Alpha on the OpenRouter AI model marketplace. This stealth release strategy allows Zhipu to test and deploy its technology discreetly.
China's AI apps wield 'red envelopes' in Lunar New Year fight for users
Chinese AI companies are releasing new AI models and giving out "red envelope" freebies to attract users before Lunar New Year. This signals intensified competition amongst AI providers in China.
Jimmy Lai: Hong Kong pro-democracy tycoon gets 20 years' jail under national security law
Hong Kong pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years in jail under the national security law. Supporters call the sentence a death sentence, while authorities claim it demonstrates the rule of law.
The General Catalyst Investor Backing Mistral and Helsing
Jeannette zu Fürstenberg, the 'Princess President' of La Famiglia, is investing in European startups with geopolitical importance, including AI companies Mistral AI and Helsing. Her firm focuses on companies capable of competing with U.S. and Chinese tech giants, and Fürstenberg also hosts influential social gatherings.
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The article discusses the resurgence of Chinese buyers in the luxury market after a period of decline, driven by factors such as a refreshed brand image and increased social media engagement. It hints at a shift in consumer behavior and marketing strategies within the luxury sector.
Sharp China
The Sharp China podcast episode discusses purges within the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in China, recent diplomatic activity with world leaders visiting Beijing, and a potential phone call between Trump and Xi. It also references a resolution regarding the Panama Canal.
Apple Earnings, Supply Chain Speculation, China and Industrial Design
Ben Thompson analyzes Apple's recent earnings call, focusing on supply chain speculation related to China, industrial design considerations (particularly surrounding the Vision Pro), and potential future strategies. He questions the narrative of Apple's increasing independence from China, examines design choices, and discusses how these factors might impact Apple's long-term prospects.
China’s Meituan snaps up Dingdong to deepen push into fresh grocery retail
Meituan is acquiring Dingdong for $717 million, signaling a significant investment in China's grocery e-commerce sector and the growing trend of on-demand consumption. The acquisition underscores Meituan's long-term strategy in the competitive Chinese market.
Salvage Team On The Way To Rescue Grounded Cargo Ship In Canadian Arctic
A cargo ship en route from China to Baie-Comeau, Quebec, carrying carbon blocks, ran aground in the Canadian Arctic. A salvage team is being dispatched to rescue the vessel.
@aljazeera.com on Bluesky
Al Jazeera posted a video on Bluesky showing a drone show malfunction in Liuyang city, China. Burning embers fell to the ground, igniting fires and causing panic among onlookers.
France Charges Four in China-Spying Case That Targeted Starlink
French authorities charged four individuals with spying for China. The espionage case specifically targeted Elon Musk's satellite internet provider, Starlink, raising concerns about technological security.
Why is Gen Z so obsessed with the Year of the Fire Horse? Here's why 2026 could change everything
The article explores Gen Z's fascination with 2026, the Year of the Fire Horse in the Chinese zodiac. It delves into the meaning behind the Fire Horse and why Gen Z believes this year could bring significant changes.
A New Challenger Is Taking on Sephora in Its Biggest Market
Sukoshi, a Canadian beauty chain, has opened six stores in the US since the start of 2025. It aims to differentiate itself from competitors like Sephora by specializing in beauty products from Korea, Japan, and China while also acting as a generalist.
China’s Hottest App Is a Daily Test of Whether You’re Still Alive
A Chinese app called "Are You Dead Yet" soared in popularity by prompting users to confirm their continued existence daily. The app, which attracted significant investor interest, is reportedly changing its name despite its success.
China’s AI Boyfriend Business Is Taking On a Life of Its Own
A growing number of Gen Z women in China are engaging in digital companionship with AI boyfriends, leading to a burgeoning industry. These relationships sometimes extend into the real world with arranged dates featuring individuals who embody the AI's persona.
23 Ways You’re Already Living in the Chinese Century
WIRED explores the multifaceted rise of China, arguing that it's leading the way in areas like robotics, energy, and culture, surpassing the United States in progress. The article presents 23 distinct examples of China's advancements.
Chinese fossils show marine animals thriving half a billion years ago
A fossil discovery in southern China reveals a thriving marine ecosystem from over half a billion years ago. The fossils document the recovery and diversification of life after the first major extinction event in the animal kingdom.
Dozens of Bizarre Ancient Lifeforms Discovered in ‘Extraordinary’ Fossil Find
A newly discovered fossil site in China reveals a remarkably well-preserved ancient ecosystem. Dozens of bizarre ancient lifeforms were found, including intact guts, tentacles, and nervous systems.
These 1,000-Year-Old Paper Flowers, Sealed in a Cave, Are a Marvel of Preservation
Cave 17 of the Mogao Caves in China revealed thousands of extraordinary objects, including well-preserved, 1,000-year-old paper flowers. The caves contain nearly 500 chambers and temples and represent a treasure trove of historical artifacts.
US, China opt out of joint declaration on AI use in military
A third of the countries participating in a military AI summit agreed to a declaration governing the use of AI in warfare. However, major military powers, the US and China, opted out of the agreement.
Securing LLMs Against Foreign Influence Operations
NewsGuard analyzes the potential for foreign influence operations to exploit large language models (LLMs) to spread propaganda and disinformation. The report highlights the risks associated with LLMs being used to generate and disseminate false narratives, potentially impacting public opinion and political discourse.
HP, Dell, Acer and Asus mull using Chinese memory chips amid supply crunch
HP, Dell, Acer, and Asus are considering sourcing memory chips from Chinese chipmakers for the first time due to a global supply crunch. This move reflects a potential shift in the PC industry's reliance on traditional memory chip suppliers amidst ongoing supply chain challenges.
China’s Baidu Approves Share Buyback Program of Up to $5 Billion
Baidu has approved a share buyback program of up to $5 billion, coupled with its first dividend issuance. This move aims to reward investors following a decline in the company's market value.
01.ai's Kai-Fu Lee: Why China will beat the US in consumer AI
Kai-Fu Lee of 01.ai argues that China will surpass the US in consumer AI adoption because Chinese companies are more proactive. He emphasizes the importance of businesses embracing AI to maintain competitiveness in the evolving technological landscape.
AMD rakes in $390m from AI chip sales to China but warns of uncertainty
AMD reported $390 million in AI chip sales to China in its October-December results. The company cautioned about future uncertainty in this market due to evolving regulations.
China Moon Mission: Aiming for 2030 Lunar Landing
China's space program intends to establish a lunar base by 2030, a move designed to challenge the existing global space landscape through advanced technology and strategic planning. The mission, known as the China Moon Mission, will seek to compete with the Artemis program.
Move Fast, but Obey the Rules: China’s Vision for Dominating A.I.
China aims to dominate the A.I. sector while enforcing stringent regulations on its tech companies. Beijing intends to lead in cutting-edge A.I. development but also demands adherence to an increasingly intricate regulatory framework.
China's CXMT and YMTC to massively expand memory output amid global crunch
Chinese memory chipmakers CXMT and YMTC are aggressively expanding production amid a global supply crunch. These expansions signal China's ambition to gain a larger foothold in the memory chip market.
Flexport CEO Ryan Petersen’s high-stakes test amid tariff turmoil: 'You can’t be freaking out'
Flexport CEO Ryan Petersen faces a critical test as new tariffs, announced by President Donald Trump under "Liberation Day," threaten global trade. The article highlights Petersen's strategy to navigate the complex landscape by remaining calm and adaptable amidst the turmoil.
U.S. Plans to Scrutinize 5 Years of Social Media History for Foreign Tourists
Starting in 2025, the U.S. plans to require foreign tourists, including those from visa-waiver countries like Britain and France, to submit five years of their social media history before entry. The goal is to enhance security screening for potential threats.
DeepSeek is Using Banned Nvidia Chips in Race to Build Next Model
DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, is reportedly using thousands of Nvidia's advanced Blackwell chips to develop its next AI model. These chips were allegedly smuggled into China despite U.S. export restrictions.
China’s semiconductor firms post hefty 2025 profits amid AI boom, tech self-reliance drive
Chinese A-share semiconductor companies are predicted by Donghai Securities to experience substantial profit growth in 2025 due to the AI boom and China's push for technological self-reliance. This forecast suggests a significant boost for the domestic semiconductor industry.
Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights
The South China Morning Post (SCMP) delivers news, analysis, and multimedia content focused on China and Asia. It covers geopolitics, diplomacy, economics, technology, and lifestyle.
Alibaba AI chip push hits 100,000 mark, beating local rival Cambricon: sources
Alibaba has reportedly produced 100,000 of its AI chips, surpassing its Chinese competitor Cambricon. This milestone highlights Alibaba's increasing involvement in AI hardware development amidst China's broader push for domestically produced processors.
Traditional Chinese medicine embraces AI in China
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in China is increasingly integrating AI for diagnostics, prescriptions, and medical devices. This adoption has government support despite TCM's core concepts being difficult to quantify using conventional scientific methods.
Traditional Chinese medicine is everywhere.
The article explores the rising prevalence of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how it is being interpreted and represented in modern contexts, particularly on platforms like TikTok. It highlights the challenges of capturing the individualized nature of TCM within the constraints of short-form video content.
‘Chinese Peptides’ Are the Latest Biohacking Trend in the Tech World
A gray market for Chinese peptides has emerged in Silicon Valley, fueled by the tech community's desire to push the boundaries of health and wellness beyond FDA regulations. These biohacking drugs are flooding the market and represent a community that prioritizes speed and perceived innovation over traditional regulatory processes.
Peptides Are the New Wellness Cure-All
The article investigates the growing trend of using peptides for wellness purposes, highlighting their availability through platforms like Instagram and online sources in China. It explores the claimed benefits, such as improved energy, skin, and muscle mass, while raising concerns about the safety and regulation of these substances.
Import AI 419: Amazon’s millionth robot; CrowdTrack; and infinite games
Import AI #419 discusses Amazon's milestone of deploying one million robots, the CrowdTrack dataset and benchmark for AI-powered crowd surveillance developed by Fudan University in China, and the implications of AI for infinite games. CrowdTrack enables tracking multiple people in crowded scenes, raising concerns about potential authoritarian applications.
Import AI 309: Generative bias; BLOOM isn’t great; how China and Russia use AI
Import AI #309 discusses bias in generative image models, citing research from Stanford University, Columbia University, Bocconi University, and the University of Washington showing that these models perpetuate biases present in their training data. It also touches on how China and Russia are utilizing AI.
Import AI 408: Multi-code SWE Bench; backdoored Unitree robots; and what AI 2027 is telling us
Import AI 408 discusses a new multi-code software engineering benchmark, the discovery of a backdoor in Unitree robots by German researchers at 'Think Awesome', and implications for AI 2027 scenarios. The newsletter also touches on the potential exploitation of such vulnerabilities by superintelligence during a hard takeoff.
Import AI 421: Kimi 2
Import AI 421 discusses Kimi 2, a Chinese open weight model, the idea of giving AI systems rights, and strategies for pausing AI progress. The newsletter explores MIRI's research on technical tools to slow down AI development.
Import AI 430: Emergence in video models; Unitree backdoor; preventative strikes to take down AGI projects
Import AI 430 discusses emergence in video models, a Unitree backdoor, and preventative strikes to take down AGI projects. The newsletter provides updates on AI research and solicits reader feedback.
Google sues Chinese scam ring over E-ZPass, USPS phishing texts
Google is suing a Chinese-speaking cybercriminal ring for allegedly sending a large number of scam text messages to Americans in 2024. The texts impersonated services like E-ZPass and USPS in phishing schemes.
With freebies, OpenAI, Google vie for Indian users and training data
OpenAI, Google, and Perplexity are competing for AI users in India by offering free services. This strategy is largely viewed as a means to collect multilingual training data in India, the world's most populous nation.
Exclusive: How China built its ‘Manhattan Project’ to rival the West in AI chips
China is developing advanced semiconductor chips to compete with Western dominance in artificial intelligence and military technology, utilizing a high-security lab in Shenzhen. This effort aims to create machines capable of producing cutting-edge AI chips, akin to a "Manhattan Project" for semiconductors.
Google to develop and make high-end phones in Vietnam this year
Google plans to begin developing and manufacturing high-end smartphones in Vietnam starting this year. This move mirrors Apple's shift to diversify its supply chain and reduce reliance on China.
The US and China Are Collaborating More Closely on AI Than You Think
WIRED analyzed over 5,000 papers from the NeurIPS conference using OpenAI's Codex to investigate collaborations between the US and China in AI research. The study reveals specific AI research areas where the two countries are actively collaborating.