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NEWS IN CHINA

• China Unveils AI and Information Communication Development Plan: The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released new guidelines to accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with the information and communications sector between 2026 and 2028. The plan aims to establish a development framework in which AI and telecommunications infrastructure reinforce one another, while improving the intelligence of network operations and digital services. Under the plan, authorities expect communication networks to achieve higher levels of automation and intelligence, support the development of more than 30 high-value application scenarios, and strengthen computing and network infrastructure for AI deployment. The plan aims to expand low-latency network coverage in metropolitan areas and improve the ability of networks to support real-time AI applications. Looking ahead to 2030, the policy envisions breakthroughs in key technologies linking AI and communication networks, alongside stronger integrated capabilities in sensing, computing, and intelligent services. The plan prioritizes intelligent network upgrades, edge computing, AI-powered industrial applications, and next-generation technologies such as 5G-A, 6G, and advanced computing networks, while encouraging deeper collaboration between AI systems, communications infrastructure, and industry-specific use cases.
  
  
• China and Brazil Seek to Enhance Bilateral Economic Cooperation: China and Brazil have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding financial and economic cooperation, with officials from both countries emphasizing closer coordination on macroeconomic policies and joint responses to global challenges during a bilateral meeting in Beijing. At a meeting of the financial subcommittee under the China-Brazil High-level Coordination and Cooperation Committee, Chinese Vice Finance Minister Liao Min highlighted the growing practical cooperation between the two countries and expressed China’s willingness to strengthen policy communication, deepen collaboration in financial and economic sectors, and enhance coordination within multilateral frameworks. Brazilian Vice Finance Minister Mathias Alencastro stated that Brazil places significant importance on its relationship with China and described bilateral cooperation as maintaining strong momentum. He noted that Brazil is prepared to further strengthen mutual trust and expand cooperation in areas such as sustainable agriculture, green development, and financial collaboration. During the discussions, the two sides exchanged views on global and bilateral economic conditions and explored opportunities for cooperation in banking, insurance, capital markets, trade finance, agricultural financing, sustainable investment, and multilateral financial affairs.
  
  
• Central Guidance Teams Complete Deployment for Party Education Campaign Across 10 Regions: Four central guidance groups have concluded their work across 10 regions and units as part of the Party’s campaign to strengthen the correct view of political performance. Upon arrival, each group outlined expectations for fully studying and implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping’s key instructions, clarified their responsibilities, reviewed local progress, and arranged follow‑up supervision tasks. During their work, group leaders stressed that local Party organizations must heighten political awareness and fully grasp the strategic intent behind the continued deployment of guidance teams. They urged localities to align closely with the Party Central Committee’s decisions, deepen ideological understanding, address prominent issues, refine systems and mechanisms, and reinforce political responsibility. Improving the quality and effectiveness of guidance and supervision was highlighted as essential to ensuring the campaign proceeds in an orderly and impactful manner. Local Party committees and leading Party groups expressed strong support for the Central Committee’s decision to dispatch additional guidance teams. They pledged full cooperation, viewing supervision as a key driver for deepening study, investigation, and rectification efforts to support high-quality development and strengthen policy execution across their respective jurisdictions and sectors.
  
  
• China Completes Solar-Hydrogen-Energy Storage Demonstration Project in Jiangsu: China has completed a large-scale offshore renewable energy project in Rudong, Jiangsu Province, combining solar power generation, hydrogen production, and energy storage into a single integrated system. Developed by CHN Energy, the project is considered the country’s largest offshore photovoltaic demonstration facility of its kind and is designed to improve the efficiency and reliability of clean energy utilization. The project includes a 400-megawatt offshore solar installation, an energy storage facility, a hydrogen production station powered by renewable electricity, and supporting grid infrastructure. By linking power generation, storage, and hydrogen production, the system is intended to balance fluctuations in solar output and improve overall energy stability. The facility can provide peak-shaving electricity during high-demand periods and produce up to 180 tons of green hydrogen annually once fully operational. The hydrogen generated is expected to support industrial applications, including the chemical and transportation sectors. According to experts, the project represents a shift from simply expanding renewable energy capacity toward improving energy conversion efficiency, system flexibility, and multi-energy integration. It is also expected to serve as a model for future clean energy development in China’s coastal regions. 
  
  
• CAC Holds National Conference on Cyberspace Governance: Cyberspace Administration (CAC) held a national conference on internet ecosystem governance in Beijing, bringing together regulators and major online platforms to review recent governance efforts and outline priorities for the next stage of cyberspace management. The meeting emphasized the importance of improving the online environment, strengthening platform accountability, and enhancing governance mechanisms in line with the country’s broader digital development objectives. Officials reviewed progress made in recent years, noting that efforts to regulate online content, improve platform oversight, and strengthen governance tools have contributed to a more orderly internet ecosystem. The conference called for greater focus on both addressing immediate online issues and improving long-term regulatory frameworks. Key priorities included stricter oversight of internet access points, stronger management of platform operations and user accounts, improved protection of minors online, and the responsible use of emerging technologies. Participants stressed the need for platforms to assume greater responsibility for content governance and compliance. Representatives from regional cyberspace administrations and major platforms, including Douyin, Xiaohongshu, and Weibo, attended the meeting and shared their experiences in implementing governance measures.
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Weibo Users Debate Unitree Robotics’ Nvidia Partnership and IPO Prospects: A post discussing the future of Unitree Robotics following its partnership with Nvidia is going viral on Weibo. The post argued that although Unitree recently secured rapid IPO approval and announced collaboration with Nvidia on humanoid robotics development, the partnership has triggered concerns that reliance on foreign chips and software ecosystems could undermine the company’s position in sectors prioritizing domestic technology. It further suggested that Unitree’s future competitiveness may depend on its ability to develop and commercialize domestically controlled embodied AI models and computing systems. Many users expressed concern about dependence on foreign technology, arguing that critical robotic systems should remain under domestic control and that reliance on overseas chips could create future vulnerabilities. One user questioned whether “robots using American brains” could pose security risks if geopolitical tensions escalate. Several other users challenged the criticism, suggesting that the backlash appeared “excessive” and speculating that public opinion campaigns might be aimed at “damaging the company’s reputation”. Some users criticized the company’s decision to cooperate with Nvidia at a time when domestic technological self-sufficiency is being emphasized. A several other users expressed disappointment, claiming the “partnership weakened the company’s image as a domestic technology champion”. Others viewed international collaboration as a practical business decision and argued that technological development often requires cooperation across global supply chains.

INDIA WATCH 

Guancha Highlights India’s Starlink Approval Delay: An article in Guancha discussed India’s decision to freeze the final approval process for Starlink’s commercial launch. The article noted that India’s Ministry of Home Affairs has yet to grant the final security clearance required for the satellite internet provider to begin operations, reportedly due to concerns about the use of Starlink terminals in conflict zones, including the ongoing Iran-related tensions. It argued that Indian authorities are increasingly focused on whether a foreign-operated satellite network can remain fully compliant with domestic security requirements during periods of geopolitical stress. The article stated that although Starlink secured India’s Global Mobile Personal Satellite Communications (GMPCS) licence nearly a year ago, the company remains unable to launch services because of pending security approvals and unresolved regulatory issues. It highlighted that Indian officials have reportedly sought additional assurances regarding how Starlink would respond if directives from foreign governments conflicted with Indian national security interests. According to the article, Starlink has responded by proposing a customized deployment model tailored to India’s regulatory and security framework. The article further observed that the regulatory impasse has delayed decisions on satellite spectrum pricing, affecting both Starlink and domestic competitors. It concluded that the Starlink case illustrates India’s approach to emerging digital infrastructure is increasingly being weighed against concerns over regulatory control, strategic autonomy, and national security.