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Xinhua: “China Speed” Lights Up the Global AI Development Map

Xinhua News Agency publishes an article, claiming China’s rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have captured widespread attention, showcasing a fast-paced innovation drive across the economy. In China’s draft 15th Five-Year Plan, the term “intelligent” appears 16 times, underscoring AI’s central role in industrial development, cultural advancement, public services, and social governance. AI is increasingly positioned as a key engine of China’s competitiveness on the global technological frontier.

On the technology front, China is racing to secure strategic advantages. Domestic AI and semiconductor companies have moved swiftly into capital markets, with large-model developers such as Zhipu and MiniMax listing in Hong Kong, alongside GPU manufacturers including Moore Threads and Biren Technology. These firms emphasize self-reliant innovation, strong performance, and cost efficiency, seeking to build a complete domestic ecosystem spanning foundation models and high-end chips.

More significantly, China’s AI development is shifting from research toward large-scale application. The country is entering the “second half” of AI growth, focusing on real-world deployment rather than model training alone. The government’s “Guiding Opinions on Deepening the Implementation of the “AI+” Action Plan” further clarifies this roadmap: by 2030, AI is expected to comprehensively empower high-quality development, with adoption rates of next-generation intelligent terminals, AI agents, and related applications exceeding 90 percent.

AI is already transforming healthcare, scientific research, manufacturing, and daily life in China. Examples include Alibaba’s AI-based cancer screening tools; the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Panshi AI-assisted research platform; and the world’s first “island-style” lean intelligent manufacturing factory by Huawei and SAIC-GM-Wuling. By the end of 2025, China had established more than 35,000 basic-level smart factories, over 7,000 advanced-level facilities, and more than 230 excellence-level factories. Humanoid robots have also achieved a critical breakthrough, moving from laboratory research to production lines. AI agents are capable of handling real-world tasks—such as ordering food or booking travel—are bringing AI from conversation into practical action.

Source: Xinhua, January 20, 2026
https://www.news.cn/tech/20260120/f059fd8d33ba4800bfac9b345bae4505/c.html

Briefings | | |   Economy/Resources Information/Technology

DW Chinese: Beijing Orders Domestic Chinese Companies Stop Using U.S. and Israeli Cybersecurity Software

Deutsche Welle Chinese Edition recently reported that, Chinese authorities notified domestic companies to stop using cybersecurity software from more than a dozen American and Israeli companies, citing national security concerns.

The software vendors named include Broadcom, Palo Alto Networks, and Fortinet, as well as Check Point Software Technologies, an Israeli company. Chinese authorities are concerned that the cybersecurity software offered by these vendors may collect confidential information and transfer it overseas.

Over the years, these companies have established a considerable business base in China. Broadcom has six offices in China, Fortinet has three offices in mainland China and one in Hong Kong, Palo Alto Networks has five offices in China, one of which is in Macau, and Check Point’s website lists its service addresses in Shanghai and Hong Kong.

It was uncertain how many Chinese companies received the notification. China’s internet regulators, the Cyberspace Administration of China and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, did not respond to requests for comment. The four companies mentioned also did not respond to inquiries.

Some U.S. and Israeli companies facing bans have repeatedly accused China of hacking attacks before, but China has denied these allegations. For instance, last month, Check Point released a report claiming a Chinese-linked hacking operation targeted a “European government agency.” Last September, Palo Alto Networks released a report accusing Chinese hackers of attacking diplomats around the world.

Source: DW Chinese, January 14, 2026
https://tinyurl.com/4nxvp36k

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend Information/Technology US-China Relations

China Submits Record 203,000 Satellite Applications to ITU

According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), between December 25 and 31, 2025, China formally submitted applications for frequency and orbital resources for an additional 203,000 satellites, covering 14 constellations, including low- and medium-Earth orbit satellites. This represents China’s largest coordinated international satellite frequency and orbit filing to date.

The Radio Spectrum Development and Technology Innovation Institute (the “Radio Innovation Institute”) submitted applications for the CTC-1 and CTC-2 constellations, each requesting 96,714 satellites—a combined total of 193,428 satellites, accounting for over 95 percent of China’s submissions. Other applicants include China SatNet, China Mobile, and Yuanxin Satellite.

This large-scale filing is expected to stimulate the entire satellite industry chain—including manufacturing, launch, and operations—and drive China’s aerospace sector toward both large-scale growth and breakthroughs in core capabilities.

Source: People’s Daily, January 12, 2026
http://finance.people.com.cn/n1/2026/0112/c1004-40643364.html

Briefings | | |   Economy/Resources Information/Technology

China Tests Medium-Altitude Cargo Drone Capable of Short-Distance Operations With One-Ton Payload

Russian state news outlet Sputnik News recently reported that China has achieved a significant milestone in unmanned aerial vehicle technology with the successful maiden flight of the “Tianma-1000” cargo drone on January 11. Developed independently by Xi’an ASN Technology Group Corporation under China Weapons Industry Group, the aircraft performed well across all flight parameters during its inaugural test, according to China Central Television.

The Tianma-1000 represents China’s first medium-altitude, low-cost transport platform capable of adapting to complex highland terrain while performing ultra-short takeoff and landing operations. The drone integrates multiple functions including logistics transportation, emergency rescue, and material delivery, with the ability to rapidly switch between cargo transport and airdrop modes through its modular cargo bay design.

The aircraft boasts impressive technical specifications, including a service ceiling of 8,000 meters and a maximum range of 1,800 kilometers. Remarkably, it requires less than 200 meters of runway for takeoff and landing, making it suitable for operations in confined or challenging environments. The drone can carry a maximum payload of one ton, equivalent to the weight of a standard passenger car.

Officials highlight the Tianma-1000’s potential to address critical supply chain challenges in remote and difficult-to-reach areas. During emergency rescue operations or urgent material deployment scenarios, a single aircraft can transport sufficient food, medicine, and equipment to meet several days’ worth of requirements. This capability enables large-scale, single-sortie deliveries that can resolve material transportation difficulties in special geographic regions.

The successful test flight marks an important advancement in China’s unmanned logistics capabilities, particularly for applications in remote supply operations, emergency response, and rapid material redistribution across challenging terrain where traditional transportation methods face significant limitations.

Source: Sputnik News, January 12, 2026
https://sputniknews.cn/20260112/1069270600.html

Briefings | | |   Information/Technology

Beijing May Block AI Company’s “De-China” Effort

Manus is an artificial intelligence company that develops large-model–based autonomous agent technologies and products designed to carry out complex tasks and workflows. Founded in March last year by its Beijing-based parent company, Butterfly Effect, Manus later relocated its headquarters to Singapore after receiving U.S. investment, laying off Chinese staff and fully exiting the China market to focus on overseas AI development. Observers widely believe the move was aimed at avoiding U.S. investment restrictions involving China and sidestepping Chinese regulatory oversight.

Meta announced late last year that it would acquire Manus at a valuation exceeding US$2 billion. After the deal became public, China’s technology and investment circles voiced strong praise for Manus’s trajectory, with many emphasizing the strategic importance of its decision to leave China. Analysts note, however, that Chinese authorities are wary of other technology firms following a similar “de-China” path.

China’s Ministry of Commerce has reportedly begun assessing whether Manus’s relocation of personnel and technology abroad, as well as its sale to Meta, should have required prior approval under China’s technology export regulations. Analysts caution that even if a company moves overseas, technologies developed in China may still fall under Chinese export control laws. If such technologies are deemed restricted, Beijing could intervene in the transaction—potentially invalidating contracts, imposing penalties, or, in extreme cases, blocking the acquisition altogether.

Source: Lianhe Zaobao, January 7, 2026
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/china/story20260107-8067327

Briefings | | |   Information/Technology

Trump Issues Executive Order for “Companies with Ties to China” to Divest Their U.S.-related Semiconductor Chip Assets

Shanghai-based Chinese online news site Guancha recently reported that U.S. President Trump has once again “targeted China,” making “underhanded” moves in the semiconductor sector. The Trump administration just issued an executive order, again citing so-called “national security” reasons, ordering the forced divestiture of semiconductor-related assets acquired by HieFo.

HieFo Optoelectronics is a photonic chip manufacturing company located in California, USA. On May 1, 2024, HieFo completed the full acquisition of U.S. company Emcore’s wafer manufacturing and photonic chip-related assets. The Trump administration claimed that HieFo was “controlled by a Chinese citizen.” In a press release in September 2025, HieFo confirmed Genzao Zhang as the company’s CEO and co-founder, noting that he previously served as the Vice President of Engineering at Emcore.

Trump issued the executive order under the Defense Production Act. Trump claimed there was “credible evidence” that HieFo’s acquisition of Emcore’s digital chip and related wafer design, manufacturing, and processing business “could threaten U.S. national security.”

This new move demonstrates the U.S. government’s crackdown and restrictions on “companies with ties to China” in areas such as semiconductors amid escalating geopolitical and technological competition between the U.S. and China.

Source: Guancha, January 3, 2026
https://www.toutiao.com/article/7590933838105248282

Briefings | | |   Information/Technology US-China Relations

Guangxi Accelerates AI Integration as New Technologies Target ASEAN Markets

On December 26, the “A-Super Night” event of the AI Empowerment Super League was held at Guangxi University, highlighting the growing integration of artificial intelligence across multiple industries under the model of “R&D in Beijing or Shanghai, integration in Guangxi, and application in ASEAN.” Four companies unveiled a range of new AI products aimed at industrial upgrading and deeper regional cooperation.

Among the highlights was “Rundao XingSuan,” Guangxi’s first token-priced intelligent computing platform. Designed to turn computing power into a shared public resource, the platform aggregates dispersed computing capacity and provides affordable, on-demand access. Organizers described it as a “computing utility,” offering inclusive AI infrastructure for Guangxi while extending computing services to ASEAN markets.

Other innovations included an AI-enabled robotic microbiology testing laboratory that enhances efficiency and safety, the “Smart Cube” immersive service robot for tourism and commercial venues, and three ASEAN-oriented AI products focused on smart agriculture, AI-driven Chinese language education, and intelligent ERP systems for small and medium-sized enterprises. Together, these releases underscore Guangxi’s emerging role as a key hub connecting China’s AI research capabilities with real-world applications across Southeast Asia.

Source: People’s Daily, December 27, 2025
http://gx.people.com.cn/n2/2025/1227/c179464-41455803.html

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend Information/Technology

People’s Daily: Nearly 495,000 Overseas Students Returned to China in 2024, Up 19.1 Percent Year on Year

China’s Ministry of Education said that 495,000 Chinese students who studied overseas returned to China in 2024, a 19.1 percent increase from the previous year, highlighting a growing trend of overseas talent returning home. The announcement was made at the 30th anniversary of the “Chunhui Plan” and the 2025 Chunhui Innovation and Entrepreneurship Exchange held in Shanghai.

Since 1978, 8.88 million Chinese students have studied abroad, with 6.44 million eventually returning to China. Of these, 5.63 million have returned since the 18th Chinese Communist Party’s National Congress (when Xi Jinping came into power in 2012), accounting for about 87 percent of all returnees, providing strong support for China’s economic and technological development.

Source: People’s Daily, December 12, 2025
https://world.people.com.cn/n1/2025/1212/c1002-40622757.html

Briefings | | |   Information/Technology