In news: Xi’s purge widens, signaling tighter discipline within China and party loyalty drives top-level reshuffles.
A coalition of 25 tech firms and organizations is urging policymakers to defend open-weight AI models, arguing open-source development strengthens sovereignty, safety, and innovation. The push comes as Moonshot AI’s Kimi K3 draws scrutiny from U.S. officials over distillation and intellectual-property concerns, with no signOpenAI or Anthropic joining the letter.
Zhu Rongji has died in Beijing at 98. Xinhua confirms his death after medical treatment failed. He chaired China’s economy as premier from 1998 to 2003, steering reforms that liberalized markets, pushed state firms toward efficiency, and helped secure WTO membership. His tenure coincided with rapid growth and rising inequality, and his legacy is seen differently inside and outside China.
Chinese regulators have announced recalls affecting more than 4 million vehicles after finding hidden, electronically operated door handles can become difficult to open after severe collisions. Tesla accounts for about 2.98 million cars; Xiaomi, Leapmotor, Xpeng and Geely have also issued recalls. Automakers will add warning labels and push software updates to improve emergency egress and driver monitoring.
Japan’s lawmakers are in Beijing to restore channels after Tokyo’s Taiwan remarks soured ties; discussions with Chinese officials run through Thursday as both sides seek to mend diplomatic and economic links.
Three veteran Hong Kong activists — Lee Cheuk-yan, Chow Hang-tung and Albert Ho — have been sentenced to between five and seven years after convictions for inciting subversion under Beijings 2020 national security law. The sentences follow convictions in August and will include time already served, rights groups and foreign governments have condemned the verdicts.
The Central Military Commission’s vice chair Zhang Youxia and chief of staff Liu Zhenli have been removed amid a high‑profile anti‑corruption drive. Xinhua says the pair are accused of disloyalty and abuse of power; investigations were announced in January and they were removed from the CMC in August.
Kim has arrived in Dandong for a meeting with Chinese leaders as North Korea strengthens its ties with Beijing amid broader regional alignment against the United States. The New Yalu River Bridge has opened, symbolising closer economic links, with Pyongyang seeking support as Moscow remains a partner in Beijing’s orbit.
The fifth plenum has focused on party self-governance and anti-corruption, with about 300 Central Committee members in attendance. Xi Jinping has used the gathering to tighten discipline and loyalty, amid purges that have left vacancies and investigations. Analysts warn of continued consolidation as the party prepares for next year’s congress.