Chinese state media voice, international affairs, nationalistic perspective
The Federal Communications Commission has added "advanced robotic devices" — including humanoid robots, four‑legged machines and some connected power inverters — to a list that blocks new foreign-made models from US markets on national‑security and cybersecurity grounds. The rule has taken effect for models not yet authorised; existing authorised devices remain allowed while exemptions can be requested.
A Thought for the Day segment on BBC Radio 4 has fueled a clash over Christianity in China, after Catherine Pepinster’s remarks about religious freedom were challenged by broadcaster Ruth Roberts. The discussion touched on the history of Christianity, its global reach, and tensions with the Chinese state.
The US has imposed a 15% tariff and set minimum import prices on polysilicon and related products, effective in December, after a yearlong Commerce Department national security review. The order targets Chinese-dominated supply chains, offers incentives to expand domestic production and is prompting pushback from Beijing.
A 6.7 magnitude quake near Aniso in Ayacucho has caused damage to homes, schools and healthcare facilities. USGS data shows the quake on Thursday; Peru’s civil defence and local authorities report power outages and injuries, with authorities coordinating relief and emergency response.
A fire at the Amur Gas Chemical Complex near Svobodny has injured 19 workers with severe injuries among 1 Chinese national and more. Authorities say primary equipment remains undamaged and air quality is within normal range as firefighting and controlled burning of residual gases continue. An investigation into the cause is underway and a commission has been formed.
The World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing have set three 100m sprint records with the Tiangong Ultra, outpacing human benchmarks and showcasing advances in embodied AI. The event also tests robots in real-world tasks like housework and hotel services, highlighting both capability gains and remaining limits.
China has extended a 360 billion yuan recapitalization to three major banks and five insurers, aiming to bolster the financial sector's ability to support the real economy amid slow growth and low interest margins.
Global AI governance discussions are accelerating as U.S. and China emphasize competitive dynamics and safety concerns. Amodei warns of a Chinese lead posing grave risks, while officials push for a cooperative framework on AI incidents and governance, amid divergent signals from Beijing and Washington.
President Donald Trump has dismissed calls from AI leaders to slow frontier development, attacked Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei on Truth Social and called safety concerns a "hoax" and a "sick conspiracy." His posts have coincided with a sell-off in AI-linked stocks and intensified debate over regulation and US competition with China.
The New Yalu River Bridge is set for a ceremony linking Dandong in China with Sinuiju in North Korea. Since 2014 the opening has been delayed amid questions over Pyongyang’s willingness to deepen economic ties with Beijing. Analysts say the project could gradually boost bilateral trade while affecting broader Beijing-Pyongyang-Russia dynamics.
China has opened the New Yalu River Bridge, linking Dandong and Sinuiju to bolster trade, cross-border mobility, and people-to-people exchanges. The 3km crossing is expected to ease pressure on the aging Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge and expand corridor connectivity. Trade with North Korea has risen in recent years, with 2025 figures at about $2.7 billion.
Kylian Mbappé has apologised after a clip circulated in which he joked about a meme that appeared to reference Mao Zedong. China Media Group has suspended broadcasts of La Liga matches, and Chinese firms including Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground have ended partnerships. Real Madrid and La Liga have also issued apologies.
Kylian Mbappe’s comments about a Chinese meme have triggered a broad backlash in China. State media, broadcasters, and sponsors are pausing or ending cooperation as officials respond. Real Madrid and La Liga have apologised, while Beijing’s channels will not show some games this weekend.