China embarks on an ambitious “data census,” taking stock of its vast and growing digital landscape. This unprecedented project delves into the production, storage, circulation, trade, utilization, and security of information resources across the country. More than just a simple count, this initiative sheds light on China’s evolving digital ecosystem. It aims to paint a...
Author: Cecilia Lu (Cecilia Lu)
China’s C919 Takes Flight: Tibet Airlines Orders 40 Domestically Developed Jets at Airshow
Soaring high at the Singapore Airshow, China’s domestically developed C919 single-aisle passenger jet secured a significant new order, marking a crucial milestone for the aircraft and China’s aviation ambitions. Tibet Airlines inked a deal for 40 C919s, signaling not just a successful sale, but several key developments: his landmark deal marks the C919’s official entry...
Tai Chi Outperforms Aerobic Exercise in Taming High Blood Pressure, JAMA Network Open Study Finds
Move over jogging, there might be a new player in town for controlling high blood pressure: tai chi. A recent study published in the prestigious JAMA Network Open on February 9th, 2024, suggests that this traditional Chinese practice could even be more effective than conventional aerobic exercise. This opens the door to exciting possibilities for...
Chinese AI Startup Moonshot Secures $1 Billion, Fueling OpenAI Race
Moonshot AI, a rising star in the Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) scene, has just closed a massive $1 billion funding round. This marks a significant development in the ongoing competition between AI research outfits, particularly in the wake of OpenAI’s impressive advancements. The funding round was led by e-commerce giant Alibaba and venture capital firm...
Elite High School Admissions Case Targeting Asian-Americans Left Unsolved as Supreme Court Declines Review
The Supreme Court announced on Tuesday that it will not hear a case challenging the admissions policy of an elite Virginia high school, accused by some of discriminating against Asian-American students. This decision leaves in place the current system at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), which uses a variety of factors...
China’s Gobi Desert Transforms into a Renewable Energy Powerhouse, Surpassing EU and Challenging US Dominance
In the vast expanses of the Gobi Desert, an engineering marvel is transforming China’s energy landscape. A world-leading electricity production and transmission network is taking shape, breathing life into this arid region and offering tangible benefits to the nation. Firstly, clean and affordable energy from this project directly improves the lives of millions. It powers...
Shenzhen Buzzes Back: Record-Breaking Spring Festival Travel Surge
Shenzhen welcomed a phenomenal 9.38 million visitors during the recent eight-day Spring Festival holiday, showcasing a remarkable 79% increase compared to the previous year. This influx signifies a significant rebound in travel enthusiasm following the pandemic’s disruptions, revitalizing the city’s transportation network and local economy. Departure figures mirrored the arrival boom, with a 42% year-on-year...
Shanghai Embraces Global Collaboration: Two New Sino-Foreign Universities on the Horizon
Following the success of Shanghai New York University, the city is taking another leap forward in international education with the launch of two new Sino-foreign joint venture universities. These exciting collaborations aim to cultivate highly skilled and interdisciplinary talent, not only boosting Shanghai’s economy but also strengthening its global standing. The Sino-German University of Science...
EU Probes TikTok for Potential Breaches of Digital Services Act: Fines Loom Large
The European Union has launched a formal investigation into TikTok, raising the potential for hefty fines if the popular video app is found to have violated the bloc’s new Digital Services Act (DSA). This move follows concerns about potential breaches in areas related to child safety, advertising transparency, and algorithmic practices. The investigation, announced by...
China Slashes Mortgage Rates in Boldest Move Yet to Rescue Ailing Property Market
In a bid to revitalize the struggling property market and bolster the overall economy, China has implemented its biggest-ever reduction to a key mortgage rate. This move comes amidst a deepening crisis in the sector, marked by declining sales and financing challenges. The five-year Loan Prime Rate (LPR), a benchmark for banks’ set by the...