A decade ago, President Xi Jinping hosted world leaders at the APEC summit in Beijing. Back then, the air quality in the Chinese capital was a source of concern, with clear skies nicknamed “APEC blue” seen as a temporary phenomenon. Xi assured those leaders of China’s commitment to environmental protection, promising the “APEC blue” would...
Science and technology has emerged as a top priority for China in 2024, with a significant 10% increase allocated to this sector in its annual budget. This translates to ¥379.8 billion (roughly US$52.7 billion), marking the largest percentage rise among all major government spending areas and a significant jump from last year’s modest 2% increase....
The landscape of global science and technology is witnessing a shift in power dynamics, with China making significant strides and surpassing South Korea in advancements across 136 key technologies for the first time in 2022, according to a report by South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT. This report, which uses the US as the...
Apple dealers in China are offering significant discounts on the latest iPhone 15 series in an attempt to reignite sales and counter growing competition from domestic brands like Huawei. This comes after a previous promotion in January that offered a much smaller discount. The top-of-the-line iPhone 15 Pro Max, initially priced at 9,999 yuan (US$1,390),...
A research team from Guangdong province has made a significant breakthrough in understanding and potentially overcoming resistance to a key treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). This research, conducted by scientists at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University and the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, offers promising avenues for improving treatment outcomes...
Hao Jihua, a rising star in geochemistry, has become the first researcher affiliated with a Chinese institution to win the prestigious FW Clarke Award from the Geochemical Society. This achievement not only reflects Hao’s individual brilliance but also casts a light on China’s ongoing efforts to attract and retain top scientific talent. Hao, who investigates...
Tech companies in China are actively collecting resources and skilled individuals in order to close the gap with OpenAI. Interestingly, researchers on both sides of the Pacific Ocean share similar experiences. A recent post from an Alibaba researcher provides a unique insight into the process of building Large Language Models at the e-commerce company. This...
China is gearing up for a monumental year in space exploration, with a staggering 100 launch missions planned for 2024. This ambitious schedule, unveiled by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC), marks a significant milestone for the nation’s space industry and positions it as a global leader in space exploration endeavors. CASC, the nation’s...
The Shenzhen Municipal Transport Bureau recently unveiled a plan to introduce nearly 16,000 new roadside parking spots across the city in 2024. This proposal, currently in its preliminary stages, aims to address parking concerns and improve accessibility in various areas. The plan outlines a strategic allocation of the new parking spaces, with 84% slated for...
In the vast, arid expanses of Wuyuan county, Inner Mongolia, China, a team of scientists led by soil scientist Li Yuyi is working to reclaim swathes of land rendered infertile by saline-alkaline soil. This type of soil, characterized by high levels of salt and sodium, poses a significant challenge for agriculture. Saline-alkaline land can occur...