A California realtor was arrested at Los Angeles Airport on Sunday on suspicion of spying for China. Wanying Zhang, also known as "Heather", was taken into custody while trying to board a flight to Shanghai. The woman reportedly worked with handlers from the People's Republic of China to keep an eye on the son of Taiwan's president Ching-Te Lai. The 34-year-old Chinese American is a resident of Irvine, Orange County.&nbsp;Ting-Yu Lai works for electronics company Philips in Seattle, Washington, and was under the scanner of Chinese agents. The FBI released a criminal complaint on Sunday showing texts exchanged between Heather and other alleged agents. The messages are a key part of the government's case against Zhang.&nbsp;&nbsp;Attorney General Bill Essayli said that Beijing is using Chinese-Americans “for their own foreign affairs because they are playing the long game to get a competitive advantage over us. She wasn't spying against us; she was allegedly conducting a campaign on behalf of Beijing.”<h2>Heather went to Seattle to spy on Ting-Yu Lai</h2>Zhang was also caught on CCTV sitting in a car with an accomplice and taking pictures of Lai's house and close relatives. Reports suggest that she travelled to Seattle in September 2025 to spy on Ting-Yu Lai. Zhang worked for a real estate firm with her husband, Edric Ding, before this.&nbsp;"According to the affidavit, Zhang travelled to Seattle in 2025 and, at the direction of PRC officials, surveilled a close relative of a Taiwanese government official, sending photos, videos, and license plate information to those officials," Essayli said.&nbsp;The FBI's complaint against Zhang carries WeChat messages from Zhang's iCloud account sent to and received from two people believed to be Chinese government officials. The texts show them discussing tasks that led to the surveillance of the son of Taiwan's president. A message from September last year showed Zhang telling a Chinese government official that she had seen Lai, writing, "It's that young one."&nbsp;The person asked Zhang to get on a call with him, but she told him that she was taking a video of Lai.&nbsp;

A woman named Wanying Zhang, also known as "Heather", spied on the Taiwan president's son in Seattle and was arrested at LAX while trying to flee to Shanghai. Text messages show she was in contact with Chinese handlers, telling them about Lai's whereabouts.

A California realtor was arrested at Los Angeles Airport on Sunday on suspicion of spying for China. Wanying Zhang, also known as "Heather", was taken into custody while trying to board a flight to Shanghai. The woman reportedly worked with handlers from the People's Republic of China to keep an eye on the son of Taiwan's president Ching-Te Lai. The 34-year-old Chinese American is a resident of Irvine, Orange County. Ting-Yu Lai works for electronics company Philips in Seattle, Washington, and was under the scanner of Chinese agents. The FBI released a criminal complaint on Sunday showing texts exchanged between Heather and other alleged agents. The messages are a key part of the government's case against Zhang. Attorney General Bill Essayli said that Beijing is using Chinese-Americans “for their own foreign affairs because they are playing the long game to get a competitive advantage over us. She wasn't spying against us; she was allegedly conducting a campaign on behalf of Beijing.” Heather went to Seattle to spy on Ting-Yu Lai Zhang was also caught on CCTV sitting in a car with an accomplice and taking pictures of Lai's house and close relatives. Reports suggest that she travelled to Seattle in September 2025 to spy on Ting-Yu Lai. Zhang worked for a real estate firm with her husband, Edric Ding, before this. "According to the affidavit, Zhang travelled to Seattle in 2025 and, at the direction of PRC officials, surveilled a close relative of a Taiwanese government official, sending photos, videos, and license plate information to those officials," Essayli said. The FBI's complaint against Zhang carries WeChat messages from Zhang's iCloud account sent to and received from two people believed to be Chinese government officials. The texts show them discussing tasks that led to the surveillance of the son of Taiwan's president. A message from September last year showed Zhang telling a Chinese government official that she had seen Lai, writing, "It's that young one." The person asked Zhang to get on a call with him, but she told him that she was taking a video of Lai.

A woman named Wanying Zhang, also known as "Heather", spied on the Taiwan president's son in Seattle and was arrested at LAX while trying to flee to Shanghai. Text messages show she was in contact with Chinese handlers, telling them about Lai's whereabouts.

California woman arrested at LAX for spying on Taiwan president's son for China

Philippine authorities have arrested 244 foreign workers, most of them Chinese, in what the immigration bureau described as the largest operation this year against illegal online gaming operators. Military personnel and other law enforcement agencies raided two addresses in the southern region of Mindanao on Friday (Oct 2), according to a bureau statement released late Saturday (Oct 3) published by news agency AFP. At the first site, officers arrested 110 Chinese nationals, two Cambodians and one resident of Hong Kong. At the second site, officers arrested 131 foreigners. The bureau said they were "mostly Chinese" and also included citizens of Malaysia, Indonesia and Myanmar.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-red-carpet-for-xi-sparks-questions-about-us-diplomacy-1790484621486/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-red-carpet-for-xi-sparks-questions-about-us-diplomacy-1790484621486/embed</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The bureau said investigators seized "large quantities" of computer equipment, mobile phones, laptops and SIM cards. The government is investigating possible human trafficking-related offences involving a number of those detained. The rest will be deported.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/china-s-military-gamble-the-information-revolution-in-the-pla-china-s-military-future-a-new-strategy-of-speed-over-hardware-1790927467497">China's military gamble: The information revolution in the PLA &amp; China’s military future - a new strategy of speed over hardware</a>&nbsp;Immigration chief Joel Viado said in the statement that the bureau will keep enforcing immigration laws against foreign nationals who violate the conditions of their stay. He said the aim is to ensure the Philippines is not used as a base for illegal activities. The bureau called Friday's (Oct 2) raids the largest POGO bust of 2026.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-us-and-china-set-up-an-ai-red-telephone-but-skipped-the-rulebook-1790523313514">The US and China set up an AI 'red telephone', but skipped the rulebook</a>&nbsp;Manila banned Philippine online gaming operators, known locally as POGOs, in 2024. The government cited allegations that organised crime groups used them as cover for human trafficking, money laundering, online fraud, kidnappings and murder. The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment.

Philippine authorities have detained 244 foreign nationals, mostly Chinese, in Mindanao during the country's largest POGO bust of 2026 targeting illegal online gaming operations. 

Philippine authorities have arrested 244 foreign workers, most of them Chinese, in what the immigration bureau described as the largest operation this year against illegal online gaming operators. Military personnel and other law enforcement agencies raided two addresses in the southern region of Mindanao on Friday (Oct 2), according to a bureau statement released late Saturday (Oct 3) published by news agency AFP. At the first site, officers arrested 110 Chinese nationals, two Cambodians and one resident of Hong Kong. At the second site, officers arrested 131 foreigners. The bureau said they were "mostly Chinese" and also included citizens of Malaysia, Indonesia and Myanmar. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-red-carpet-for-xi-sparks-questions-about-us-diplomacy-1790484621486/embed The bureau said investigators seized "large quantities" of computer equipment, mobile phones, laptops and SIM cards. The government is investigating possible human trafficking-related offences involving a number of those detained. The rest will be deported. Also read: China's military gamble: The information revolution in the PLA & China’s military future - a new strategy of speed over hardware Immigration chief Joel Viado said in the statement that the bureau will keep enforcing immigration laws against foreign nationals who violate the conditions of their stay. He said the aim is to ensure the Philippines is not used as a base for illegal activities. The bureau called Friday's (Oct 2) raids the largest POGO bust of 2026. Also read: The US and China set up an AI 'red telephone', but skipped the rulebook Manila banned Philippine online gaming operators, known locally as POGOs, in 2024. The government cited allegations that organised crime groups used them as cover for human trafficking, money laundering, online fraud, kidnappings and murder. The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment.

Philippine authorities have detained 244 foreign nationals, mostly Chinese, in Mindanao during the country's largest POGO bust of 2026 targeting illegal online gaming operations.

Philippines detains 244 foreign nationals, mostly Chinese, in crackdown on Illegal online gaming

A Chinese research team set a new record for simultaneous autonomous underwater vehicles, deploying 116 micro-autonomous small drones that successfully navigated across a swimming pool without human intervention. They were down there for 34 minutes and went around a preset route across 1,640 feet of water.&nbsp;The vehicles came from Northwestern Polytechnical University and Xian Tianhe Maritime Technologies, and the feat entered the Guinness World Records on August 29, the day of the demonstration, with officials present to monitor the navigation.&nbsp;The drones used were TH-618s, which were deployed by the operators, after which the onboard autonomous systems took over. Inside the water, the 116 drones moved in a coordinated manner as a swarm. Each drone used real-time data to stay on the correct route. If any of them moved away from the planned course, the system had a function which helped them to return to the right path.&nbsp;While having each drone move on a planned route isn't the difficult part, the highlight here was having them all coordinate underwater. Communication in water isn't easy, as radio signals can behave erratically. But the drones managed to do just that, and without any help from humans.Northwestern Polytechnical University called it a major step towards larger autonomous underwater systems. The university has been working on underwater sensing, acoustic communication and visual perception for more than two decades.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dd2h1e7qBHy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dd2h1e7qBHy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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The TH-618 drones are small enough for such coordinated operations. Measuring about 24 inches long and 7.8 inches wide, each of them weighs roughly 5 kg. The drone has a range of 30 kilometres and can operate for more than eight hours at a time. A camera helps them navigate through water, allowing them to analyse their surroundings and adjust accordingly.&nbsp;Disturbances from currents and other factors are common underwater, which can move them away from their intended path. The drones have a system which allows them to act accordingly if this happens. Experts say such drones can lead the way in seabed surveys and inspections of oil and gas pipelines.

A team of researchers in China got 116 drones to coordinate and move around 1,640 feet of water in a swarm without any human intervention. The achievement has been entered in the Guinness World Records as the TH-618s travelled for 34 minutes.

A Chinese research team set a new record for simultaneous autonomous underwater vehicles, deploying 116 micro-autonomous small drones that successfully navigated across a swimming pool without human intervention. They were down there for 34 minutes and went around a preset route across 1,640 feet of water. The vehicles came from Northwestern Polytechnical University and Xian Tianhe Maritime Technologies, and the feat entered the Guinness World Records on August 29, the day of the demonstration, with officials present to monitor the navigation. The drones used were TH-618s, which were deployed by the operators, after which the onboard autonomous systems took over. Inside the water, the 116 drones moved in a coordinated manner as a swarm. Each drone used real-time data to stay on the correct route. If any of them moved away from the planned course, the system had a function which helped them to return to the right path. While having each drone move on a planned route isn't the difficult part, the highlight here was having them all coordinate underwater. Communication in water isn't easy, as radio signals can behave erratically. But the drones managed to do just that, and without any help from humans. Northwestern Polytechnical University called it a major step towards larger autonomous underwater systems. The university has been working on underwater sensing, acoustic communication and visual perception for more than two decades.

A team of researchers in China got 116 drones to coordinate and move around 1,640 feet of water in a swarm without any human intervention. The achievement has been entered in the Guinness World Records as the TH-618s travelled for 34 minutes.

116 drones, 1,640 feet of water, 34 minutes: China registers major underwater feat

Two giant pandas reached Atlanta on a special "FedEx Panda Express" on Sunday following US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping's meeting last week. Zoo Atlanta said that five-year-old female Fu Shuang and six-year-old male Ping Ping landed at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on September 27.&nbsp;"This is a thrilling day for Zoo Atlanta and a historic moment for the City of Atlanta, the state of Georgia, and beyond," Raymond B King, President and CEO, said. He added, "we could not be more excited about sharing that joy" with everyone who will visit the zoo in the coming weeks.&nbsp;FedEx said that the flight from Chengdu took 16 hours and the pandas were given water, fresh bamboo and an assortment of their favourite treats to help them get through the long trip. Fu Shuang and Ping Ping were born at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in 2020.<h2>Special bamboo for giant pandas</h2>The zoo made extensive preparations to welcome the pandas, including stocking their habitat with locally grown Atlanta bamboo, which is similar to the Chengdu bamboo as they have an almost identical climate.&nbsp;&nbsp;Zoo Atlanta President of Conservation Gina Ferrie told Xinhua News Agency that they have added many enhancements to the panda habitat. There are new day rooms with much more space and "very top-of-the-line zoological lighting and floors and other conditions to give them the best welfare."&nbsp;Zoo Atlanta and the China Wildlife Conservation Association have had a panda agreement since 1999 under the Giant Panda Conservation effort. But it ended in 2024, and for two years there have been no pandas at the zoo. Ping Ping and Fu Shuang's arrival means that visitors will once again be able to see pandas at the Atlanta Zoo.&nbsp;During the state dinner on Thursday (Sep 24), , Xi Jinping referred to the pandas as an "envoy of friendship".&nbsp;

Two giant pandas reached Atlanta in the US from Chengdu in China on Sunday on a special flight donated by FedEx. This ends a two-year drought of pandas at the zoo. China has sent the pandas as “envoys of friendship” and the zoo arranged special bamboo for the new guests.

Two giant pandas reached Atlanta on a special "FedEx Panda Express" on Sunday following US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping's meeting last week. Zoo Atlanta said that five-year-old female Fu Shuang and six-year-old male Ping Ping landed at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on September 27. "This is a thrilling day for Zoo Atlanta and a historic moment for the City of Atlanta, the state of Georgia, and beyond," Raymond B King, President and CEO, said. He added, "we could not be more excited about sharing that joy" with everyone who will visit the zoo in the coming weeks. FedEx said that the flight from Chengdu took 16 hours and the pandas were given water, fresh bamboo and an assortment of their favourite treats to help them get through the long trip. Fu Shuang and Ping Ping were born at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in 2020. Special bamboo for giant pandas The zoo made extensive preparations to welcome the pandas, including stocking their habitat with locally grown Atlanta bamboo, which is similar to the Chengdu bamboo as they have an almost identical climate. Zoo Atlanta President of Conservation Gina Ferrie told Xinhua News Agency that they have added many enhancements to the panda habitat. There are new day rooms with much more space and "very top-of-the-line zoological lighting and floors and other conditions to give them the best welfare." Zoo Atlanta and the China Wildlife Conservation Association have had a panda agreement since 1999 under the Giant Panda Conservation effort. But it ended in 2024, and for two years there have been no pandas at the zoo. Ping Ping and Fu Shuang's arrival means that visitors will once again be able to see pandas at the Atlanta Zoo. During the state dinner on Thursday (Sep 24), , Xi Jinping referred to the pandas as an "envoy of friendship".

Two giant pandas reached Atlanta in the US from Chengdu in China on Sunday on a special flight donated by FedEx. This ends a two-year drought of pandas at the zoo. China has sent the pandas as “envoys of friendship”, and the zoo arranged special bamboo for the new guests.

Giant delivery from China: Atlanta zoo welcomes two pandas from Chengdu

China has been vastly expanding its nuclear arsenal, adding at least seven nuclear test and construction facilities in recent months. A report by the Daily Telegraph, based on an analysis of satellite imagery, shows that the Chinese countryside has been filled with huge networks of infrastructure and testing sites. President Xi Jinping has often claimed that he is in favour of scaling back on the nukes, but the latest report presents a different picture.&nbsp;Describing what the satellites captured in China, the report states that an entire town came up around a nuclear facility in one place, complete with apartments, a staff bus depot and playing fields. Another site has a 2,000-foot tube inside which Beijing reportedly tests the effects of an attack on its nuclear weapons.&nbsp;&nbsp;At a third site, scientists are believed to be studying the effects of a nuclear blast using high-tech lasers. Beijing apparently razed multiple villages and farming communities to make space for these nuclear facilities.<h2>China's official stand on nuclear weapons</h2>Xi Jinping has openly called for nuclear non-proliferation initiatives, but the country still continues to test more nuclear weapons. China is also a signatory to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and also has a "no first use" policy. But despite this, its nuclear arsenal has expanded under Xi since he took over in 2012.<h2>China's growing nuclear arsenal</h2>Under him, China's nuclear arsenal has doubled, and as of January 2025, the country had 620 warheads in its stockpile. Experts estimate that at the current rate, this number will reach 1,500 by 2035, The Telegraph report stated. Several of them are capable of covering extreme distances, with a range of nearly 15,000 kilometres. Meanwhile, the US and Russia still hold the largest stockpiles of nukes, with the former having about 5,300 warheads and Moscow about 5,500 warheads.&nbsp;China has a diverse stockpile of nukes that can be launched from land, submarines, and aircraft. According to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, the country spent an estimated $12.4 billion on its nuclear ambitions in 2024.<h2>Xi Jinping in US</h2>Xi Jinping is in the United States for a three-day visit where he will be meeting Donald Trump. The two leaders are expected to broach the topic of nuclear weapons, especially since the American president has also ordered the expansion of the country's arsenal. "Because of other countries’ testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis," he wrote on Truth Social last year.

China is accelerating the expansion of its nuclear arsenal, adding several facilities in various locations, an analysis has found. They are like small towns with all the basic amenities, such as bus stops and fields. The report comes as Xi Jinping is in the US for a state visit.    

China has been vastly expanding its nuclear arsenal, adding at least seven nuclear test and construction facilities in recent months. A report by the Daily Telegraph, based on an analysis of satellite imagery, shows that the Chinese countryside has been filled with huge networks of infrastructure and testing sites. President Xi Jinping has often claimed that he is in favour of scaling back on the nukes, but the latest report presents a different picture. Describing what the satellites captured in China, the report states that an entire town came up around a nuclear facility in one place, complete with apartments, a staff bus depot and playing fields. Another site has a 2,000-foot tube inside which Beijing reportedly tests the effects of an attack on its nuclear weapons. At a third site, scientists are believed to be studying the effects of a nuclear blast using high-tech lasers. Beijing apparently razed multiple villages and farming communities to make space for these nuclear facilities. China's official stand on nuclear weapons Xi Jinping has openly called for nuclear non-proliferation initiatives, but the country still continues to test more nuclear weapons. China is also a signatory to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and also has a "no first use" policy. But despite this, its nuclear arsenal has expanded under Xi since he took over in 2012. China's growing nuclear arsenal Under him, China's nuclear arsenal has doubled, and as of January 2025, the country had 620 warheads in its stockpile. Experts estimate that at the current rate, this number will reach 1,500 by 2035, The Telegraph report stated. Several of them are capable of covering extreme distances, with a range of nearly 15,000 kilometres. Meanwhile, the US and Russia still hold the largest stockpiles of nukes, with the former having about 5,300 warheads and Moscow about 5,500 warheads. China has a diverse stockpile of nukes that can be launched from land, submarines, and aircraft. According to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, the country spent an estimated $12.4 billion on its nuclear ambitions in 2024. Xi Jinping in US Xi Jinping is in the United States for a three-day visit where he will be meeting Donald Trump. The two leaders are expected to broach the topic of nuclear weapons, especially since the American president has also ordered the expansion of the country's arsenal. "Because of other countries’ testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis," he wrote on Truth Social last year.

China is accelerating the expansion of its nuclear arsenal, adding several facilities in various locations, an analysis has found. They are like small towns with all the basic amenities, such as bus stops and fields. The report comes as Xi Jinping is in the US for a state visit. &nbsp; &nbsp;

2,000-foot tube, laser tests and more: China builds towns to expand nuclear arsenal, satellite images show

China is developing a supersonic passenger aircraft that can travel at twice the speed of sound without the accompanying sonic boom, at least not as loud. Global Times reported that the TMS-10 demonstrator plane is in the final assembly phase and a test flight is planned for the end of the year. It is only an experimental aircraft but will act as the base for a future supersonic aircraft that can carry 10 to 15 passengers. The aim is to develop a passenger jet that can reach Shanghai from Beijing in just 30 minutes as opposed to two hours, the current flying time.&nbsp;NASA is also developing a supersonic jet that can fly at speeds of Mach 1.4, a little less than China's TMS-10 that flies at Mach 2. The X-59 is undergoing test flights. The space agency wants to reduce the loud sonic boom to a gentle "sonic thump."&nbsp;The TMS-10 demonstrator plane is being developed by the Chinese aerospace research institution Tianmushan Laboratory in collaboration with Beihang University. Like the X-59, China's supersonic plane is also working to reduce the sonic boom. When an object moves faster than the speed of sound, loud noise is generated. With TMS-10, China wants to reduce the boom. It also aims to lower the aerodynamic drag while delivering high-speed performance.&nbsp;The key difference between NASA's X-59 and TMS-10 is that while the former is trying to dampen the sonic boom, China is working to scatter it. The aircraft has been designed to manage the shock waves around the aircraft’s nose and wings to prevent them from merging to form a powerful wave. Its rear design will also work to redistribute and weaken the waves.<h2>Top speed of China's supersonic aircraft</h2>At Mach 2, the aircraft can travel at a top speed of 2,470 kilometres per hour. It can also move at subsonic speeds around Mach 0.95, covering 1,173 kilometres in an hour.&nbsp;The first flight is expected to take off soon after certain key parameters are cleared. Aerodynamic wind-tunnel testing has been completed, and flight-control design and airframe manufacturing are also over. A smaller version completed a low-speed test flight below Mach 0.2 last year.&nbsp;In its latest flight, developers will determine the sonic boom generated by pushing the aircraft through the sound barrier, besides evaluating other parameters. Applying the technology to larger passenger aircraft will have its own challenges, including high costs and a better design. &nbsp;

China is getting ready to test its supersonic aircraft that can travel at Mach 2, double the speed of sound. Instead of dampening the sonic boom, it aims to dissipate it. NASA is also testing a supersonic jet which moves at Mach 1.4.

China is developing a supersonic passenger aircraft that can travel at twice the speed of sound without the accompanying sonic boom, at least not as loud. Global Times reported that the TMS-10 demonstrator plane is in the final assembly phase and a test flight is planned for the end of the year. It is only an experimental aircraft but will act as the base for a future supersonic aircraft that can carry 10 to 15 passengers. The aim is to develop a passenger jet that can reach Shanghai from Beijing in just 30 minutes as opposed to two hours, the current flying time. NASA is also developing a supersonic jet that can fly at speeds of Mach 1.4, a little less than China's TMS-10 that flies at Mach 2. The X-59 is undergoing test flights. The space agency wants to reduce the loud sonic boom to a gentle "sonic thump." The TMS-10 demonstrator plane is being developed by the Chinese aerospace research institution Tianmushan Laboratory in collaboration with Beihang University. Like the X-59, China's supersonic plane is also working to reduce the sonic boom. When an object moves faster than the speed of sound, loud noise is generated. With TMS-10, China wants to reduce the boom. It also aims to lower the aerodynamic drag while delivering high-speed performance. The key difference between NASA's X-59 and TMS-10 is that while the former is trying to dampen the sonic boom, China is working to scatter it. The aircraft has been designed to manage the shock waves around the aircraft’s nose and wings to prevent them from merging to form a powerful wave. Its rear design will also work to redistribute and weaken the waves. Top speed of China's supersonic aircraft At Mach 2, the aircraft can travel at a top speed of 2,470 kilometres per hour. It can also move at subsonic speeds around Mach 0.95, covering 1,173 kilometres in an hour. The first flight is expected to take off soon after certain key parameters are cleared. Aerodynamic wind-tunnel testing has been completed, and flight-control design and airframe manufacturing are also over. A smaller version completed a low-speed test flight below Mach 0.2 last year. In its latest flight, developers will determine the sonic boom generated by pushing the aircraft through the sound barrier, besides evaluating other parameters. Applying the technology to larger passenger aircraft will have its own challenges, including high costs and a better design.

China is getting ready to test its supersonic aircraft that can travel at Mach 2, double the speed of sound. Instead of dampening the sonic boom, it aims to dissipate it. NASA is also testing a supersonic jet which moves at Mach 1.4.

China to test supersonic jet that moves at Mach 2, double the speed of sound

A Chinese start-up is selling flying saucers for humans, also known as an eVTOL aircraft. The saucer takes off and lands vertically, is transparent and has a spherical 360-degree cabin. Local Chinese media reported that viral videos are claiming that "Yiwu is now selling UFOs". Huge crowds started gathering to see the flying-saucer-shaped passenger aircraft, which was on display at the Yiwu Global Digital Trade Center in East China's Zhejiang Province.<h2>Details of Chinese flying saucer</h2>The manned electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft has been developed by SMD Shenzhen Smart Drone UAV. The Global Times reported. It has a disc-shaped body and a spherical cockpit. Its main structure is made of fibreglass, carbon fibre, aluminium alloy and aviation-grade laminates. It can carry only two people at a time.&nbsp;It lifts off and lands vertically, cancelling the need for a runway. It can even land on and take off from water and withstand wind speeds of up to Force 5. But it cannot fly at an extreme height and can reach a maximum altitude of nearly 100 feet. This means it can be deployed for low-altitude sightseeing and other aerial endeavours. It can stay in the sky for 15 minutes. The aircraft has a six-rotor ducted design which hides the propellers within the fuselage.&nbsp;Huang Yang, head of Smart Drone's showroom at the Yiwu Global Digital Trade Center, told Jinhua Daily that “it has obtained a special flight permit for civil unmanned aircraft issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China.”<h2>Cost of flying saucer aircraft</h2>&nbsp;This flying saucer for humans costs 800,000 yuan ($112,000 or Rs 1.1 crore). The company moved to the centre earlier in 2026 and put its aircraft on display. Many buyers have shown interest in the vehicle, and more than 10 groups of domestic and overseas buyers are said to be visiting the showroom daily. Reports suggest the company already has orders worth nearly 120 million yuan.

A Chinese company is selling aircraft for two people shaped like a flying saucer. It is transparent on all sides and takes off vertically. It can land and take off from water bodies as well. It has already received orders worth Rs 171 crore.

A Chinese start-up is selling flying saucers for humans, also known as an eVTOL aircraft. The saucer takes off and lands vertically, is transparent and has a spherical 360-degree cabin. Local Chinese media reported that viral videos are claiming that "Yiwu is now selling UFOs". Huge crowds started gathering to see the flying-saucer-shaped passenger aircraft, which was on display at the Yiwu Global Digital Trade Center in East China's Zhejiang Province. Details of Chinese flying saucer The manned electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft has been developed by SMD Shenzhen Smart Drone UAV. The Global Times reported. It has a disc-shaped body and a spherical cockpit. Its main structure is made of fibreglass, carbon fibre, aluminium alloy and aviation-grade laminates. It can carry only two people at a time. It lifts off and lands vertically, cancelling the need for a runway. It can even land on and take off from water and withstand wind speeds of up to Force 5. But it cannot fly at an extreme height and can reach a maximum altitude of nearly 100 feet. This means it can be deployed for low-altitude sightseeing and other aerial endeavours. It can stay in the sky for 15 minutes. The aircraft has a six-rotor ducted design which hides the propellers within the fuselage. Huang Yang, head of Smart Drone's showroom at the Yiwu Global Digital Trade Center, told Jinhua Daily that “it has obtained a special flight permit for civil unmanned aircraft issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China.” Cost of flying saucer aircraft This flying saucer for humans costs 800,000 yuan ($112,000 or Rs 1.1 crore). The company moved to the centre earlier in 2026 and put its aircraft on display. Many buyers have shown interest in the vehicle, and more than 10 groups of domestic and overseas buyers are said to be visiting the showroom daily. Reports suggest the company already has orders worth nearly 120 million yuan.

A Chinese company is selling aircraft for two people shaped like a flying saucer. It is transparent on all sides and takes off vertically. It can land and take off from water bodies as well. It has already received orders worth Rs 171 crore.

Rs 1.1 crore flying saucer: Chinese company selling spherical aircraft that can land on water

A new aircraft has been spotted at a remote base in China's northwestern province of Xinjiang, a region dubbed the country's own Area 51. Experts say the country is likely testing the next generation of stealth warfare. China military aviation researcher Andreas Rupprecht captured photos of the large mystery aircraft with a flying-wing design at Malan Air Base. He shared the photos on his LinkedIn page. According to him, it is the WZ-X, a twin-engine drone they believe can fly to any US city.&nbsp;“The UAV was first spotted on satellite imagery in May 2025 at the PLAAF’s UAV test centre at Malan Air Base in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of northwestern China,” he wrote. Its remote location and its role in testing next-generation weapon systems have led to the base being often compared to the US Area 51.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dubbed the "Monster of Malan", the drone has a range of over 19,000 kilometres and can fly at heights of over 60,000 feet. These features will see it being put to use for high-altitude, long-endurance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or HALE ISR. It is estimated to be the same size as an American B-2 stealth bomber.&nbsp;Rupprecht says China's state-of-the-art military warplanes have also started training in Malan, and the base is also being used to develop more drones, such as combat drone prototypes. China is already testing J-20, and reports suggest J-36 and J-XDS are also in the same phase.<h2>China's other specialised military bases</h2>China has other specialised secret bases as well. This includes Lop Nur, Yanliang (CFTE) test site, followed by Dingxin, Malan and Cangzhou. Lop Nur is of particular concern and is believed to be the main base for developing the country's nuclear arsenal. In 2020, there were rumours of a nuclear test here. China detonated its first nuclear bomb in October 1964 in this region in the remote province of Xinjiang.&nbsp;Dingxin in the Gobi Desert is believed to be China's major tactics and training base; Yanliang Chinese Flight Test Establishment is its main factory flight-test centre, and Cangzhou Air Base is the flight test and training base for the PLAAF.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, Malan has developed extensively, as satellite images from 2022 show new hangars and runways. There are also facilities linked to “previously unknown, very large flying-wing UAVs WZ-X and the similarly mysterious UCAV GJ-X, both of which are roughly comparable in size to the B-21 Raider," he wrote.&nbsp;GJ-X may be the hidden gem here since it will carry weapons and fly alongside Chinese fighter aircraft. Meanwhile, the WZ-X would not have any weapons on board.<h2>Could a conflict be brewing between US and China?</h2> Experts say there are no signs that a major conflict is about to erupt between the two countries. The US recently announced that it had deployed weapons in space. US Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said the "on-orbit" weapon was necessary to safeguard American forces. China responded by saying that the US should stop the weaponisation of space and avoid turning it into a war zone. With China extensively building its military arsenal and the US's latest space route, both countries could once again be locked into an open tussle. &nbsp;

An aviation researcher has captured photos of what he thinks is a new stealth fighter China is testing at its Malan Air Base, also known as the country's own Area 51. The WZ-X is a twin-engine drone which is estimated to be the same size as an American B-2 stealth bomber.

A new aircraft has been spotted at a remote base in China's northwestern province of Xinjiang, a region dubbed the country's own Area 51. Experts say the country is likely testing the next generation of stealth warfare. China military aviation researcher Andreas Rupprecht captured photos of the large mystery aircraft with a flying-wing design at Malan Air Base. He shared the photos on his LinkedIn page. According to him, it is the WZ-X, a twin-engine drone they believe can fly to any US city. “The UAV was first spotted on satellite imagery in May 2025 at the PLAAF’s UAV test centre at Malan Air Base in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of northwestern China,” he wrote. Its remote location and its role in testing next-generation weapon systems have led to the base being often compared to the US Area 51. Dubbed the "Monster of Malan", the drone has a range of over 19,000 kilometres and can fly at heights of over 60,000 feet. These features will see it being put to use for high-altitude, long-endurance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or HALE ISR. It is estimated to be the same size as an American B-2 stealth bomber. Rupprecht says China's state-of-the-art military warplanes have also started training in Malan, and the base is also being used to develop more drones, such as combat drone prototypes. China is already testing J-20, and reports suggest J-36 and J-XDS are also in the same phase. China's other specialised military bases China has other specialised secret bases as well. This includes Lop Nur, Yanliang (CFTE) test site, followed by Dingxin, Malan and Cangzhou. Lop Nur is of particular concern and is believed to be the main base for developing the country's nuclear arsenal. In 2020, there were rumours of a nuclear test here. China detonated its first nuclear bomb in October 1964 in this region in the remote province of Xinjiang. Dingxin in the Gobi Desert is believed to be China's major tactics and training base; Yanliang Chinese Flight Test Establishment is its main factory flight-test centre, and Cangzhou Air Base is the flight test and training base for the PLAAF. Meanwhile, Malan has developed extensively, as satellite images from 2022 show new hangars and runways. There are also facilities linked to “previously unknown, very large flying-wing UAVs WZ-X and the similarly mysterious UCAV GJ-X, both of which are roughly comparable in size to the B-21 Raider," he wrote. GJ-X may be the hidden gem here since it will carry weapons and fly alongside Chinese fighter aircraft. Meanwhile, the WZ-X would not have any weapons on board. Could a conflict be brewing between US and China? Experts say there are no signs that a major conflict is about to erupt between the two countries. The US recently announced that it had deployed weapons in space. US Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said the "on-orbit" weapon was necessary to safeguard American forces. China responded by saying that the US should stop the weaponisation of space and avoid turning it into a war zone. With China extensively building its military arsenal and the US's latest space route, both countries could once again be locked into an open tussle.

An aviation researcher has captured photos of what he thinks is a new stealth fighter China is testing at its Malan Air Base, also known as the country's own Area 51. The WZ-X is a twin-engine drone which is estimated to be the same size as an American B-2 stealth bomber.

China testing 'Monster of Malan' at secret base that can reach any US city: Report

Hyrox Beijing is facing widespread criticism for allowing an Australian athlete to finish the race even after she soiled herself, with faecal matter running down her leg. Everyone watched in horror as world record holder Joanna Wietrzyk completed demanding exercises and used communal equipment, creating a major health risk for the other athletes. Footage of the incident went viral and raised questions about Hyrox’s health and safety standards.&nbsp;Hyrox co-founder Moritz Fürste has now apologised for not acting immediately when it happened. "Hyrox made a mistake by not reacting immediately during the race. In the end it is my job to foresee these potential incidents – and I did not," Fürste said. He added that immediate changes have been made to the rulebook, and "there are new rules and procedures in place to prevent situations like this from happening again."&nbsp;According to the new rules, if a "racer's blood, vomit, urine, or faeces poses a welfare or contamination risk to the racer or to other racers, a race director may withdraw the racer from the race on medical grounds". Previously, athletes were penalised for littering, spitting, or clearing their nostrils onto the race course.<h2>What is Hyrox?</h2> Hyrox is a popular fitness competition that was launched in Germany in 2017. It is now held in various locations across the world, and its first China edition happened in late 2024. Competitors first run for about a kilometre and then complete fitness exercises at high-intensity stations. These include a rowing machine, sledge pushes, burpee jumps, medicine ball throws and lunges while carrying a sandbag. They alternate between running and the exercises. Unlike most other sporting events, it is held indoors<h2>The Hyrox Beijing incident</h2> People were appalled to see that Wietrzyk continued with the race despite suffering from diarrhoea. The stations are common for all athletes, and the incident means risking others' safety as well. Reacting to the criticism, Hyrox China said the competition area was thoroughly cleaned after the competition was over and the equipment was removed.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/hyrox-explained-the-fitness-race-that-s-taking-over-the-world-1787828733329/embed&nbsp;"After the incident, the organising committee immediately closed off and isolated the affected area and track, and completed comprehensive disinfection," Hyrox China organisers said.It added that the floor at the venue would be replaced to protect future athletes.Hyrox World said in a statement that the "protocols designed for elite competition and mass participation became blurred, creating ambiguity in how they were applied and understood". &nbsp;

Hyrox Beijing is in the news for a disturbing incident where an Australian athlete kept running and performing exercises even after she soiled herself, with faeces running down her leg. Hyrox has apologised for not taking action sooner and has changed the rules. 

Hyrox Beijing is facing widespread criticism for allowing an Australian athlete to finish the race even after she soiled herself, with faecal matter running down her leg. Everyone watched in horror as world record holder Joanna Wietrzyk completed demanding exercises and used communal equipment, creating a major health risk for the other athletes. Footage of the incident went viral and raised questions about Hyrox’s health and safety standards. Hyrox co-founder Moritz Fürste has now apologised for not acting immediately when it happened. "Hyrox made a mistake by not reacting immediately during the race. In the end it is my job to foresee these potential incidents – and I did not," Fürste said. He added that immediate changes have been made to the rulebook, and "there are new rules and procedures in place to prevent situations like this from happening again." According to the new rules, if a "racer's blood, vomit, urine, or faeces poses a welfare or contamination risk to the racer or to other racers, a race director may withdraw the racer from the race on medical grounds". Previously, athletes were penalised for littering, spitting, or clearing their nostrils onto the race course. What is Hyrox? Hyrox is a popular fitness competition that was launched in Germany in 2017. It is now held in various locations across the world, and its first China edition happened in late 2024. Competitors first run for about a kilometre and then complete fitness exercises at high-intensity stations. These include a rowing machine, sledge pushes, burpee jumps, medicine ball throws and lunges while carrying a sandbag. They alternate between running and the exercises. Unlike most other sporting events, it is held indoors The Hyrox Beijing incident People were appalled to see that Wietrzyk continued with the race despite suffering from diarrhoea. The stations are common for all athletes, and the incident means risking others' safety as well. Reacting to the criticism, Hyrox China said the competition area was thoroughly cleaned after the competition was over and the equipment was removed. https://www.wionews.com/videos/hyrox-explained-the-fitness-race-that-s-taking-over-the-world-1787828733329/embed "After the incident, the organising committee immediately closed off and isolated the affected area and track, and completed comprehensive disinfection," Hyrox China organisers said. It added that the floor at the venue would be replaced to protect future athletes. Hyrox World said in a statement that the "protocols designed for elite competition and mass participation became blurred, creating ambiguity in how they were applied and understood".

Hyrox Beijing is in the news for a disturbing incident where an Australian athlete kept running and performing exercises even after she soiled herself, with faeces running down her leg. Hyrox has apologised for not taking action sooner and has changed the rules.&nbsp;

What is Hyrox, in news for athlete who soiled herself, but kept running and using common equipment?

Chinese scientists have discovered a mineral deposit containing a large amount of gold and silver in the Pacific Ocean. The high concentration of the two metals is an extremely unusual find. The researchers said that the region has huge economic value and mining potential, CCTCV News reported. However, mining the ocean floor remains a contentious topic.&nbsp;A joint scientific expedition carried out by researchers from Tsinghua University, the Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology and Shanghai Jiao Tong University made the discovery. The gold and silver deposits were found in a hydrothermal field, an area on the ocean floor where extremely hot fluids rich in minerals seep upwards through the cracks.<h2>Sulfide cones with huge amounts of gold and silver</h2>The team found three large, cone-shaped seafloor massive sulfides (SMS) or hydrothermal sulfide deposits. Most of the time, they contain copper, zinc and lead, and smaller quantities of gold and silver. In this case, they found that the precious metals surpassed the rest. CCTV News reported that the gold and silver deposits in some of the ore samples exceed those found on land.<h2>How much gold and silver was discovered by China?</h2>According to preliminary analysis, gold concentrations reach up to 0.45 troy ounces (0.4937 ounces) per US short ton of ore, while silver grades reached 36.3 troy ounces (39.83 ounces) per US short ton. The potential polymetallic sulfide resources in the area could be equal to world-class seafloor deposits. "The [large seabed mining area] has extremely high exploitation value," said Song Shiji, one of the lead scientists on the project.<h2>The expedition and research</h2>The 18-day voyage started from Shenzhen on August 10 &nbsp;on the Chinese oceanographic research ship Xiang Yang Hong 10. The researchers conducted seven dives with submersibles during this time, which led them to a back-arc basin in the western Pacific. Previous expeditions had already identified dozens of hydrothermal vents at depths between 2,300 and 4,920 feet, with temperatures reaching more than 315 degrees Celsius. Later, they came across a very large hydrothermal mining area within the basin.&nbsp;After they came across the mounds, the ore bodies were analysed in the laboratory on the ship, which showed that they are mainly composed of chalcopyrite, pyrite and sphalerite, minerals with high economic value. Some of the samples contained 15.4 parts per million (ppm), equivalent to 15.4g of gold per ton of ore, while silver content reached as high as 1,271 ppm, or 1,271g per ton.<h2>Location of gold and silver deposits</h2>According to maritime tracking data, Xiang Yang Hong 10 travelled through waters north and east of Taiwan and north of the Philippines during the expedition. Chinese state media reported that the basin is located within China’s exclusive economic zone, although the exact coordinates have not been shared.&nbsp;

China has discovered vast underwater gold and silver deposits in the Pacific Ocean. They found three seafloor massive sulfides, with some of the ore samples containing even more gold and silver than those found on land. Scientists said it had high mining value.

Chinese scientists have discovered a mineral deposit containing a large amount of gold and silver in the Pacific Ocean. The high concentration of the two metals is an extremely unusual find. The researchers said that the region has huge economic value and mining potential, CCTCV News reported. However, mining the ocean floor remains a contentious topic. A joint scientific expedition carried out by researchers from Tsinghua University, the Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology and Shanghai Jiao Tong University made the discovery. The gold and silver deposits were found in a hydrothermal field, an area on the ocean floor where extremely hot fluids rich in minerals seep upwards through the cracks. Sulfide cones with huge amounts of gold and silver The team found three large, cone-shaped seafloor massive sulfides (SMS) or hydrothermal sulfide deposits. Most of the time, they contain copper, zinc and lead, and smaller quantities of gold and silver. In this case, they found that the precious metals surpassed the rest. CCTV News reported that the gold and silver deposits in some of the ore samples exceed those found on land. How much gold and silver was discovered by China? According to preliminary analysis, gold concentrations reach up to 0.45 troy ounces (0.4937 ounces) per US short ton of ore, while silver grades reached 36.3 troy ounces (39.83 ounces) per US short ton. The potential polymetallic sulfide resources in the area could be equal to world-class seafloor deposits. "The [large seabed mining area] has extremely high exploitation value," said Song Shiji, one of the lead scientists on the project. The expedition and research The 18-day voyage started from Shenzhen on August 10 on the Chinese oceanographic research ship Xiang Yang Hong 10. The researchers conducted seven dives with submersibles during this time, which led them to a back-arc basin in the western Pacific. Previous expeditions had already identified dozens of hydrothermal vents at depths between 2,300 and 4,920 feet, with temperatures reaching more than 315 degrees Celsius. Later, they came across a very large hydrothermal mining area within the basin. After they came across the mounds, the ore bodies were analysed in the laboratory on the ship, which showed that they are mainly composed of chalcopyrite, pyrite and sphalerite, minerals with high economic value. Some of the samples contained 15.4 parts per million (ppm), equivalent to 15.4g of gold per ton of ore, while silver content reached as high as 1,271 ppm, or 1,271g per ton. Location of gold and silver deposits According to maritime tracking data, Xiang Yang Hong 10 travelled through waters north and east of Taiwan and north of the Philippines during the expedition. Chinese state media reported that the basin is located within China’s exclusive economic zone, although the exact coordinates have not been shared.

China has discovered vast underwater gold and silver deposits in the Pacific Ocean. They found three seafloor massive sulfides, with some of the ore samples containing even more gold and silver than those found on land. Scientists said it had high mining value.

China discovers vast gold and silver 'mine' in the Pacific with unheard-of deposits

China has officially confirmed that President Xi Jinping will attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, 2026, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Xi Jinping’s visit marks his first trip to India in seven years and comes as New Delhi and Beijing work to stabilise ties after years of tensions. His presence at the BRICS summit is expected to put India-China relations, global geopolitics and the future of the expanded BRICS bloc firmly in focus.

A possible meeting between Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi could become one of the key diplomatic moments of the summit. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral ties, economic cooperation and broader regional and global issues.

Watch this report for the latest updates on Xi Jinping’s India visit, the BRICS Summit 2026 and the growing India-China diplomatic engagement.

 China Confirms Xi Jinping Will Attend Brics in New Delhi

China and the Philippines are locked in a fresh diplomatic spat over their competing claims in the South China Sea.

The latest confrontation has once again put the disputed waters at the centre of regional tensions, with Beijing and Manila defending their respective positions.

The South China Sea remains one of Asia’s most closely watched maritime flashpoints, with territorial claims, strategic interests and freedom of navigation continuing to shape relations between the two countries.

Watch WION for the latest developments in the China-Philippines dispute and the wider South China Sea tensions.

China And Philippines Engage In a Diplomatic Spat Over South China Sea Dispute

The Russia-Ukraine War has seen drones become extremely important weapons on the battlefield.... for both sides. A new report has now thrown light on how Beijing is helping Moscow sustain its large-scale aerial warfare...&nbsp;Meanwhile, Russia has expressed willingness for restarting Ukraine talks after US President Donald Trump's envoys visited Kyiv and Moscow in a new push for peace talks.&nbsp;In the latest from the battlefield, Ukraine reported a Russian drone strike at a shopping mall in Zaporizhia.&nbsp;Visuals showed firefighters trying to extinguish a large blaze in the aftermath of the attack, which did not result in any casualties.&nbsp;On the other hand, Russia claimed that one person was killed whereas four others were injured in an Ukrainian drone attack on a residential building in the country's Perm region.&nbsp;According to a joint investigation by the Telegraph and Politico, a Chinese state-owned firm named Jilin Chemical Fibre Group supplied at least 46 tonnes of carbon-fibre chemical to a Russian firm this year.&nbsp;This firm, which is a subsidiary of a Russian state-owned company, used it to produce military-grade carbon fibre which is used for the mass production of Kamikaze drones.&nbsp;These explosive-laden drones are designed to destroy a specific target in a single, self-sacrificial strike.&nbsp;This report also claimed that the shipments were disguised as synthetic chemical fibres to avert sanctions.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-secretly-powers-putin-s-killer-drone-war-in-ukraine-1788804297858/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-secretly-powers-putin-s-killer-drone-war-in-ukraine-1788804297858/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;At present, the Chinese firm in question is not facing any Western sanctions.&nbsp;Experts caution that the material sent by China might be enough for Russia to build at least thirteen hundred Kamikaze drones.&nbsp;According to the report, both the US House Select Committee on China and the Ukrainian government have reviewed the documents and determined they are legitimate.&nbsp;This is crucial, as the US had stated last year that it can impose sanctions to disrupt networks through which Russia procures technology and equipment from abroad to support its war effort.&nbsp;It is worth noting that US sanctioned two Chinese companies in October 2024 for their involvement in making Russia's long-range Garpiya drone.&nbsp;As of March this year, Ukraine claimed that Russia has fired over 57,000 Shahed-type drones on its territory.&nbsp;After the country innovated by producing indigenous interceptor drones designed to shoot down these drones, Russia then turned to jet power.&nbsp;According to the Ukrainian air force spokesperson, Russian forces fired over twenty-eight hundred jet-powered drones in August itself.&nbsp;After initially using Iran's Shahed drones, Russia began mass-producing its own versions called Gerans.&nbsp;Now, its most advanced version- Geran-5 is creating quite a flutter in Ukraine.&nbsp;It flies more like a low-cost cruise missile.&nbsp;According to the country's ministry of defence, its speed can touch 600 kilometres per hour, and it can strike targets close to 950 kilometres away, which is much more than its previous variants.&nbsp;Thus, Ukraine's existing air defence measures are relatively ineffective in intercepting this drone.&nbsp;While Ukrainian officials say four companies have developed interceptors to shoot down jet-powered drones, they are still in the testing phase.&nbsp;Earlier in August, Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed a general to head the country's unmanned systems forces, which is its newly established military branch responsible for drone warfare.&nbsp;Now, the report comes just a week after Chinese President Xi Jinping met Putin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek.&nbsp;While Xi stated that the prospects of China-Russia ties will be even more brighter, Putin hailed the comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction between the two countries.&nbsp;Although China has denied providing lethal weapons to any party in the Russia-Ukraine War, the report raises uncomfortable questions for the West, with Xi set to meet Trump in Washington later this month...&nbsp;Although China may not have troops fighting alongside Russia, its technology and supply chain can still help power Putin's war machine....

A Chinese state-owned firm named Jilin Chemical Fibre Group supplied at least 46 tonnes of carbon-fibre chemical to a Russian firm this year. This firm, a subsidiary of Russian state-owned company, used it to produce military-grade carbon fibre used for mass production of Kamikaze drones.

The Russia-Ukraine War has seen drones become extremely important weapons on the battlefield.... for both sides. A new report has now thrown light on how Beijing is helping Moscow sustain its large-scale aerial warfare... Meanwhile, Russia has expressed willingness for restarting Ukraine talks after US President Donald Trump's envoys visited Kyiv and Moscow in a new push for peace talks. In the latest from the battlefield, Ukraine reported a Russian drone strike at a shopping mall in Zaporizhia. Visuals showed firefighters trying to extinguish a large blaze in the aftermath of the attack, which did not result in any casualties. On the other hand, Russia claimed that one person was killed whereas four others were injured in an Ukrainian drone attack on a residential building in the country's Perm region. According to a joint investigation by the Telegraph and Politico, a Chinese state-owned firm named Jilin Chemical Fibre Group supplied at least 46 tonnes of carbon-fibre chemical to a Russian firm this year. This firm, which is a subsidiary of a Russian state-owned company, used it to produce military-grade carbon fibre which is used for the mass production of Kamikaze drones. These explosive-laden drones are designed to destroy a specific target in a single, self-sacrificial strike. This report also claimed that the shipments were disguised as synthetic chemical fibres to avert sanctions. https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-secretly-powers-putin-s-killer-drone-war-in-ukraine-1788804297858/embed At present, the Chinese firm in question is not facing any Western sanctions. Experts caution that the material sent by China might be enough for Russia to build at least thirteen hundred Kamikaze drones. According to the report, both the US House Select Committee on China and the Ukrainian government have reviewed the documents and determined they are legitimate. This is crucial, as the US had stated last year that it can impose sanctions to disrupt networks through which Russia procures technology and equipment from abroad to support its war effort. It is worth noting that US sanctioned two Chinese companies in October 2024 for their involvement in making Russia's long-range Garpiya drone. As of March this year, Ukraine claimed that Russia has fired over 57,000 Shahed-type drones on its territory. After the country innovated by producing indigenous interceptor drones designed to shoot down these drones, Russia then turned to jet power. According to the Ukrainian air force spokesperson, Russian forces fired over twenty-eight hundred jet-powered drones in August itself. After initially using Iran's Shahed drones, Russia began mass-producing its own versions called Gerans. Now, its most advanced version- Geran-5 is creating quite a flutter in Ukraine. It flies more like a low-cost cruise missile. According to the country's ministry of defence, its speed can touch 600 kilometres per hour, and it can strike targets close to 950 kilometres away, which is much more than its previous variants. Thus, Ukraine's existing air defence measures are relatively ineffective in intercepting this drone. While Ukrainian officials say four companies have developed interceptors to shoot down jet-powered drones, they are still in the testing phase. Earlier in August, Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed a general to head the country's unmanned systems forces, which is its newly established military branch responsible for drone warfare. Now, the report comes just a week after Chinese President Xi Jinping met Putin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek. While Xi stated that the prospects of China-Russia ties will be even more brighter, Putin hailed the comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction between the two countries. Although China has denied providing lethal weapons to any party in the Russia-Ukraine War, the report raises uncomfortable questions for the West, with Xi set to meet Trump in Washington later this month... Although China may not have troops fighting alongside Russia, its technology and supply chain can still help power Putin's war machine....

A Chinese state-owned firm named Jilin Chemical Fibre Group supplied at least 46 tonnes of carbon-fibre chemical to a Russian firm this year. This firm, a subsidiary of Russian state-owned company, used it to produce military-grade carbon fibre used for mass production of Kamikaze drones.

China secretly powers Putin's killer drone war in Ukraine | Gravitas

An unusual "back-scratching" business idea has become successful in China, where services include tending to itchy areas on your body. According to SCMP, &nbsp;Zhang Xiaoqiao opened the first "itch-relief shop" in May in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, and 40 days later, started the services at another location. "We’ll give you a satisfying back scratch," the promotional line reads.&nbsp;People can get any part of their bodies scratched for a fee. The aim is to stimulate the skin to provide relaxation and relief from any itch. The store uses special tools designed like fingernails to gently scratch a customer's body. Customers can choose to get services for specific areas on their bodies. Charges vary depending on the duration and the body areas targeted. A 60-minute upper-body session costs around 200 yuan, and a 30-minute head-and-back scratching session costs around 100 yuan.<h2>Cost of getting professional scratch services</h2>The most popular choice among customers is the 80-minute full-body session, and the cost ranges between 289 and 299 yuan. Zhang says 70 per cent of his clients choose this package. Talking about what attracts people to the services, he says that while it might sound like they are just scratching the itch, there is more to it. The methods used help the customers relax and unwind, with six or seven out of every 10 customers falling asleep. Men working at offices in cities account for 60 to 70 per cent of his clientele.<h2>Months of training and research into how to itch and where to itch</h2>Zhang did not simply get up one day and start the scratch service. Instead, he says he conducted intensive research into the areas of the body where people feel itchy. He says there are five major itch zones and more than 30 detailed areas on a person's body. Zhang spent four months testing the service on acquaintances and his own fans. He learned about the correct pressure, sequence and speed himself. After all the intensive planning and research, Zhang finally started one outlet, then added another. Both of them earn a combined 160,000 yuan each month. &nbsp;

One man in China has turned scratching the head, back, and other body areas into a flourishing business, earning thousands of yuan each month. He says most people fall asleep during the session, and some find it even better than getting a massage. 

An unusual "back-scratching" business idea has become successful in China, where services include tending to itchy areas on your body. According to SCMP, Zhang Xiaoqiao opened the first "itch-relief shop" in May in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, and 40 days later, started the services at another location. "We’ll give you a satisfying back scratch," the promotional line reads. People can get any part of their bodies scratched for a fee. The aim is to stimulate the skin to provide relaxation and relief from any itch. The store uses special tools designed like fingernails to gently scratch a customer's body. Customers can choose to get services for specific areas on their bodies. Charges vary depending on the duration and the body areas targeted. A 60-minute upper-body session costs around 200 yuan, and a 30-minute head-and-back scratching session costs around 100 yuan. Cost of getting professional scratch services The most popular choice among customers is the 80-minute full-body session, and the cost ranges between 289 and 299 yuan. Zhang says 70 per cent of his clients choose this package. Talking about what attracts people to the services, he says that while it might sound like they are just scratching the itch, there is more to it. The methods used help the customers relax and unwind, with six or seven out of every 10 customers falling asleep. Men working at offices in cities account for 60 to 70 per cent of his clientele. Months of training and research into how to itch and where to itch Zhang did not simply get up one day and start the scratch service. Instead, he says he conducted intensive research into the areas of the body where people feel itchy. He says there are five major itch zones and more than 30 detailed areas on a person's body. Zhang spent four months testing the service on acquaintances and his own fans. He learned about the correct pressure, sequence and speed himself. After all the intensive planning and research, Zhang finally started one outlet, then added another. Both of them earn a combined 160,000 yuan each month.

One man in China has turned scratching the head, back, and other body areas into a flourishing business, earning thousands of yuan each month. He says most people fall asleep during the session, and some find it even better than getting a massage.&nbsp;

Itchy business takes off in China as people ditch massages to get scratched

China finds itself entangled in an alien mystery after viral posts claimed that the country made an announcement, telling its people to be careful if an alien contacts them. They further claim that the government asked them to contact the United Nations if anything like this happens. "China released an official warning to citizens: Do not respond to aliens, report to the UN", most of these posts state.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some accounts even posted the warning as an official announcement attributed to the International Academy of Astronautics, recommending that people "notify the United Nations immediately if extraterrestrial life is discovered."&nbsp;"Do not reply to extraterrestrials without authorisation. The International Academy of Astronautics updates recommendations: If extraterrestrial life is discovered, notify the United Nations immediately."&nbsp;However, the claims being made by social media accounts and even some podcasts are baseless and false. China has never made such an announcement.<h2>How did the alien announcement in China rumour start?</h2>The root of the bizarre claims seems to be the famous Chinese sci-fi novel The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin. Humans on Earth are issued a warning: "DO NOT ANSWER!" otherwise the coming aliens will take over your world. Since virality is the name of the game on social media, people use anything like this to make claims that sound authentic.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/will-earth-lose-gravity-for-7-seconds-on-august-12-black-hole-collision-1786509222326">Earth will lose gravity on August 12 killing 900 million people - Bizarre claim resurfaces as D-day arrives</a>&nbsp;In the book, an alien race is coming to Earth because their own world dies from the 3 Body Problem. They send spies before their arrival to ensure humans never develop the technology to fight them in the 400 years that would take the alien civilisation to reach Earth.<h2>Bizarre gravity loss claim</h2>This is not the first absurd claim made by content creators just for views. In December last year, an account started the rumour that Earth will lose gravity on August 12, 2026 for seven seconds. The post even claimed that NASA has known about it for more than a decade and has been preparing for it. It attributed the gravity loss to a collision between two black holes. However, as expected, nothing of the story happened.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/gravity-loss-reptile-people-and-flat-earth-why-do-we-love-a-good-conspiracy-theory-1786688160511">Gravity loss, reptile people, and flat Earth: Why do we love a good conspiracy theory?</a>&nbsp;In the age of social media, disinformation and misinformation are widespread, and people need to be careful and do their own research before sharing such messages.&nbsp;

The latest stunt being pulled by content creators on social media is about an announcement in China, asking people not to respond if an alien contacts them. Some posts even carried a fake photo that read, “Do not reply to extraterrestrials without authorisation.”

China finds itself entangled in an alien mystery after viral posts claimed that the country made an announcement, telling its people to be careful if an alien contacts them. They further claim that the government asked them to contact the United Nations if anything like this happens. "China released an official warning to citizens: Do not respond to aliens, report to the UN", most of these posts state. Some accounts even posted the warning as an official announcement attributed to the International Academy of Astronautics, recommending that people "notify the United Nations immediately if extraterrestrial life is discovered." "Do not reply to extraterrestrials without authorisation. The International Academy of Astronautics updates recommendations: If extraterrestrial life is discovered, notify the United Nations immediately." However, the claims being made by social media accounts and even some podcasts are baseless and false. China has never made such an announcement. How did the alien announcement in China rumour start? The root of the bizarre claims seems to be the famous Chinese sci-fi novel The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin. Humans on Earth are issued a warning: "DO NOT ANSWER!" otherwise the coming aliens will take over your world. Since virality is the name of the game on social media, people use anything like this to make claims that sound authentic. Also Read: Earth will lose gravity on August 12 killing 900 million people - Bizarre claim resurfaces as D-day arrives In the book, an alien race is coming to Earth because their own world dies from the 3 Body Problem. They send spies before their arrival to ensure humans never develop the technology to fight them in the 400 years that would take the alien civilisation to reach Earth. Bizarre gravity loss claim This is not the first absurd claim made by content creators just for views. In December last year, an account started the rumour that Earth will lose gravity on August 12, 2026 for seven seconds. The post even claimed that NASA has known about it for more than a decade and has been preparing for it. It attributed the gravity loss to a collision between two black holes. However, as expected, nothing of the story happened. Also Read: Gravity loss, reptile people, and flat Earth: Why do we love a good conspiracy theory? In the age of social media, disinformation and misinformation are widespread, and people need to be careful and do their own research before sharing such messages.

The latest stunt being pulled by content creators on social media is about an announcement in China, asking people not to respond if an alien contacts them. Some posts even carried a fake photo that read, “Do not reply to extraterrestrials without authorisation.”

Did China ask its people 'not to respond to aliens'? Origin of bizarre claim on social media

The founder of Evergrande Group, the property giant at the centre of China's housing market slump, has been sentenced to life in prison and all of his personal property has been confiscated. Five other senior executives of Evergrande Group were also sentenced Thursday to prison terms ranging from six to 18 years for crimes including fraud. A total of 56 people were given jail sentences -- including Xu's two sons -- with the shortest term one year and 10 months, China's state news agency Xinhua reported.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/trump-says-chinese-president-signalled-jimmy-lai-s-release-unlikely-who-is-the-jailed-hong-kong-media-mogul-1778851727550">Trump says Chinese President signalled Jimmy Lai’s release unlikely — who is the jailed Hong Kong media mogul?</a>&nbsp;Evergrande Group, was once the face of Chinese real estate but its access to credit dramatically narrowed when the government introduced curbs on excessive borrowing. The company defaulted in 2021 after struggling to repay creditors. On Thursday (Aug 20), a court in southern China fined the firm and its real estate arm a total of 15.82 billion yuan ($2.4 billion) and issued a life sentence against founder Xu Jiayin, also known as Hui Ka Yan in Cantonese, for crimes including "large-scale financial fraud", the Shenzhen Intermediate People's Court in Guangdong province said in a post on its WeChat account.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-s-secret-prisons-mass-sterilisation-organ-extractions-gang-rape-1751708924420">China's secret prisons: Mass sterilisation, organ extractions</a><h2>What the Court said?</h2>The court said that between 2016 and 2021, Evergrande and Xu “violated national laws by engaging in continuous, large-scale financial fraud and other means to inflate assets and conceal liabilities.” It added that the parties "gained control of financial institutions" through bribery, without naming the institutions.Xu pleaded guilty in April to charges that also included embezzlement and bribery, the court said at the time. Xu was once China's richest billionaires and a member of the Communist Party's top political advisory body. Xu and Evergrande's actions "seriously disrupted the socialist market economic order... and undermined the integrity of official conduct by state personnel", the court said. "The circumstances were particularly egregious, causing particularly serious economic losses and causing particularly serious social harm," it added.

Evergrande founder Xu Jiayin has been sentenced to life in prison after a Chinese court found him guilty of large-scale financial fraud, bribery and embezzlement. The property tycoon was also stripped of his personal assets, while Evergrande was fined 15.82 billion yuan.

The founder of Evergrande Group, the property giant at the centre of China's housing market slump, has been sentenced to life in prison and all of his personal property has been confiscated. Five other senior executives of Evergrande Group were also sentenced Thursday to prison terms ranging from six to 18 years for crimes including fraud. A total of 56 people were given jail sentences -- including Xu's two sons -- with the shortest term one year and 10 months, China's state news agency Xinhua reported. Also Read: Trump says Chinese President signalled Jimmy Lai’s release unlikely — who is the jailed Hong Kong media mogul? Evergrande Group, was once the face of Chinese real estate but its access to credit dramatically narrowed when the government introduced curbs on excessive borrowing. The company defaulted in 2021 after struggling to repay creditors. On Thursday (Aug 20), a court in southern China fined the firm and its real estate arm a total of 15.82 billion yuan ($2.4 billion) and issued a life sentence against founder Xu Jiayin, also known as Hui Ka Yan in Cantonese, for crimes including "large-scale financial fraud", the Shenzhen Intermediate People's Court in Guangdong province said in a post on its WeChat account. Also Read: China's secret prisons: Mass sterilisation, organ extractions What the Court said? The court said that between 2016 and 2021, Evergrande and Xu “violated national laws by engaging in continuous, large-scale financial fraud and other means to inflate assets and conceal liabilities.” It added that the parties "gained control of financial institutions" through bribery, without naming the institutions. Xu pleaded guilty in April to charges that also included embezzlement and bribery, the court said at the time. Xu was once China's richest billionaires and a member of the Communist Party's top political advisory body. Xu and Evergrande's actions "seriously disrupted the socialist market economic order... and undermined the integrity of official conduct by state personnel", the court said. "The circumstances were particularly egregious, causing particularly serious economic losses and causing particularly serious social harm," it added.

Evergrande founder Xu Jiayin has been sentenced to life in prison after a Chinese court found him guilty of large-scale financial fraud, bribery and embezzlement. The property tycoon was also stripped of his personal assets, while Evergrande was fined 15.82 billion yuan.

Once Asia’s richest man, Evergrande founder gets life sentence in China: Who is he?

&nbsp;China’s humanoid robot race has produced another striking machine. Unitree Robotics has unveiled a new robot called “Superman”, which the company says can jump 2 metres from a standing position and reach a top speed of 12.66 metres per second. The reveal comes at a crucial moment for Unitree. The Hangzhou-based company is preparing to begin trading on Shanghai’s STAR Market after raising 6.1 billion yuan ($905 million) in an IPO that attracted extraordinary retail demand. Its retail offering was reportedly more than 8,000 times oversubscribed.&nbsp;<h2>Unitree’s ‘Superman’ can jump 2 metres</h2>Unitree says it developed the new robot in just over three months. Its headline performance figures are unusual even for the rapidly advancing humanoid sector. The robot can reportedly perform a 2-metre standing jump and reach 12.66 m/s, or about 45.6 km/h. For comparison, Usain Bolt's recorded top speed during his 100-metre world-record run was around 12.4 m/s. However, the comparison should be treated carefully: a robot's brief peak speed is not the same as a human athlete's performance over a race. Unitree has also stressed that “Superman” is still a work in progress and could be improved in the coming months.&nbsp;<h2>Why Unitree is attracting so much attention</h2>The robot reveal arrives just before Unitree's Shanghai debut, adding another dose of excitement around one of China's most closely watched robotics companies. Unitree has said it had produced and delivered about 18,000 bipedal humanoid robots across its models by July, highlighting its focus on manufacturing as well as demonstrations. The company has become particularly visible because its robots have been shown running, dancing and performing martial-arts movements. Its official history also records large-scale humanoid demonstrations, including performances involving dozens of robots. Unitree is backed by major Chinese technology companies, including Tencent, Alibaba and DeepSeek, further increasing its profile among investors.&nbsp;<h2>The IPO adds another layer to the robot race</h2>Unitree's IPO is being closely watched because it offers investors one of the clearest public-market tests yet for China's humanoid-robot industry. The company priced its shares at 150.80 yuan each, raising about 6.1 billion yuan and implying a valuation of roughly $9 billion. That enthusiasm also comes with a warning. Humanoid robots remain an emerging market, and strong demonstrations do not automatically translate into mass commercial deployment. For Unitree, the next test is therefore bigger than how fast “Superman” can run. Investors will want to know whether China’s humanoid-robot frenzy can turn impressive machines into a sustainable business.

China’s Unitree has unveiled “Superman”, a new humanoid robot that it says can jump 2 metres and reach 12.66 m/s. The reveal comes days before Unitree’s Shanghai IPO, which raised $905 million and attracted record retail investor demand.

China’s humanoid robot race has produced another striking machine. Unitree Robotics has unveiled a new robot called “Superman”, which the company says can jump 2 metres from a standing position and reach a top speed of 12.66 metres per second. The reveal comes at a crucial moment for Unitree. The Hangzhou-based company is preparing to begin trading on Shanghai’s STAR Market after raising 6.1 billion yuan ($905 million) in an IPO that attracted extraordinary retail demand. Its retail offering was reportedly more than 8,000 times oversubscribed. Unitree’s ‘Superman’ can jump 2 metres Unitree says it developed the new robot in just over three months. Its headline performance figures are unusual even for the rapidly advancing humanoid sector. The robot can reportedly perform a 2-metre standing jump and reach 12.66 m/s, or about 45.6 km/h. For comparison, Usain Bolt's recorded top speed during his 100-metre world-record run was around 12.4 m/s. However, the comparison should be treated carefully: a robot's brief peak speed is not the same as a human athlete's performance over a race. Unitree has also stressed that “Superman” is still a work in progress and could be improved in the coming months. Why Unitree is attracting so much attention The robot reveal arrives just before Unitree's Shanghai debut, adding another dose of excitement around one of China's most closely watched robotics companies. Unitree has said it had produced and delivered about 18,000 bipedal humanoid robots across its models by July, highlighting its focus on manufacturing as well as demonstrations. The company has become particularly visible because its robots have been shown running, dancing and performing martial-arts movements. Its official history also records large-scale humanoid demonstrations, including performances involving dozens of robots. Unitree is backed by major Chinese technology companies, including Tencent, Alibaba and DeepSeek, further increasing its profile among investors. The IPO adds another layer to the robot race Unitree's IPO is being closely watched because it offers investors one of the clearest public-market tests yet for China's humanoid-robot industry. The company priced its shares at 150.80 yuan each, raising about 6.1 billion yuan and implying a valuation of roughly $9 billion. That enthusiasm also comes with a warning. Humanoid robots remain an emerging market, and strong demonstrations do not automatically translate into mass commercial deployment. For Unitree, the next test is therefore bigger than how fast “Superman” can run. Investors will want to know whether China’s humanoid-robot frenzy can turn impressive machines into a sustainable business.

China’s Unitree has unveiled “Superman”, a new humanoid robot that it says can jump 2 metres and reach 12.66 m/s. The reveal comes days before Unitree’s Shanghai IPO, which raised $905 million and attracted record retail investor demand.

Newly launched Unitree robot can run faster than Usain Bolt: Here’s what makes it different

Beijing is bracing for an extraordinary spell of rainfall, with Typhoon Dolphin expected to bring more than one-third of the capital’s average annual precipitation in just 24 hours as the powerful storm moves deeper inland. From Tuesday evening through Thursday, most parts of Beijing are forecast to receive heavy rainfall, with cumulative precipitation expected to exceed 150mm within a 24-hour period. Beijing receives an average of about 528mm of rainfall annually, with most of it typically recorded between June and September.&nbsp;The intense weather has prompted authorities to step up emergency preparations, close tourist attractions and suspend high-risk construction activities. Four districts on the outskirts of Beijing have activated the highest, level-one emergency flood response. In mountainous Mentougou district in western Beijing, authorities issued the highest flood emergency alert on Tuesday and urged residents to remain indoors unless necessary. People have also been advised to avoid travelling to mountainous areas and locations near rivers because of the heightened risk of flooding and landslides.<h2>Typhoon Dolphin brings widespread disruption across China</h2>Typhoon Dolphin, described as the strongest typhoon to hit China this year, has proved unusually resilient as it travels inland. The storm travelled nearly 6,000km (3,728 miles) before making landfall over the weekend, affecting China's eastern coast before pushing inland with a vast cloud field and large amounts of moisture. More than one million people were moved to safer locations across eastern China over the weekend as authorities prepared for torrential rainfall, flooding and landslides.&nbsp;In Wenzhou, a coastal city in Zhejiang province, more than 900,000 people were relocated and over 1,500 emergency shelters were opened. In neighbouring Fujian province, around 98,900 people were moved to safety. Shanghai authorities also relocated 215,600 people from areas considered vulnerable to the storm by Sunday evening. The storm has caused widespread disruption, with flooding reported in several areas and tourist attractions and infrastructure projects being temporarily shut.<h2>Hubei faces heavy rain and flood risk</h2>By early Tuesday, Dolphin had moved over Hubei province in central China, a major hub for automobile and high-tech electronics manufacturing with a population of more than 58 million. China’s National Meteorological Center renewed an orange alert for heavy rain on Tuesday, the country's second-highest warning level. Northwestern Hubei was expected to receive as much as 250mm of rainfall within 24 hours, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides.&nbsp;Authorities issued yellow warnings for cities including Xiangyang, Huanggang and Suizhou. The extreme weather has also affected tourism and infrastructure. Several scenic areas across Hubei announced temporary closures, including the popular Three Gorges Dam tourist area in Yichang. Of 107 major highway and waterway construction projects underway across the province, 26 high-risk projects have been suspended as a precaution. In Xiangyang, 57 of 59 tourist sites were reportedly closed as heavy rainfall caused flooding and disrupted transport. Authorities have also relocated thousands of residents as rivers and reservoirs came under increasing pressure.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-pakistani-killed-in-houthi-attack-in-test-for-iran-war-mediator-1786445563468">Two Pakistani killed in Houthi attack in test for Iran war mediator</a><h2>Henan also on alert</h2>Neighbouring Henan province is also facing an increased threat from the storm as Dolphin channels moisture further north. Authorities have issued flash-flood warnings, with heavy rainfall raising concerns about flooding, landslides and disruption to transport and daily life. The continued movement of Dolphin's moisture plume means areas far from the storm's original landfall zone could experience dangerous rainfall.<h2>Why is Beijing at such high risk?</h2>Beijing's location and surrounding mountainous terrain make the city particularly vulnerable to flash flooding and landslides during periods of intense rainfall. The expected rainfall is especially significant because more than 150mm could fall within just 24 hours, a substantial share of the capital's typical annual precipitation. Authorities have therefore focused on keeping residents away from vulnerable mountain and river areas while preparing drainage and flood-control systems. The latest warnings come after Beijing was already hit by heavy rainfall earlier in August, raising concerns about saturated ground and the potential for additional flooding and landslides.<h2>Japan prepares for Typhoon Chan-hom</h2>China is not the only country facing severe weather. Japan is also preparing for heavy rain, strong winds, flooding and landslides as Typhoon Chan-hom approaches the country. The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that the storm could move across Japan's mainland, raising the risk of further disruption. Chan-hom was tracking towards Japan on Tuesday, with forecasts indicating that the system could bring dangerous weather conditions as it moves closer to the country's populated areas.

Typhoon Dolphin threatens Beijing with more than 150mm of rain in 24 hours. See China flood alerts, evacuations, closures and Japan's storm threat

Beijing is bracing for an extraordinary spell of rainfall, with Typhoon Dolphin expected to bring more than one-third of the capital’s average annual precipitation in just 24 hours as the powerful storm moves deeper inland. From Tuesday evening through Thursday, most parts of Beijing are forecast to receive heavy rainfall, with cumulative precipitation expected to exceed 150mm within a 24-hour period. Beijing receives an average of about 528mm of rainfall annually, with most of it typically recorded between June and September. The intense weather has prompted authorities to step up emergency preparations, close tourist attractions and suspend high-risk construction activities. Four districts on the outskirts of Beijing have activated the highest, level-one emergency flood response. In mountainous Mentougou district in western Beijing, authorities issued the highest flood emergency alert on Tuesday and urged residents to remain indoors unless necessary. People have also been advised to avoid travelling to mountainous areas and locations near rivers because of the heightened risk of flooding and landslides. Typhoon Dolphin brings widespread disruption across China Typhoon Dolphin, described as the strongest typhoon to hit China this year, has proved unusually resilient as it travels inland. The storm travelled nearly 6,000km (3,728 miles) before making landfall over the weekend, affecting China's eastern coast before pushing inland with a vast cloud field and large amounts of moisture. More than one million people were moved to safer locations across eastern China over the weekend as authorities prepared for torrential rainfall, flooding and landslides. In Wenzhou, a coastal city in Zhejiang province, more than 900,000 people were relocated and over 1,500 emergency shelters were opened. In neighbouring Fujian province, around 98,900 people were moved to safety. Shanghai authorities also relocated 215,600 people from areas considered vulnerable to the storm by Sunday evening. The storm has caused widespread disruption, with flooding reported in several areas and tourist attractions and infrastructure projects being temporarily shut. Hubei faces heavy rain and flood risk By early Tuesday, Dolphin had moved over Hubei province in central China, a major hub for automobile and high-tech electronics manufacturing with a population of more than 58 million. China’s National Meteorological Center renewed an orange alert for heavy rain on Tuesday, the country's second-highest warning level. Northwestern Hubei was expected to receive as much as 250mm of rainfall within 24 hours, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides. Authorities issued yellow warnings for cities including Xiangyang, Huanggang and Suizhou. The extreme weather has also affected tourism and infrastructure. Several scenic areas across Hubei announced temporary closures, including the popular Three Gorges Dam tourist area in Yichang. Of 107 major highway and waterway construction projects underway across the province, 26 high-risk projects have been suspended as a precaution. In Xiangyang, 57 of 59 tourist sites were reportedly closed as heavy rainfall caused flooding and disrupted transport. Authorities have also relocated thousands of residents as rivers and reservoirs came under increasing pressure. Also Read: Two Pakistani killed in Houthi attack in test for Iran war mediator Henan also on alert Neighbouring Henan province is also facing an increased threat from the storm as Dolphin channels moisture further north. Authorities have issued flash-flood warnings, with heavy rainfall raising concerns about flooding, landslides and disruption to transport and daily life. The continued movement of Dolphin's moisture plume means areas far from the storm's original landfall zone could experience dangerous rainfall. Why is Beijing at such high risk? Beijing's location and surrounding mountainous terrain make the city particularly vulnerable to flash flooding and landslides during periods of intense rainfall. The expected rainfall is especially significant because more than 150mm could fall within just 24 hours, a substantial share of the capital's typical annual precipitation. Authorities have therefore focused on keeping residents away from vulnerable mountain and river areas while preparing drainage and flood-control systems. The latest warnings come after Beijing was already hit by heavy rainfall earlier in August, raising concerns about saturated ground and the potential for additional flooding and landslides. Japan prepares for Typhoon Chan-hom China is not the only country facing severe weather. Japan is also preparing for heavy rain, strong winds, flooding and landslides as Typhoon Chan-hom approaches the country. The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that the storm could move across Japan's mainland, raising the risk of further disruption. Chan-hom was tracking towards Japan on Tuesday, with forecasts indicating that the system could bring dangerous weather conditions as it moves closer to the country's populated areas.

Typhoon Dolphin threatens Beijing with more than one-third of its annual rainfall in 24 hours as China faces floods, landslides and major disruption

Typhoon Dolphin: Beijing braces for record rainfall; high risk of floods and landslides

China's Long March 7A rocket exploded less than 90 seconds into flight, footage on social media shows, causing it to lose an unknown payload. Video shows the rocket bursting into a fireball in the sky. The Long March 7A lifted off at around 5:30 pm IST on Monday (August 10) in Wenchang, Hainan island. Airspace closure notices had been issued in advance. The footage circulating on social media was captured by an amateur. It shows the launch near the coastal spaceport and an explosion around 85 seconds into the flight. &nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">China&#39;s Long March 7A has exploded during first stage flight.<a href="https://t.co/8Ije1oeWe7">https://t.co/8Ije1oeWe7</a> <a href="https://t.co/qNa1nIYH6T">pic.twitter.com/qNa1nIYH6T</a>&mdash; NSF - NASASpaceflight.com (@NASASpaceflight) <a href="https://x.com/NASASpaceflight/status/2086790576402256321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;China has officially yet to confirm the failure, with the cause also yet to be ascertained. A report about the launch was carried by State broadcaster China National Radio (CNR) that identified the payload as Zhongxing-4B. These satellites are believed to be for military communications. It is also not clear whether the failure will affect any future missions.&nbsp;According to Space News, the satellite series targets a geosynchronous orbit using the Long March 7A. The rocket is increasingly replacing the older, hypergolic Long March 3B for these missions. It debuted in March 2020, which also ended in an explosion. However, since then, the launcher has sent a series of successful rockets into orbit. The Tianlian-3 (01) satellite was its latest exploit that was sent towards GEO in late July.<h2>China's fourth failed rocket in 2026</h2>The standard Long March 7 for low Earth orbit sends cargo to the Tiangong space station once every eight months. China has another rocket, Zhuque-3, scheduled for launch on August 10. The failed rocket was China’s 56th orbital launch attempt in 2026, and the fourth one to have failed. &nbsp;These include Long March 3B, the first flight of the Ceres-2 solid rocket in January, and the Tianlong-3 rocket in early April, which was also taking its debut flight. &nbsp;

China lost a Long March 7A rocket 85 seconds into flight on Monday, August 10. The rocket was reportedly carrying a payload named Zhongxing-4B. Official confirmation is awaited.

China's Long March 7A rocket exploded less than 90 seconds into flight, footage on social media shows, causing it to lose an unknown payload. Video shows the rocket bursting into a fireball in the sky. The Long March 7A lifted off at around 5:30 pm IST on Monday (August 10) in Wenchang, Hainan island. Airspace closure notices had been issued in advance. The footage circulating on social media was captured by an amateur. It shows the launch near the coastal spaceport and an explosion around 85 seconds into the flight.

China lost a Long March 7A rocket 85 seconds into flight on Monday, August 10. The rocket was reportedly carrying a payload named Zhongxing-4B. Official confirmation is awaited.

Watch: Chinese rocket explodes into a fireball 85 seconds after lift-off

A major scare occurred at the Shenzhen airport over the weekend when a China Southern Airlines flight was struck by lightning. Inspections showed 20 strike marks on the underbelly of the plane. The Airbus A321 aircraft was taxiing when the incident occurred. News portal The First Scene reported that Flight CZ3209 was set to take off for Wuxi in China’s eastern Jiangsu province on Saturday afternoon when a massive thunderstorm enveloped the region. It was waiting for clearance when "a massive thunderclap erupted directly beside it", according to a passenger.&nbsp;On Sunday, a person who was on the plane recalled the scary experience. He wrote, “[I think] I was struck by lightning while on a plane. My flight … was taxiing and queuing for take-off when a sudden thunderstorm broke out, with strong winds and heavy rain, causing the plane to shake." He added that he then "felt a huge bolt of lightning strike right next to us. It felt like we were struck by lightning.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/typhoon-dolphin-landfall-china-evacuation-flights-cancelled-1786291306578">Typhoon Dolphin makes landfall in China, triggers mass evacuation and flight cancellations</a> &nbsp;China Southern Airlines staff told the outlet that ground maintenance staff checked the plane and found strike marks on it from the lightning. Nearly 20 marks were found on the underside and elevators, the flight control surfaces on the aircraft’s tail. An airline representative told The First Scene that considering passenger safety and experience, they switched the plane with another aircraft to avoid delays.<h2>Lightning strikes do not damage plane or affect passengers, airline says</h2>Later, maintenance was done on the plane, with the aircraft’s electrical circuits also inspected. The strike marks on the aircraft were also repaired, and the plane returned to service by Sunday. The team also said that the A321’s exterior is made of a conductive aluminium alloy, which pushes the electrical current to flow to the ground. This keeps passengers inside the cabin safe.&nbsp;Data from flight tracking app Umetrip showed that the 4.40 pm departure from Shenzhen Baoan International Airport was delayed by four hours. The second aircraft left at 8:40 pm and reached Wuxi at 10:49 pm. &nbsp;

A China Southern Airlines flight was struck by lightning during a thunderstorm in Shenzhen on Saturday. A passenger said he felt the lightning hit the plane, and the plane shook from the strong winds. The airline later found 20 strike marks on the aircraft.   

A major scare occurred at the Shenzhen airport over the weekend when a China Southern Airlines flight was struck by lightning. Inspections showed 20 strike marks on the underbelly of the plane. The Airbus A321 aircraft was taxiing when the incident occurred. News portal The First Scene reported that Flight CZ3209 was set to take off for Wuxi in China’s eastern Jiangsu province on Saturday afternoon when a massive thunderstorm enveloped the region. It was waiting for clearance when "a massive thunderclap erupted directly beside it", according to a passenger. On Sunday, a person who was on the plane recalled the scary experience. He wrote, “[I think] I was struck by lightning while on a plane. My flight … was taxiing and queuing for take-off when a sudden thunderstorm broke out, with strong winds and heavy rain, causing the plane to shake." He added that he then "felt a huge bolt of lightning strike right next to us. It felt like we were struck by lightning.” Also Read: Typhoon Dolphin makes landfall in China, triggers mass evacuation and flight cancellations China Southern Airlines staff told the outlet that ground maintenance staff checked the plane and found strike marks on it from the lightning. Nearly 20 marks were found on the underside and elevators, the flight control surfaces on the aircraft’s tail. An airline representative told The First Scene that considering passenger safety and experience, they switched the plane with another aircraft to avoid delays. Lightning strikes do not damage plane or affect passengers, airline says Later, maintenance was done on the plane, with the aircraft’s electrical circuits also inspected. The strike marks on the aircraft were also repaired, and the plane returned to service by Sunday. The team also said that the A321’s exterior is made of a conductive aluminium alloy, which pushes the electrical current to flow to the ground. This keeps passengers inside the cabin safe. Data from flight tracking app Umetrip showed that the 4.40 pm departure from Shenzhen Baoan International Airport was delayed by four hours. The second aircraft left at 8:40 pm and reached Wuxi at 10:49 pm.

A China Southern Airlines flight was struck by lightning during a thunderstorm in Shenzhen on Saturday. A passenger said he felt the lightning hit the plane, and the plane shook from the strong winds. The airline later found 20 strike marks on the aircraft. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Lightning strikes plane in China leaving 20 marks, passenger says he 'felt a huge bolt' hit him

Trade through the Nathu-La resumed on August 1 after being suspended in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The route will operate seasonally from May to November, with trading from Monday to Thursday under the existing list of approved commodities.

 Nathu-La Border Trade Resumes After Six Years | Wion News 

Trade tensions between the United States and China have intensified as Beijing announced a fresh round of sanctions targeting multiple U.S.-linked entities while tightening export controls on its globally dominant drone industry.

The new measures could affect international buyers and disrupt global supply chains for commercial and industrial drones used in logistics, agriculture, surveillance, and defense. Analysts say the tighter export controls may impact pricing, availability, and innovation across global markets.

Meanwhile, Chinese consumers have reacted strongly to recent U.S. actions against certain Chinese food brands, highlighting how geopolitical disputes are increasingly influencing consumer behavior and business decisions.

China Hits U.S. With Fresh Sanctions, Tightens Drone Export Controls Amid Trade Tensions

China has announced a fresh round of sanctions targeting multiple U.S.-linked entities while tightening export controls on its globally dominant drone industry, adding another chapter to the ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions.

Beijing's stricter oversight of drone exports could affect international buyers and disrupt global supply chains across sectors including logistics, agriculture, surveillance, and defense. The move is expected to have implications for pricing, availability, and innovation in commercial drone markets.

Meanwhile, public sentiment in China has intensified following U.S. actions against certain Chinese food brands over alleged forced labor concerns. According to reports, many Chinese consumers have criticized the U.S. measures, highlighting how geopolitical disputes are increasingly influencing consumer behavior.

US-China Trade War Escalates | Beijing Targets American Entities and Drone Exports

Pakistan's ex-Federal Board of Revenue Chairman Shabbar Zaidi blamed China for his country's economic crisis. This comes amid reports that only 38 out of 90 projects envisaged under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor have been completed so far. China remains Pakistan's biggest creditor.

Ex-Top Pak Official Blames Economic Woes on China: Here's How CPEC Has Been a Failure

China’s ambitions in space are increasingly becoming a military concern for the United States.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to a Wall Street Journal report, US officials say Beijing is rapidly narrowing America’s long-standing advantage in orbit by building one of the world's largest surveillance satellite networks.&nbsp;According to the US Space Force, China’s military now has access to more than 510 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance satellites giving it an unprecedented ability to monitor military activity across the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;The Pentagon says these expanding satellite constellations have significantly strengthened China's ability to track US and allied forces and support long-range precision strikes.&nbsp;Analysts say Beijing has also upgraded its navigation system and remote-sensing technology allowing satellites to capture high-resolution imagery day and night, even through cloud cover.&nbsp;Experts say artificial intelligence can quickly analyse this imagery, helping China's military identify and track targets with greater speed and accuracy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission says China's expanding space capabilities have improved its ability to coordinate military operations while maintaining persistent surveillance of U.S. forces. A 2024 CSIS-led report ranked Chinese commercial remote-sensing systems among the world's top performers in five of eleven technology categories. The Pentagon also says Beijing is building large constellations of low-earth orbit communication satellites to make its military networks more resilient in the event of a conflict. The U.S. Space Force has gone a step further warning that China is developing counterspace capabilities that could disable or disrupt enemy satellites. While the U.S. defence intelligence agency assesses that Beijing is pursuing anti-satellite weapons capable of striking targets as far as nearly 36,000 kilometres above earth. The U.S. State Department has also accused Chinese companies of supplying satellite imagery that could support Iranian military operations in West Asia. As China rapidly expands its military presence in space, Washington faces growing pressure to protect its technological edge in what many experts now see as the next decisive area of strategic competition.

The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission says China's space capabilities have improved its ability to coordinate military operations while maintaining persistent surveillance of US forces. A CSIS-led report ranked Chinese commercial remote-sensing systems among the top ones.

China’s ambitions in space are increasingly becoming a military concern for the United States. According to a Wall Street Journal report, US officials say Beijing is rapidly narrowing America’s long-standing advantage in orbit by building one of the world's largest surveillance satellite networks. According to the US Space Force, China’s military now has access to more than 510 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance satellites giving it an unprecedented ability to monitor military activity across the Indo-Pacific. The Pentagon says these expanding satellite constellations have significantly strengthened China's ability to track US and allied forces and support long-range precision strikes. Analysts say Beijing has also upgraded its navigation system and remote-sensing technology allowing satellites to capture high-resolution imagery day and night, even through cloud cover. Experts say artificial intelligence can quickly analyse this imagery, helping China's military identify and track targets with greater speed and accuracy.

The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission says China's space capabilities have improved its ability to coordinate military operations while maintaining persistent surveillance of US forces. A CSIS-led report ranked Chinese commercial remote-sensing systems among the top ones.

China builds 500+ spy satellites as US space lead shrinks | Gravitas

China's economy is increasingly becoming a tale of two contrasting realities. While provinces driven by artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and exports are experiencing rapid economic growth, regions dependent on tourism, real estate, and traditional industries are struggling to keep pace.

The latest provincial economic data highlights a widening K-shaped economic divide, with technology hubs such as Zhejiang, home to Alibaba, DeepSeek, and Unitree Robotics, outperforming the national average. Other manufacturing powerhouses including Shanghai, Anhui, and Shandong have also recorded strong growth, fueled by rising global demand for high-tech products.

China's K-Shaped Economy Deepens as AI Boom Widens Regional Gap

For most of the last three years, the story of the US-China AI race was about whether Chinese labs could catch up to the American frontier. In mid-July 2026, the leaderboards suggest that story has quietly ended.&nbsp;The Numbers&nbsp;At one point in mid-July, six of the top 10 AI models on independent performance leaderboards — and all five of the top five — came from Chinese companies: DeepSeek, Moonshot, Z.ai, Tencent, Xiaomi, and MiniMax. As of this year, China's top tier of models spans DeepSeek, Alibaba's Qwen, Moonshot's Kimi, ByteDance's Doubao, Zhipu's GLM, and Baidu's ERNIE — a crowded field competing directly across reasoning, coding, and multimodal benchmarks rather than trailing a single leader.&nbsp;It Isn't Just About Rank Anymore&nbsp;What has changed the calculus, according to reporting from Fortune published July 26, isn't only that Chinese models are scoring competitively — it's that they're doing it markedly cheaper than their American counterparts, undercutting US labs on cost at a moment when the US frontier labs are simultaneously raising prices and locking in enormous compute contracts to fund the next generation of models.&nbsp;Real Companies Are Already Switching&nbsp;The shift isn't confined to leaderboard rankings. Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky has said his company uses Alibaba's Qwen for customer service. Cursor, the AI coding startup behind the widely used Composer 2 model, has said Moonshot AI's Kimi provided its foundation. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said in June that the crypto exchange halved its AI spending by shifting more employee usage to Kimi and Z.ai's GLM models.&nbsp;These aren't fringe adopters experimenting at the edges — they're US companies making direct cost-driven decisions to route production workloads through Chinese models instead of the American labs that have dominated the narrative since ChatGPT's launch.&nbsp;The Context That Complicates It&nbsp;The shift is landing amid active US scrutiny of exactly this dynamic. The White House has already accused one of these labs, Moonshot, of covertly distilling an Anthropic model to build its Kimi K3 system, with Treasury threatening sanctions. Whether Washington's response is aimed at slowing this specific competitive shift, or is a separate concern about intellectual property, the leaderboard numbers and the enterprise adoption figures both point the same direction regardless of the politics: for a growing number of real-world buyers, the calculation of where to run AI workloads no longer defaults to a US lab by assumption.

At one point in mid-July 2026, six of the world's top 10 AI models — and all of the top five — came from Chinese labs. Fortune reports they're now beating US rivals on cost, not just catching up on capability, with real companies like Airbnb, Cursor, and Coinbase already switching.

For most of the last three years, the story of the US-China AI race was about whether Chinese labs could catch up to the American frontier. In mid-July 2026, the leaderboards suggest that story has quietly ended. The Numbers At one point in mid-July, six of the top 10 AI models on independent performance leaderboards — and all five of the top five — came from Chinese companies: DeepSeek, Moonshot, Z.ai, Tencent, Xiaomi, and MiniMax. As of this year, China's top tier of models spans DeepSeek, Alibaba's Qwen, Moonshot's Kimi, ByteDance's Doubao, Zhipu's GLM, and Baidu's ERNIE — a crowded field competing directly across reasoning, coding, and multimodal benchmarks rather than trailing a single leader. It Isn't Just About Rank Anymore What has changed the calculus, according to reporting from Fortune published July 26, isn't only that Chinese models are scoring competitively — it's that they're doing it markedly cheaper than their American counterparts, undercutting US labs on cost at a moment when the US frontier labs are simultaneously raising prices and locking in enormous compute contracts to fund the next generation of models. Real Companies Are Already Switching The shift isn't confined to leaderboard rankings. Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky has said his company uses Alibaba's Qwen for customer service. Cursor, the AI coding startup behind the widely used Composer 2 model, has said Moonshot AI's Kimi provided its foundation. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said in June that the crypto exchange halved its AI spending by shifting more employee usage to Kimi and Z.ai's GLM models. These aren't fringe adopters experimenting at the edges — they're US companies making direct cost-driven decisions to route production workloads through Chinese models instead of the American labs that have dominated the narrative since ChatGPT's launch. The Context That Complicates It The shift is landing amid active US scrutiny of exactly this dynamic. The White House has already accused one of these labs, Moonshot, of covertly distilling an Anthropic model to build its Kimi K3 system, with Treasury threatening sanctions. Whether Washington's response is aimed at slowing this specific competitive shift, or is a separate concern about intellectual property, the leaderboard numbers and the enterprise adoption figures both point the same direction regardless of the politics: for a growing number of real-world buyers, the calculation of where to run AI workloads no longer defaults to a US lab by assumption.

At one point in mid-July 2026, six of the top 10 AI models on independent leaderboards — and all of the top five — came from Chinese labs including DeepSeek, Moonshot, Z.ai, Tencent, Xiaomi, and MiniMax. The shift is no longer just about catching up on capability; Chinese labs are now undercutting US rivals on cost as well.

Six of the world's top 10 AI models are now Chinese and they're winning on price, not just rank

The largest open-weight AI model ever built goes fully public tonight — and it arrives already at the centre of a US-China technology dispute.&nbsp;The Release&nbsp;Moonshot AI's Kimi K3 releases its complete model weights at 00:00 UTC on July 27, which lands in the evening of July 26 across US time zones. The model has 2.8 trillion parameters, and the full weights come in at roughly 1.4 terabytes using MXFP4 quantization — a compression format that reduces file size while preserving most of the model's performance. By total parameter count and release size, it is the largest open-weight model ever made publicly available.&nbsp;Unlike a closed, API-only release, open-weighting a model of this scale means any developer, company, or government with sufficient hardware can download, run, modify, and build on Kimi K3 directly — no permission from Moonshot required, and no ongoing dependency on Moonshot's own servers.&nbsp;Landing In The Middle Of A Distillation Dispute&nbsp;The timing is not incidental to the controversy already surrounding the model. On July 22, White House science and technology policy director Michael Kratsios publicly accused Moonshot of covertly distilling Anthropic's Fable model to build Kimi K3 — the first time a senior US official has named a specific Chinese lab for allegedly copying a specific American model. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent followed with a warning that sanctions and Entity List designations were ‘on the table.’&nbsp;Tonight's full weight release cuts against the timeline of that accusation in one respect: independent AI researchers have already noted that Anthropic's Fable model only became publicly available on July 1, making it difficult for an industrial-scale distillation effort to have been the primary driver of a model this large, this fast. Whether or not the distillation claim holds up, the release itself gives outside researchers their first real opportunity to examine Kimi K3's architecture directly rather than relying on API behaviour alone.&nbsp;Why The Scale Matters Beyond The Politics&nbsp;Kimi K3 lands in the middle of what's already the steepest AI price collapse the industry has seen — OpenAI's GPT-5.6 starting at $1 per million tokens, Meta's Muse Spark 1.1 at $1.25/$4.25, and Kimi K3 itself running as low as $0.30 per million tokens on cached input even before tonight's open-weight release removes the API paywall for anyone able to self-host it.&nbsp;A 2.8-trillion-parameter model of this capability, available for free download rather than gated behind a metered API, changes the competitive calculus for every lab currently charging for access to comparable capability — including the labs, like Anthropic and OpenAI, that Kimi K3 is now accused of having learned from.

Moonshot AI's Kimi K3 releases its full weights at 00:00 UTC July 27 — a 2.8-trillion-parameter, 1.4-terabyte model, the largest open-weight AI release ever. It arrives days after the White House accused Moonshot of distilling Anthropic's Fable to build it.

The largest open-weight AI model ever built goes fully public tonight — and it arrives already at the centre of a US-China technology dispute. The Release Moonshot AI's Kimi K3 releases its complete model weights at 00:00 UTC on July 27, which lands in the evening of July 26 across US time zones. The model has 2.8 trillion parameters, and the full weights come in at roughly 1.4 terabytes using MXFP4 quantization — a compression format that reduces file size while preserving most of the model's performance. By total parameter count and release size, it is the largest open-weight model ever made publicly available. Unlike a closed, API-only release, open-weighting a model of this scale means any developer, company, or government with sufficient hardware can download, run, modify, and build on Kimi K3 directly — no permission from Moonshot required, and no ongoing dependency on Moonshot's own servers. Landing In The Middle Of A Distillation Dispute The timing is not incidental to the controversy already surrounding the model. On July 22, White House science and technology policy director Michael Kratsios publicly accused Moonshot of covertly distilling Anthropic's Fable model to build Kimi K3 — the first time a senior US official has named a specific Chinese lab for allegedly copying a specific American model. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent followed with a warning that sanctions and Entity List designations were ‘on the table.’ Tonight's full weight release cuts against the timeline of that accusation in one respect: independent AI researchers have already noted that Anthropic's Fable model only became publicly available on July 1, making it difficult for an industrial-scale distillation effort to have been the primary driver of a model this large, this fast. Whether or not the distillation claim holds up, the release itself gives outside researchers their first real opportunity to examine Kimi K3's architecture directly rather than relying on API behaviour alone. Why The Scale Matters Beyond The Politics Kimi K3 lands in the middle of what's already the steepest AI price collapse the industry has seen — OpenAI's GPT-5.6 starting at $1 per million tokens, Meta's Muse Spark 1.1 at $1.25/$4.25, and Kimi K3 itself running as low as $0.30 per million tokens on cached input even before tonight's open-weight release removes the API paywall for anyone able to self-host it. A 2.8-trillion-parameter model of this capability, available for free download rather than gated behind a metered API, changes the competitive calculus for every lab currently charging for access to comparable capability — including the labs, like Anthropic and OpenAI, that Kimi K3 is now accused of having learned from.

Moonshot AI's Kimi K3 releases its full model weights at 00:00 UTC on July 27 — a 2.8-trillion-parameter model, roughly 1.4 terabytes using MXFP4 quantization, making it the largest open-weight AI release in history. The release comes days after the White House publicly accused Moonshot of distilling Anthropic's Fable model to build it.

Meet China's Kimi K3! The largest open-weight AI model in history drops tonight

The crackdown on immigrants in the United States has forced China to train its students to handle uncalled-for situations in the country. Beijing is holding summer camps to prepare students on how to cope with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, SCMP reported. They initially started as a preparatory place where they could learn to tackle hate crimes, kidnappings, phone and internet scams, and bullying. However, the risk of an ICE action against them is the latest addition.&nbsp;The advertisement for one such camp in Beijing reads, “This training simulates ICE enforcement tactics and procedures, preparing participants to respond calmly and effectively to sudden raids in various everyday settings – including their homes, schools and public spaces."&nbsp;ICE has in the past weeks detained and deported several noncitizens living in the United States. ICE officers execute administrative warrants by visiting specific residential addresses early in the morning or late at night. Operations are conducted near agricultural plants, construction sites, and service businesses. Some individuals who reported for mandatory, scheduled check-ins at local ICE field offices are sometimes detained directly on site.&nbsp;This has created a fear amongst international students going to the US for higher education. Several Chinese students also prefer international education and go to the US like several other students from across the world. However, apart from the changes in rules that previously put schools and colleges out of bounds for immigration enforcement, there is no basis to believe that kidnappings by strangers are common in the country. However, hate crimes and bullying are still prevalent.<h2>Chinese parents still choosing US for studies despite fears</h2>Experts say that there has been a fall in overall confidence among parents sending their kids to the US for education. They are less certain about their future, but are still choosing to send their wards since many of them have already invested a lot of time and money. A mother told SCMP that they knew they would receive fewer university offers, but still sent their son to the US. “But if it’s hard to stay in the US after graduation, maybe we’ll decide to work in Hong Kong then,” the mother said.&nbsp;Yingyi Ma, a professor at Syracuse University, said, despite the wish to study in the US, there is "a stronger willingness among some Chinese students to return to China, and an overall decline in the number of Chinese students going to the US,” she said.&nbsp;Open Doors Report, an annual survey on international students in the US, shows the number of Chinese students has been dropping for five years. In 2019, the United Kingdom replaced the US as the most desired destination for Chinese students. However, the quality of academic programmes gave the US a certain edge.&nbsp; &nbsp;

ICE raids against international students in the US have created fear among Chinese parents sending their children to the country for higher studies. Camps in the country are training students to handle any such eventuality.

The crackdown on immigrants in the United States has forced China to train its students to handle uncalled-for situations in the country. Beijing is holding summer camps to prepare students on how to cope with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, SCMP reported. They initially started as a preparatory place where they could learn to tackle hate crimes, kidnappings, phone and internet scams, and bullying. However, the risk of an ICE action against them is the latest addition. The advertisement for one such camp in Beijing reads, “This training simulates ICE enforcement tactics and procedures, preparing participants to respond calmly and effectively to sudden raids in various everyday settings – including their homes, schools and public spaces." ICE has in the past weeks detained and deported several noncitizens living in the United States. ICE officers execute administrative warrants by visiting specific residential addresses early in the morning or late at night. Operations are conducted near agricultural plants, construction sites, and service businesses. Some individuals who reported for mandatory, scheduled check-ins at local ICE field offices are sometimes detained directly on site. This has created a fear amongst international students going to the US for higher education. Several Chinese students also prefer international education and go to the US like several other students from across the world. However, apart from the changes in rules that previously put schools and colleges out of bounds for immigration enforcement, there is no basis to believe that kidnappings by strangers are common in the country. However, hate crimes and bullying are still prevalent. Chinese parents still choosing US for studies despite fears Experts say that there has been a fall in overall confidence among parents sending their kids to the US for education. They are less certain about their future, but are still choosing to send their wards since many of them have already invested a lot of time and money. A mother told SCMP that they knew they would receive fewer university offers, but still sent their son to the US. “But if it’s hard to stay in the US after graduation, maybe we’ll decide to work in Hong Kong then,” the mother said. Yingyi Ma, a professor at Syracuse University, said, despite the wish to study in the US, there is "a stronger willingness among some Chinese students to return to China, and an overall decline in the number of Chinese students going to the US,” she said. Open Doors Report, an annual survey on international students in the US, shows the number of Chinese students has been dropping for five years. In 2019, the United Kingdom replaced the US as the most desired destination for Chinese students. However, the quality of academic programmes gave the US a certain edge.

ICE raids against international students in the US have created fear among Chinese parents sending their children to the country for higher studies. Camps in the country are training students to handle any such eventuality.

Camps in China are training students on how to handle an ICE raid in the US

The United States is preparing a fresh wave of tariffs on dozens of trading partners, as President Donald Trump doubles down on using trade penalties as a negotiating tool. The new duties could affect countries including China, India, Japan, Canada, Mexico, the European Union and others, with Washington accusing some nations of failing to address forced labour concerns.

Donald Trump expands global Trade Tariff Push | World Business Watch | Wion 

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