China

China has released a White Paper on Intelligent Driving Technology and Industrial Development, co-authored by CATARC, Tsinghua University, and Huawei. This document sets industry standards for intelligent driving, emphasizing safety, operational coverage (0-150 km/h), 360-degree protection, object recognition, all-weather performance, and human-intelligent driving integration. It aims to guide consumers towards trustworthy systems and clarify common misconceptions about smart driving features.

Jiangsu Times Core-Tech Semiconductor (AMS), China’s last unfinished 300mm wafer fab, has officially collapsed. The restructuring investor, Huaxinjiejian, defaulted on its obligations, terminating the revival efforts. AMS was declared insolvent, its equity written off. Previous shareholder AMT clarified its exit and continued support for AMS’s remaining procedures. The ambitious project, plagued by debt and operational issues, ultimately failed to restart, marking a significant blow to China’s semiconductor ambitions.

China’s men’s national football team opened the EAFF E-1 Championship with a 0-3 loss to South Korea. Observers criticized China’s performance, citing superior skill from South Korea and disappointing defensive tactics. China faces Japan next, with concerns about a repeat of their previous seven-goal defeat.

China, Myanmar, and Thailand are intensifying their joint crackdown on telecom and online fraud. Following successful operations repatriating over 5,400 Chinese nationals, the nations are committing to dismantling fraud hubs. This enhanced cooperation addresses the shifting tactics of criminal networks moving to remote areas, which are increasingly linked to violent crimes. Authorities urge public vigilance against deceptive job offers.

Economist Li Daokui advocated for government subsidies to help automakers like Xiaomi Auto expand production capacity, addressing demand-supply gaps in the EV market. He proposed RMB 100 million per production line for companies exiting, matched by firms like Xiaomi, to facilitate asset exchange. Li also suggested increasing national debt issuance to 40-50% of GDP to replace local government debt, enabling better public service provision.

China’s Football Association launched an innovative player self-recommendation system, attracting over 25,000 registrations. The system, involving registration, information and technical data submission, and multi-stage screening, has already identified 303 promising players, including international talent. This initiative aims to broaden talent identification, enhance transparency, and combat corruption, signaling China’s serious football ambitions.

China has responded positively to the US easing certain export restrictions on EDA software, ethane, and aircraft engines. Beijing confirmed both nations are implementing outcomes from recent economic talks, with teams accelerating groundwork. China is processing export license applications in line with its laws. Beijing urged the US to recognize the mutually beneficial nature of their economic relationship and take constructive actions to ensure stable, long-term growth.

The US has resumed export of crucial aircraft components, including engines, to China after a month-long hiatus. This follows the recommencement of Boeing aircraft deliveries to Chinese airlines. This policy shift, alongside eased restrictions on chip design software and ethane, signals progress in US-China trade negotiations and a thawing of trade relations.

Ultraman has launched its first official online flagship store on Tmall Global, marking its entry into the Chinese market. As Tsuburaya Productions’ sole authorized store in China, it offers 55 overseas products including collectibles and apparel. Future plans include introducing around 500 new Ultraman products over the next three years. Anticipated releases include anniversary series and merchandise for the new “Ultraman: Gaia’s Awakening.”

Siemens has lifted export restrictions on its chip design software to mainland China, resuming full services after recent US government directives. This follows earlier notifications for EDA software providers to halt services. The move impacts the global EDA market, dominated by US firms, while China continues to develop its domestic solutions.