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First One Down: The Shenyang J-8 Fighter’s Career Comes to an End

23 June 2026 at 19:15

In June of this year, the J-8 was officially phased out of service – the first jet fighter designed in China and accepted into operational use. Its path toward full maturity was long, but ultimately remained unfinished. How It All Began By the early 1960s, China had established licensed production of Soviet-designed jet fighters, including […]

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China appears to be developing 7-meter-diameter reusable rockets

23 June 2026 at 11:07

A state-funded tender for tank tooling, a delivered stainless steel forging and launch pad planning suggest that China is developing 7-meter-diameter reusable rockets.

The post China appears to be developing 7-meter-diameter reusable rockets appeared first on SpaceNews.

5G dominates China mobile landscape

23 June 2026 at 05:50

LIVE FROM MWC SHANGHAI 2026: The world’s largest mobile market now boasts the majority of its connections running over 5G, with the technology powering 55% of all connections since the end of last year.

The GSMA’s Mobile Economy China 2026 report – released on the eve of the show this week – predicts 5G will account for 61% of connections in the country by the end of this year and 88% by 2030.

The performance of 5G in China so far means the nation already accounts for over 40% of global 5G connections.

China surpassed 1 billion 5G connections in 2024, highlighting the rapid adoption of the technology since its launch five years ago.

“The influence of national policy should help sustain 5G’s momentum in China,” notes the report. “The Chinese government has made 5G a national priority as part of broader goals targeting digital transformation and making the economy internationally competitive. Such goals are directly integrated into the agendas and corporate strategies of operators and network vendors, boosting the supply side of the 5G market.”

The report adds that with 5G services now firmly established, the focus of Chinese operators and vendors is shifting to 5G-Advanced.

It claims 5G-Advanced is now commercialised across more than 330 mainland cities, surpassing 30 million users.

“China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom have all conducted early trials and deployments of the technology, focusing on unlocking new applications in areas such as autonomous vehicles, drones and extended reality (XR).”

Economic impact
As always, the latest GSMA report was keen to talk up mobile’s boost to China’s economy, driving growth across industries, creating jobs and boosting gross domestic product (GDP).

Mobile technologies and services now generate around 6.2% of China’s GDP – a contribution that amounts to $1.2 trillion of economic value added. By 2030, the report states this will rise to approximately $2 trillion, equivalent to 8.3% of GDP.

“Much of this will be driven by the improvements in productivity and efficiency brought about by the continued expansion of mobile services and the growing adoption of digital technologies, including 5G, IoT and AI.”

Usage gap
Surprisingly, there remains work to be done on ensuring everyone that lives within reach of a mobile network can access services. In fact, despite 91% internet connectivity across the country, a usage gap of 18% remains, representing millions of people yet to benefit fully from China’s digital economy. This approximate 250 million people not using mobile internet is mostly from the youngest and oldest age groups.

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America is about to cede Africa’s space industry to China, and nobody’s talking about it.

22 June 2026 at 14:00
A July 6, 2015 image of Africa and Europe taken by NASA's Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) satellite. Credit: NASA

If the Trump administration is serious about executing its “America First in Africa” policy and transforming American engagement on the continent, it needs to focus on sectors where it still […]

The post America is about to cede Africa’s space industry to China, and nobody’s talking about it. appeared first on SpaceNews.

This zinc mine needed a truck no one made, so they made it themselves

21 June 2026 at 22:57

Zijin Mining couldn’t find an ultra-class electric haul truck that could get the job done at its Wulagen mine in Wuqia County, Xinjiang, so they designed their own: a 140-ton BEV haul truck with a huge, 770 kWh swappable battery pack.

Then they built 290 of them. (!)

From labs to logistics: China tests sodium batteries in HD trucks

21 June 2026 at 14:27

Made from more affordable and more abundant materials than li-ion, sodium batteries promise more abundant and more affordable electric vehicles – but will sodium batteries be practical for commercial trucks? Chinese truck brand FAW Jiefang is working to find out.

While the World Scrambles for Oil, China Sits on Full Tanks

21 June 2026 at 10:01
The possible reopening of the Strait of Hormuz may not prompt China to return quickly to prewar levels of oil purchases from the Persian Gulf.

© Hector Retamal/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

An oil refinery in Nanjing, in China’s eastern Jiangsu province, last month. Chinese companies kept their refineries running throughout the war.

Human Impact and Climate Drive China’s Sediment Transfer

20 June 2026 at 15:31

In an unprecedented exploration of Earth’s dynamic geological processes, researchers have delved deep into the sedimentary history of China, unraveling the intertwined influences of natural climate fluctuations and human activities on sediment transfer since the Last Glacial Maximum. This expansive study, published in Communications Earth & Environment, ushers in a new era of understanding about how sediment movement across this vast and ecologically diverse landmass has evolved over tens of thousands of years, with profound implications for environmental science, climate change, and land management strategies worldwide.

Sediment transfer—the movement of soil, rock, and organic material across landscapes by rivers, wind, and human activity—is a critical process governing terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. It affects soil fertility, landscape morphology, water quality, and carbon cycling, thereby linking the geosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere. Until now, however, the relative roles of climate versus anthropogenic disturbances in shaping sediment dynamics over millennial timescales remained unclear, particularly in regions like China, where dramatic climatic shifts and massive population expansions have coexisted.

The research team, led by Li M., Huang H., and Izumi K., embarked on a multidisciplinary journey combining sediment core analyses, isotope geochemistry, paleoclimatic reconstructions, and historical land-use records. Their approach integrated high-resolution dating techniques and advanced computational modeling to discriminate between sediment deposition patterns driven by natural glacial-interglacial cycles and those triggered by human interventions such as agriculture, deforestation, and urbanization.

One of the cornerstone revelations from this study centers on the prominent sediment flux variations linked to the Last Glacial Maximum approximately 21,000 years ago. During this period, extensive glaciation and colder, drier conditions significantly altered river regimes and erosion dynamics. The researchers documented pronounced reductions in sediment supply due to diminished vegetation cover and altered precipitation patterns, highlighting the impact of climatic extremes on Earth surface processes.

Moving forward into the Holocene epoch, the warming climate catalyzed vegetation recovery and increased precipitation, resulting in intensified sediment mobilization. Yet, what sets China apart is the overlay of accelerating human activity from the Neolithic period onward. The study meticulously characterizes how early agricultural expansion began reshaping erosion rates and sediment exports, effectively modulating the natural sedimentary balance established by climate alone.

The team’s integration of paleoenvironmental datasets with archaeological evidence allowed them to trace how intensive land use, particularly during the last 5,000 years, drove landscape erosion that amplified sediment transfer into river basins and eventually into marine sediments. This co-evolution of human societies and sediment dynamics speaks volumes about the Anthropocene’s footprint extending much deeper into antiquity than previously assumed.

Perhaps most strikingly, the researchers observed that over the past two millennia, rapid urban growth, industrial development, and large-scale engineering projects such as dam construction have profoundly altered sediment pathways. The modification of river networks and sediment trapping in reservoirs markedly reduced sediment load downstream, disrupting natural sediment replenishment processes essential for delta stability and ecosystem health.

Equally significant was the finding that climate variability continued to exert influence, occasionally exacerbating or mitigating human-driven sediment trends. For instance, severe droughts and flooding events integrally tied to climate oscillations periodically accelerated soil erosion or sediment deposition, showcasing a complex feedback loop between climate systems and anthropogenic pressures.

From a methodological standpoint, the study demonstrates the power of coupling sedimentological evidence with emerging geospatial technologies and modeling frameworks. The team’s innovative analytical pipeline enabled unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution, paving the way for predictive assessments of sediment flux responses under future climate and development scenarios.

This comprehensive chronicle of sediment transfer across China also underscores broader global concerns. Given China’s pivotal role in regional and global biogeochemical cycles, understanding its sediment dynamics is vital for anticipating downstream impacts—ranging from river delta subsidence and coastal erosion to nutrient loading that affects marine ecosystems far beyond national borders.

Importantly, this work highlights sediment transport as an essential climate indicator and environmental parameter, providing valuable insights into past Earth system behavior. Such knowledge empowers policymakers to devise sustainable land and water management policies that balance developmental goals with ecosystem preservation.

The implications for global sediment budgets are profound, as similar interactions between climate variation and human land use are occurring worldwide. As countries grapple with increasing pressures on landscapes due to population growth and climate change, the lessons from China’s sedimentary history resonate widely, emphasizing the necessity of integrated environmental monitoring and adaptive land management.

By revealing the subtle dance between climate forces and human footprints over millennia, this research reshapes our perception of Earth surface processes as deeply interconnected socio-natural phenomena. It urges the scientific community to look beyond simplistic cause-effect paradigms and embrace complexity when addressing environmental challenges.

In essence, the study represents a paradigm shift in sedimentology and environmental science, illustrating how ancient and modern drivers converge to craft the landscapes we inhabit today. The elegant synthesis of data and theory presented by Li, Huang, Izumi, and colleagues sets a gold standard for future inquiries into Earth’s dynamic sedimentary record.

As the climate crisis advances and human transformations accelerate, understanding these profound historical sediment transfer mechanisms from China offers a crucial blueprint for safeguarding ecological and societal resilience across the Anthropocene epoch.

Subject of Research: Anthropogenic and climatic influences on sediment transfer dynamics across China since the Last Glacial Maximum

Article Title: Anthropogenic and climatic controls on sediment transfer across China since the Last Glacial Maximum

Article References:
Li, M., Huang, H., Izumi, K. et al. Anthropogenic and climatic controls on sediment transfer across China since the Last Glacial Maximum. Commun Earth Environ (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-026-03767-7

Image Credits: AI Generated

China’s National Initiatives Boost Marine Ecosystem Recovery

20 June 2026 at 02:42

In recent years, the alarming degradation of marine ecosystems worldwide has sparked urgent calls for restoration and sustainable management. Amidst this global crisis, China’s recent national initiatives aimed at reviving its marine environment represent a landmark effort, demonstrating that dedicated policy and science-driven interventions can indeed reverse environmental decline at unprecedented scales. A recent groundbreaking study by Chen, Wang, Bao, and colleagues, published in Communications Earth & Environment, presents compelling evidence that these coordinated restoration programs are facilitating significant recovery within China’s vast and economically critical marine ecosystems. By integrating multiple restoration techniques and focusing on ecological integrity, these initiatives offer a powerful blueprint for marine ecosystem management both nationally and globally.

China’s coastline, extending over 14,500 kilometers, encompasses a wide range of habitats, including coral reefs, tidal marshes, mangroves, and seagrass beds, all vital to biodiversity and coastal protection. However, decades of rapid industrialization, urban expansion, pollution, and overfishing had severely weakened these ecosystems. Prior assessments had projected ongoing losses threatening marine species, fisheries productivity, and the livelihoods of coastal communities. The new research highlights how the nation’s comprehensive restoration strategies — initiated roughly a decade ago and accelerated in recent years — have triggered a measurable rebound in ecosystem health, shifting the trajectory from decline to restoration.

Central to the success of China’s national restoration agenda has been the integration of ecological knowledge with innovative engineering and socio-economic frameworks. Unlike earlier piecemeal efforts, the new approach involved large-scale habitat reconstruction, pollution control, protection of key species, and active monitoring programs. The research documents how mangrove reforestation projects, for instance, not only stabilize shorelines from erosion but also enhance sediment deposition, carbon sequestration, and nursery grounds for commercially important fish species. Similarly, artificial reefs and seagrass bed restorations have revived structural complexity underwater, facilitating increased biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

One of the study’s significant findings involves the role of targeted pollution reduction in catalyzing ecosystem recovery. Coastal urban centers and industrial zones historically discharged untreated effluents and nutrients into marine waters, leading to eutrophication and hypoxic zones detrimental to marine life. The national initiatives implemented stringent environmental regulations and upgraded wastewater treatment infrastructure, substantially reducing nutrient loads entering key bays and estuaries. This nutrient decrease correlated strongly with improvements in dissolved oxygen levels, enabling marine habitats to support more diverse biological communities and enhancing natural bioremediation processes.

Beyond habitat reconstruction and pollution control, species conservation featured prominently in China’s restoration programs. The policy emphasized the protection and recovery of keystone and indicator species such as seagrass, oysters, and various fish stocks that underpin the ecological function of marine systems. The research details the successful establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs), which serve as refuges for spawning and juvenile growth. These MPAs were strategically sited based on ecological monitoring data and incorporated community involvement to ensure sustainable fishing practices outside protected zones. The enhanced populations within MPAs subsequently contributed to spillover effects, boosting fisheries yields in adjacent areas.

Technological advancements also played a pivotal role in enabling precise assessment and adaptive management of restoration efforts. Remote sensing technologies, underwater drones, and sensor networks provided high-resolution data on physical, chemical, and biological parameters, allowing real-time tracking of ecosystem changes. Machine learning algorithms processed these data streams to identify patterns and forecast recovery trajectories, informing iterative adjustments in restoration tactics. The study underscores how integrating big data analytics with ecological expertise optimized resource allocation and improved restoration outcomes at scale.

Socio-economic factors, often overlooked in environmental restoration, were critically addressed in the Chinese model. The initiatives incorporated stakeholder engagement, including coastal communities, fishers, and local governments, to align restoration objectives with economic well-being and cultural values. Livelihood diversification programs, supported by government subsidies and training, reduced dependence on overexploited marine resources, while promoting aquaculture practices compatible with ecosystem health. Education campaigns raised public awareness about marine conservation, fostering stewardship and compliance with environmental regulations. This holistic approach ensured that ecological restoration was intertwined with social sustainability.

The study also explores the climate change mitigation potential inherent in restored coastal habitats. Mangrove forests and seagrass meadows sequester significant amounts of blue carbon, storing carbon in biomass and sediments for centuries. China’s restoration of these habitats not only enhances biodiversity but also contributes to national and global climate goals by offsetting greenhouse gas emissions. The authors quantify this carbon sequestration capacity, demonstrating that these initiatives offer a dual benefit of ecosystem resilience and climate stabilization, making them an essential component of integrated environmental policy.

Despite these encouraging results, the research acknowledges persistent challenges and knowledge gaps in scaling restoration efforts. Coastal megacities continue to exert pressures through land reclamation and industry, while ocean acidification and warming impose new stressors that may limit recovery potentials. The need for enhanced international collaboration is emphasized, as marine ecosystems transcend national boundaries and require concerted global stewardship. Future work must prioritize developing novel restoration materials, enhancing genetic diversity in restored populations, and improving socioeconomic incentives to sustain long-term gains.

China’s experience provides a valuable case study for other nations confronted with similar marine ecosystem crises. The deliberate combination of science-based strategies, policy support, technological innovation, and community participation has generated positive feedback loops that accelerate recovery. This research reinforces the notion that large-scale marine restoration is not only possible but can lead to substantial ecological, economic, and social returns when underpinned by strong political will and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Moreover, the study presents a compelling argument for integrating marine restoration within broader sustainable development frameworks. Healthy marine ecosystems underpin fisheries, tourism, coastal protection, and biodiversity conservation — fundamental pillars of coastal economies and human well-being. Recognizing these ecosystem services and accounting for them in planning and investment decisions is critical to achieving lasting restoration. China’s approach exemplifies how restoration can be a catalyst for green economic growth, providing jobs, stabilizing food supplies, and enhancing resilience to climate impacts.

In conclusion, the research conducted by Chen, Wang, Bao, and their team underscores an optimistic vision for the future of marine ecosystems in China. The national restoration initiatives have demonstrably reversed environmental degradation trends and fostered recovery at scale. This study serves as a timely reminder that with strategic, multi-dimensional efforts, reversing marine ecosystem decline is achievable. It calls on policymakers, scientists, and society to embrace restoration as a priority, employing innovative tools and inclusive governance to safeguard the ocean’s health for generations to come.


Subject of Research: Marine ecosystem restoration and recovery in China through national initiatives.

Article Title: National restoration initiatives promote China’s marine ecosystem recovery.

Article References:
Chen, X., Wang, N., Bao, X. et al. National restoration initiatives promote China’s marine ecosystem recovery. Commun Earth Environ (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-026-03760-0

Image Credits: AI Generated

Electric-Powered Record Breaker: China Develops the Largest Electric Rocket in History

19 June 2026 at 11:14

Chinese startup Spark Space has successfully completed several consecutive funding rounds to support the development of a new launch vehicle that, according to the company, will become the largest rocket in the world to employ an electrically driven propellant feed system. The investment milestone follows a series of successful hot-fire tests of the vehicle’s propulsion […]

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As China looms, Taiwan makes more drones for defense and the US military

18 June 2026 at 22:21

Taiwan’s existence as a self-governing democracy may depend heavily on having enough military drones to discourage any attempted invasion by China’s military. As the Taiwanese government aims to boost domestic production of military drones and Taiwanese citizens sign up for drone flight training, Taiwanese companies are forming international partnerships to sell more drones to the US military and other overseas buyers.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense proposed a special budget that would spend $6.6 billion over six years on buying drones made in Taiwan, according to the Central News Agency that represents the national news service of Taiwan. Presented on June 18, the budget proposal would allow the government to buy more than 208,000 coastal attack drones, along with more than 1,400 coastal reconnaissance drones and 1,320 uncrewed surface vessels, between 2026 and 2031.

That would be a significant boost to the Taiwanese military arsenal that currently includes just 5,000 US-made attack drones and domestically produced drones, according to Resilience Media. During military exercises in early June, Taiwanese soldiers fired Altius-600 loitering munition drones—made by a subsidiary of the US military technology company Anduril Industries—from towed flatbed launchers to strike offshore targets, according to USNI News. In another exercise earlier this year, Taiwanese Marines used Taiwan-made drones to similarly strike targets at sea.

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China unveils plan to embed AI across society

18 June 2026 at 17:28

China’s commerce ministry is reportedly targeting broader use of AI across the country’s consumer economy, unveiling 17 policy measures intended to push the technology beyond industrial applications.

State broadcaster CCTV reported the ministry will use the measures to embed AI into households and businesses, viewing the technology as a lever for economic stimulus.

As part of the plan, it is apparently looking at a fundamental shift in how consumer electronics are designed and sold.

The way devices operate is also a target, moving from functional tools towards AI-integrated systems.

Advancing humanoid robotics in the home is high on the agenda, and the sector has already gained government and private investment.

Chinese players including Unitree and Ubtech were cited as front-runners in the market. They are vying to establish themselves commercially in industrial and consumer spaces.

Structural issues
On the services side, China wants to expand AI’s presence in retail services to public and personal areas.

CCTV cited comments from Lin Jian, deputy director of the international trade cooperation institute at the ministry of commerce, who said the measures are designed to solve structural issues within the country’s services sector.

These include addressing challenges around high labour costs and poor standardisation in service consumption, added Lin.

Beijing is stepping up its AI plans, with Bloomberg reporting earlier this month the government is planning to invest $295 billion over the next five years to build out data centres in the country.

The post China unveils plan to embed AI across society appeared first on Mobile World Live.

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