Timely reports on issues and events from across China. Drawing on a vast range of sources, these succinct articles provide insights into the significance of each issue in a wider context.

NEWS

Rising Tones

‘The Dark Romance’: Chinese TV Series Spotlights Pickup Artists

The series is intended to raise awareness of psychological manipulation in relationships in China and alludes to several high-profile cases in the media.

Li Xin

Chinese Sites Are Selling Tutorials on How to Use AI to Create Porn

Though AI chatbots and apps are moderated for explicit content, using specific prompts, English, or vague wording allows users to bypass restrictions.

Fan Yiying

In China, MBTI’s Unhinged Twin Asks About Constipation and Diarrhea

SBTI, or “Silly Big” Type Indicator, borrows the MBTI format but replaces introspection with absurd questions and irreverent personality types.

Chinese Supplement Brand Falsely Claiming to Be Australian Ignites Scandal

Spurred by netizens, a domestic investigation found that the company’s listed overseas production address was linked to an unrelated Australian auto shop.

China Issues Draft Regulations on AI Copyright Infringement

The draft comes amid growing pressure from the entertainment industry to combat “AI face stealing.”

Chen Yiru

The Chinese Restaurant That ‘Didn’t Want Fame’ and the Internet That Wouldn’t Listen

Netizens have become fascinated by the restaurant owner’s claims that his chicken causes diarrhea and that he doesn’t want to become too popular, as crowds flock to the restaurant from around the country.

He Qitong

China’s Tech Giants Are Recruiting High Schoolers

Citing insufficient talent in universities, tech companies are increasingly seeking out high schoolers to fulfill research and internship roles.

Jiang Xinyi

Yang Yang

Ice, Ice, Maybe: China Drills to Record Depth in Antarctica

As part of the country’s 42nd Antarctic expedition, the drilling sets the stage for future research on sediment, biological evolution, and climate change.

China’s Tomb-Sweeping Day Now Includes Pets

Online demand is rising for hologram boxes, wool-felt replicas and paper offerings as some owners fold pets into tomb-sweeping traditions.

Don’t Hit Paws: Chinese Tech Giant Launches 24/7 Channel for Pets

The channel is the latest instance of companies capitalizing on the nation’s 300-billion-yuan pet industry.