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

Over 150 Chinese Apps Deny AI Assistant’s Use on Smartphone

The response to the release of a cutting-edge AI-powered smartphone has highlighted the industry’s dependence on other companies being willing to cooperate with new tech.

Chen Yiru

Duolingo Launches Shanghainese Lessons, Its 2nd Chinese Dialect

The team of creators said they hoped to make dialects “cool” and preserve local language and culture.

Li Xin

In China, an AI Idol’s ‘Maternity Leave’ Backfires on Her Creators

The creators of an AI girl group said the stress of managing their concept led them to announce one member’s pregnancy in order to suspend her online persona.

He Qitong

Chinese Users Find Little Money in ‘Selling’ Their Faces to AI

Companies that let users license their likenesses for use in AI-made short dramas and ads promise high income in a short period. But users report few real financial gains.

Fan Yiying

Divorcés Starring in TV Romances? China’s Internet Isn’t So Sure

“Against the Current,” the country’s current top TV drama, features a high-ranking Ming dynasty divorcé who marries his former maid, part of a trend of shows featuring divorced men.

Zheng Qinwen’s China Open Win Swamps Her Sponsor’s Tea Shops

After the 24-year-old became the first Chinese woman to win the China Open, milk tea giant Chagee offered buy-one-get-one-free drinks nationwide for a day.

On the Table at Shanghai Mayor Meet: AI, Sports, Tourism

Global executives advised the city to lead AI deployment, develop into a global sports capital, and emphasize Shanghai cultural features like jazz and Art Deco over sites when promoting tourism.

China Drafts Landmark Gig Worker Labor Rights Rules

The policy would require platforms and their partners to sign labor contracts or agreements with their employees and improve algorithmic oversight.

In China’s Universities, Students Are Majoring in Second Chances

Chinese universities are increasingly relaxing their policies to give students a chance to undo majors chosen under the constraints of entrance exam scores, parental advice, and decisions made at 18.

Mao Rui

Two Chinese Books Shortlisted for US National Translation Awards

This week’s shortlist announcement included two works of prose originally written in Chinese. A separate Chinese anthology was also longlisted for the poetry prize last month.