Category: China

Brazil has suspended temporary work visas for Chinese working for electric vehicle giant BYD in the country, amid claims of “slavery-like conditions”. The move followed an investigation by Brazil’s labour department, which said on January 7, 2025, that BYD had brought in hundreds of workers on irregular visas to build a factory. Officials running the probe announced in December that BYD workers were subjected to overcrowded lodging and 70-hour work weeks. Labour authorities said the 163 factory workers were leaving or have already left Brazil, and BYD agreed to comply with local laws for its remaining employees.

A Chinese company has unveiled the Unitree B2-W quadruped robot – but could it turn out to be a soldier’s best friend?The flagship design is being compared to US robotic systems already being tested, but the Chinese model appears to be nimbler, sleeker and more agile.The robotic four-wheeled friend can reportedly carry up to 40kg, move at a top speed of 30mph and operate over mixed terrain.

As China’s economy crumbles, Chinese people are becoming so desperate, they’re taking in part in what looks like a real life version of Squid Games.

As the global race to develop humanoid robots is heating up, China has recently scored significant advancements in the industry, with mass production of embodied artificial intelligence-powered robots already realized.

The Haolong space cargo shuttle, a Chinese independently developed reusable winged space cargo vehicle, is expected to further reduce the cost of delivering fresh food to China’s space station, according to its chief designer.

How much is China pushing woke ideology in America? Today we interview James Lindsay about China and the Woke Right.

00:00 Introduction00:13 China’s Economy In 202505:40 Archaeological Find08:43 New Mega Dam

One blogger in China said, this isn’t China’s Spring Festival travel rush; this is China’s children’s hospital.Another blogger shared: the places crowded with people right now aren’t shopping malls or supermarkets, but various children’s hospitals across Beijing. He saw so many children getting IV drips, many of whom silently developed pneumonia. Their symptoms weren’t obvious, which caught the parents off guard.

The suspension of the Gaoming Modern Tram Demonstration Line in Foshan, China, highlights challenges faced by infrastructure projects in some third- and fourth-tier cities. While the line was recognized for its innovative approach as the world’s first hydrogen-powered tram, operational issues have led to its sudden halt. Similar tram projects in various Chinese cities have faced suspension or closure due to low passenger traffic and high maintenance costs, posing financial burdens on local governments.The enthusiasm for tram projects in the past decade has waned as challenges in project sustainability have emerged. Urban rail transit, including trams, was initially viewed as a cost-effective alternative to subways, with lower construction costs and greater flexibility in approval processes. However, inadequate passenger traffic and escalating operational subsidies have undermined the viability of tram projects across China.Local governments, eager to showcase infrastructure development and boost transportation options, have faced the reality of inefficient tram lines with limited ridership. The failure to match operational costs with revenue generation has resulted in significant financial strains, with local finances bearing the burden of subsidies to sustain tram operations. The overestimation of passenger flow and inadequate network planning have compounded the challenges faced by tram projects, rendering many lines underutilized and financially unsustainable.The dilemma experienced by tram projects underscores the need for prudent infrastructure investment and long-term planning to ensure financial viability and operational sustainability. The shift towards cost-effective alternatives must be balanced with considerations for ongoing maintenance and operational costs to prevent infrastructure projects from becoming financial liabilities in the future. As China navigates the complexities of infrastructure development and maintenance, strategic and sustainable approaches are essential to ensure the long-term success of urban transit projects and mitigate financial risks associated with infrastructure support.