China’s multi-story robot farms set to help address food scarcity
Chinese agronomists and engineers from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Institute of Urban Agriculture (IUA) have recently…
BYD shows off SUV’s Bond-like ‘float mode’
Off-road enthusiasts rejoice as one of China’s premier automotive manufacturers, BYD, has revealed its flagship YangWang U8 sports…
Chinese start-up commercialises liquid algae air purifier
A Hong Kong-based biotechnology start-up has reportedly developed a liquid microalgae air purifier capable of absorbing harmful greenhouse…
Chinese trial implants chargers that are safely biodegradable
Chinese scientists have created a biodegradable wireless charger they claim can be safely implanted into the human body…
Chinese scientists create 3D-printed semiconductors
Researchers from China have created a novel 3D printing method that takes advantage of what they call ‘molecular…
China serves up the internet at 1.2 terabits per second
Chinese researchers and telecommunications engineers have launched what they claim is the world’s first internet service with line…
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China’s multi-story robot farms set to help address food scarcity
Chinese agronomists and engineers from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Institute of Urban Agriculture (IUA) have recently completed the world’s first artificial intelligence powered 20-story vertical farm. The unmanned plant factory based in Chengdu, Sichuan province, is considered a breakthrough for a country with persistent food security concerns and unpredictable weather conditions. China’s 2022…
BYD shows off SUV’s Bond-like ‘float mode’
Off-road enthusiasts rejoice as one of China’s premier automotive manufacturers, BYD, has revealed its flagship YangWang U8 sports utility vehicle has an ‘Emergency Float Mode’, allowing it to wade through water using its wheels as a makeshift propeller system. While the luxury SUV has been available for purchase for several months, the BYD-owned brand only…
Chinese start-up commercialises liquid algae air purifier
A Hong Kong-based biotechnology start-up has reportedly developed a liquid microalgae air purifier capable of absorbing harmful greenhouse gases from the surrounding atmosphere. Founded by a group of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology graduates, AIGreen was established in 2021 when the young researchers discovered an algae variety with carbon capture and storage properties…
Chinese trial implants chargers that are safely biodegradable
Chinese scientists have created a biodegradable wireless charger they claim can be safely implanted into the human body and used to power bioelectronic devices such as drug delivery systems and sensory devices. Although bioelectronic devices like pacemakers and cochlear implants have been used in medicine for several decades, they require external energy sources that ultimately…
Chinese scientists create 3D-printed semiconductors
Researchers from China have created a novel 3D printing method that takes advantage of what they call ‘molecular glue’ that allows engineers to print precise, high-quality structures, such as semiconductors. Developed by a research unit from Beijing’s Tsinghua University and published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal, Science, the technique, dubbed 3D pinning, could facilitate the…
China serves up the internet at 1.2 terabits per second
Chinese researchers and telecommunications engineers have launched what they claim is the world’s first internet service with line speeds over one terabit per second. Called the backbone network, the 3 000-kilometre fibre optic line runs from Beijing to the southern city of Guangzhou, via Wuhan in central China, and transmits data at 1.2 terabits per second…
China looks to greatly boost cassava yield in Africa
Chinese agricultural experts have announced they intend to help boost the quality and yield of cassava varieties in Africa. The project was announced at the second Forum on China-Africa Cooperation on Agriculture, held in Hainan province in early November. Often referred to as the bread of the tropics, the carbohydrate-rich tuber, known as tapioca in…
New Chinese drug offers hope to throat cancer sufferers
A Shanghai-based pharmaceutical company has developed a novel medication that could offer hope to those suffering from a rare form of throat cancer. The innovative antibody drug is the first Chinese-developed cancer treatment approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and could be made available for clinical use as soon as next…
Chinese solar panel giant sets new record
LONGi Green Energy Technology Company has set a new record with its state-of-the-art silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells, achieving an efficiency rate of 33.9 per cent. The breakthrough was independently verified by the United States National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in early November 2023, according to a press release by the Xi’an-based photovoltaics firm. LONGi edged…
China ups the space race ante with first reusable rocket test
Chinese aerospace firm, iSpace, has reportedly tested their first full-scale reusable rocket in what is a landmark moment for the country’s space programme. The Beijing-based company successfully conducted “hop tests” with its Hyperbola-2Y rocket in the Gobi Desert, paving the way for further experimentation on the firm’s larger Hyperbola-3 rocket systems as soon as 2025,…
Chinese scientists use wastewater to boost semiconductor production
In a remarkable feat of ingenuity, Chinese scientists have found a way to transform contaminated wastewater into valuable semiconductor materials. Researchers are hopeful the novel, environmentally friendly production method could boost innovation in China’s chip manufacturing sector. Semiconductors and microchips play a vital role in the functioning of modern society and can be found in everything…
China leads global 5G rollout surpassing 3 million 5G base stations
China has reportedly exceeded three million fifth-generation base stations, continuing its dominance as an internet and communications technology powerhouse, outpacing the US in annual 5G installations. Data released by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) indicated that the Asian superpower has reached a total of 3.19 million stations – an average of…
China gives the nod to world’s first flying taxi
In a landmark moment for urban passenger mobility, Chinese authorities have green-lit the world’s first flying taxi. Designed and manufactured in Guangdong province, southeast China, the EH216-S uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) loosely resembles a scaled-up hobbyist drone. Passengers sit in a car-sized protective bubble above the UAV’s propulsion and lift system of 16 powerful rotors…
China announces new record-breaking offshore wind turbine
Chinese renewables giant, Ming Yang Energy Group, continues to push the limits of what’s possible in the offshore wind industry, this time announcing plans to build a world-record 22-megawatt turbine with Eiffel-Tower-sized blades. The engineering and design team expects to complete early prototype models within two years, according to Ming Yang insiders. Companies like Ming…
Chinese chatbot ERNIE 4.0 squares up to ChatGPT-4
Chinese tech behemoth, Baidu, claims the upgraded version of its AI chatbot is as sophisticated as OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4. On October 17, the Beijing-based internet and artificial intelligence firm unveiled ERNIE 4.0 which its developers say is comparable, if not better, than GPT-4. Speaking at the company’s flagship event, Baidu World 2023, CEO Robin Li put…
New deposits of rare metal boost Chinese industrial output
A team of Chinese geologists has uncovered a deposit of rare metal ore that could revolutionise the country’s steel, aviation, energy and medical industries. The substance has been dubbed niobabaotite by its discoverers, researchers from the Beijing Research Institute of Uranium Geology of the Chinese National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). The metal, which consists of several…
China plans to launch new space telescope to rival Hubble
Chinese astronomers have told state media that they are working on a prototype version of the Xuntian space telescope to rival the Hubble telescope. The 2.5 gigapixel ultra-violet optical observatory will reportedly have a field of view 300-350 times wider than the NASA-engineered Hubble telescope and will reportedly be operational as soon as 2024. Xuntian,…
Chinese AI start-up brings affordable autonomous driving to manufacturers
Chinese artificial intelligence start-up, Haomo.ai, has announced it has created an affordable autonomous driving assistance system that it claims is cheaper and better than the products offered by its competitors. The Beijing-based company revealed three new ‘L2’ autonomous systems, which it has made available to motor vehicle companies starting from $411 per unit. Each ‘Hpilot’…
Chinese scientists create worm-inspired low-carbon building material
A team of Chinese researchers has created a low-carbon building material from brick waste, sand and other mineral grains. The inspiration for their breakthrough came from an unlikely source: sandcastle worms. Also referred to as honeycomb tube worms, the diminutive marine species build reefs by secreting sand particles combined with a glue-like substance, creating small…
Chinese scientists turn to giant particle accelerator for chip manufacture
In a massive windfall for its domestic semiconductor industry, China has unveiled plans to build a giant particle accelerator to assist in the production of semiconductors. Recent reports suggest the world’s second largest economy is preparing to build a 150-metre facility that will use electron beams to produce the important chips – essential for everything…
China squares up to take on Musk’s Starlink
China has revealed plans to establish a second satellite “mega constellation” to provide high-speed broadband internet services aimed at competing with Elon Musk’s Starlink network. The constellation, reportedly called ‘G60 Starlink’, will consist of up to 12 000 satellites settled in low earth orbit, according to Chinese state media. When completed, G60 will join the…
Alibaba brings faster deliveries to several global destinations
E-commerce behemoth, Alibaba, has announced it will expand its five-day delivery services to several new locations in Europe and East Asia. Customers living in South Korea, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom will now receive their purchases within one business week, according to a recent statement from the company’s logistics arm, Cainiao. If successful,…
Chinese scientists develop low-risk Ketamine depression treatment
Depression affects millions of men and women and is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders globally. The often stigmatised and sinister affliction is the leading catalyst of suicide in teenagers and young adults. Individuals suffering from the disease or symptoms associated with it, have a life expectancy of up to a decade shorter…
Chinese scientists synthesize new fuel for maritime vessels
In a national first, scientists from Hong Kong’s largest shipping fuel supplier claim to have synthesized an environmentally friendly biofuel for use in marine cargo vessels. The newly developed propellant has a significantly lower carbon footprint than the standard heavy fuel oil, or bunker fuel, found in most commercial freight shipping, according to a senior…
Chinese scientists create life-saving bio-artificial liver
A team of Chinese geneticists claims to have created a bio-artificial liver using stem cell technology that could help millions of people battling cirrhosis and other life-threatening liver diseases. Chinese authorities have approved trials for the device that helps the compromised organ function until it regenerates or until a suitable donor liver is sourced. Every…
Mercedes-Benz chooses Chinese-made batteries for its new luxury EV sedan
After three years of industry speculation, luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz confirmed it will power its new range of electric vehicles (EVs) with the Chinese-developed BYD Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. The announcement came when the Stuttgart-based automotive giant revealed its CLA sedan EV concept car at the International Mobility Show in Munich. Mercedes is…
Chinese robots rescue world’s largest radio telescope
Robots may play a pivotal role in preserving the world’s last giant radio telescope. Situated in southern China’s mountainous Guizhou province, the 500-metre aperture spherical radio telescope (FAST) became the only one of its type, after Puerto Rico’s Arecibo telescope collapsed in December 2020. Five intelligent robots have passed preliminary inspections to conduct maintenance work…
Chinese researchers unveil game-changing oil and gas detection technique
Chinese researchers and engineers have developed a new method that accurately detects oil and gas reservoirs underground. The novel technique reportedly resulted in daily extraction figures five times higher than methods traditionally employed by mining firms. The experiment, conducted in the remote Tarim Basin, Southern Xinjiang, was done by China Academy of Sciences researchers, Di…
Chinese gene editing brings hope for those with rare genetic disorders
Chinese researchers say they have created a gene-editing method that could return sight to people afflicted with inherited retinal diseases. Those close to the project say the breakthrough could assist with research into other rare genetic disorders. An estimated two million people suffer from some form of retinal disease, for which there are no known…
Chinese scientists unveil 2D atom-thin semiconductor
Chinese scientists claim to have developed a “2D” semiconductor material, as thin as a single atom, that promises to revolutionise the industry. As electronic devices become smaller and smaller, the need for equally diminutive components has increased. The wafer’s creators are hopeful the new material will solve this dilemma. Reportedly measuring 30.5 centimetres in length,…
EU-China partnership will help predict weather events
The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting has partnered with one of China’s most successful technology firms to integrate its forecasting model into its services. Pangu-Weather, developed by Shenzhen-based internet and communications giant, Huawei, is reportedly much faster at predicting weather patterns than typical forecasting methods used today. Pangu-Weather was chosen because many meteorologists are…
China set to supply South Africa with 66 gigawatts of solar
South Africa is close to securing a deal that would see it receive 66-gigawatts worth of solar panel components from trade partner China. The deal is expected to be finalised at the 15th annual BRICS summit, when representatives from Brazil, Russia, China, India and South Africa meet in Johannesburg, said electricity minister, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. The…
Africa’s tallest bridge takes shape with help from China
South African authorities have announced construction on the Mtentu Bridge has begun. The R4.05 billion cantilever bridge will span the Mtentu River in the Eastern Cape’s Winnie Madikizela-Mandela municipality and, with an estimated height of 223 metres, will be the tallest on the African continent. Conceived by Danish architecture house, Dissing and Weitling, the Mtentu…
China’s GWM pairs up with AI chat bot for new SUV range
One of China’s premier automotive brands has revealed it will integrate a ChatGPT-like bot into some of its product line up. Great Wall Motors (GWM), the country’s most successful SUV manufacturer, released a statement in early August announcing it had established a partnership with ‘Ernie Bot’ developer and search engine giant, Baidu, as the firm…
VW teams up with Chinese start-up to manufacture its new EVs
Automotive giant, Volkswagen, has tapped Chinese start-up, Xpeng, to jointly develop new energy vehicles. The Wolfsburg-based car manufacturer would invest $700 million to purchase a 4.99 per cent stake in the company and an observer’s seat on the board, according to a LinkedIn post by Volkswagen China chief executive, Ralf Brandsatter. Both companies have outlined…
The world’s most powerful wind turbine connects to Chinese grid
The world’s most powerful wind turbine is officially operational and grid-connected. Situated offshore in the Taiwan Strait and standing over 150 metres from base to blade hub, the 16-megawatt unit is reportedly capable of generating enough clean electricity to power tens of thousands of Chinese homes. Jointly developed by two Goldwind Science and Technology and…
Chinese answer to Starlink successfully launches first satellite
A Chinese start-up has successfully inserted an experimental communications satellite into orbit. Developed by Beijing-based firm, GalaxySpace, Lingxi-03 features an ultra-thin, flexible solar wing and is testing key technologies for China’s planned 13 000 satellite constellation in what will be China’s answer to Elon Musk’s Starlink. The satellite was launched into orbit at the end…
Chinese scientists launch weightlessness facility for space testing
Scientists in China claim to have built a 12-story facility that can replicate the weightlessness experienced in outer space. China has prioritised space exploration in its latest five-year plan and the newly constructed Microgravity Experiment Facility with Electromagnetic Launch (MEFEL) will allow researchers to rack-up much needed time in low-gravity conditions, at a fraction of…
Chinese scientists unveil robot to assist the elderly
Scientists from the Shanghai-based AI and robotics firm, Fourier Intelligence, have created a human-looking robot that they claim can aid China’s elderly and disabled citizens. Revealed at the World AI conference, GR-1 is the size of a small adult and can perform a variety of simple functions, such as walking, holding objects and avoiding obstacles.…
China builds world’s first modular nuclear power plant
Chinese physicists have completed the first and most crucial step towards what they claim will be the world’s first commercial onshore modular reactor. Because it is mobile, the core for the ‘Linglong One’ nuclear reactor, built by China First Heavy Industries, is an ideal candidate for small islands and other remote locations. The breakthrough marks…
Egypt space dreams closer to reality with Chinese help
Egypt has announced receiving two Chinese-developed satellites for its newly-created space programme. The country joins a growing list of African and Middle Eastern nations, including Namibia, Zambia and Djibouti, looking to establish a presence in space. The prototypes were delivered to the Egyptian Space Agency’s Satellite Assembly Integration and Test Centre (AIT) in Space City,…
New gigacasting tech allows China to slash EV costs
Chinese engineers have created “supersized” cast parts that have the potential to cut production costs and assembly times in lightweight electric vehicles (EVs) significantly. Much like Tesla’s “gigacasting” technology, the process involves casting two roughly 2.2-square-metre magnesium alloy parts from a single mould – the car’s chassis and the battery box housing cover. Magnesium alloys…
China continues to uncover deep-sea mysteries
The country has started constructing its third icebreaker, which officials say could help researchers explore the Arctic and Antarctic sea beds as early as 2025, according to recent reports from Chinese media agencies. The vessel will be capable of hosting crewed and uncrewed deep-sea research missions, as well as transport critical supplies to the country’s…
China develops battery with triple the capacity of Tesla Model 3
A group of researchers from China claims to have set a new energy density record when they developed a battery pack with a reported capacity of 711 watt-hours per kilogram – roughly three times more than the Tesla Model 3 ‘4680’ cell. Concerns about battery capacity in electric vehicles (EVs) have been one of the…
China unveils ammonia-powered passenger vehicle
Chinese automotive heavyweight, Guangzhou Automotive Corporation (GAC), has revealed what it says is the world’s first internal combustion engine for passenger vehicles powered almost exclusively on ammonia. Unveiled at the company’s annual technology showcase in Beijing, the environmentally friendly, two-litre, 161-horsepower motor produces 90 per cent fewer harmful emissions than gasoline and diesel engines. While…
China moves ahead with first thorium nuclear reactor
Chinese officials have approved the country’s first thorium-based nuclear reactor at the Hongshagang Industrial Cluster in Wuwei City. The experimental reactor could open the door to a cheap and safe alternative to uranium-based nuclear energy in the future, according to those close to the project. Located in the far reaches of China’s north-western Gobi Desert,…
China unveils train that only needs refuelling every 8 days
Chinese engineers have unveiled the world’s most powerful hydrogen-powered locomotive as the country seeks to decarbonise its freight and passenger rail network. Developed and assembled by the China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) in Datong, Shanxi Province, “Ningdong” is powered by hydrogen energy and can operate non-stop for nearly 190 hours before needing to refuel.…
Chinese scientists announce new cancer drug delivery nanoplatform
A Shanghai-based team of medical researchers claims to have developed a targeted drug delivery “nanoplatform” that fights cancer by locating malignant tumours and deploying medicine to attack the diseased area. The scientists say the novel treatment inhibits the spread of cancer while simultaneously assisting with the body’s immune response. While the treatment could see use…
Scientists produce cheap hydrogen gas from seawater
Chinese scientists have created a floating hydrogen farm that harnesses both the power of the winds and the seas to convert seawater into clean hydrogen gas, without the need for the often energy-intensive desalination process typical in the industry. The offshore platform, dubbed ‘Dongfu Number One’ by its creators, completed a successful 10-day continuous operation…
China embarks on 10-kilometre borehole research
Chinese engineers have revealed plans to drill a 10-kilometre-deep borehole into the Earth’s crust in an attempt to further our understanding of the planet’s inner workings. Drilling began in late May in the Tarim Basin and will penetrate rock formations from a time when dinosaurs ruled the world. Scientists are hopeful the megaproject will reveal…
Maiden flight takes China closer to self-reliant aviation
After more than a decade of research and development, China’s C919 narrow-body passenger jet has completed its maiden commercial voyage, flying between Shanghai and Beijing. Flight ‘MU9191’ was operated by China Eastern Airlines and carried 130 excited passengers. Chinese officials are hopeful the domestically produced airliner will make the country self-reliant in the industry and…
Chinese scientists produce paper-like, foldable solar cells
A group of scientists has developed highly-elastic silicon solar cells that fold like paper. The thin and flexible solar-powered material can be used in areas ranging from aerospace to electronic wearables, according to the Chinese-based research team. Silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells account for an estimated 95 per cent of the market and have been used…
China now the world’s top car exporter
China has officially surpassed fellow Asian automotive heavyweight Japan as the world’s top exporter of motor vehicles. China beat Japan for the number one spot for the first three months of 2023, with analytics suggesting that similar growth is likely to continue, according to figures provided by China’s Association of Automobile Manufacturers. Vehicle exports in…
Chinese breakthrough allows mid-air 3D printing
Researchers from China’s Jiangnan University have developed a method to 3D-print complex shapes in mid-air, without the need for a supporting structure. The team’s novel technique involves a quick-curing ceramic paste that allows for the creation of previously impossible designs. Additive manufacturing, commonly referred to as 3D printing, traces its origins back to the streets…
China brings giant deep-sea wind turbine online
China’s first deep-sea offshore floating wind turbine is ready to go live. The gigantic wind-powered platform was developed by the state-owned energy firm, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and is expected to produce 22 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity every year. The 11 thousand-ton turbine, called Haiyou Guanlan or CNOOC Guanlan, was installed 137…
China scientists create healthier soybeans
Food scientists from the Shandong Shunfeng Biotechnology Company have successfully created gene-edited soybeans with higher levels of oleic acid. Oleic acid is a mono-unsaturated omega-9 fat with numerous health benefits, including helping lower cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular disease. The breakthrough is part of Beijing’s ongoing battle to improve food security and feed its immense population.…
China designs space helicopter for its Mars efforts
Chinese aerospace chiefs are considering deploying a helicopter in the country’s latest effort to retrieve samples from one of our closest planetary neighbours, Mars. The Tianwen-3 Mars mission is expected to go ahead sometime near 2028. It promises to be the Chinese National Space Agency’s (CNSA) most complex endeavour to date, requiring the launch of…
6G breakthrough with terahertz waves
Chinese researchers have reported a significant breakthrough on their journey to master wireless 6G communication. Researchers from the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation Secondary Institute used terahertz waves to successfully demonstrate the first live transmission of the ultra-fast 6G technology. 6th generation telecommunications or ‘6G’ technology will eventually succeed 5G technology, the latest benchmark…
Chinese battery giant releases Tesla-beating battery
Chinese battery giant, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. (CATL), has developed a battery so powerful it has the potential to power aircraft. The company unveiled the 500 watt-hours per kilogram semi-solid state battery at the annual Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition – colloquially referred to as Auto Shanghai – on the 19th of April. Research into…
Kenya looking for closer ties to Chinese business
Kenyan authorities have reached out to Chinese businesses in a bid to improve their industrial production capacity by establishing manufacturing hubs and special economic zones (SEZ) nationwide. The developing nation is looking to attract investors from several sectors, including textiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, lifts and elevators, and medical equipment. The initiative forms part of the East…
China one step closer to nuclear fusion goals
Chinese engineers recently revealed their “artificial sun” fusion reactor broke yet another one of its records, this time sustaining plasma for 403 seconds. The milestone brings humanity a step closer to realising the near-unlimited potential of nuclear fusion energy. In April, the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) surpassed its previous mark of 103 seconds set…
Chinese tech giant Alibaba unveils its AI chatbot
E-commerce and technology giant, Alibaba, has unveiled its AI chatbot, Tongyi Qianwen. The large language model (LLM) is the Hangzhou-based firm’s answer to Microsoft-backed, ChatGPT, a popular chatbot that has taken the internet by storm since its release in November 2022. Alibaba intends to integrate Tongyi Qianwen into all of its products, according to company…
Rocket launch makes Chinese history
A Chinese startup has become the country’s first aerospace company to successfully launch a rocket into orbit on its first attempt. Space Pioneer, also known as Beijing Tianbing Technology, conducted its maiden launch in early April from the Jiuquan Spaceport in northwest China. Space Pioneer also became the first Chinese company to use liquid propellant…
China’s exciting new self-driving EV-charging robot
Chinese electric vehicle battery technology firm, NaaS Technology, has unveiled its new self-driving battery-charging robot. The diminutive orange and white machine sports several unique design features, including active vehicle locator technology, smart charging and a convenient automatic payment function designed to cater to the increasing demand for mobile, fast-charging solutions. The Zheijing-based company is one…
Floating solar plant for Lake Kariba with Chinese help
Zimbabwean authorities are considering a proposal made by the China Energy Engineering Corporation (China Energy) for a 1 000-megawatt floating solar farm on the southern African country’s largest water body, Lake Kariba. The nearly $1 billion project would ease the immense pressure on Zimbabwe’s energy grid which currently fails to meet even 50% of the…
China’s lobster eye telescope to shed new light on cosmos
China is preparing to launch its new ‘lobster eye’ x-ray telescope later this year. Called the ‘Einstein Probe’, it is hoped the astronomical satellite may provide valuable insight into some of the universe’s most mysterious phenomena, including supernovas and black holes. Speaking at China’s 35th National Symposium on Space Exploration, lead researcher and principal investigator…
China builds world highest hydropower station
Chinese engineers have announced they are nearing completion of the landmark Maerdang Dam hydroelectric project on the upper Yellow River. Built at an elevation of 5 000 metres above sea level in the rocky mountains of Maqên County, the 2.2 million kilowatt hydropower facility is expected to begin operating early next year. The Maerdang hydropower…
China floats world’s largest container ship
China has just delivered the MSC Tessa container ship to the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). The colossal 400-metre vessel was independently designed by shipwright, Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, and the company says it is the now largest container ship in the world, at an estimated capacity of 24 116 containers. The impressive boxship was ordered by the…
Chinese scientists make important strides in recycling solar panels
A team of Chinese scientists has developed a new method to recover and recycle salvageable materials from discarded solar panels. The novel technique uses a chemical compound known as dibasic ester to separate individual components from one another, without damaging and breaking the desired solar cells. In March 2023, the China Academy of Sciences-based research…
Chinese firms to link Zambia and DRC with double-laned toll road
A Chinese consortium will construct a $650 million toll road in the Zambian Copperbelt province, after several years of delay amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. The proposed 327-kilometre-long roadway joins the Zambian capital, Lusaka, with the country’s third most populous city, Ndola. Once complete, the dual carriageway toll road will form a reliable trade route between…
Chinese smartphone stalwart Xiaomi enters EV market
Chinese telecommunications firm, Xiaomi, will make its debut in the country’s electric vehicle (EV) market in the first half of 2024. Xiaomi is one of several smartphone manufacturers that have expressed interest in the fast-growing industry, amid stiff competition from a plethora of domestic players in the field. Company CEO and one-half of the founding…
China works with Zimbabwe to embrace green energy on the roads
Chinese automotive firm, BYD, will supply the Zimbabwean government with 18 electric vehicles (EVs). The country seeks to showcase green energy as the world gradually phases out the production of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Zimbabwe’s Central Mechanical Equipment Department (CMED) is also enquiring about the purchase of electric buses for use in the…
China moves ahead with space station expansion plans
Just months after its completion, Chinese officials have announced plans to expand the now-operational Tiangong Space Station. Currently consisting of three modules, Tiangong or ‘Sky Palace’, was completed in November 2022 and is the culmination of more than three decades of research and development by the Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA). Despite the station’s operational…
Woman has gallbladder removed by surgeon thousands of miles away
A woman in China’s remote far west has become the first person in the country’s history to have her gallbladder removed via robot-assisted remote surgery. In February 2023, the lengthy procedure was carried out by a surgeon more than 4 500 kilometres away by way of a four-arm laparoscopic robot. Advanced medicine is central to…
China unveils flying, swimming aquadrone
A team of Chinese researchers has unveiled a prototype quadcopter drone capable of flying and swimming. The TJ-FlyingFish, the autonomous drone, has four two-stage motors designed to operate in either aerial or underwater environments. Developed by scientists representing the Unmanned Systems Research Group at the University of Hong Kong and China’s Intelligent Autonomous Systems Research…
China’s first flying family car takes off
Chinese automotive player, Zhejiang Geely, recently announced it has successfully tested its electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle (eVTOL). Developed by Geely subsidiary, Aerofugia, the AE200 prototype eVTOL completed its maiden flight in early February, according to online publication Interesting Engineering. Aerofugia became the country’s first licensed eVTOL operator in 2022 and plans to make…
China responds to ChatGPT with own AI bots
Hard on the heels of the hugely popular launch of the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, ChatGPT, several prominent Chinese tech giants, including Baidu and Alibaba, have opted to release their own AI-powered chatbots. Open AI’s Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT) has rapidly become one of the most popular features on the internet since its launch…
China and Tanzania forge closer ties on the back of strong growth
Trade between Tanzania and its largest import-export partner, China, skyrocketed by nearly 25 per cent in 2022, as the two parties continue to reinforce diplomatic ties after 60 years of cooperation. Trade figures reached $8.32 billion in 2022, said Tanzanian ambassador to Beijing, Mbelwa Kairuki in February, addressing an audience in Hong Kong while promoting…
China’s answer to Tesla takes on European market
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) unicorn and Tesla rival, Xpeng, unveiled its new flagship models to several northern European countries, as it makes a pronounced international push in 2023. The Guangzhou-based startup launched its luxury P7 sedan and G9 sports utility vehicle (SUV) in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands in early February, according to the…
China kicks its space exploration plans up a gear
After a bumper 2022 for space exploration, China has set about developing a new lunar rover as it prepares for another mission to the moon in 2026. The Chang’e 7 mission objectives centre around exploring the moon’s south pole and far side. Chang’e 7 forms part of the Chinese National Space Administration’s (CNSA) latest phase…
China debuts shapeshifting robot that performs in liquid and solid states
Scientists in China have built a shapeshifting robot capable of alternating between liquid and solid states. Their creation has many practical applications, especially in areas that a traditional robot could not easily access, said the researchers responsible for the unique robot. While the idea of a liquid robot sounds like it was plucked from the…
China rolls out first hydrogen-powered, eco-friendly trains
China has what it claims is the world’s only hydrogen-powered train for urban environments. The eco-friendly carriages rolled off the line on the 18th of January 2023 in the country’s southwestern city of Chengdu, Sichuan province, with an estimated top speed of 160 kilometres per hour, according to a recent report by Chinese state media.…
Chinese scientists create new ultra-strong, stretchy super steel
A team of Chinese scientists has created a new ultra-strong, ultra-ductile steel that is so strong a fingernail-sized piece can support two tonnes without failing. The metal is well-suited to several industrial applications, including aerospace, motor vehicles, military and heavy machinery. Jointly developed by Northwestern University in Shenyang, the Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science,…
Chinese JV set to upset global compact sports utility vehicle market
A Chinese automotive joint venture between three of the country’s most successful brands is gearing up to launch an all-wheel-drive mini electric SUV set to disrupt the global compact SUV market. Developed by SAIC-GM-Wuling, the KiWi mini EV SUV, the compact off-roader, enters the relatively new market segment fresh off the heels of its predecessor,…
Hong Kong to help build African space programme
The small East African nation of Djibouti has secured a reported $1 billion in funding from Hong Kong to kickstart its space programme. The initial investment will see the establishment of a satellite and rocket launch facility, according to African Business. The government of Djibouti inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Hong Kong Aerospace…
China launches mega complex to further develop autonomous vehicles
Beijing-based TikTok owner ByteDance’s artificial intelligence startup, Haomo.AI, has unveiled a new infrastructure platform to supercharge China’s burgeoning autonomous driving industry. Jointly developed by fellow ByteDance cloud services subsidiary, Volcano Engine, the data centre Mana Oasis is the largest computer complex dedicated to autonomous driving, with an estimated computing power of 670 petaflops. Haomo.AI was…
Chinese scientists work on drones that fly forever
A group of Chinese scientists is experimenting with lasers that keep drones airborne forever. The researchers, representing the country’s Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), say their method uses high-energy beams that prevent the drone’s batteries from depleting. Drone technology has enjoyed a rapid rise in recent years and subsequently grown into a multi-billion dollar industry. Optics-Driven…
China installs natural direct cooling system in a world-first
Chinese officials claim to have installed the world’s first operational “natural-direct cooling” (NDC) system for a power plant in the country’s north-central province of Shaanxi. Hailed as a milestone achievement for the industry, the novel cooling method could prevent as many as 54 000 tons of harmful carbon emissions from leaching into the atmosphere yearly.…
Chinese scientists produce hydrogen fuel from seawater
Chemical engineers from China have constructed a unique mechanical instrument that splits seawater and isolates pure hydrogen. Typical hydrogen production methods utilise fossil fuels, emitting significant amounts of greenhouse gases during the process. Hydrogen fuel can be produced from renewable resources, like seawater, and once isolated in its natural state, is one of the greenest…
New Chinese technology delivers stunning space X-ray images
Chinese researchers successfully tested the world’s first “lobster eye” telescope that will produce some of the most accurate X-ray images of the known universe. The sophisticated imaging device was inspired by lobsters and other similar crustaceans whose specialised eye structure allows the ocean-dwelling creatures to see clearly in dark or murky waters. Animals like lobster…
China delivers world’s largest wind turbine
Chinese engineers have unveiled a massive 16-megawatt wind turbine, powerful enough to generate and deliver clean electricity to more than 36 000 households yearly. Jointly developed by two of the country’s most prominent industry players, the turbine’s developers claimed it is the largest ever built and that it affirms China’s position as a leader in…
Chinese researchers use new device to perform ECGs from a distance
A Chinese research team has created a radio-wave electrocardiogram (ECG) scanner capable of detecting the electrical activity of the human heart from a distance. The milestone achievement makes monitoring vital signs remotely a reality. The ECG has been used by medical professionals for a century to measure the voltage generated by the heart during each…
China debuts its first globally competitive passenger airliner
The first flight-ready COMAC C919 aircraft has been delivered to China Eastern Airlines. Received on December 9, the airline marked the milestone occasion with a 15-minute test flight over Shanghai. The C919 is the first Chinese-developed passenger jet to be manufactured in compliance with international standards. It’s poised to compete with Boeing 737 and Airbus…
Chinese cows get self-charging wearables
A team of Chinese researchers claim to have designed a kinetically-powered watch-type sensor capable of monitoring a cow’s movement, diet, oxygen levels, milk production, diseases and reproductive cycles. Working out of Southwest Jiaotong University, the scientists are hopeful their creation will positively impact food security and the overall efficiency of the supply chain. Wearables have…
China develops heat-resistant component for global nuclear project
The dream of limitless fusion energy is one step closer to being realised. Chinese scientists claim to have developed the first heat-resistant panels engineered for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). Officially the world’s largest fusion reactor, ITER is a global collaborative project involving several countries, including the UK, EU member states, India, Russia, Japan…
Chinese scientists fine-tune laser technology to boost next-gen communication speeds
A team of scientists from Shanghai’s Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics has developed a novel method to generate a ‘laser-like light’ with the potential to boost the communication speeds of everyday electronics. This includes smartphones and barcode scanners, as well as high-precision tools, like laser scalpels. Lasers form when energy, like electricity or light,…
Chinese scientists develop the first bendable ceramic material
A team of Chinese scientists has developed what it says is the world’s first malleable ceramic material. It can reportedly bend like a metal but has retained the hardness synonymous with ceramics. The breakthrough textile could see use in several major industries, including aviation, motoring, medicine and renewable energy. Ceramics possess several qualities that make…
China develops kerosene-fuelled Mach 9 jet engine
In what may be a scientific first, Chinese aerospace experts claim to have developed the world’s first kerosene-burning Mach 9 jet engine. The Chinese Academy of Sciences spent months fine-tuning the oblique detonation engine at the state-of-the-art JF-12 wind tunnel in Beijing, before publishing their findings in late November. Hypersonic travel – along with semiconductors,…
Chinese telescopes trained on the sun to watch for new solar flares
A team of Chinese scientists has completed what is now the world’s largest telescopic array. Situated on the very edge of the Tibetan Plateau, researchers aim to direct the massive lens at the sun for several years, ushering in what one Chinese official calls the “golden age of solar astronomy”. The Daocheng Solar Radio Telescope’s…
Africa holds the key to China’s EV growth
As the world’s automotive players continue to ramp up electric vehicle (EV) production, Africa is ideally placed to take profit from it. EV manufacturers are scrambling to access rich deposits of lithium, copper, nickel, cobalt and platinum, all essential to the development of zero-emission cars. China, the world’s top EV manufacturer, remains relatively unchallenged in…
Chinese EV company steps into premium SUV class with a powerful new entry
Chinese automobile giant, BYD, is launching a luxury car brand in 2023 and is starting with the Yangwang SUV. Intending to compete with fellow luxury off-roaders like the Mercedes Benz G-Class and Land Rover Defender, prices for the all-electric and plug-in hybrid SUV will begin at roughly $110 000, making it BYD’s most expensive vehicle…
African platinum miners attract major interest from EV producers
In a windfall for the South African mining sector, the demand for the country’s vast platinum reserves will rise sharply as China ramps up its production of fuel cell energy vehicles (FCEVs). The precious metal is vital to the manufacturing process of zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells. Platinum is a dense, unreactive, precious metal found in…
Chinese space station complete and operational
After several years and multiple missions, China has finally completed its self-developed space station and is the only space-going nation that has sole control of a crewed orbital craft. The country’s national space agency announced it had successfully docked the third and final module of its space station, Tiangong, in late October. Blasted into space…
China fights climate change with sail-powered supertankers
A supertanker has grabbed news headlines over a design feature not seen on commercial vessels for almost a century: sails. The Chinese Merchant Energy Shipping Company (CMES) took delivery of the mega-ship in late September, with early reports indicating the cargo vessel uses nearly 10% less fuel, thanks to its four massive 40-metre (130-feet) sails.…
Chinese scientists develop remarkable robot hand
A group of Chinese roboticists has developed a compact and dexterous robot hand, capable of a broad range of actions but also robust enough to withstand significant impact forces. Their creation will continue to function, even in some of the most unpredictable and unstructured environments, say researchers from the Harbin University of Technology. Engineering robots…
China expands energy efforts with record-breaking offshore wind farm
Continuing its focus on new green infrastructure, Chinese officials have unveiled their latest megaproject, a record-breaking 43.3 gigawatt wind farm in Chaozhou, Guangdong province. The ambitious undertaking forms part of the government’s five-year plan for the region and is expected to generate enough clean energy to power up to 15 million homes. Chinese president, Xi…
Chinese scientists create game-changing ‘super silk’
Chinese researchers claim to have created silk up to 70% stronger than that produced by spiders and other silkworms. According to the team of scientists, their “artificial super silk” is not only resilient but also safe for use in many industries, including textiles and medicine. Silk has been cultivated in China since the Neolithic era,…
Chinese flying car wows Dubai audiences
Chinese automotive manufacturer, Xpeng, has just debuted its latest creation in Dubai: a flying car. The AeroHT X2, the two-seater, vertical take-off creation is Xpeng’s vision for the future of personal and public transport. The X2 is classified as an electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle (eVTOL) and is in Dubai as part of the…
Sixt enters major deal to roll out Chinese EV rental cars
Car rental firm, Sixt, is discussing the purchase of 100 000 electric vehicles (EVs) from Chinese car firm BYD. The news comes off the heels of BYD’s European expansion. Sixt joins a slew of car hire companies looking to electrify their fleets by the end of the decade. Sixt, a German-based mobility service provider which…
Chinese customers take a shine to South African apples and citrus
Chinese imports of South African agricultural products are proving increasingly valuable, as local and global economies continue to stutter. Citrus and apples grown in the country’s favourable conditions are also growing in demand amongst Asian customers. South African exporters have worked diligently to open new international destinations for produce since 1994. The country has steadily…
China closer to its planned moon base with new rocket
Chinese scientists have successfully tested a new engine for the long-awaited, heavy-lift Long March 9 rocket. Called TF-79, the engine was developed by the Beijing Astronautics Experiment Institute of Technology (BAEIT) for China’s crewed moon missions and possibly interplanetary expeditions. TF-79’s development period suffered early setbacks but, after addressing the length and capacity of each…
China rolls out fastest charging EV
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) startup, Xpeng, has launched the world’s fastest charging car to cities nationwide. Called the G9, the powerful sports utility vehicle (SUV) can add more than 250 kilometres (160 miles) of range in only a five-minute charging window. Xpeng, like many Chinese EV firms, is addressing range anxiety – the concern many…
Chinese wind turbines could hold the key to energy security dilemma
China’s increasingly more cost-effective wind turbines have the potential to open up new markets. According to an S&P Global report published in late September, China’s ability to consistently manufacture and sell turbines below the European and US market average makes expansion into the often energy-deprived regions of Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East…
China tests lower-cost Mach 7 hypersonic jet
A group of Chinese scientists claims to have found a method to significantly cut the cost of commercial hypersonic travel. First picked up by the South China Morning Post, researchers claim an air-breathing engine, fuelled by a mixture of ethylene and ultra-fine coal powder, can create explosive shock waves that travel six times faster than…
China tests first flying car
The first road test for magnetic levitation (maglev) vehicles has been conducted by engineers representing China’s Southwest Jiaotong University. First reported by the state-run news agency, Xinhua Daily, the university research unit raised a near 2.8-tonne sedan 25 millimetres off the ground and propelled the vehicle down a test track by way of electromagnets. China…
China’s commercial airliner ambitions take to the skies
China is preparing to certify its answer to Boeing and Airbus this month. The C919 commercial airliner, developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) has already received orders from several domestic airlines and has been described as the realisation of “a Chinese dream”. FlightRadar24, a real-time flight tracking service, identified two C919s landing…
Chinese scientists harness power of the ocean using nanotechnology
A Chinese research team claims to have developed nanogenerators capable of harvesting power from the ocean’s waves via static electricity. Harnessing energy from waves is not an entirely novel concept. In fact, scientists have toyed with the notion for centuries. In 1799, a Parisian engineer called Girard filed what most scholars believe to be the…
China approves first inhalable Covid vaccine
In a world-first, China has approved the production and use of an inhalable Covid-19 vaccine. Created by Tianjin-based CanSino Biologics, the breathable mist has received the green light for use as a primary and booster shot from several countries and the World Health Organisation (WHO). The globe has battled the spread of the virus for…
China launches solar-powered drone into upper stratosphere
Chinese engineers announced a successful maiden test flight of a massive solar-powered drone in the country’s northwest, according to state media outlet, CGNT. Called Qimingxing-50 or ‘Morning Star’ 50, researchers are confident the unmanned craft could make meaningful contributions to the country’s security, communications and ecological sectors. Taking off from the a runway, Qimingxing-50’s debut…
Chinese astronauts show early success in space farming
Chinese astronauts have successfully grown rice aboard the Tiangong Space Station. The young seedlings could offer tremendous insight into how food could be grown in space on a larger scale, so as to support longer crewed missions and even off-planet colonies, said officials at the Chinese National Space Agency (CNSA). Plants and flowers have been…
Chinese scientists advance genetic reprogramming to cure dread disease
Chinese researchers have announced the world’s first engineered mammal using reprogrammed genes. The remarkable breakthrough hints at the significance of chromosomal rearrangement in evolution and the creation of new species. The results have the potential to lead to cures for diseases and conditions like infertility, cancers and even childhood leukaemia. The Beijing-based Chinese Academy of…
China develops world’s most powerful magnet
A lab in China’s southern city of Hefei recently announced the launch of the world’s most powerful magnet. Only 33 millimetres in diameter, the modestly sized object is a million times more powerful than the Earth’s core, and strong enough to lift an aircraft carrier. The project’s results come after making a significant “technical breakthrough”,…
Kenya busts traffic logjams on new expressway through Chinese partnership
Kenya has officially launched its long-awaited Nairobi Expressway after concluding months of trials. Kenyan president, Uhuru Kenyatta, announced the completion of the project at a ceremony in July, saying the 27-kilometre tolled highway would ease traffic flow and cut travel times significantly. The Nairobi Expressway was commissioned in 2019, six years into Kenyatta’s presidency. Also…
Chinese scientists develop blackout-proof magnetic levitation train
A team of Chinese scientists say they have created a magnetic levitation (maglev) line that can keep train carriages suspended in mid-air, even when the power goes out. The 800-metre prototype ‘Red Rail’ line is situated in Xingguo country, north of Guangzhou. The experimental maglev line possesses its remarkable sticking power thanks to powerful magnets…
China launches world-beating computer processor
A Chinese tech company has just released a graphics processing unit (GPU) that it claims has world-beating computing abilities. The state-of-the-art processor will be used for cloud-based AI training in data centres and has already attracted interest from several server providers. A product of Shanghai-based Biren Technology, the BR100 seven-nanometre chipset was launched mid-August and…
Chinese tech giant launches self-driving taxis
After years of research and development, Chinese internet giant, Baidu, has launched its self-driving robotaxi services to the public. The citizens of Wuhan and Chongqing will be the prospective customers for the autonomous ride-sharing business, according to a press release issued in early August 2022. The Beijing-based tech firm launched its Apollo autonomous driving platform…
New Chinese water megaproject could see it become a nett food exporter
Chinese officials have announced a massive infrastructure project that will reroute water from the Three Gorges Dam to Beijing, in an effort to boost food production in the country’s drier regions by as much as 540 million tons. Freshwater resources are concentrated predominantly in the country’s south and east. China’s two great rivers, the Yangtze,…
Latest launch puts China closer to new space station
China has successfully launched the penultimate module for its space station. In late July, the Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA) released a statement to the press confirming one of two laboratory modules entered orbit and is meeting up with the almost-complete Tiangong space station. The launch comes while the US space agency, NASA, and its…
China uses robot help to build world’s longest single-tower suspension bridge
China has constructed the world’s longest single-tower suspension bridge, completed on schedule thanks to some robot helpers, according to engineers. Nestled high in the mountains of the country’s south-eastern hills, the half-mile Luzhijiang bridge cuts travel times between major cities in the Yunnan region significantly. One of many belt and road initiative projects underway in…
Chinese EV firm expands into robopet market with rideable unicorn
A Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant has completed a round of funding where it raised $100 million to develop and manufacture “rideable robot unicorns” for kids. Xpeng Robotics and several backers concluded the Series A round in a month where total investments in China have slumped under the weight of an increasingly volatile global marketplace.…
Chinese robofish cleans up ocean microplastics
A group of Chinese scientists has developed a robot fish that ”eats” microplastics. The Sichuan-based team is hopeful the fry-size robofish could play a crucial role in cleaning the world’s oceans and waterways. Microplastics are fragmented plastic particles measuring no more than 5 millimetres that break down from shopping bags, fishing nets, plastic bottles and…
China unveils first solar-electric vehicle
A group of Chinese companies has collaborated to develop and manufacture what is the country’s first solar-electric vehicle (SEV). The Tianjin solar car turned heads when it was unveiled during the sixth annual World Intelligence Conference on the Chinese mainland. The prototype was built in only five months and is the product of a substantial…
South Africa eyes Chinese EVs for green minibus taxi solution
Cape Town-based mobility firm, GoMetro, has assembled a group of companies and research agencies to test electric minibus taxis in the Western Cape town of Stellenbosch. The news comes as surging fuel prices and emissions targets are forcing many of the world’s governments to move away from fossil fuels and internal combustion engines (ICEs) in…
Chinese turn to solar to boost fish output
A Chinese renewables firm has installed a massive solar plant above a fishery in Cangzhou, Heibei Province. The development comes during a period where numerous farmers worldwide are scrambling to incorporate green solar and wind infrastructure into their businesses. Concord New Energy, a renewables company that specialises in solar and wind installations, constructed a 70…
China a step closer to hypersonic passenger airliner
Chinese researchers have successfully tested an ultra-lightweight, unmanned hypersonic airliner prototype. Dubbed the Nanqiang No. 1, the one-of-a-kind technology demonstrator was tested in a specialised laboratory, recording speeds nearing Mach 6. Engineers working close to the Nanqiang project told Chinese state media that a prototype could be airborne as soon as 2025. Indeed, a great…
New Chinese computer rivals human brain
A Chinese supercomputer just ran an AI model so complex and sophisticated that it’s comparable to the human brain. The novel machine dealt with more than 174 trillion parameters, roughly equalling the number of synapses in the brain by some estimates, revealed a report from South China Morning Post (SCMP). The results were showcased at…
China ups its investment in Zimbabwe to support its EV efforts
Bikita lithium mine in Zimbabwe will receive a mammoth $200 million investment after Chinese mining firm, Sinomine Resource Group, announced it plans to construct a complex capable of producing millions of tons of lithium ore per annum. Realising the strategic importance of the element in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, Zimbabwean officials are making moves…
China finds new way to safeguard blockchain from cyberattack
Chinese software engineers claim to have developed a method to safeguard blockchain networks from potentially harmful privacy breaches. Called Chang’An Chain or Chainmaker, its creators are confident it can protect sensitive or private information transfers from both conventional and increasingly sophisticated quantum attacks. Chainmaker was created by a team of scientists representing the Beijing Academy…
New power plant to boost China’s move away from fossil fuels
China’s relentless drive to find fossil fuel alternatives continues. This time with the report that the world’s second-largest economy would construct a massive nuclear-powered steam plant in Lianyungang City. Early estimates suggest that the facility could prevent thousands of tons of coal from being burnt and releasing harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The project…
Chinese astronauts prepare final stages of space station
Three Chinese astronauts have successfully blasted off into space aboard the Shenzhou-14 spacecraft. This is what they will call the home for the final six months of its construction. During their 180-day stay, the astronauts will conduct several experiments and oversee the rendezvous and docking of two crewless modules later this year. The launch took…
Chinese robot worms set to shake up pipeline diagnostics
Chinese scientists claim to have built tiny robot worms that can navigate and inspect narrow pipes with endoscopic cameras. The novel invention could pave the way for a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to pipeline exploration and diagnostics. Researchers say their creation is best suited to exploring aircraft pipes, oil refineries and machinery otherwise inaccessible…
China ups its efforts to find a ‘new Earth’
Chinese astronomers are looking for an Earth 2.0 to colonise, as per a May announcement from Chinese state media. The Chinese Academy of Sciences has requested funding to construct and launch a massive telescope capable of spotting hospitable space bodies lightyears away and which may hold the key to off-planet expansion. The ambitious project, dubbed…
China’s floating fish farms set to revolutionise aquaculture
China recently launched a massive floating fish farm in the coastal city of Qingdao. Named Guoxin 1, the 250 metre vessel left port in late May and will process 3 700 tons of fish every year, according to the Chinese Academy of Fishery Services. Constructed by the Qingdao Conson Development Group, Guoxin 1 is enormous…
China plans massive new solar farms for the Yellow Sea
A tender to build several massive solar farms at sea has been issued by Shandong province. A critical industrial hub for China, Shandong’s latest renewables project promises to generate roughly 11.25 gigawatts of power. This is enough electricity to cover New Zealand’s peak energy consumption requirements. Already home to more solar panels than anywhere else…
China helps Zimbabwe upscale lithium mining capacity
Huayou, the Chinese chemicals and minerals firm, says it expects to create 1 000 new job opportunities for local Zimbabweans during the construction and development phase of the new Arcadia lithium project. The announcement came after the Tongxiang-based company acquired the project from several Prospect Resources Plc shareholders in April 2022. It would invest $300…
Chinese space rover forces rethink over water on Mars
China’s Mars rover has made another discovery that may force astronomers to address previous hypotheses regarding the origins of water on the red planet. The Zhurong Rover, part of the China National Space Administration’s (CNSA) ambitious Tianwen-1 project, has collected enough compelling evidence to suggest that a massive impact site on the surface held water…
Chinese micro EV surprises markets with consistent growth
The Chinese-made Wuling Hongguang Mini EV continues to dominate domestic electric vehicle sales, despite the diminutive vehicle being just two years into its release cycle. Industry experts believe the little car’s remarkable staying power is likely because of its incredibly modest price tag. At just $5 000, the Wuling Mini EV costs about as much…
China set to 3D print new megadam
Chinese engineers are using AI and 3D printing to build a megadam in only two years. Upon completion, the 590 foot (180m) tall Yangqu Dam will provide much needed energy to the region and will be the single largest object created using 3D printing, dwarfing the previous record holder by 570 foot. High on the…
New Chinese drone technology closer to hive-mind flight
A research team from Zhejiang University in China says it has developed technology that would facilitate swarms of drones to operate fully autonomously, without the small unmanned crafts crashing into one another. Inspired by how birds almost instinctively fly through wooded areas without collision, the team believes the breakthrough will allow conservationists and ecologists the…
Chinese scientists unveil life-saving robot rat
A robotic rat has been created by scientists in China and they believe it could be used in disasters. The small, highly manoeuvrable robot is capable of navigating small spaces and obstacles, climbing steep slopes, and even walking on snow. This makes it an ideal candidate for delivering potentially life-saving aid where humans are otherwise…
Chinese scientists develop rapid-charge EV battery
Researchers from several prominent Chinese institutions have reportedly charged a lithium-ion battery to 60% capacity in roughly five minutes. While the feat may seem inconsequential, slow recharge times and range anxiety in electric vehicles have long been recognised as primary factors for consumers not transitioning to the greener alternative. A survey by automotive blog, EV…
China looks to build high-speed train service between Johannesburg and Durban
China has contacted South African officials regarding the construction of a high-speed rail network and several other large projects, including 5G infrastructure. Large-scale investment into the country is expected to create thousands of jobs in the next three years, said Chinese ambassadors to South Africa. The ambitious rail project had been discussed between the two…
Chinese ‘sponge’ cities combat flooding and climate change
Chinese engineers and urban planners have decided to depart from traditional ‘grey infrastructure’ like dams, stormwater drains and catch basins that funnel excess water from our streets. Instead, Kongjian Yu, dean of Peking University’s College of Architecture, and his colleagues have decided to turn their cities into ‘sponges’. Yu has championed the radical idea for…
China’s BYD says goodbye to internal combustion engine
One of China’s largest automotive brands, BYD, has discontinued manufacturing vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE). The last petrol and diesel-powered motor vehicles had rolled off factory assembly lines in March, announced a recent statement released by the Shenzhen-based firm. Instead, BYD is directing most of its research and development towards greener power units like…
Chinese ‘Flubber’ has real applications despite 1 April launch
Scientists have developed what social media users have dubbed the ‘magnetic turd’ and they hope the medical field will one day employ to retrieve foreign objects from inside the body. The Chinese researchers responsible for the slimy creation say the brownish, slug-shaped substance, immediately compared to the 1997 sci-fi film Flubber, can reportedly make ‘C’…
China’s record-breaking space mission prepares for return
The crew of China’s Shenzhou 13 mission is preparing to make a return voyage to earth from its lengthy off-planet excursion. When the record-setting trio does land safely back in Dongfeng, Inner Mongolia, in mid-April, they’d have spent more than six months in space. This smashes the relatively young Chinese space program’s previous record of…
China helps Kenya to add nuclear to its energy mix
After years of delays and pre-feasibility tests, Kenyan officials have selected two sites for the East African nation’s first nuclear energy production facilities. The project will be run in partnership with China’s National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). Kenya’s Nuclear Power and Energy Authority (NuPEA), scheduled to break ground at the end of the decade, will add…
Chinese heavyweights team up in EV joint venture
Chinese automotive heavyweight BYD recently committed to running Baidu’s autonomous driving systems in its vehicles, with the partnership expected to boost profitability for both brands. Sources working closely with the companies told South China Morning Post (SCMP) that Baidu’s natively developed autonomous driving platform, Apollo Navigation Pilot (ANP), had been selected by the Warren Buffett-backed…
China/SA collaboration helps deliver 5G services to local markets
Local network operator, Rain, has collaborated with Oppo, one of China’s largest telecommunications companies to develop a new range of 5G routers for the South African market. The fifth-generation wireless system will reportedly be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X55 chipset, one of the brand’s most powerful semiconductors. Oppo would continue to grow its product offering…
Chinese lunar samples pique global research interest
Lunar samples returned by China’s Chang’e-5 mission have grabbed the attention of geologists and astronomers worldwide, starting a research frenzy as Chinese and international scientists alike clamour to have a peek at the alien rocks under a microscope. Scientists like Li Xian-Hua, who formerly dedicated their time and effort to materials of a more terrestrial…
China grows its battery swap capability for heavy-duty EVs
One of China’s largest car manufacturers and Volvo parent company, Geely, has announced plans to install battery swapping stations specifically for long-haul and heavy-duty electric vehicles (EVs). Battery swapping services have been popularised in China for passenger vehicles as more drivers transition to electric alternatives. However, often larger vehicles aren’t catered for as typical swap…
China makes strides in turning CO2 into fuel
Chinese engineers have successfully completed a pilot project that converts carbon dioxide into fuel. The only facility of its kind, researchers say the breakthrough method could alleviate some of the damage being done to the planet’s atmosphere by harmful greenhouse gases. Developed by Zhuhai Futian Energy Technology and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP), the…
Chinese tungsten breakthroughs encouraging for space and industry
A team of researchers in Hefei, China, have developed what they claim is the strongest pure form of tungsten. The super-strong material has a tensile strength greater than most alloys, making it a prime candidate for many demanding projects, including nuclear reactors, aircraft, satellites and heavy machinery. Tungsten (or ‘wolfram’), represented by the letter W…
China powers ahead with new Gobi Desert renewable installation
China has announced plans to install 450GW of renewable power in the Gobi Desert. The nation’s planning committee said the massive project would combine both solar and wind facilities and would dwarf similar operations in the region. The announcement comes as Beijing continues to implement measures to end its reliance on fossil fuels and become…
China discovers glass beads on surface of the moon
China’s long-serving Yutu-2 lunar rover has made yet another discovery. This time in the form of several mysterious glass beads. Scientists are hopeful the grape-sized objects contain information about the moon’s history. It is not particularly difficult to find naturally occurring glass formations here on Earth. The substance is created when silicate minerals are exposed…
China perfects rice strain that grows in salt water
A group of Chinese researchers have discovered a method to grow rice crops in saltwater. Scientists close to the experiment are hopeful the novel technique will play a significant role in shoring up China’s food security. Working at the Qingdao Saline-Alkali Tolerant Rica Research and Development Center, Wan Jili believes the salt-resistant rice strain can…
China transfer a terabyte of data in one second over its 6G technology
While internet users are only just getting to grips with 5G – and while much of the crucial infrastructure required to support the fifth generation of mobile networks is still being built – Chinese engineers have reportedly set a new world record after transmitting a terabyte of data in one second, using 6G. Working out…
China puts world’s largest amphibian plane into production
Chinese engineers are preparing test flights for what will be the world’s largest amphibious aircraft. Dubbed the ‘AG600’, the jumbo jet-sized prototype will see most of its service in the South China Sea, where it can move unencumbered between China’s many far-reaching outposts. It tested four engine units for the airplane on the 15th of…
China tackles hunger with gene-edited crops
The scientific community has been energised by news that Chinese officials have approved the use of gene-edited crops. Food insecurity is present in some form or another on every continent. Current data estimates that 47 countries, predominantly in Africa, will fail to achieve even ‘low hunger’ in the next nine years. Researchers are confident newly…
Beijing Olympics turns to technology to keep athletes safe
With the Beijing Winter Olympics officially underway, more than 3 000 of the planet’s finest athletes are once again wowing supporters with their incredible abilities on ice and snow. However, life for competitors inside the “closed-loop” Olympic village may seem otherworldly. Because of the Republic of China’s zero-tolerance approach to the Covid-19 pandemic, human-to-human contact…
China-Italy team-up rattles autonomous trucking market
Chinese startup, DeepWay, has teamed up with famed Italian design studio, Pininfarina, to create a semi-autonomous truck. The electrified heavy-duty truck, Xingtu, was designed to improve the efficiency, comfort and sustainability of long-haul transit. Founded in 2020, DeepWay, backed by internet mega-firm, Baidu, disrupted the industry when it announced it would collaborate with Turin-based design…
China builds the world’s first artificial moon
In a world-first, Chinese scientists claim to have successfully constructed an artificial moon. Capable of creating zero-gravity and limited-gravity environments at the switch of a button, the lunar stand-in will be used to prepare astronauts for moon-based operations and to learn more about how matter interacts in low-gravity. Recreating the moon’s gravity on Earth has…
China first to pilot commercial solid-state EV battery
One of China’s largest motoring firms, Dongfeng Motor Corporation, has delivered fifty electric vehicles (EVs) powered by the firm’s solid-state battery, for demonstration. Often referred to as the ‘Holy Grail’ of EV technologies, solid-state batteries are significantly more efficient than traditional liquid-electrolyte power units. The EV, Dongfeng’s E70 model, is the first to house the…
Chinese battery swap service helps drive new EV sales
Chinese-based electric vehicle (EV) battery firm, Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), has launched a battery swapping service. The world’s largest producer of EV batteries says it will allow EV users to swap out batteries in a minute, hopefully alleviating much of the “range-anxiety” experienced by prospective EV owners who might still be sitting on the fence.…
Chinese scientists use electricity to boost crop yields
A team of Chinese scientists has developed a little-known method to increase the yields of certain crops using electricity. Working out of Beijing’s Chinese Academy of Sciences, the researchers found that pea yields were increased by almost 20% when a rain- and wind-powered triboelectric nanogenerator was among the plants. While it may sound outlandish at…
China’s artificial sun continues to smash energy records
China’s “artificial sun” continues to shatter records. This time, the hyper-expensive fusion reactor recorded temperatures five times greater than the surface of the sun. Scientists are hopeful the feat may be the next step to unlocking unlimited power – the holy grail of clean energy. Secured in Hefei, China, the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST)…
Chinese space mission finds water on the moon
The Chang’e 5 lunar lander, China’s latest moon-going vehicle, has become the first craft of its kind to locate water in real-time. The historic first has set the scientific community’s tongues wagging as researchers race to discover more about the anomaly. The presence of water was discovered at the Chang’e 5’s landing site near the…
SA farmers make further inroads into lucrative Chinese fruit markets
After a bumper year in 2021, South African farmers are gearing up for another stellar export season. Last year, citrus, wine, apple and maize exports saw significant growth. This year, South African pear farmers have cause for celebration as the Chinese market has finally opened up to them. The announcement, which came in late December…
China confident about new floating nuclear rig
Chinese engineers are confident their first floating nuclear reactor is sturdy enough to withstand gale force winds. The offshore reactor, located in the Bohai Sea, is used to power ocean-based oil rigs and is reportedly capable of toughing out “once in 10 000-year” storms. The novel 60GW (gigawatt) reactor was subjected to powerful winds and currents…
Chinese robotaxis set for US market
In the final days of 2021, Zeekr, the Geely-owned manufacturer announced it had teamed up with Waymo, one of the United States’ largest self-driving tech companies, to create a fleet of driverless ‘robotaxis’. Zeekr, the year-old electric vehicle (EV) startup, has created a significant disturbance in the industry. According to a recent Waymo blog post,…
Mystery moon hut one of many Chinese rover finds
A “mystery hut” has been spotted on the moon by China’s lunar rover, Yutu 2. The cube-shaped object was first observed in early December and since then has become a focus of mainstream media and the scientific community. It turns out the plucky car-sized rover has made several other significant discoveries during its stay on…
Chinese scientists develop new uranium from seawater extraction method
A team of Chinese researchers has developed an ultra-absorbent material capable of extracting uranium from seawater. Inspired by the blood vessels inside our anatomy, the group’s new method is reportedly 20 times more efficient than previous techniques. Uranium extraction processes on land involve traditional practices like in-situ leaching and underground or open-pit mining. However, according…
China promises more support for Africa at FOCAC
Chinese president, Xi Jinping, pledged to donate a further one billion Covid-19 vaccines to Africa. Beijing also said it would invest no less than $15 billion in the continent over the next 36 months. Xi’s announcement, which was broadcast via video link, was made at the opening of the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation in late…
China forges ahead in green hydrogen production
A team of Chinese researchers has developed a new self-supporting, 3D electrode that reduces overpotential, taking another step towards large-scale green hydrogen production. Hydrogen energy development is keenly pursued by the world’s top minds as it is considered one of the least environmentally impactful energy sources available. Green hydrogen, already an attractive energy source because…
Toyota teams up with Chinese EV company
Global automotive giant Toyota has tapped Chinese firm BYD to build an affordable electric vehicle for the Chinese market. First reported in early December, the move is seen as an effort by the Japanese automobile company to fast-track its EV ambitions. Toyota, which enjoys a significant 8.8% ownership of the global automobile market, has a…
Chinese scientists trial new Covid-19 antibody treatment
As the globe continues to get to grips with the pandemic, a new Chinese antibody therapy for Covid-19 is showing promise. The experimental treatment has been greenlit for 14 patients in a Beijing hospital. Early results of the breakthrough method indicated a significant reduction in the viral load of patients, encouraging the scientific community. A…
China unveils new EV, eyes global markets
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, Xpeng, has unveiled a new flagship SUV. Called the G9, the semi-autonomous vehicle will make its international debut in Norway, before expanding into the global market. This announcement continues the trend by Chinese EV firms to establish a foothold in the EV-friendly nation, before expanding to a wider audience. While Xpeng…
China’s new sea-launch capability boosts space goals
China is developing a ship capable of launching rockets into orbit, in an effort to increase launch safety and sustainability. Expected to enter service in a year, the “new-type rocket launching vessel” will ease the pressure on the four main launch sites, as China continues to expand its space program at an unprecedented rate. Measuring…
Chinese scientists look to simulate the sun’s energy production
A team of Chinese scientists has achieved a breakthrough in the field of nuclear energy. Working out of a massive specialised facility in Shanghai, the research team has been trying to simulate how the sun creates energy. If successful, the scientists believe they could have a source of sustainable, infinite energy. Lead scientist, Zhang Zhe,…
Geely unveils comfort-focused EV semi-truck
Farizon Auto, a subsidiary of Chinese automotive titan Geely, recently unveiled a new electric semi-truck. The commercial vehicle, still in its concept phase, is expected to make its debut on public roads by 2024, according to company insiders. Named the Homtruck, Geely’s latest EV project derived its name from the developer’s design motivation to create…
Tencent enters the chip war
Chinese internet giant, Tencent, has launched three domestically developed chips. The Shenzhen-based tech firm follows fellow Chinese heavyweight, Alibaba, which launched its chip in October. The announcement was made at the company’s Digital Ecosystem Summit in Wuhan in early November. Speaking at the summit, Dowson Tong Taosang, Tencent’s president of cloud and smart industries group,…
China takes aim at cleaning up space
China has launched a military satellite into orbit. Its role: destroy space junk. China’s newest satellite will join roughly 5 000 currently in orbit. Of these man-made structures circling the globe, only around 1 950 remain operational. The vast majority of orbiting objects are junk, either decommissioned satellites or satellites that have encountered debris, breaking…
New Chinese pickup truck can charge on the move
A Chinese electric vehicle (EV) start-up has revealed images of its brand new all-electric pickup truck, the EF1-T. Developed by EdisonFuture, the futuristic EV features a retractable solar roof allowing for on-the-move charging. In a press statement, EdisonFuture, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based SPI Energy, said the EF1-T’s sloping, retractable roof configuration incorporated “solar mosaic…
China finds way to make animal feed from carbon monoxide
Chinese scientists have developed a method to create animal feed from carbon monoxide. The breakthrough could ease China’s reliance on vast amounts of imported soya beans to feed its enormous livestock population. The Feed Research Institute of China’s Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) said it developed a method to hasten a gas fermentation process that…
China makes giant leap in quantum computing
China has just completed building two new supercomputers with performance speeds that outstrip Google’s Sycamore – and that’s not even close. The pair of superconducting quantum computers perform sets of functions nearly instantaneously, whereas desktop computers would need around 30 trillion years to do the same. News of the significant technological success was broadcast by…
Chinese flying car a step closer to commercial launch
HT Aero, a Guangzhou-based startup backed by Chinese tech unicorn, Xpeng, has secured $500 million to build flying cars, with a potential eye on a 2024 commercial launch date. The round of funding is the single-largest in Asia’s relatively new low-flying vehicle sector to date, according to Business Wire. The Series A funding was led by…
China powers ahead towards clean energy goals
China is closer than expected to a clean energy transition. In a few years, the majority of China’s solar energy will be cheaper than coal. According to a report issued jointly by Harvard, Tsinghua, Renmin and Nankai Universities, China, the planet’s chief emitter, is on track to achieve the remarkable feat by 2023. In a…
Successful docking sets the scene for further space station development
China’s Shenzhou 13 mission has successfully docked with its space station. The three-person crew will spend six months aboard the vessel, testing core technologies and conducting several experiments. The crew launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu Province at roughly 18:23 (CAT) and docked with the Tianhe core module at 23:56, according to…
Synthesising starch from carbon dioxide boosts Chinese environmental goals
A group of Chinese researchers have managed to synthesise starch from carbon dioxide, more efficiently than nature. Scientists hope that creating the highly versatile material in industrial laboratories will save land and water, lessening the burden on traditional agriculture. Researchers at the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, an affiliate of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,…
Chinese startup produces lab-grown pork to rival traditional methods
A Chinese startup, CellX, believes it can produce lab-grown pork cheaper than conventional production methods by 2025. The Shanghai-based biotech firm says it has the technical know-how to overcome some of the challenges posed to the young industry. Food scientists have explored plant-based and lab-grown meat alternatives for several decades now but hefty production costs…
China-Africa trade show wraps up with promise of more cooperation
The second-ever China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha has wrapped up, strengthening the bond between the two trade allies. The four-day event themed ‘New Start, New Opportunities, and New Accomplishments’ was held in person and online, and featured nearly 1 000 enterprises and government officials, including representatives from more than 40 African countries, according…
China dominates 6G patents, signals global ambitions
China is ramping up its 6G ambitions at an unprecedented rate. While the world at large is still coming to grips with fifth-generation communication networks, a Nikkei Asia report indicates China accounts for more than 40% of the planet’s 6G patents. The next-generation technology is expected to be operational by the end of the decade.…
China tests new, safer thorium-powered nuclear plant
Continuing its swift transition to greener energy sources, China is preparing to test a new thorium-powered nuclear plant. Thorium is viewed by the scientific community as more efficient and cleaner fuel than traditional materials. The news comes in the same week Chinese president, Xi Jinping, announced China would cease building coal-fired plants overseas. Situated on…
China announces pumped hydropower to increase four-fold
China has announced plans to ramp up its hydro-pumped storage capacity by as much as 400% to bolster the nation’s fast-growing solar and wind power facilities. A 2021-2035 development plan issued by China’s National Energy Administration outlines ambitions to increase China’s pumped hydro capacity, currently around 32 GW, to 62 GW by 2025 and 120 GW…
China’s love of South African lemons boosts trade
South Africa’s citrus season may be coming to an end, but local lemon exporters can look forward to a welcome increase in their export numbers to China. In June 2021, South Africa’s Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development signed a new shipping protocol, allowing farmers and exporters to gain an improved foothold in…
Space helicopter to significantly boost exploration capabilities
China is further expanding its Mars exploration capabilities. This time China’s National Space Administration (CNSA) looks to add a prototype helicopter to its growing collection of space exploration instruments. Developed by the National Space Science Centre (NSSC), the Mars surface cruiser drone passed its final assessment on the 20th of August, according to China’s Academy…
Smartphone giant enters the electric vehicle market
In September, Xiaomi announced the registration of its electric vehicle (EV) company, Xiaomi EV Inc. The Chinese electronics manufacturer will enter the market with $1.55 billion in capital and has named company founder and CEO, Lei Jun, as its legal representative, according to Reuters. Since announcing its EV intentions earlier this year, the Beijing-based tech…
China’s planned spacecraft will dwarf International Space Station
The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) recently outlined plans to construct a kilometres-long spacecraft. The five-year project aims to address the “urgent need” to build the massive vessel; included are plans to assess the viability of building large vessels while in space and the development of lightweight structures for the craft. The massive…
Chinese radiation technique could eradicate malaria in Africa
Chinese researchers are using radiation treatment to combat malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. Home to more than 1.3 billion people, China recently eradicated the deadly disease and has turned its attention to assisting other malaria-affected countries, particularly those in Africa. Developed by several prominent researchers and scientists affiliated with the Nuclear Technology Research and Development…
Chinese self-driving giant launches powerful new chip for auto industry
Beijing-based internet giant, Baidu, has developed a new chip as well as a “robocar”. The driverless concept car was created to showcase the computing power of the semiconductor, according to a report from CNBC. Unveiled at Baidu’s annual world conference in mid-August, the second-generation microchip, Kunlun 2, has recently gone into mass production, after three…
China advances green hydrogen megaproject
China has just approved a massive renewables megaproject. The Asian behemoth, which has set the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2060, gave the go-ahead to begin development on a power plant that will use solar and wind energy to create green hydrogen in the sparse Inner Mongolian region. According to the report issued by…
China to create a solar farm in space
Straight from the pages of science fiction, China says it plans on building a massive, orbiting solar farm in space. The energy plant would beam a powerful solar beam towards ground stations 24 hours a day. Orbiting solar farms have been in scientific consciousness since the 1960s. The concept rose to prominence because it circumvents…
Chinese scientists develop breakthrough therapy to help combat blindness
A Chinese-led study has found a way to reverse the loss of eyesight in the elderly population, without the need for multiple injections and other intrusive methods. Created with assistance from a prominent Australian immunologist, the study may give hope to the 450 million people worldwide affected by vision loss due to age and chronic…
Chinese team create a new stronger-than-diamonds compound
Chinese researchers have created a “glass” that can cut diamonds. The transparent, yellow-hued material may find use in many industrial applications and is reportedly 20 to 100 times stronger than standard bulletproof windows. The research team, led by Professor Tian Yongjun at Yanshan University in Hebei Province, published the results in the blue ribbon science…
Kenyan payment startup makes Afro-Sino trade a breeze
Kenyan fintech startup, Wapi Pay, recently raised $2.2 million in a pre-seed round of funding, the largest of its kind on the continent. The African startup specialises in cross-border payments between Africa and Asia using bank accounts and mobile money platforms. Wapi Pay was founded in 2019 by brothers Paul and Eddie Ndichu, after the…
Chinese rocket science boosts Olympic team’s performance
The Chinese Olympic team came second in the medals tally for the Tokyo 2021 Summer Games and owes a great deal of that success to the nation’s triumphs in the swimming pool. A significant influence in China’s excellence in the Olympic pool came from an unlikely source: China’s Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). …
China debuts first sodium-ion, fast-charge EV battery
China’s largest electric vehicle (EV) battery producer, CATL, debuted its first sodium-ion battery in late July. This breakthrough in manufacturing means their new battery can charge to near capacity in only 15 minutes. The $200 billion, Ningde-based company confirmed it would establish a supply chain for the new product by 2023. Typically CATL EV batteries are…
South African citrus debuts in growing Chinese market
The South African citrus season is well underway and a new harvest of ClemenGold mandarins is entering the Chinese market for the first time this year. The citrus industry in South Africa is enjoying a bumper year and global exports are up, with soft citrus like the ClemenGold variety playing a big part in the…
Refrigeration breakthrough boosts China’s quantum computing aspirations
A breakthrough in refrigeration technology has enabled Chinese scientists to reach temperatures nearing absolute zero. This significant scientific advancement may provide the edge needed for China to become self-sufficient in the quantum computing industry. Representatives at the Beijing-based Institute of Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) say that new developments in ultra-low cooling…
Chinese firm expands battery swap initiative, includes EU
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, NIO, has outlined plans to build more than 4 000 battery swap stations worldwide by the end of 2025, 1 000 of which will be outside of mainland China. The Shanghai-based EV unicorn made the announcement at its Power Day, which the company held on the 9th of July 2021. NIO…
China 3D prints a retractable bridge in just three days
China has unveiled its first 3D-printed retractable bridge. Located in Shanghai’s Wisdom Bay Innovation Park, the proverbial Mecca for 3D technology firms, the near-10-metre bridge is controlled via Bluetooth and retracts or unfurls in around a minute. The massive feat is viewed by those close to the project as a significant step in the large-scale…
Chinese astronauts in first spacewalk in more than decade
A pair of astronauts aboard China’s Tiangong space module have completed a successful spacewalk. The momentous achievement for both the astronauts and China’s manned space program marks another significant milestone for China’s space ambitions for the moon, Mars and beyond. In June, The Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA) launched three astronauts into space. The trio is…
Chinese rover tackles ‘Roof of the World’ to better understand climate change
Just a few short weeks after China successfully landed its Zhurong Rover on the surface of Mars, researchers have deployed a similar rover to explore the inhospitable terrain on the ‘Roof of the World’, the Tibetan Plateau. The car-sized rover, named Pandengzhe or ‘The Climber’, spent five days on the icy Kuoqionggangri Glacier, at 18…
Sinovac cleared for use in South Africa
The Chinese-developed coronavirus vaccine, Sinovac, has been approved for use in South Africa and the first order has been placed. The vaccine is the first Chinese vaccine to receive approval from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). South Africa is currently in the throes of its third wave, with the total national death…
World’s second largest hydropower plant goes live in China
The massive Baihetan hydropower plant in southwest China is now operational. Officially the second-largest hydropower facility on the planet, when operating at maximum capacity, the Baihetan facility will produce around 16 gigawatts of electricity, all by harnessing the power of the mighty Yangtze River. After a successful three-day systems check, engineers at the Baihetan facility…
Ten-storey building goes up in just over a day
A video of a ten-storey building being built in just over a day has captured the attention of internet users worldwide. The video shows the erection of the large residential skyrise building in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. Assembled by a small crew of builders and several cranes, the multi-level housing block was erected in an…
China and Egypt cooperate on Africa’s tallest building
The skyline of Egypt’s New Administrative Capital (NAC) will be forever changed after the Iconic Tower, Africa’s tallest building was completed, thanks to the latest Sino-African cooperation. Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities, Essam el-Gazzar, said the new 385-metre skyscraper was modern Egypt’s latest architectural achievement. Construction of the mega-project began when the China…
Chinese astronauts blast off for three-month space mission
China’s prolific space program continues, this time with its first manned space mission for half a decade. The launch was declared a success, safely jettisoning three elite astronauts into space, to connect with China’s space station. In front of a throng of well-wishers, the Shenzhou-12 mission launched into outer orbit from the Jiuquan site in…
Chinese wind tunnel makes hypersonic space travel possible
A new wind tunnel may put China decades ahead in the race to further develop hypersonic technologies, according to a prominent Chinese physicist. The wind tunnel is the JF-22 facility, situated in Beijing’s Huairou District, and it’s capable of simulating flights moving at Mach 30, thirty times the speed of sound. The JF-22, as well…
WHO gives Sinovac the all-clear
The leading public health authority, the World Health Organisation (WHO), has officially approved the Chinese-developed Sinovac Biotech Covid vaccine. The vaccine, which has seen use in more than 30 countries, received the WHO’s emergency use status last Tuesday. This means it can now be considered by COVAX, the global body tasked with ensuring fair and…
China nears nuclear fusion with new reactor
A Chinese-built nuclear reactor, constructed to replicate the energy that powers the sun, is closer to creating nuclear fusion. One of China’s most ambitious clean energy projects, it’s something scientists could only theorize about just decades ago. Situated in Hefei, Anhui Province, the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) is one of China’s “artificial suns”. This…
Chinese robotaxi startup goes to California
Chinese robotaxi startup, Pony.ai, has been given the green light to test driverless vehicles in three Californian cities. In late May 2021, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) allowed for the testing in several prominent areas, making Pony.ai one of the only firms allowed to conduct full driverless testing in the state. Pony.ai has been…
Chinese scientists announce new ‘intelligent’ material
A team of Chinese scientists have developed an intelligent material that is capable of curving and curling when external pressures are applied. The fluid motion resembles the mechanics observed in nature more closely than previously thought capable, and is planned for use in the soft- and micro-robotics industries. The researchers, working out of Southeast University…
China joins calls for waiver of IP to help African vaccine efforts
China has lent its voice to the growing call for the temporary waiving of intellectual property (IP) rights for all Covid-19 vaccines. A groundswell of mostly developing nations have implored vaccine makers and major global players to relinquish IP rights for the life-saving vaccines and therapeutics. Calls to waive IP rights began in October 2020,…
China touches down on Mars in historic landing
For the first time in its history, China has landed a rover on the surface of Mars, becoming the second country, alongside the United States, to successfully touch down. China’s Tianwen or ‘Questions for Heaven’ mission made successful contact with Mars at roughly 19:11pm on the 14th of May but, because of the extreme distance…
Chinese space rocket comes back down to earth
Debris from a Chinese Long-March 5B rocket has re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere in an uncontrolled descent, landing in the Arabian Peninsula. The spent part was used to send the core module of China’s ‘Tiangong’ Space Station into orbit in late April 2021. The significant size and mass of the structure concerned the scientific community. 5B…
Second Chinese electronic vehicle takes on Scandinavian market
Electric vehicle (EV) maker, NIO, has announced plans to expand outside of China. The Tesla rival announced it would start deliveries to Norway by September 2020. NIO joins fellow Chinese EV manufacturer, Xpeng, in Norway, a nation that has more EVs per capita than any other country. The Shanghai-based firm confirmed it will launch its…
Chinese space station significantly closer to completion
Tianhe or ‘Heavenly Harmony’, China’s core module of its space station was successfully launched into orbit on the 28th of April from Hainan Island, strapped to a Long March 5B rocket. China’s space station – Tiangong or ‘Heavenly Palace’ – is expected to be complete and operational by 2022 and will join the International Space…
China offers plastic-eating bacteria as waste solution for oceans
With the state of our oceans of critical importance, scientists from China have discovered a plastic-eating bacteria that may be a tool to combat marine pollution. The results have set tongues wagging in the scientific community, but some analysts say more research is needed. A team of researchers from the Institute of Oceanography, at China’s…
China makes strides in new vaccine technology
With the race to produce vaccines one of the biggest challenges of our time, China may soon have its very own domestically produced messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine. The revolutionary vaccine technology has only been applied to the Pfizer-BioNtech and the Moderna vaccines so far and is hailed for its ability to generate a stronger…
China makes strides in digital currency rollout
Currently there are over 5 000 cryptocurrencies in existence and China is fast developing its own digital currency pilot programme. The Asian power became the first major economy to trial the concept last year and since then, a slew of tech firms and cities have started circulating China’s ‘renminbi’, or digital yuan. China started testing the…
Chinese engineers use body’s uncrackable code to encrypt data
Chinese engineers have developed a new method of encryption: using infrared radiation from the human body to decrypt sensitive data and create uncrackable passwords. The Chinese engineers from Shanghai’s Jiao Tong University published their findings on using body heat to gain access to, or secure, data in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences…
China opens world’s largest telescope to scientists
After listening intently to the sounds of the universe for 15 months, the world’s largest filled-aperture radio telescope is now available to all scientists who wish to use it. The colossal structure, roughly the size of 30 football fields, is capable of spotting objects 13.7 billion light years away and is potentially humankind’s latest alien-hunting…
Chinese ride hailer, Didi, enters South African market
China’s largest vehicle for hire company, DiDi Chuxing, plans to expand into South Africa, starting with Cape Town. The SoftBank-backed giant is expected to compete with the global ride-hailing giant Uber, according to Reuters. Founded in 2012, the Beijing-based firm has services in more than 400 cities in China and users in Latin America, Asia,…
Chinese nanotech to help brain disease
Chinese scientists have found a way to deliver life-saving drugs closer to the source of the affliction than ever before, which is a significant breakthrough in the new field of nanomedicine. The method using new microbot technologies is so effective that scientists believe it may even revolutionise treatments for brain disease. Published in Science Robotics…
South African table grapes steal the show in China
The table grape season has officially begun in China and with that, the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) has launched a market development campaign in China This is the first of its kind and a new opportunity for South African horticulturalists to showcase their premium grape varieties. SATI and Goodfarmer, a Shanghai-based fresh produce…
China stuns with massive wind rollout
China continues to roll out wind farm installations worldwide at an unprecedented rate. In a year ravaged by the Covid-19 pandemic, the globe’s second-largest economy accounted for more than half of 2020’s total installations. The significant increase in wind farm installations in 2020 comes after Chinese President, Xi Jinping said China would become a carbon-neutral…
New Chinese laser technology can see through walls
A team of Chinese scientists have developed a laser capable of seeing through walls from a kilometre away. Once relegated to the realm of science fiction, the significant advancement in quantum electronics may have applications in everything from defence to autonomous driving. Developed by a group of University of Science and Technology of China researchers,…
China turns to radiation to protect cold food chain
China’s National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) is attempting to use radiation treatment – a method used to clean medical supplies since the 1960s – to kill Covid-19 in the cold food chain. The research was first conducted in December last year when evidence suggested several Covid-19 cases in China were the result of imported frozen food. CNNC’s…
China and Russia join forces to build moon base
China and Russia will jointly build an international lunar base station that will orbit the moon’s surface, according to Russia’s Roscosmos space agency. The ‘International Lunar Space Station’ will be a complex of facilities on the lunar surface and in a close orbit dedicated to lunar research and designed to conduct a variety of experiments,…
China’s new single-aisle aircraft set for take off
China’s COMAC C919 single-aisle aircraft is nearly ready to take to the skies as it nears certification, said chief designer, Wu Guanghui. Wu said the C919 narrow-body airliner would be certified by the end of the year, according to the South China Morning Post. The C919 is China’s and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China’s…
Geely to build satellites for autonomous vehicles
Chinese automotive company, Geely Holding Group, has gained approval to build satellites crucial to communication and navigation for autonomous vehicles. A licence to build a facility in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province was granted by China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) in February. Last year the firm announced plans to construct a $326 million satellite manufacturing…
Chinese Mini EV selling up a storm
A small, unassuming electric vehicle (EV) from Chinese motoring firm, SAIC, is outselling Elon Musk’s money-printing machine, the Tesla Model 3, in China. The Hong Guang Mini EV, a joint venture between state-owned SAIC and US motoring giant General Motors, has sold more than 110 000 times units its debut in July. Described as a…