The AI Science Separation
A row over whether Chinese scientists can attend a major international AI conference is the latest sign that the U.S. and China are splitting into two camps.
Articles
Eleven Days, Part II
To mark the 25th anniversary of the Hainan spy plane crisis, The Wire China is publishing the second installment of its discussions with people who participated in the dramatic showdown. For Part I see our March 29 cover article.
How the OpenClaw Frenzy Is Testing China’s AI Commitment
A backlash from so-called ‘lobster victims’ following a frenzy to download the AI agent has prompted Chinese regulators into action.
Eleven Days, Part I
On the eve of the 25th anniversary of the Hainan spy plane crisis, The Wire China talks with participants and reviews first-person accounts of the incident.
Scoring the AI Race, a Year after the DeepSeek Shock
From energy and data centers to chips and applications, how China measures up against the U.S.
Could Chinese AI Videos Kill The Hollywood Star?
The recent furore over a fake video with a Brad Pitt-Tom Cruise fight highlights the challenges U.S. film studios could face enforcing their legal rights in China.
Yi-Ling Liu on the Chinese Internet Dance
The journalist talks about the expansion of China’s Great Firewall, and the creativity and resilience that exists behind it.
Epstein and China
Jeffrey Epstein aspired to do deals in China, corresponding with Peter Mandelson and David Stern, a German associate who was close to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The Wire China reviews email trails from the Epstein files.
China is Churning Out a Growing Army of Service Robots
While Chinese companies are gaining market share, they face familiar problems such as lack of profits and pushback from foreign governments.
A Slow but Steady Acceleration
After years of planning and investment, robotaxis are finally hitting the road in China. Accidents and the impact of self-driving vehicles on employment remain concerns, but the government remains committed to developing the industry into a global leader.
David Li on the World’s “Misconceptions” about China
The economist explains why local governments’ debt woes are the key to China’s economic issues, and why the country could do with more Taylor Swift concerts.
Manus, Meta and a Deal That Goes to the Heart of the U.S.-China AI Rivalry
The Facebook owner’s tie-up with Manus is being touted as a win for Washington’s AI strategy, and a headache for Beijing.