AI Jobs & Enterprise Push: China’s AI hiring surged nearly eightfold in early 2026 as firms shift from building models to deploying real-world applications, with postings and pay rising in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and faster-growing secondary hubs. Power & Climate Signals: A new analysis says coal generation stopped growing in more than half of China in 2025, as renewable buildout and electrification of industry start to displace fossil demand. US-China Tech Friction: A US Federal Register search tool used Alibaba’s Qwen model, after the FBI accused Alibaba of malicious copying of Anthropic—raising fresh questions as AI safety debates intensify. Space Race Momentum: China’s sea-based rocket launch sent nine satellites into orbit, while reporting also points to a new “mothership” under construction in Shanghai for large underwater drones. AI Safety & Nukes: US-China experts propose rules to keep AI from independently attacking nuclear command systems, arguing humans must retain control. Geopolitics & Sanctions: Russia and China vetoed a UN move to extend expert monitoring of Iran sanctions, while China privately urged Iran to rein in Yemen’s Houthis after Saudi appeals. Trade Shock: The US House passed a Russia sanctions bill that could enable up to 100% tariffs on oil buyers, putting China and India in the crosshairs. Overseas Footprint: Chinese firms keep expanding abroad—from waste-to-energy projects in Indonesia to CSR reporting launches in Rwanda and disability-focused artisan support in Tanzania.