xinhua news agency

China has handed down death sentences with a two-year reprieve to former defence ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu for corruption. This significant development is part of President Xi Jinping's extensive anti-graft campaign targeting the military and political elite. Both officials were found guilty of graft-related offenses, with Li Shangfu also accused of seeking improper benefits in personnel appointments.

A Chinese court has delivered a landmark ruling. Companies cannot dismiss employees to replace them with AI. This decision protects worker rights amid rapid AI adoption. A tech company unlawfully fired a supervisor whose tasks were taken over by AI. The court found AI replacement is not a major change justifying contract termination.

Beijing has imposed stringent new drone regulations, banning sales, leases, and imports without public security approval. This move, part of a national effort to control airspace, makes China a challenging place for drone operation. Existing owners must register by April 30. These rules aim to pave the way for China's "low-altitude economy" while impacting major players like DJI.

Apple CEO Tim Cook's China visit coincides with a significant cut in App Store commissions, a move reportedly influenced by Chinese regulators and rising US-China tensions. This concession, alongside strong iPhone sales growth in China, signals Apple's commitment to the market and its manufacturing base amidst complex geopolitical and business dynamics.

China's foreign minister Wang Yi cautioned against externally driven regime change in Iran, stating such efforts would lack public backing and escalate regional instability. He emphasized respecting Iran's sovereignty and urged an immediate end to hostilities, advocating for diplomatic solutions and independent regional self-determination. Beijing is ready to help restore order and peace.

No injuries or major damage have been reported following the temblor that struck the Xinjiang region at 7:49 a.m., according to the official xinhua news agency.

According to Mongolian emergency management authorities, eight people have lost their lives, and one individual is missing due to blizzards that have been sweeping through central Mongolia since last Friday, as reported by China's official xinhua news agency on Monday. Rescuers have been searching for 46 people after blizzards hit multiple Mongolian provinces, Xinhua said, adding 37 of those missing have been found. Blizzards are expected to continue in the coming week in most parts of Mongolia.

China’s state press agency has unveiled a virtual newsreader designed to deliver headlines 24 hours a day. ‘Xinhua’s “artificial intelligence news anchor” is a lifelike digitised reporter which can read out text by mimicking the image and voice of a real human presenter.

India has decided to expel three senior Chinese journalists employed with China’s official xinhua news agency following “concerns” flagged by the intelligence agencies. The three were suspected of impersonating other people and visiting restricted facilities under assumed names.