China

China Daily | English | News | Jan. 19, 2026 | UndeterminedInitiative

Shanghai's Baoshan district held a conference unveiling three key plans, five industrial ecosystem initiatives, and a new full-cycle business service model to attract global enterprises and talent as part of its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030). The district introduced a full-chain innovation support system and launched the "investment-first-then-equity" model to enhance the business environment.

For overseas expansion, Baoshan integrated resources to create the "four-in-one project," offering one-stop services such as inspection, certification, cross-border compliance, and carbon footprint accounting. Government services were upgraded through a smart platform and an "inspection-registration integration" reform, reducing application requirements by 60 percent and improving enterprise demand response efficiency. On-site compliance counseling at industrial parks was also emphasized to minimize disruptions.

Baoshan is advancing intelligent manufacturing by establishing a humanoid robot innovation center and fostering smart factories, supporting its 100-billion-yuan industrial cluster in robotics and high-end equipment, which accounts for a significant share of national and local output. The district benefits from strong infrastructure links, including the upcoming Baoshan High-Speed Railway Station and Wusongkou International Cruise Port, as well as rapid growth in the high-end materials and biopharmaceutical sectors.

Educational and medical institutions like the Foreign Language High School Affiliated to Shanghai Normal University and Ruijin Hospital contribute to the district’s livability and business environment. The conference concluded with the signing of several major projects in intelligent manufacturing, low-carbon initiatives, and new materials.

Times of News | English | News | Jan. 19, 2026 | Privacy

California Attorney General Rob Bonta sent a cease and desist letter to Elon Musk’s company xAI on January 16, 2026, demanding an immediate halt to the generation and distribution of non-consensual sexual images produced by its generative AI chatbot, Grok. Bonta emphasized the expectation that xAI comply without delay.

The action follows a global backlash against Grok, which has allowed users to create and publish sexualized images of women and minors. This has led to investigations and regulatory responses in multiple countries. Authorities in Japan, Canada, and Britain have opened probes into Grok, while Malaysia and Indonesia have temporarily blocked access to the tool due to concerns over explicit image creation.

In response to the backlash and investigations, xAI announced restrictions on image-editing features for all Grok users in late January 2026. As of the date of the letter, xAI had not commented publicly on the cease and desist notice.

视频丨多地率先试点 跨境电商、保税货物迎“一站式”新体验

China Daily | Local Language | News | Jan. 19, 2026 | UndeterminedTrade Issues and Numbers

On January 15, customs authorities in multiple Chinese cities including Hangzhou, Qingdao, Zhengzhou, Shenzhen, Yinchuan, and Urumqi launched pilot programs integrating cross-border e-commerce and bonded goods into the Convention on International Road Transport (TIR) framework. Through the international trade "single window" dedicated module, enterprises can complete customs formalities more efficiently, improving cross-border logistics.

A notable example involved a TIR transport vehicle departing from Qingdao Airport Comprehensive Bonded Zone with over 9,000 pairs of shoes, shipping directly to Moscow using the new "TIR + bonded" model. This model enables goods to be stored in customs special supervision zones and processed through a streamlined "one-stop" procedure for departure, transportation, and export, easing financial pressure by deferring import duties and taxes.

International road transport costs about 25% as much as air transport and is twice as fast as rail, offering greater flexibility and earlier tax rebate returns when combined with comprehensive bonded zone policies. Enterprises benefit from both efficient tax processes and reliable TIR transport.

Cross-border vehicles have also traveled to countries including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Russia, achieving streamlined customs processing under the TIR Convention with "one declaration, one-vehicle direct delivery, one-box to destination." The TIR system, recognized by 78 countries, eliminates repeated inspections and transloading, enhancing cost and time efficiency.

As of 2025, China had 272 certified enterprises for international road transport, supervising over 3,800 consignments—a 1.1 times increase year-on-year—with more than 70 international routes opened across Central Asia, West Asia, and Europe. This development significantly improves the customs clearance process for international road cargo.