China

Xinhua | English | News | Jan. 16, 2026 | UndeterminedTech Development/Adoption

China plans to expand its science and technology innovation hubs from single cities into larger regional clusters over the next decade to establish globally influential innovation centers by 2035. The expansion will incorporate the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region into Beijing's innovation hub, the entire Yangtze River Delta including Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui into Shanghai's hub, and maintain the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) as the third major cluster. This strategy marks a shift toward integrated regional coordination to enhance innovation capabilities, high-end industry leadership, and talent aggregation.

The innovation hubs in Beijing, Shanghai, and the GBA have already produced notable achievements and advanced manufacturing clusters. In 2024, their R&D intensities reached 6.58%, 4.35%, and 3.6%, respectively, ranking them as China’s top three innovation-driven regions. The GBA's Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster was ranked first on the World Intellectual Property Organization's 2025 Global Innovation Index, surpassing Japan's Tokyo-Yokohama cluster for the first time.

Enterprises such as JoyGovAI, an IT service provider from Chengdu, have expanded operations within these hubs to leverage the cluster effect for resource sharing, innovation cost reduction, and faster R&D cycles. This cluster effect is expected to accelerate the commercialization of technologies and help integrate technological innovation with industrial advancement. The Ministry of Science and Technology prioritizes fostering integration, enhancing enterprises as key innovators, and supporting a modern industrial system over the next five years.

Yicai Global | English | News | Jan. 16, 2026 | UndeterminedBizdev-Partnering

Ronbay New Energy Technology has secured a lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) cathode materials order worth CNY120 billion (USD17.2 billion) from Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL). The company will supply 3.05 million tons of LFP cathode materials to CATL's factories in China and provide related services from the first quarter of 2026 through 2030. Ronbay and its subsidiaries will also have priority involvement in CATL’s new projects and product development.

Ronbay plans to develop capacity, product development, and production operation plans aligned with CATL's global battery manufacturing needs. The company highlighted that the declining cost of renewable energy, combined with growing electricity demand fueled by artificial intelligence development, will drive significant growth in energy storage battery applications, creating a large market for LFP cathode materials.

Following the announcement, the Shanghai Stock Exchange requested that Ronbay provide additional explanations within 24 hours regarding the handling of this large order and conduct a self-examination for potential insider trading or other regulatory violations. The exchange also asked for details on any undisclosed capacity expansions or asset acquisitions and how the order value was estimated. As a result, trading of Ronbay shares was suspended to allow time for the company’s response.

Ronbay had previously focused on ternary lithium battery cathode materials before shifting to large-scale LFP cathode material operations in 2025. In November 2025, Ronbay also became CATL's main supplier of sodium-ion battery cathode materials.

CNBC | English | News | Jan. 16, 2026 | UndeterminedInvestor Sentiment

Gold and silver experienced significant price rallies in 2025, with gold rising about 65% and silver increasing around 150%. These precious metals have continued to climb into early 2026, driven by factors such as supply constraints, geopolitical tensions, and concerns over central bank independence. Gold recently hit record highs above $4,600 an ounce, while silver surpassed the $90 mark, reflecting strong investor demand amid growing uncertainties.

A key driver behind the rising prices is "resource nationalism," where countries like the U.S. and China seek greater control over critical resources. China imposed export controls on silver in December 2025, limiting supply for manufacturing sectors heavily reliant on the metal. The U.S. has responded by attempting to restrict resources flowing to China, such as Venezuelan oil, increasing geopolitical risks that underpin precious metal demand. Industry experts expect this dynamic to continue, especially ahead of a potential April meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping that may address export restrictions.

Analysts predict gold could reach $5,000 per ounce and silver could surpass $100 this year, supported by ongoing geopolitical instability and physical shortages, particularly in silver. Silver is essential for various industries including electronics, electric vehicles, and renewables, making it critical for industrial production in Western economies. The price discrepancy between silver trading in Shanghai and Western markets points to increased demand and tighter supplies, which may push prices even higher.

Additional factors supporting precious metals include concerns over the independence of the U.S. Federal Reserve after an investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell, which has increased gold's appeal as a safe-haven asset and inflation hedge. Central bankers globally have shown solidarity with Powell, but uncertainty remains. Economic issues such as U.S. budget deficits, expectations of lower interest rates, and sustained geopolitical tensions further bolster the outlook for gold and silver prices in 2026.