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China sets trial ethics rules for AI science and technology activities

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and nine other departments have issued the ‘Measures for AI science and technology ethics review and services (Trial)’, setting out rules on scope, support measures, implementing bodies, working procedures, supervision, and legal responsibility.

The text says the measures are intended to regulate ethics governance for AI science and technology activities and to support fair, just, safe, and responsible innovation.

The measures apply to AI scientific research, technology development, and other science and technology activities carried out in China that may raise ethics risks relating to human dignity, public order, life and health, the ecological environment, or sustainable development.

The text states that ethics requirements should run through the whole process of AI activities and lists principles including promoting human well-being, respecting life and rights, fairness and justice, reasonable risk control, openness and transparency, privacy and security protection, and controllability and trustworthiness.

On support measures, the document calls for improving the AI ethics standards system, including international, national, industry, and group standards. It also calls for stronger risk monitoring, testing, assessment, certification, and consulting services, more support for small and micro enterprises, work on ethics review research and technical innovation, the orderly opening of high-quality datasets, development of risk assessment and audit tools, public education, and ethics-related talent training.

The measures state that universities, research institutions, medical and health institutions, enterprises, and other entities engaged in AI science and technology activities are responsible for ethics review management within their own organisations and should establish AI science and technology ethics committees.

Local authorities and relevant departments may also establish specialised ethics review and service centres that provide review, re-examination, training, and consulting services on commission, but may not both review and re-examine the same AI activity.

The text sets out application and review procedures, including general, simplified, expert re-examination, and emergency procedures. It says review should focus on human well-being, fairness and justice, controllability and trustworthiness, transparency and explainability, traceability of responsibility, and privacy protection. Review decisions are to be made within 30 days after acceptance, subject to extension in complex cases. An emergency review is generally completed within 72 hours.

The measures also provide for expert re-examination of listed activities. The attached list covers human-machine integrated systems with a strong influence on human behaviour, psychological emotions, or health; algorithmic models, applications, and systems with the capacity for social mobilisation or guidance of social consciousness; and highly autonomous automated decision systems used in scenarios involving safety or health risks. The text says the list will be adjusted dynamically as needed.

The document further states that violations may be investigated and handled under laws, including the Cybersecurity Law, the Data Security Law, the Personal Information Protection Law, and the Science and Technology Progress Law. According to the text, the measures take effect upon issuance.

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China sets standards for AI ethics review and algorithm accountability

The introduction of new AI ethics guidelines by China signals a structured attempt to formalise governance frameworks for rapidly expanding AI systems.

Coordinated by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China and multiple state bodies, the policy integrates ethical oversight directly into technological development processes.

A central feature of the framework is the emphasis on operationalising ethical principles such as fairness, accountability, and human well-being through technical review mechanisms.

By focusing on data selection, algorithmic design, and system architecture, the guidelines move towards embedding ethical safeguards at the development stage and protecting intellectual property rights in AI ethics review technologies.

Such an approach reflects a broader shift towards anticipatory governance, where risks such as bias, discrimination, and algorithmic manipulation are addressed before deployment.

A policy by China that also highlights the role of infrastructure in ethical governance, including the development of auditing tools, risk assessment systems, and curated datasets.

Scenario-based evaluation mechanisms indicate an effort to tailor oversight to specific use cases, recognising that AI risks vary significantly across sectors. Instead of relying solely on static compliance rules, the framework promotes adaptive governance aligned with technological complexity.

Ultimately, the outcome is a governance model that seeks to maintain technological competitiveness while addressing societal risks, contributing to wider global debates on how states can regulate AI systems without constraining their development.

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China guidelines reshape e-commerce growth and digital trade strategy

New guidelines issued by China reflect an effort to reposition e-commerce as a structural driver of economic development rather than a purely consumer-facing sector.

Coordinated by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, the policy links digital expansion with broader industrial strategy, aiming to integrate online platforms more deeply into manufacturing, supply chains, and regional economies.

A central policy objective is to extend the benefits of digital commerce to small and medium-sized enterprises and rural regions, where barriers to market access have historically limited growth.

By promoting industrial digitalisation and technological innovation, China seeks to enhance productivity and improve the quality of consumption, while reducing structural inequalities between urban and rural economies.

Instead of focusing solely on platform growth, the approach prioritises systemic economic transformation.

Internationally, China’s framework emphasises cross-border e-commerce and closer alignment with global digital trade rules, signalling an intention to expand participation in global markets while shaping emerging regulatory standards.

Initiatives linked to transnational digital trade corridors further indicate an effort to combine economic openness with strategic influence in rule-setting processes.

Regulatory measures form a parallel pillar of the policy, with clearer platform responsibilities and stronger oversight intended to balance innovation with accountability.

Combined with investments in data utilisation, financial support, and workforce development, the guidelines illustrate a governance model where the state actively structures digital markets to serve long-term economic and policy objectives.

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China advances new power grid strategy to support clean energy transition

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for accelerated development of a new-type power grid, positioning energy infrastructure reform as central to China’s long-term economic and environmental strategy.

Instead of incremental upgrades, the approach emphasises systemic transformation, linking energy security with decarbonisation and industrial modernisation.

Policy direction highlights the optimisation of the national energy structure through expanded deployment of renewable technologies, particularly solar power.

Continued investment in research and development is framed as essential for overcoming technical constraints and enabling large-scale adoption. The integration of AI into manufacturing and energy systems reflects a broader push towards industrial upgrading and efficiency gains.

The proposed power grid model prioritises resilience, flexibility, and low-carbon performance, indicating a shift towards more adaptive and digitally enabled infrastructure.

Such reforms in China aim to balance rising energy demand with sustainability goals, while reducing dependence on traditional energy sources. The emphasis on smart systems suggests increasing reliance on data-driven governance within the energy sector.

Beyond energy, the policy narrative connects infrastructure development with water management and agricultural modernisation, reinforcing a whole-of-system governance approach.

Long-term impact will depend on implementation capacity, regulatory coordination, and the ability to align technological deployment with environmental and economic objectives instead of isolated sectoral reforms.

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EU delegation in China calls for sustainable e-commerce and safety standards

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) completed a visit to Beijing and Shanghai to address pressing e-commerce challenges affecting the European single market.

The delegation studied local business models and market supervision frameworks, engaging with Chinese regulators, e-commerce platforms, and the EU company representatives.

The discussions highlighted the surge of parcels from China, which now account for 91% of small shipments to Europe, and the resulting pressures on fair competition.

MEPs stressed that regulatory compliance must be consistent across all operators, ensuring consumer protection is not compromised by disparities in market practices or enforcement gaps.

The delegation urged representatives of e-commerce platforms to implement preventive measures, reinforcing accountability in areas such as product safety, customs compliance, and the removal of unsafe goods from the market.

MEPs underscored that these standards are essential to maintaining a sustainable and secure e-commerce environment for European citizens.

The visit, the first in eight years, demonstrated the EU’s commitment to safeguarding consumer rights, strengthening international cooperation, and ensuring digital commerce evolves in a manner that is fair, transparent, and safe for all citizens.

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World Data Organisation launches in Beijing to advance global data governance

The World Data Organisation was formally established in Beijing on 30 March 2026, as the first professional international body focused on global data development and governance. The organisation aims to operate as a non-governmental, non-profit platform for dialogue, rule-making, and international collaboration.

The WDO has three stated goals: bridging the data divide, unlocking data’s value, and powering the digital economy. These priorities are intended to reduce disparities in digital capacity between developed and developing countries.

Global data use has become central to addressing challenges such as poverty reduction, public health, climate change, and AI development. Disparities persist, with digitally deliverable services accounting for over 60% of service exports in advanced economies but only 15% in least developed countries.

China’s digital infrastructure has advanced rapidly, with 4.8 million 5G base stations built by the end of 2025, and computing power ranked second globally. Officials said platforms like the WDO and UN will help shape international data governance, promote cooperation, and support secure cross-border data flows.

The WDO seeks to safeguard countries’ rights to develop data while respecting privacy, security, and enterprise interests. By 2030, it is expected to become a globally influential platform and a trusted hub in international data governance.

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New China rules broaden 2026 agricultural census and tighten data controls

China has revised its regulation on the national agricultural census ahead of the country’s fourth such survey, with the updated rules due to take effect on 1 May 2026. According to the reported summary, Premier Li Qiang signed a State Council decree publishing the revised regulation.

The changes expand the scope of the agricultural census to include rural industrial development and village construction, alongside more traditional measures of agricultural activity. New data-collection methods, including remote sensing, have also been added to the framework.

Stronger data-quality controls form another part of the revision. The updated regulation introduces a post-census spot-check system and sets out confidentiality obligations for census personnel involved in the process.

Penalties for data falsification have also been tightened. The revised rules say people found to have fabricated or manipulated statistics may face heavier sanctions, including higher fines and possible criminal prosecution.

The fourth national agricultural census aims to provide an updated picture of agricultural development, rural construction, farmers’ living standards, and the outcomes of rural reform in China. Areas listed for coverage include agricultural production conditions, grain output, new quality productive forces in agriculture, rural development, and the living conditions of rural residents.

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VTC expands AI training across all programmes in Hong Kong

The Vocational Training Council (VTC) has introduced an ‘AI for All’ strategy to integrate AI training across its programmes, aiming to support Hong Kong’s ambition to strengthen its innovation and technology sector.

The initiative aligns with broader policy priorities, including the ‘AI Plus’ approach outlined in national planning frameworks and Hong Kong’s budget, which emphasise integrating AI across industries while addressing a shortage of skilled professionals.

Under the ‘AI+Professional’ model, all Higher Diploma students are required to study IT modules covering prompt engineering, generative AI, and AI ethics and security, with training adapted to disciplines such as engineering, design, and information technology.

The council has also partnered with technology companies through memorandums of understanding. It provides ongoing training for employees in government and industry, while offering internal AI tools and a ‘Virtual Tutor’ platform to support teaching and learning.

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Europe boosts AI, talent and investment to compete with US and China

Efforts to strengthen technological competitiveness in Europe focus on advancing AI capabilities, developing new forms of talent and improving access to investment.

Discussions at the CTx Tech Experience in Seville highlighted a growing consensus that innovation must scale more effectively if the region is to compete globally.

Participants emphasised that Europe continues to face structural challenges, including fragmented markets, regulatory complexity and limited capital for high-growth companies.

These constraints have made it more difficult for startups to expand, prompting calls for stronger coordination between public institutions and private investors.

AI is increasingly viewed as the foundation of the transformation. Industry leaders pointed to the emergence of new business opportunities driven by AI, alongside the need to translate innovation into scalable commercial outcomes.

At the same time, labour market dynamics are shifting towards hybrid skillsets that combine technical expertise with business understanding and critical thinking.

In such a context, strengthening Europe’s innovation capacity is seen as essential to competing with global powers such as the US and China.

As technological competition intensifies, the ability to align talent, capital and policy frameworks will play a decisive role in shaping the region’s position within the global digital economy.

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China approves world-first brain chip to treat paralysis

China has approved a groundbreaking brain implant designed to help people with severe paralysis regain hand movement, marking the first time such a brain–computer interface (BCI) has been authorised for use beyond clinical trials. The device, developed by Shanghai-based Neuracle Medical Technology, targets patients aged 18 to 60 whose paralysis is caused by spinal cord injuries in the neck.

The approval, granted by China’s National Medical Products Administration, is being described as a major milestone in the field of neurotechnology. Experts note that effective treatments for spinal cord injuries remain extremely limited, making advances in BCI technology particularly significant for patients with little hope of recovery.

The device, called NEO, works by detecting brain signals when a person imagines moving their hand. These signals are transmitted to a computer, decoded, and then used to control a soft robotic glove. With this system, patients can perform everyday tasks such as grasping objects, eating, and drinking, activities that were previously impossible for them.

Early results from trials are promising. Researchers report that one patient, after nine months of use, regained the ability to eat and drink independently. Overall, 32 participants who received the implant were able to perform grasping movements with the robotic glove, showing measurable improvements in hand function.

Unlike some competing technologies, NEO is considered minimally invasive. The coin-sized implant is embedded in the skull rather than inserted deep into the brain, which may have contributed to its faster approval. Other companies, including Elon Musk’s Neuralink, are still conducting clinical trials for more invasive devices.

While experts say the technology appears safe and effective, they caution that the number of tested patients remains small. Even so, the approval represents a significant step forward, potentially opening the door to wider use of brain-computer interfaces in restoring lost motor functions.

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