Several individuals have been administratively punished for cyberbullying a village Party secretary in Central China's Hunan Province after spreading rumors about her wearing "gold earrings" while engaged in flood relief work, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Tuesday, citing China's Ministry of Public Security.

According to the report, Shimen County in Hunan Province was recently hit by heavy rainfall. A village cadre remained on the front line of flood control and disaster relief for several consecutive days, going door to door to alert residents, organizing evacuations, arranging temporary shelter, and delivering supplies. Her dedication moved many netizens.

However, while society was rallying to support disaster-relief efforts, a small number of netizens made groundless accusations against her because of the accessories she wore during an interview. They speculated that "the earrings weigh two liang (about 100 grams)," and posted belittling and mocking comments such as "ordinary rural women can't afford gold earrings" and "it would be more touching if she donated the earrings." Their actions interfered with flood relief efforts and created a highly negative impact, according to the Xinhua report.

Public security and cyber security authorities moved swiftly to investigate the case and handled 15 incidents of cyberbullying in accordance with the law. A 44-year-old man surnamed Qin, and a 45-year-old man surnamed Wei, among others, were given administrative penalties in accordance with the law, per Xinhua.

The cyber security department of the public security authorities said it will continue its "Clean Internet" campaign, focusing on tackling prominent online problems such as cyberbullying, online trolls, and online rumors, while cracking down on related illegal and criminal activities to safeguard the lawful rights and interests of the public and maintain order in cyberspace.

In response to the "reciprocity " cited by the US Department of State regarding media-related issues, Mao Ning, spokesperson of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, criticized the US's professed commitment to freedom of speech and urged Washington to implement common understandings through concrete measures to ensure Chinese journalists' lawful right to work and reside normally in the US.

At the press briefing on Wednesday, when asked to comment on a spokesperson of the US State Department claiming that the current US administration has a firm commitment to freedom of speech, and would not accept China's continued lack of reciprocity in treating US media, alleging China has long imposed restrictions on US journalists and other foreign journalists in China, Mao said the US is the one that caused the media issue. Since the two sides reached the three common understandings on this issue, China has implemented them in their entirety, and has facilitated US journalists' reporting in China in ways such as visa approvals, whereas Chinese journalists' reporting right has been severely curbed. 

Hardly any Chinese journalists are allowed to raise questions at the White House briefings. Their applications for visa or residence permits are often delayed without explanation. Multiple journalists have been forced to return to China. Chinese journalists' applications for short-term reporting rarely get approved, Mao said. 

Mao asked, " Is that what the US side means by "reciprocity"?"

Mao said that the US side keeps emphasizing freedom of speech., But when Chinese media are labeled "foreign agent" or "foreign mission" in the US, does that look like freedom of speech to the US side?

"What the US side should do is to implement the common understandings with real actions and ensure that Chinese journalists can work and stay normally in the US, which is their lawful right," Mao said. 

A cutting-edge artificially intelligent (AI) military device, named "robotic mastiff," made its debut at this year's China (Beijing) Military Intelligent Technology Expo. A Chinese military affairs expert said that such robotic mastiff serves as an extra pair of "eyes" for frontline combat personnel, allowing them to detect threats and conditions in otherwise inaccessible areas maximizing battlefield effectiveness.

A major strength of the robotic mastiff lies in its open base, which can be fitted with a wide range of equipment. Depending on its size, the robotic mastiff can be divided into two types. The smaller one, named the "Ying'ao," can be equipped with machine guns, reconnaissance devices, and self-detonation gear, according to CCTV News.

Built for stealth surveillance, behind-enemy-line infiltration and silent mobility, it conducts detection and reconnaissance across visible light, infrared and laser spectrums, and performs well in complex terrains such as mountainous areas and wilderness.

The larger one, called the "Tie'ao," can carry an integrated fire platform for surveillance and strike, transport containers, and rocket launchers. It supports wide-range firing up to 240 degrees and is capable of autonomous pursuit, undertaking missions such as forward assault and fire support, the report said. 

Chinese military affairs expert Song Zhongping told the Global Times on Friday that the robotic mastiff is capable of performing high-risk, arduous combat missions, demonstrating advantages in counter-terrorism operations and street battles in traditional warfare. Powered by AI, it can autonomously detect and engage targets, which is its core operational strength, he added.

Operating in coordination with combat personnel, it also enables precision strikes against hostile targets, extending operational reach and enhancing battlefield precision, Song said, adding that the equipment is specifically deployed to neutralize hardened fortified positions and point targets that are difficult to defeat through conventional means.

In addition to size-based classification, the robotic mastiff also comes in wheeled and quadrupedal forms. The wheeled-legged version is designed for speed, excelling at pursuit missions on flat, open terrain, while the quadruped one offers superior accessibility, enabling it to navigate buildings and obstacle-strewn terrain.

Such robotic mastiff will be integrated into future system‑of‑system combat operations, forming a closed operational loop encompassing group control, coordinated engagement, task allocation, autonomous situational awareness, autonomous task distribution, and mission execution, CCTV News, citing exhibitors, reported.

In counter-terrorism and street combat scenarios, battlefields feature extensive visual blind spots, with complex terrains that are inaccessible and risky for infantry personnel, Song said, adding that therefore AI-powered robotic mastiff effectively serve as "eyes" for ground troops, endowing them with auxiliary surveillance and strike capabilities to detect visual and acoustic cues.

CCTV News also reported that all types of unmanned equipment are expected to achieve collaborative operations within a unified command system.

By leveraging artificial intelligence to operate alongside the robotic mastiff, our forces can achieve maximum battlefield effect while minimizing casualties, Song said.

AI-related topics are among the highlights of this year's Shangri-La Dialogue. On Saturday afternoon, Meng Xiangqing, the head of China's delegation to the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) responded to questions on AI development during a parallel session and said that China stresses that the final decision-making authority over weapon systems must remain in human hands, and that it opposes the development and use of lethal intelligent weapons that lack human control.

Meng said that, historically, every major scientific and technological invention has had two significant impacts on human society: on the one hand, it has brought tremendous development; on the other, it may also bring enormous disasters.

Speaking about the impact of AI on warfare, Meng said several military conflicts in recent years have profoundly reflected the influence of AI, while also showing, to a considerable extent, a more dangerous trend in the militarized use of AI. For example, various large models are playing an increasingly important role in decision-making, meaning AI is providing support for war-related decisions.

As a responsible major country, China has played an active role in managing emerging technologies. In his remarks before the interactive session, Meng said it is important to actively manage the risks of emerging technologies and prevent a "rules vacuum" in the military field. Allowing algorithms to control matters of life and death could very likely lead to technological loss of control, and even turn scenes from the US film The Terminator into reality. At all times, the control of war and relevant weapon systems must be firmly kept in human hands, he said.

China has submitted a position paper on regulating the military application of artificial intelligence under the framework of the UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, and supports reaching a legally binding international instrument when conditions are mature, said Meng.

When asked to comment on claims by Benjamin Leon, the US Ambassador to Spain, that China is starting to penetrate into critical areas and Spain must be really careful about this, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Spain said on Thursday that the US Ambassador to Spain has made groundless accusations and smears against China and Chinese companies, and arbitrarily meddled in China-Spain cooperation, and China firmly rejects such erroneous claims.

The spokesperson made the remarks when also asked to comment on the US ambassador's claims that China aims to secure dominance in critical technologies through enterprises including Huawei which pose "an unacceptable risk" ⁠to US national security, and claims that China uses unfair trade practices and economic coercion to expand its strategic influence.

The Chinese Embassy spokesperson stated that China and Spain are both sovereign, independent countries. Bilateral cooperation is always based on the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. It is a choice made by the two countries for their own interests, serves the fundamental and long-term interests of both peoples, targets no third party, and will not be subject to outside interference or restrictions. In fact, the deepening of friendly cooperation between China and Spain has received strong support from all walks of life in both nations, the spokesperson added.

"China has always championed open cooperation in science and technology based on mutual respect, fairness, equality and non-discrimination. Chinese firms such as Huawei have operated in Spain in full compliance with local laws and regulations for years, fulfilled social responsibilities, and contributed greatly to local economic and social progress. Arrogance, prejudice and arbitrary labeling can solve no problems and will only harm all parties concerned," the spokesperson continued.

The international community is clear about which country is bent on erecting technological barriers, building a "small yard with high fences," pushing for decoupling and severing industrial and supply chains, and abusing tools such as tariffs, export controls, long-arm jurisdiction and unilateral sanctions, the spokesperson said. 

The allegations against Chinese enterprises by the US Ambassador to Spain are totally unfounded in terms of technology and facts, and represent nothing but blatant anti-China political manipulation, according to the embassy spokesperson.

"We hope the US Ambassador to Spain will earnestly implement the important consensuses between the two heads of state, do more that are conducive to boosting mutual trust, and stop making reckless comments and hyping up the so-called 'China threat'," the spokesperson said.

Multiple regions across China on Sunday issued red alerts for rainstorms as heavy, prolonged torrential rain continued to batter the southern and central parts of China, which has resulted in flash flooding, landslides and mudslides. In particular, torrential rain in Southwest China's Chongqing has resulted in three deaths and at least 19 people missing, media reported on Sunday. 

An extreme rainstorm hit Chongqing's Yongchuan district from late Saturday to early Sunday morning, with rainfall in the Chashan Zhuhai community in the district reaching 296.6 millimeters from 2 am to 4 am and peak hourly rainfall of 103.6 millimeters. The sudden downpour had left three dead and 17 people missing as of 2:30 pm on Sunday, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Sunday. 

In addition, two people were also unaccounted for after the rain lashed Beibei district in the municipality, according to the Xinhua News Agency. 

Following the flooding, the flood control and drought relief headquarters at both the municipal and district levels in Chongqing swiftly activated emergency response measures, with over 400 personnel from public security, emergency response, and fire services deployed to the scene for rescue and emergency operations. 

Rescue operations were still underway at full scale as of press time. A total of 168 people have been evacuated and 82 have been relocated and resettled in emergency response efforts, CCTV reported. 

After consultation and risk assessment, the Chongqing flood control and drought relief headquarters decided to upgrade to a Level-I flood control emergency response at the city level in the Yongchuan district starting at 2 pm on Sunday. 

According to the municipal hydrological monitoring center, heavy rainfall has pushed water levels above warning marks at 37 monitoring stations on 22 small and medium-sized rivers across Chongqing, per CCTV. 

China's Ministry of Water Resources and the China Meteorological Administration jointly issued a red alert for flash flood disasters, forecasting very high risks of flash floods (red alert) in localized areas in western Anhui Province and eastern Hubei Province from 8 pm on Sunday to 8 pm on Monday, while other regions, including western Zhejiang, western and southern Anhui, northeastern Jiangxi, and eastern Hubei have a high risk of flash floods (orange alert) triggered by short-duration intense rainfall, China Central Television reported on Sunday.

In Central China's Hubei Province, the meteorological authority in Wuhan city issued a red rainstorm alert on Sunday morning, warning of over 100 millimeters of rainfall within three hours in some areas and risks of urban and rural waterlogging and geological disasters, and flooding in small and medium-sized rivers, and advising the suspension of public gatherings, classes, and business activities, the Hubei Daily reported on Sunday. 

This is the second red alert for rainstorms issued by Wuhan within a week, following another red alert released on the evening of May 18. Statistics show that Wuhan has issued a total of 14 rainstorm warnings over the past week, according to the Hubei Daily. 

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday that claims of "Taiwan independence" separatists are "not worth commenting on," stressing that Chinese military activities have always been in line with international law and practice. 

Mao made the remarks when asked to comment on claims made by Taiwan regional authorities that the Chinese mainland deployed more than 100 vessels last week in waters stretching from the Yellow Sea to the South China Sea, with some reportedly near South Korea, Japan and the Philippines.

In her response, Mao also pointed out that China has always been a constructive force in safeguarding regional peace and stability.

The latest data shows that Japan's defense spending in 2025 increased by 9.7 percent, with both the total amount and its share of GDP reaching record highs, while arms imports surged 76 percent over the past five years. Despite defense spending having risen for 14 consecutive years, right-wing forces in Japan are still clamoring for further increases in military expenditure. This once again shows that Japan is peeling away the disguise of its so-called "peaceful nation" layer by layer and steadily moving down the wrong path of "neo-militarism," Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a regular press conference on Friday.

Guo's remarks were made when asked to comment on reports that Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has proposed a draft recommendation calling for higher defense spending targets, citing countries whose defense expenditures account for 3 to 3.5 percent of GDP as references, while Japan only surpassed the 2 percent threshold last year. Meanwhile, sales revenue from defense related businesses among Japan's major military industrial companies has also risen sharply in recent years.

Guo said that a series of documents with full force under international law, including the Potsdam Declaration and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, clearly stipulated that Japan must be "completely disarmed" and must not maintain industries which would re-arm it for war. 

Japan's Constitution also made strict restrictions on the country's military forces, the right of belligerency and the right to war, while a series of related laws established principles such as "exclusively defense-oriented policy."

The military-industrial complex was one of the key driving forces behind Japanese militarism's hijacking of the state and its path toward expansion and aggression in history, Guo said.

"Today, however, right-wing forces in Japan are pushing for surging defense spending and loosening restrictions on exports of lethal weapons, once again supporting the development of the military industry, and even attempting to turn it into an economic pillar to facilitate military expansion and war preparations and serve the process of remilitarization," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson urged Asia-Pacific countries to remain highly vigilant against and firmly oppose Japan's reckless moves toward "neo-militarism," and jointly safeguard peace and order in the Asia-Pacific region.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on Tuesday night for a state visit to China.

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Putin is visiting China from May 19 to 20. This is Putin's 25th visit to China. The two presidents will exchange views on bilateral relations, cooperation in various fields, and international and regional issues of mutual interest, according to China's foreign ministry.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination and the 25th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation.

The two sides will take this opportunity to continue deepening and elevating relations between China and Russia, so as to inject more stability and positive energy into the world, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said.

China stands ready to work with the US to translate the new vision into actions in the same direction and jointly work for a steady, sound and sustainable development of China-US relations, Guo Jiakun, spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry, said on Thursday. 

A Reuters reporter said that President Xi talked about a new positioning in ties with the US and also he said both leaders agree that building a constructive and strategically stable relation will guide ties in the next three years and beyond. The reporter asked if the spokesperson could elaborate on the new positioning in ties. 

President Xi Jinping and President Trump held talks this morning. Both sides agreed on a new vision of building a constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability. This will provide strategic guidance for China-US relations over the next three years and beyond, Guo said. 

"Constructive strategic stability" means positive stability with cooperation as the mainstay, healthy stability with competition within proper limits, constant stability with manageable differences, and lasting stability with expectable peace, Guo noted.

In response to a second question about Taiwan question mentioned by the Chinese leader, Guo said that President Xi Jinping noted during the talks with President Trump, the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations. If it is handled properly, the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability. Otherwise, the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy. 

"Taiwan independence" and cross-Strait peace are as irreconcilable as fire and water. Safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is the biggest common denominator between China and the US. The US side must exercise extra caution in handling the Taiwan question, Guo said.