China Used to Be a Cash Cow for Western Companies. Now It’s a Test Lab.

The launch of ChatGPT three years ago marked a significant moment in the AI landscape, initially positioning the United States as a frontrunner. However, recent developments indicate a dramatic shift, with China advancing in open-source AI models while Europe is retracting its regulatory ambitions, leading to concerns about the quality of AI-generated content.

China's official factory gauge showed a slight increase in November, indicating stronger production and demand, although it has remained in contraction for the eighth consecutive month. This suggests a modest improvement in manufacturing activity despite ongoing challenges in the sector.

England Women achieved a resounding 8-0 victory over China at Wembley, highlighted by Georgia Stanway's hat-trick and a double from Beth Mead, alongside goals from Lauren Hemp, Ella Toone, and Alessia Russo. This match marked a significant improvement in England's scoring ability, reminiscent of their previous heavy win against Jamaica before the Euros.

Russia and China are notably absent from the escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, as President Trump intensifies pressure on Nicolás Maduro, warning of potential military action. This situation reflects a shift in the so-called 'Axis of Authoritarianism,' which is currently preoccupied with the ongoing war in Ukraine and trade negotiations.

A devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po, Hong Kong, has resulted in at least 128 fatalities, with around 200 individuals still unaccounted for. The city has begun a three-day mourning period, marked by a moment of silence led by city leader John Lee and senior officials, as families search hospitals for their missing loved ones.

Up to 1,000 women are currently on death row across at least 42 countries, with many facing execution despite circumstances such as child abuse and coercion being overlooked. The highest rates of execution for women are reported in China, Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, according to a 2023 report by the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty.

A record 3.7 million people in China are set to take the national civil service exam this weekend, reflecting a growing trend among Chinese workers to seek stable employment in the public sector amid economic uncertainty. The exam will be the first since the government raised the age limits for candidates, allowing more individuals to participate in the competitive process.