China

Intelligence for Better Decision Making

China Expands Embodied Intelligence Education to Address Robotics Talent Shortage

Dec. 4, 2025 | Demographics & Human Capital

China is accelerating its integration of artificial intelligence in higher education to address critical workforce shortages in humanoid robotics and related technologies.

**Chinese universities, including Beihang University, Zhejiang University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, are launching embodied intelligence majors to tackle this talent gap.**
At Shanghai Jiao Tong, Lu Cewu, co-founder of Noematrix, will lead an undergraduate program that blends academic rigor with industry expertise. These initiatives foster collaboration between academia and leading robotics and AI companies through partnerships and dedicated practicum centers, ensuring graduates enter the workforce ready to drive growth in this fast-expanding sector.

**Moreover, the government backs embodied intelligence—which merges AI with physical systems to create adaptive, interactive robots—as a strategic economic growth engine alongside quantum technology and 6G.**
Analysts project China’s embodied intelligence market will reach 400 billion yuan by 2030 and exceed 1 trillion yuan by 2035. In 2025, investors closed over 140 global financing events in this sector, with Chinese entities participating in more than 80 percent of deals, underscoring China’s position as an investment and development leader.

**Nevertheless, the sector faces a talent shortage of about one million professionals.**
Embodied intelligence roles command salaries well above average AI positions, reflecting the specialized skills required in robotics, AI algorithms, sensor integration, and mechanical design. Major technology firms such as ByteDance, Huawei, and Tencent aggressively recruit these experts to secure their competitive edge.

**To close this gap, universities are transforming fragmented, outdated programs into comprehensive, interdisciplinary offerings that blend AI, mechanical engineering, computer science, and electronics.**
They emphasize hands-on laboratories, industry internships, and project-based learning to bridge theory and practice. Universities establish practicum centers and partner with key industry players to co-design course content, mentor students, and provide on-site training, thereby aligning academic programs with workforce needs. These measures develop expertise in humanoid locomotion, perception systems, human–robot interaction, and embedded control—skills essential to sustaining China’s leading position in the global embodied intelligence market.

China Escalates Diplomatic Pushback Against Japan Over Taiwan and Military Policy

Dec. 4, 2025 | Geopolitics & Defense

China has lodged strong objections to recent Japanese statements and policies concerning Taiwan, accusing Tokyo of flouting post-war agreements and international law.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian condemned letters and remarks by Japan’s Permanent Representative to the UN and Prime Minister candidate Sanae Takaichi as “erroneous views and hypocritical lies.” He argued that Takaichi’s comments on Taiwan challenge the outcomes of World War II and the post-war international order, violate the UN Charter, and require Japan, as a defeated nation, to reflect on its obligations to China and the wider international community.

**Following this condemnation, China’s Permanent Representatives Fu Cong and Lin Jian sent successive letters to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, refuting Japan’s stated defense policies and demanding Tokyo clarify its “consistent position” on Taiwan as defined in the four political documents between China and Japan.**
Beijing rejected Japan’s attempt to distinguish between “exclusive defense” and “passive defense,” reaffirmed that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory, and warned that any external interference in the Taiwan Strait will prompt a firm response.

**Beijing also accuses Japan of reviving militarism through thirteen consecutive years of defense spending increases, relaxed arms export controls, development of strike and counterstrike capabilities, and discussions about revising its non-nuclear principles.**
China holds that these actions contravene the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, Japan’s own constitution, and Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, and represent unilateral efforts to alter the regional status quo against neighboring states’ wishes.

**Lin Jian further criticized Takaichi for linking Japan’s so-called “existential crisis” to a potential Taiwan contingency, saying it implied a threat of force against China and undercut Tokyo’s claim of a defense-only military posture.**
He also pointed to Japan’s own military expansions and reinterpretations of post-war commitments when Tokyo labels other countries’ defense buildups as coercive.

**These tensions surfaced at sea in the Diaoyu Dao area, where Chinese Coast Guard vessels expelled a Japanese fishing boat alleged to have entered Chinese waters illegally, underscoring Beijing’s assertion of control.**
Regional experts warn that Japan’s perceived militarist revival—including distributing defense white papers in elementary schools and strengthening ties with NATO—is escalating tensions and undermining security across Asia.

**Within Japan, Takaichi’s remarks have drawn criticism for straining Sino-Japanese relations and contradicting foundational agreements such as the 1972 Joint Statement.**
Emeritus Professor Hiroshi Onishi challenged the legality of invoking the Treaty of San Francisco to question Taiwan’s status, reaffirming that historic documents classify Taiwan as Chinese territory. In response to growing concerns, some Japanese politicians and business leaders have organized delegations to China, seeking to ease tensions and explore renewed engagement.

**China’s Foreign Ministry insists that Japan must withdraw Takaichi’s remarks and take concrete corrective steps to address ongoing provocations and historical distortions by right-wing forces.**
Beijing emphasizes that only by honoring its post-war commitments and upholding international obligations can Japan normalize ties with China and prevent further deterioration of bilateral relations.

Monitored Intelligence for China - Dec. 4, 2025

News
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277

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21

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Pak, China commence joint military drill

Express Tribune | English | News | Dec. 4, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

The Pakistan Army and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China have launched the ninth edition of their joint military exercise, Warrior-IX, beginning on December 1, 2025. This annual bilateral counterterrorism drill aims to enhance interoperability, improve professional skills, and facilitate the exchange of best practices in modern warfare.

The exercise underscores the longstanding defense cooperation and strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, emphasizing their mutual trust. Warrior-IX serves as a testament to their robust military-to-military relations and reaffirmation of their shared commitment to regional peace, stability, and security.

The opening ceremony took place at the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) in Pabbi, attended by senior military officials from both countries, including Pakistan’s Mangla Corps Commander and Major General Bian Xiaoming, Deputy Chief of Staff, Western Theatre Command, PLA.

China's major economic regions post strong foreign trade growth in first 10 months

Peoples Daily | English | News | Dec. 4, 2025 | UndeterminedTrade Issues and Numbers

In the first 10 months of 2025, China's major economic regions—the Yangtze River Delta, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region—posted strong foreign trade growth with a focus on higher quality development. The Yangtze River Delta recorded 14 trillion yuan ($1.98 trillion) in imports and exports, up 6 percent year on year, while the Greater Bay Area reported 7.52 trillion yuan and the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region 3.91 trillion yuan, marking seven consecutive months of growth for the latter. Private enterprises in the Yangtze River Delta handled 7.83 trillion yuan in trade, increasing 9.7 percent and comprising 55.9 percent of the region's total trade.

In the Greater Bay Area, electromechanical products dominated exports, accounting for nearly 70 percent of total exports with significant growth in electronic components and “new trio” products—electric vehicles, solar cells, and lithium-ion batteries—which grew by 19.5 percent and 32.2 percent, respectively. The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region maintained stable trade with over 240 countries and utilized pilot free trade zones and bonded zones to expand export capacity.

Experts attribute the resilience and strong trade performance to a structural upgrade in China’s role in the global industrial chain, shifting from traditional cost advantages to innovation-led development. High-end manufacturing and advanced industries such as aerospace, integrated circuits, and the “new trio” have driven competitiveness. The three regions benefit from strong policy support, improved resource allocation, and integration into global supply chains, contributing significantly to China’s overall foreign trade stability, GDP growth, employment, and foreign exchange earnings.

Each region pursues differentiated development strategies: the Yangtze River Delta focuses on sci-tech innovation and advanced manufacturing, the Greater Bay Area specializes in cross-border services and financial support, and the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region emphasizes coordination and institutional reform. This multi-pillar growth model enhances the resilience and sustainability of China’s economy by reducing dependence on any single region or product.

Hong Kong LegCo General Election to proceed as scheduled

Xinhua | English | News | Dec. 4, 2025 | UndeterminedPolitics and Elections

Hong Kong's Legislative Council (LegCo) General Election will proceed as scheduled on December 7, according to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government. Eight election forums are planned from December 4 to 5, where candidates will address support for recovery efforts following a recent residential fire in Tai Po. Polling stations in Tai Po will be rescheduled to accommodate fire-related disruptions.

Eric Chan, chief secretary for the HKSAR government, highlighted the importance of electing capable LegCo members for governance and reconstruction efforts after the Tai Po fire. The government commits to continuous support and follow-up for affected residents while stressing that holding the election as planned helps maintain social stability and supports post-disaster recovery.

Due to the fire, the planned Election Fun Day on December 6 has been canceled, with only informational activities to be maintained. Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, announced that three polling stations in Tai Po will be rearranged, and voters have been notified of their new polling locations and times.

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