China

老油田书写能源新答卷

Guangming Daily | Local Language | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | UndeterminedEnergy Prices

On December 3, 2025, the Gulong continental shale oil demonstration area in Daqing surpassed an annual production of one million tons, marking a significant milestone in the large-scale, efficient exploitation of shale oil. The development started in 2021 with a production of 15,000 tons, steadily increasing each year through technical breakthroughs and independent innovation, positioning Gulong shale oil as a strategic resource to enhance China's national energy security.

Daqing Oilfield overcame major challenges unique to Gulong shale oil, such as high clay content and complex geological characteristics that made conventional fracturing methods ineffective. Initial attempts to apply North American fracturing technology failed, leading the team to develop their own exclusive fracturing process tailored to local conditions. This indigenous process, which includes using higher-quality desert quartz sand, has enabled stable production and improved efficiency while controlling costs.

The development of Gulong shale oil embodies the enduring "Daqing spirit" of perseverance and innovation, with drilling teams setting regional records despite difficult strata. Single wells have achieved notable stable outputs, and year-one production declines have been more favorable than those in North America. The project plans to expand beyond the current Q9 oil layer to deeper reserves with three-dimensional multi-layer fracturing, addressing complex engineering challenges for coordinated fracture network development.

Looking forward, Daqing Oilfield aims to increase annual shale oil production to 3 million tons by the end of the 15th Five-Year Plan and 5 million tons by the end of the 16th Five-Year Plan. Continued technological breakthroughs and resource development will support the goal of building a century-old oilfield and contributing to China's energy security. The company emphasizes unwavering dedication to overcoming technical bottlenecks and maximizing resource potential as part of its national mission.

【好评中国】超500万件！中国创新彰显发展底气

China Daily | Local Language | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | UndeterminedTech Development/Adoption

China has surpassed 5 million domestically valid invention patents, becoming the first country to do so, and has led the world in PCT international patent applications for six consecutive years. This milestone reflects significant advancements in scientific and technological innovation, which form a key foundation of China's "15th Five-Year" plan aimed at accelerating self-reliance and strengthening productive forces through high-level scientific development.

The rapid progress in innovation is closely linked to strengthened intellectual property (IP) protection, which encourages investment and risk-taking by innovators. Over the past five years, efforts have focused on converting patent stock, particularly from universities and research institutions, into practical applications, establishing coordination mechanisms among industry, academia, and research, and creating a favorable innovation environment. By mid-2025, China achieved 15.3 high-value invention patents per 10,000 people, exceeding the previous five-year plan's target ahead of schedule.

China's technological breakthroughs now include global leadership in 5G patents, major space missions such as "Chang'e" and "Tianwen," and the expansion of advanced high-speed rail technology. The country's smart vehicle industry is also entering overseas markets, showcasing deep cultivation in core fields of science and technology. These achievements demonstrate China's growing capability to overcome technological barriers and lead in innovation.

Looking forward, China emphasizes the need to continue pursuing core technologies through focused research, strategic planning of future industries, optimizing the innovation ecosystem, and providing adequate support and respect for scientific talent. This approach aims to convert scientific and technological innovation from quantitative growth to qualitative improvements, enhancing industrial development, national strength, and public welfare, thereby securing China's long-term development confidence.

Caixin | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | Political Scandal or Corruption

A Chinese court sentenced Sun Yuning, former deputy head of the General Administration of Customs, to 13 years in prison for bribery. In addition to the prison term, Sun was fined 4 million yuan ($551,700).

The court found that Sun had illegally accepted property and funds totaling over 50.72 million yuan. This case is part of a broader anticorruption campaign targeting senior officials within China's trade and border control sectors.