AI Regulation & Society: China’s new rules banning AI “emotional dependency” have forced major chatbots to remove companion features, leaving users posting goodbye messages after years of virtual relationships. AI Race & Finance: DeepSeek is reportedly planning another fundraising round at about 500 billion yuan ($74b) and is weighing a mainland IPO, underscoring how fast AI competition is turning into a capital race. Anti-Corruption: China’s top graft watchdog has opened an investigation into former China Development Bank president Ouyang Weimin. UK-China Tensions (British Steel): Jingye Group demands compensation after the UK nationalized British Steel, warning it will pursue arbitration and arguing the move damaged investor trust. Global AI Outreach: A UN Economic Commission for Africa official says China-Africa AI cooperation is helping bridge the digital divide, with governance and data ownership high on the agenda at WAIC in Shanghai. Trade Pressure in Europe: France and Germany are pushing for a Franco-German roadmap to respond to China’s “unfair trade practices,” including subsidies and currency concerns. Retail & Local Economy: SM Prime is expanding in China’s Fujian with a new “neo-urban” CHAO Block concept aimed at younger shoppers and longer operating hours. Environment & Resilience: UN desertification experts visited Inner Mongolia to study a low-cost grassland restoration method using willow barriers and mixed seeding. Disaster Watch: Rescuers continue after a deadly landslide in Chongqing, with reports of multiple deaths and dozens missing.