AI Infrastructure Push: China is preparing a 2 trillion yuan ($295B) nationwide network of interconnected AI data centers over five years, with state firms leading buildout and a push for at least 80% domestic tech, signaling a direct challenge to U.S. hardware dominance. Tech & Health: China approved the world’s first commercial brain-computer chip for clinical sale, aiming to treat spinal injuries and paralysis, as the global race with Neuralink continues. Cyber & Influence: OpenAI says Chinese-linked actors used ChatGPT to run influence campaigns targeting U.S. debates on AI and data centers, while Five Eyes warns of LinkedIn-based recruitment aimed at people with access to classified information. Regulation & Market Order: Beijing summoned major e-commerce platforms over “rat race” pricing and false advertising, and the State Post Bureau opened a safety probe into J&T Express. Geopolitics: China sanctioned the Philippines defense minister over “irresponsible remarks,” escalating South China Sea tensions. World Economy: The World Bank cut its 2026 global growth forecast to 2.5%, warning the Middle East war could push it to 1.3% and hit energy and food prices. Diplomacy & People-to-People: China and Ethiopia signed an agreement to expand Chinese language education, and a forum on global human rights governance opened in Beijing.