china

**Excerpt:**

The Trump administration has accelerated a controversial push for deep-sea mining, backing The Metals Company’s bid to extract critical minerals from the Pacific’s Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ). While proponents argue the move counters China’s mineral dominance and supports clean energy, critics warn of ecological catastrophe in one of Earth’s last unexplored frontiers. With over 90% of the CCZ’s species still unknown and global regulations unresolved, the decision has sparked fierce debate—pitting resource security against environmental preservation. As the U.S. risks bypassing international oversight, the world watches: Will this gamble secure strategic minerals or unleash irreversible harm on the ocean’s fragile ecosystems?

*Key Quote:* *”The first application to commercially mine the seabed will be remembered as an act of total disregard for international law.”* — Activist Louisa Casson

**Excerpt:**

*”China has tightened regulations on smart driving technology following a fatal crash involving driver-assistance systems, marking a pivotal shift in the country’s approach to autonomous vehicles. The new rules, announced by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), require automakers to clarify system limitations, strengthen safety protocols, and avoid misleading claims about self-driving capabilities. While the move prioritizes consumer safety, it may slow innovation in China’s rapidly advancing auto sector. The regulations mirror global debates over balancing technological progress with accountability—raising the question: Should other nations follow China’s lead?”*

*(Source: MIIT statement, April 17, 2025)*

China’s economy faces a pivotal 2025, grappling with slowed growth, real estate struggles, and waning foreign investment. While government measures aim to boost consumption and innovation, deeper structural challenges persist. Geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty compound pressures, leaving the world closely watching whether short-term relief can align with long-term stability.

Can ZTE bounce back? China tech-firm ZTE saw its stock rise 25% on Thursday following a government announcement that the…