Latest news with #Zhuhai
South China Morning Post
28-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
China's Zhuhai backs new tech company, joining Shenzhen in race to be AI, robotics hub
The municipal government of Zhuhai in southern Guangdong province has launched a new company as part of an ambitious programme to boost its artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics sectors, after the success of DeepSeek and Unitree Robotics sparked a national race to cultivate the next tech leaders. On Wednesday, the city announced its support for the newly established Zhuhai Technology Industry Group, focusing on AI and robotics. It also unveiled incentives for local businesses, including 'computing power vouchers' totalling 500 million yuan (US$69.5 million). Eligible companies will be reimbursed for half of their computing power expenditures, capped at 10 million yuan. Additionally, 'model vouchers' worth 100 million yuan were introduced to subsidise the use of large language models – the technology behind advanced AI chatbots. Companies can claim reimbursement for 30 per cent of related costs, with a cap of 1 million yuan per year. Municipal officials also announced two initiatives aimed at incubating start-ups and integrating industrial resources: the Zhuhai Intelligent Robot Key Component Innovation Centre and the Zhuhai AI and Robotics Industrial Alliance. The success of companies such as Unitree Robotics has sparked a national push to produce the next leading tech start-up. Photo: AP Zhuhai's move is part of a broader effort by Guangdong to establish itself as a global hub for AI and robotics. It comes after eastern Zhejiang province garnered national praise for nurturing start-ups like DeepSeek and Unitree Robotics, whose founders have been hailed for their role in transforming China into a global tech power.
South China Morning Post
25-05-2025
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong man held after Zhuhai customs finds 42 mobile phones inside wheelchair
A Hong Kong man has been taken into custody by mainland Chinese customs officials on suspicion of trying to smuggle 42 mobile phones inside an electric wheelchair while crossing the Zhuhai-Macau border. According to China's General Administration of Customs on Saturday, the incident occurred at about 8.50pm on Wednesday at the Gongbei port, the busiest land crossing linking Zhuhai and Macau. The man in the wheelchair was passing through the 'green channel' designed for passengers with no items to declare. Customs officials noticed irregularities in the wheelchair and conducted an inspection. During the examination, 42 second-hand mobile phones, tightly wrapped in plastic film and concealed within the wheelchair's battery compartment, were detected. The suspect was taken into custody while authorities investigate the case.
Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
China to launch new drone 'mothership' Jiu Tian
China is preparing for the launch of drone carrier Jiu Tian. As per state media reports, this "drone mothership" is expected to take off for its first mission by the end of June. The June mission was confirmed by state broadcaster CCTV on Monday. As per media reports, the first mission flight will mark the start of a series of tests before the People's Liberation Army deploys the long-range unmanned aerial vehicle. As per a report by the South China Morning Post, Jiu Tian, which translates to 'high sky,' made its debut at China's premier Zhuhai air show in November 2024. It was developed by Shaanxi Unmanned Equipment Technology. The drone mothership has a maximum range of 7,000km and an altitude of 15,000 metres. As per The Telegraph UK, the long-range UAV can carry a take-off weight of 16,000kg and has a transporting capacity of 6,000 kg, i.e., the vehicle can be used to carry supplies ranging from surveillance technology to ammunition. The most striking feature of this UAV, however, is its ability to launch large quantities of drones at once. Reports add that this "drone mothership" can launch around 100 kamikaze drones at the same time. As per a video released on Chinese state media, the aircraft will also be able to carry cruise missiles and medium-range air-to-air missiles such as the PL-12E. According to the manufacturers of the drone mothership, the Jiu Tian has a rapid reconfiguration system which allows it to change based on the mission - be it military strike operations, border defence, public security, maritime surveillance or emergency rescue. As China prepares to launch Jiu Tian, India has successfully tested its new counter-drone system called Bhargavastra. This test, which took place last week, came after escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Following Operation Sindoor, Pakistan launched a series of drone attacks along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and the International border along northern and western sates. These drone attacks were foiled by the Indian air defence systems. After this, India test fired the new low-cost counter-drone system Bhargavastra from Odisha's Gopalpur.
The Age
20-05-2025
- The Age
China prepares to launch large drone ‘mothership'
China is preparing to launch a new drone-carrying mothership capable of releasing 100 kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at the same time. The Jiu Tian, which means 'high sky', is a high-altitude long-range UAV that can transport weapons and equipment. Over the weekend, state media reported that the fourth prototype had completed its structural assembly and was undergoing installation and testing. It will set off on its maiden flight next month as China looks to boost its air force capabilities. The Jiu Tian was developed by Shaanxi Unmanned Equipment Technology and was unveiled at the Zhuhai air show, the largest in the country, in November. The vehicle has a 25-metre wingspan and can fly for 12 hours, with a maximum range of 7000 kilometres. It has a take-off weight of 16 tonnes and a transporting capacity of six tonnes, which could be used to carry anything from surveillance technology to ammunition. The most noteworthy part of the new aircraft is its ability to launch large quantities of drones at once, making it difficult for a defender to respond. Video footage released by state media replicates what this could look like. Drone swarms can be hugely beneficial for intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance, which would be important in the event of an escalation in conflict between China and Taiwan. The aircraft can also carry cruise missiles and medium-range air-to-air missiles, such as the PL-12E.
Sydney Morning Herald
20-05-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
China prepares to launch large drone ‘mothership'
China is preparing to launch a new drone-carrying mothership capable of releasing 100 kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at the same time. The Jiu Tian, which means 'high sky', is a high-altitude long-range UAV that can transport weapons and equipment. Over the weekend, state media reported that the fourth prototype had completed its structural assembly and was undergoing installation and testing. It will set off on its maiden flight next month as China looks to boost its air force capabilities. The Jiu Tian was developed by Shaanxi Unmanned Equipment Technology and was unveiled at the Zhuhai air show, the largest in the country, in November. The vehicle has a 25-metre wingspan and can fly for 12 hours, with a maximum range of 7000 kilometres. It has a take-off weight of 16 tonnes and a transporting capacity of six tonnes, which could be used to carry anything from surveillance technology to ammunition. The most noteworthy part of the new aircraft is its ability to launch large quantities of drones at once, making it difficult for a defender to respond. Video footage released by state media replicates what this could look like. Drone swarms can be hugely beneficial for intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance, which would be important in the event of an escalation in conflict between China and Taiwan. The aircraft can also carry cruise missiles and medium-range air-to-air missiles, such as the PL-12E.
