Four departments in China jointly released a notice to standardize the identification of synthetic content generated by artificial intelligence (AI) on Friday, a move an industry observer said will address concerns of deep counterfeiting and scientific dishonesty.
Whether AI-generated content is properly labeled will be one of the criteria that internet application service providers must meet to gain approval before listing or launching their applications, according to the notice.
The notice - jointly compiled by four departments in China, namely, Cyberspace Administration of China, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Public Security, National Radio and Television Administration - will be officially put into practice on September 1.
Li Zonghui, vice president of the Institute of Cyber and Artificial Intelligence Rule of Law affiliated with the Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, told the Global Times it is common to see AI-generated content often fabricating facts and references. By adding identifiers for AI-generated synthetic content, including both explicit and implicit labels, it can effectively prevent deepfakes and academic dishonesty, as well as deter intentional AI fraud.
The Cyberspace Administration of China also noted the spread of false information and the disruption of the online ecosystem brought by the rapid development of new technologies such as generative artificial intelligence and deep synthesis.
More specifically, the measures defined AI-generated synthetic content as information such as text, images, audio, video, and virtual scenes created or synthesized using AI technology.
It requires explicit identifiers to be added to the generated synthetic content or interactive scene interfaces, presented in the form of text, sound, graphics, etc., which can be clearly perceived by users.
The same applies to implicit identifiers that are not easily perceived by users. The implicit identity contains the attribute information of the generated synthesized content, the name or code of the service provider, and the content number.
Those who violate the provisions of these measures will be dealt with by the relevant authorities in accordance with their respective duties and based on relevant laws, administrative regulations, and departmental rules.
Li said that this is another effort by the Chinese government to balance the creation of a fair and orderly development environment for AI while regulating the industry within a legal framework.
In the book-lined office of Professor Stelios Virvidakis at the University of Athens, Greece's oldest and most esteemed academic institution, a letter is carefully preserved like a precious, delicate bridge model.
It came from Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivered to congratulate the inauguration of the Center of Chinese and Greek Ancient Civilizations in the time-honored university in February 2023.
"It was a delightful surprise to us all," said Virvidakis, his philosopher's gaze softening at the memory.
In the letter, Xi noted that over 2,000 years ago, China and Greece, two civilizations glittering at each end of the Eurasian continent, made groundbreaking contributions to the evolution of human civilization.
Now, he pointed out, it is of profound historical and contemporary significance for them to work together to promote exchanges and mutual learning and enhance the development of all civilizations.
The well-preserved letter reflects Xi's broader vision of fostering cross-cultural dialogue and mutual learning as a catalyst for global peace and development, a vision that has been driving his diplomatic action worldwide.
That aspiration is best embodied in his Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), launched at a conference between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and global political parties in 2023, where he stressed that tolerance, coexistence, exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations play an irreplaceable role in advancing humanity's modernization process when the future of all countries are closely connected.
With the GCI marking its second anniversary on Saturday, Xi's vision -- to build a world where civilizations don't collide but converse -- has become ever more relevant, standing both as a nod to ancient ties and as a bold stitch in a fraying global tapestry. In recent years, some scholars and politicians in the West have been peddling once again the clash of civilizations theory, first proposed by American political scientist Samuel Huntington in 1993. They portray some civilizations as superior to others and seek to divide countries through ideological and racial lines.
On the background of the resurgence of such sentiments is a world undergoing unprecedented transformations rarely seen in a century. Global South countries, on a collective rise, are demanding their legitimate right to modernization in louder voices, while the global deficits in peace, security, development and governance are growing ever larger.
In Xi's eyes, no civilization in the world is superior to others, and every civilization is equal and unique. "Civilizations have come in different colors, and such diversity renders exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations relevant and valuable," he said in a speech at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris in 2014.
Months after he put forward the GCI in 2023, Xi explained at an event in San Francisco that the initiative is meant "to urge the international community to address the imbalance between material and cultural advancement and jointly promote continued progress of human civilization."
China's global initiatives, including the GCI, advocate for an egalitarian and inclusive order in pursuit of just and coherent global governance, said Ong Tee Keat, president of the Belt and Road Initiative Caucus for Asia Pacific and a former transport minister of Malaysia.
In the meantime, he said, "the GCI has driven home a clear message that all nations have the right to choose their own development paths in their pursuit of modernization, which is not necessarily synonymous with Westernization."
In September 2024, at the opening ceremony of the summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Xi put forward 10 partnership actions for modernization, with the first being "Partnership Action for Mutual Learning among Civilizations."
"China will enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges with Africa, champion mutual respect, inclusiveness and coexistence of different civilizations on our way to modernization, and strive together for more fruitful outcomes under the GCI," Xi said.
As the world order designed to serve the interests of Western powers no longer meets the evolving needs and aspirations of Global South countries, a call for change is a natural response, said Ong, the Malaysian expert.
"This must occur … free from any mental subordination. Only then can an environment conducive to a nation's modernization and development be established," he said. "In this respect, the GCI undoubtedly serves as a potent enabler."
China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Monday revealed four members of the "Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command" (ICEFCOM) of Taiwan island linked to Taiwan secessionists authorities, operating cyber activities against the Chinese mainland.
Spokesperson of Chinese State Council Taiwan Affairs Office said ICEFCOM's "reliance on the internet to seek independence" and its provocative actions will be severely punished. Analysts approached by the Global Times also noted that the MSS's unveiling serves as a "stern warning" against Taiwan secessionist forces and it shows the mainland's firm determination and strength against provocations of the secessionists.
In an article posted on its WeChat account Monday, the MSS posted the pictures, dates of birth and Taiwan local ID numbers of the four members of ICEFCOM and warned them that "Taiwan independence" separatist activities are a dead-end road. The MSS urged them to abandon the illusion of "Taiwan independence" separatism, refuse to become cannon fodder for "Taiwan independence," and cease their cybercriminal activities of splitting the country.
The revealed members are Lin Yushu, born in 1979, head of the Network Environment Research and Analysis Center of the ICEFCOM, and Cai Jiehong, born in 1993, team leader of the center, as well as Nian Xiaofan, born in 1982, and Wang Haoming, born in 1990, who are active personnel at the center, according to the MSS. The MSS also revealed with their photos and Taiwan ID numbers.
Since The ICEFCOM was established in June 2017, it has acted as a pawn of the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, resorting to all means to carry out cyberattacks and infiltration activities against the mainland, according to MSS.
The common tactics of ICEFCOM's cyberattack forces include infiltrating key information infrastructure in the mainland, such as water, electricity, gas, heating, communication and networked cameras. Also, they have targeted key units of the Party, government, military and enterprises in the mainland by sending phishing and propaganda emails.
Meanwhile, after they gained control of network livestreaming platforms, networked electronic displays, IP network intercom systems and portal websites by stealing login credentials, they inserted audios, videos or images, including content against national reunification on them, MSS said.
Since 2023, they have used aliases like "Anonymous 64" to spread disinformation on social media, attempting to bolster the DPP authorities' pursuit for "Taiwan independence," MSS disclosed.
Commenting on the MSS' latest revealing, State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua said on Monday that the state security authorities have exposed despicable tactics of ICEFCOM of Taiwan island and issued a warning to deter them in September 2024, however, ICEFCOM has shown no signs of repentance, continuing to act as pawns for the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. Chen added that the ICEFCOM's "reliance on the internet to seek independence" and its provocative actions are completely overestimating its capabilities, and will be severely punished.
In an article published in September 2024, MSS disclosed a so-called civil hacker organization called "Anonymous 64," which it found is actually cyber force closely tied to the secessionist DPP authorities. The organization is a cyber-environment analysis center under the ICEFCOM, MSS said then.
ICEFCOM was restructured in 2022 as a direct agency of the "defense department" of the island. It primarily handles electronic warfare, information warfare, cyber warfare, and military line maintenance, serving as the main force for the island of Taiwan's cyber operations against the mainland, said MSS in 2024.
It was very rare for the mainland to reveal the names, photos, dates of birth, and local ID numbers of secessionists, Wang Jianmin, a research fellow at the Institute of Taiwan Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Monday.
In light of recent increasingly rampant provocative actions by the Taiwan regional authorities that have worsened cross-Straits relations, the mainland's move undoubtedly serves as a serious and stern warning, said Wang.
On March 13, Taiwan's regional secessionist leader Lai Ching-te portrayed the mainland as a "hostile external force" and outlined 17 strategies to counter so-called threats facing the island, sparking strong concerns on the island of Taiwan. Chen Binhua denounced Lai for instigating separatist sentiment on the island and for blocking cross-Straits exchange, warning that anyone seeking "Taiwan independence" is doomed to fail, according to Xinhua.
The mainland has sent a clear and unmistakable signal: whether it's cyber force, armed groups, or individual separatists, anyone who dares to take reckless risks on secession will inevitably face punishment, Zheng Jian, director of the Graduate Institute for Taiwan Studies of Xiamen University, told the Global Times.
Non-traditional domain
Also on Monday, Global Times has learned from the Chinese cybersecurity company QI-ANXIN Technology Group Inc (QAX) that APT organizations from the island of Taiwan have been persistently using various cyber weapons in large-scale attacks against the mainland recently.
Through years of surveillance and tracing, the firm has identified "Poison Vine group" (APT-Q-20), a Taiwan-based group, as actively targeting government, military and defense authorities, and scientific research institutions in the Chinese mainland. This group employs spear-phishing emails and watering hole attacks, among other methods, to carry out APT attacks.
A recent report released by QI-ANXIN revealed that from 2018 to 2025, the APT-Q-20 has engaged in large-scale imitation of the most used social media, email systems, as well as government agency websites, military websites, and university websites on the Chinese mainland, so as to amass personal data for subsequent intelligence theft, the report stated.
According to the QI-ANXIN, with rising geopolitical tensions, the frequency of APT attacks aimed at espionage and intelligence theft is expected to increase, and the mainland must remain vigilant against the ongoing threat posed by Taiwan-based APT organizations.
A new development has emerged in the confrontation between mainland and Taiwan secessionists in the era of AI, with increasing complexity, said Wang.
"From the recent detailed information by the mainland about secessionists, it is evident that the mainland has a firm grasp of the disruptive activities of these cyber force," Wang noted, adding that the mainland's capabilities in countering electronic information warfare, cognitive warfare, and cyberattacks are remarkably strong.
Some Taiwan-based netizens have voiced their support of the mainland's revealing more details of the DPP cyber force. With the release of comprehensive data on these cyberattack forces, some netizens in Taiwan have also started to cast doubt on the true capabilities of the DPP's cyber operatives.
Wang said that it cannot be ruled out that the mainland will progressively disclose more information regarding secessionist cyber force of Taiwan authorities.
The cyberattacks launched by the DPP authorities against the mainland pose a dangerous risk of escalating cross-Straits tensions, Zheng said.
Yet, the greater this threat becomes, the more it highlights the critical importance of the mainland's persistent efforts to foster cross-Straits exchanges in strengthening emotional ties between the two sides and dismantling the DPP's deception of the people of Taiwan with reality, Zheng said.
Recently, videos posted by netizens claimed that an amusement park in Zibo, East China's Shandong Province, was disguising a donkey as a zebra, sparking widespread discussion. In response, park staff confirmed that the "zebra" was indeed a donkey, and the move was intended to attract tourists.
On a popular short video platform, an account repeatedly posted videos claiming that a zebra had been introduced to an amusement park in Zibo. However, as reported by CCTV News, the "zebra" in the videos closely resembled a donkey, with its stripes showing clear signs of being artificially applied.
The videos quickly went viral, sparking widespread discussion. Some netizens pointed out that the "zebra" looked more like a donkey, with stripes that appeared to be either taped on or dyed.
A staff member from the park confirmed that, after checking with management, the so-called zebra was indeed a donkey, with a sign clearly indicating that it was a donkey. "The owner did it just for fun," the staff member said.
The staff member noted that a local zoo had previously gained attention by dressing a dog as a panda, and this was an attempt to replicate that promotional strategy.
Despite the video's popularity, the actual number of visitors to the park remained low, the staff noted.
Some netizens questioned whether the act was deceptive for visitors expecting to see a real zebra. A lawyer told Fengmian News that while this method attracts public attention and engages consumers, it serves as a unique marketing strategy. "As long as there are clear indications, it does not constitute consumer fraud," the lawyer explained.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio agreed on preparations for a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump, and they will maintain a channel of communication to resolve accumulated problems in US-Russian relations, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday. If realized, this meeting could serve as the first step for thawing relations between Moscow and Washington, said Chinese experts, although they noted that key issues such as solving the strategic confrontation between Russia and Europe, and addressing US sanctions on Russia, among others, remain big obstacles.
Lavrov and Rubio agreed during a telephone conversation to hold regular communication on a variety of matters, including preparations for a meeting between Putin and Trump, the Russian Foreign Ministry said, according to Russian News Agency TASS.
Lü Xiang, an expert on US studies and a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, pointed out that how to deal with the US sanctions against Russia, especially energy sanctions, is an inevitable issue. He said that the US and Russia are competitors in the energy field. After the outbreak of the Ukraine crisis, Europe depended heavily on US exported liquefied natural gas due to sanctions on Russia. Moscow hopes to have the energy sanctions lifted, but this would mean the US would be "undermining its own interests," Lü said.
Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University believes fundamental differences remain between Russia and US regarding a solution to the Ukraine crisis.
US and Russian officials will meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days to start talks aimed at ending the nearly three-year war in Ukraine, Reuters reported on Saturday.
Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and White House Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Saudi Arabia, US Representative Michael McCaul told Reuters. It was not immediately clear who they would meet from Russia.
The news came after Trump made separate phone calls to Putin and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky on Wednesday.
Zelensky, who met with US Vice President JD Vance in Germany on Friday, said Ukraine was not invited to the talks in Saudi Arabia and Kiev would not engage with Russia before consulting with strategic partners, media reported.
The US' main goal is to seek a cease-fire, while Russia seeks to fundamentally solve the issue of the overall strategic confrontation between Russia and Europe, yet such fundamental divergences are difficult to resolve through partial negotiations, Li said, noting that "moreover, for the relationship between Russia and Ukraine to be repaired and build mutual trust, more problems will remain."
Europe, which is already shocked by Trump's call with Putin, might not even have a seat at the table for Ukraine peace talks, Trump's Ukraine envoy said on Saturday, after Washington sent a questionnaire to European capitals to ask what they could contribute to security guarantees for Kiev, Reuters reported.
But European leaders said they would not accept being shut out of the talks.
"There's no way in which we can have discussions or negotiations about Ukraine, Ukraine's future or European security structure, without Europeans," Finland's President Alexander Stubb told reporters in Munich.
Based on the situation, Europe stands to incur significant losses in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. This is not only because the continent has to shoulder the direct repercussions of the three-year-long crisis, but also from Europe's diminishing capacity to influence the trajectory of the situation, Cui Heng, a scholar from the Shanghai-based China National Institute for SCO International Exchange and Judicial Cooperation, told the Global Times.
China hopes all relevant parties and stakeholders involved in the Ukraine crisis will engage in the peace talks process at an appropriate time, and seek a political settlement through dialogue and consultation, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday when answering questions following his keynote speech at the "China in the World" session of the Munich Security Conference, the Xinhua News Agency reported.
Regarding China's stance on resolving the Ukraine crisis, Wang said that China has consistently advocated for settling global disputes and conflicts through dialogue, consultation and political means, which applies equally to the Ukraine issue.
China welcomes all efforts dedicated to peace in Ukraine, including the recent agreement reached by the United States and Russia to start peace talks, Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said on Monday.
In remarks at the UN Security Council briefing on Ukraine, Fu said China has consistently advocated for settling global disputes and conflicts peacefully through dialogue and consultation in accordance with the UN Charter, and this applies equally to the Ukraine issue.
He recalled that 10 years ago, the parties concerned with the Ukraine issue reached the Minsk Agreements through negotiations, and that the agreements were subsequently endorsed by the Security Council in its Resolution 2202, which "represents the right direction of resolving differences and disputes through dialogue and negotiation."
"Regrettably, after the conclusion of the agreements, most of the provisions were not fully and effectively implemented," the ambassador said, adding that the situation that should have gradually deescalated has instead become even more tense, ultimately leading to the full escalation of the crisis and a large-scale conflict that continues to this day.
"The failure of the Minsk Agreements is deplorable, and its historical lessons warrant deep reflection," Fu said.
He stressed that from the day after the crisis broke out, China has called for a political solution through dialogue and consultation, noting that the four-point proposal -- the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter observed, the legitimate security concerns of all countries given due regard, and all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis supported -- is China's fundamental guidance on the Ukraine issue.
China has been actively engaged in diplomatic mediation and maintains contact with relevant parties, including Russia and Ukraine, has had in-depth participation in the consideration of the Ukraine issue under the framework of the United Nations and its Security Council, and plays a constructive role in promoting ceasefire and political settlement, Fu said.
China has also partnered with Brazil and other countries in creating the Group of Friends for Peace to garner the collective wisdom of the countries of the Global South and form an important force for peace, said the ambassador. "The evolving situation has proven that China's proposal is objective, fair, rational, and pragmatic, reflecting the broad consensus of the international community."
Fu pointed out that at present, the Ukraine issue is about to reach a critical moment for a negotiated settlement, and "the ultimate resolution of any conflict lies at the negotiation table, and history will undoubtedly deliver a just outcome."
He expressed the hope that all relevant parties and stakeholders involved in the Ukraine crisis will engage in the peace talks process, and reach a fair, lasting, and binding peace agreement acceptable to all parties.
"As the conflict has been unfolding on European soil, it is imperative for Europe to work for peace," Fu said.
"We hope the parties will jointly address the root causes of the crisis through negotiation and find a balanced, effective, and sustainable security framework for lasting stability in the region," he said.
In response to a foreign media question on China's response to Elon Musk's remarks questioning whether the US should allow platforms like TikTok to operate, claiming it has the potential to collect data on Americans and control the content broadcast to millions of people in the US, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday that China has always believed that internet companies should comply with local laws and regulations.
As for the Chinese government, we attach great importance to protecting data privacy and security in accordance with the law, and we have never and will never require companies or individuals to collect or provide data located abroad against local laws, Mao said.
Also when asked by another foreign media reporter about the remarks made by Elon Musk on Sunday on X claiming that "the current situation where TikTok is allowed to operate in America, but X is not allowed to operate in China is 'unbalanced,' and something needs to change," Mao said on Monday that the Chinese government manages the internet in accordance with the law, and we welcome internet enterprises from all countries to develop in China as long as they comply with Chinese laws and regulations and provide safe and reliable products and services.
Chinese President Xi Jinping talked with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a video meeting on Tuesday, saying China and Russia should jointly defend the UN-centered international system and the outcomes of World War Two (WWII) victory.
Xi noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victories of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN).
China and Russia should take this as an opportunity to jointly defend the UN-centered international system and the victory of WWII, promote all countries' adherence to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, uphold the universally recognized basic norms governing international relations, and practice true multilateralism, Xi stressed.
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Wednesday braved the cold to visit people affected by floods in a village in northeast China's Liaoning Province.
Xi made the trip to the village of Zhujiagou, under the administration of Suizhong County, Huludao City, ahead of the Spring Festival, the most important festival for the Chinese people, which falls on Jan. 29 this year.
Huludao was one of the hardest-hit cities by summer floods in 2024.
Xi inspected the progress in post-disaster restoration and reconstruction.
Visiting the villagers who had moved into their new houses just before this winter, Xi inquired about the quality of the reconstructed homes and whether their daily living conditions were adequate.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang met with Dutch leaders on Wednesday and Thursday in The Hague. The two sides agreed to jointly promote an open world economy, and strengthen cooperation in various fields including green development.
Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met separately with Dutch King Willem-Alexander, Prime Minister Dick Schoof, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Climate and Green Growth Sophie Hermans during his two-day visit.
Ding said that under the strategic guidance of the two countries' leaders, the open and pragmatic partnership for comprehensive cooperation between China and the Netherlands has been steadily enhanced with fruitful cooperation in various fields, bringing benefits to the two countries and two peoples.
China is willing to further strengthen communication with the Netherlands to enhance mutual trust, push for greater development of bilateral relations and help the two countries accelerate the realization of their respective development goals, he said.
Stressing that both China and the Netherlands are beneficiaries and supporters of an open world economy, Ding said China is committed to high-quality development through high-standard opening-up, welcoming Dutch companies to expand cooperation with China.
It is also hoped that the Dutch side will continue to provide a fair, equitable and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies, safeguard common interests and maintain a stable and unimpeded global industrial and supply chains, and realize the two sides' complementary advantages, shared opportunities and common development, Ding said.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the European Union (EU). The vice premier said China is willing to strengthen dialogue and deepen cooperation with the EU to promote the sound and stable development of the China-EU relations, and hopes the Netherlands will play a constructive role in this regard.
King Willem-Alexander said that the Dutch side cherishes mutual trust and friendship and is willing to deepen cooperation with China to jointly push for continuous progress in the Netherlands-China relations.
In the face of the current geopolitical conflicts, countries should communicate frankly, seek consensus, work together and jointly address global challenges, the King added.
Schoof said the Dutch side admires China's development achievements and regards China as a stable partner, adding that the Netherlands is willing to strengthen dialogue with China, enhance understanding and mutual trust, and expand practical cooperation in various fields such as water conservancy, green development, and medical and health care.
Schoof also noted that the Netherlands is ready to work with China to safeguard free trade and promote openness and cooperation.
Hermans congratulated China on its achievements in environmental protection and green development, and appreciated China's contributions to the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
The Dutch side is looking forward to promoting cooperation with China in areas such as clean energy, green transition, circular economy, and climate adaptation, Hermans said.
