Internet conference to focus on inclusivity

The 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit will be held in Hong Kong on April 13–14, focusing on leveraging digital technologies to drive regional economic development, according to Ren Xianliang, secretary-general of the WIC. Ren said the WIC is committed to building bridges for a globally inclusive governance framework and fostering a community with a shared future in cyberspace. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the benefits of artificial intelligence development are shared by all humanity, with a focus on enhancing the representation and voice of developing countries in global AI governance. Under the theme "Digital empowerment and innovative development: joining hands to build a community in cyberspace", the summit will bring together ministerial-level officials, delegates from international organizations, and leaders of top internet companies from around the world.

Ex-Heilongjiang official jailed for taking bribes

A former vice-chairman of the Heilongjiang Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference was sentenced to life imprisonment for bribe-taking by the intermediate people's court of Wuxi city, Jiangsu province, on Tuesday, Xinhua News Agency has reported. The court also deprived Li Haitao of political rights for life and confiscated all of his property, while some proceeds from his crimes were turned over to the State treasury. Efforts to recover the rest of the proceeds are continuing. According to the court, from 2003 to 2023, Li took advantage of his position in unlawfully accepting a total of 150 million yuan ($21.78 million) to favor companies and individuals involved in project development, contracting and enterprise mergers. The court said the large financial amounts involved resulted in significant harm to the interests of the country and the people.