China-DPRK Diplomacy: Xi Jinping will visit North Korea June 8-9, his first trip there in seven years, as Beijing seeks to reinforce ties amid Pyongyang’s closer alignment with Russia and its push to project a “new Cold War.” Gaokao Pressure: About 12.9 million students nationwide sit for China’s gaokao, with exams spanning Chinese, math, English, science and humanities—an annual stress test that also reshapes local schedules. EU Tech & Security: Reports describe China’s expanding espionage footprint across the EU and nearby countries, shifting targets toward technological innovation, critical infrastructure and political networks. Memory Chip IPO Watch: China’s CXMT and YMTC are preparing major IPOs on the Star Market as AI demand lifts memory prices, though investors remain split on how durable the rally is. Energy Storage Shift: CATL says sodium-ion battery deliveries for energy storage will start in September, aiming for gigawatt-hour scale shipments in 2026. Robotics Safety: A viral humanoid-robot demo showing a child being kicked has reignited debate over public deployment safety. Internet Access Crackdown: A widely shared warning claims VPN use alone can trigger punishment under China’s tightening censorship enforcement. Trade & Logistics: China’s blueberry exports are surging to Southeast Asia, boosted by RCEP and faster rail links.