DeepSeek Echoes Through Empty Chairs

Morning coverage centered on Xi's message to the African Union Summit, continuing previous days' diplomatic positioning amid USAID's potential withdrawal from the Global South. DeepSeek's impact on Chinese tech stocks merged with agricultural modernization narratives, as state media highlighted technological sovereignty themes.

By midday, attention shifted to Fu Ying's confrontation with Philippines at the Munich Security Conference, while coverage of Gaza ceasefire negotiations revealed China's attempt to maintain influence in Middle East affairs. The synthesis of an ultra-hard "super diamond" by Chinese scientists provided technological achievement narrative ammunition.

Evening reports focused on the absence of US representatives at the G20 meeting in South Africa, with state media emphasizing China's readiness to fill the diplomatic void. Military media simultaneously tightened control over online military-related discussions, suggesting internal power consolidation efforts.