April 20th, 2026
- USCSSO @GWU
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Overview
This week, we discuss the development of Chinese AI Industries and a recent report by Human Rights Watch on religion in China.
Science and Technology
China Opens Zhengzhou AI Computing Node to Expand Domestic Capacity
By Contributor Mitran Kumar
April 14th China launches new AI computing hub in Zhengzhou.
China’s largest scientific AI computing cluster officially entered operation at the national supercomputing network’s core node in Zhengzhou, Henan province, on Tuesday. Photo: CCTV. (via. South China Morning Post)
Computing Node: On April 14th, 2026, China launched a new artificial intelligence computing hub in Zhengzhou, located in Henan province, as part of its national computing network. The Zhengzhou node is a high-functioning computing facility designed to support AI model training, data processing, and scientific research. The system has been built using domestically produced chips and integrated into a broader network of regional computing centers. The node is already operational and connected to national data infrastructure, allowing it to distribute workloads across multiple regions. The facility is intended to support universities, research institutes, and technology companies working on artificial intelligence and related fields.
Impact: The Zhengzhou node is part of a rapid expansion in China’s computing capacity. China doubled its AI and scientific computing scale within two months, with new systems like Zhengzhou contributing to that increase. Much of this growth has been achieved without the use of U.S.-made chips, relying instead on domestic processors and system designs. This expansion is focused on meeting rising demand for AI development, including large-scale model training and industrial applications.
Implications for China: The opening of the Zhengzhou node reflects China’s continued investment in building domestic technological capacity. The system supports ongoing AI research and reduces reliance on foreign hardware by using locally developed components. It also strengthens China’s national computing network by adding processing power and expanding access for research and industry. As more nodes are added, the network is expected to support larger and more complex AI workloads across multiple sectors.
Domestic
Catholic Church in China Coming Under Increased CCP Control
By Newsletter Director Jason Holman
In a report released by Human Rights Watch on April 15th the Underground Catholic Church in China is coming under increased pressure by the CCP.
April 5 2016, Chinese Pilgrims from Shenzhen attend a general audience at St. Peters Square. (via. National Catholic Register)
Human Rights Watch: On April 15th, Human Rights Watch released a report indicating that Catholics in China were coming under increased government pressure to join the state run church. The Chinese Government recognizes five religions - Taoism, Buddhism, Catholicism, Protestantism, and Islam, each group having an official state run organization administering its practices. The Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association is the state run affiliate for the Catholic Church, and it does not recognize the authority of the Vatican. However, there are many underground Catholic churches which do accept Papal Authority. It’s these underground churches, and the 12 million Catholics they represent, that are facing increased pressure and suppression according to the report.
2018 Holy See-China Agreement: In 2018 an agreement between Pope Francis and Beijing allows for China to appoint bishops through the Patriotic Association, with the Pope having the ability to veto appointments. Pope Leo has approved 5 appointments since his time in the Papacy. There have been calls for the agreement to be reviewed and annulled. Currently the agreement is in place until 2028 but Pope Leo has been called on to revisit the agreement. The report claimed that the agreement gives the CCP greater leverage in bringing pressure on underground churches. It has allowed the government to replace local bishops with state appointed ones, cutting off the leadership of local churches. Further, local church leaders have come under state surveillance, and been placed under house arrest. Additionally there have been efforts to cut off religious education to children.
Sinicization Campaign: In 2016 Xi announced plans to “Sinicize” China’s religions, increasing their focus on Han Chinese culture and CCP ideology. This report is an example of how this “sinicization campaign” is being practiced. Religious buildings have been demolished and underground communities dispersed. Priests are required sometimes biweekly education in CCP ideology to practice, and some citizens have reported needing state permission to attend their churches. Similar stories can be seen however with massive arrests of Protestant priests in Oct. 2025 and in the continued oppression of the Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang.
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