Beijing/Hong Kong  —  Nearly three decades ago, Starbucks opened its first outlet in China with much fanfare, involving a troupe performing a traditional “golden lion” dance and eager customers trying cappuccinos made with steaming espresso machines. The entry of the American brand helped spur the rise of a thriving coffee culture among the burgeoning middle

China’s government is increasingly using artificial intelligence to strengthen its domestic surveillance system. At a recent Beijing security conference, police officials and tech firms showcased AI-driven tools — including robot dogs, facial recognition systems, and emotion-detection software — designed to monitor and manage citizens more efficiently. Source The New York Times Companies collaborating with law