You’ve Never Heard of China’s Greatest Sci-Fi Novel

Millions of words. Thousands of authors. The Morning Star of Lingao is barely known outside China—but it contains the secret to the country’s modernization and malaise.

China’s AI Boyfriend Business Is Taking On a Life of Its Own

Gen Z women in China are all in on digital companionship—even setting up dates with real-world versions of their AI boyfriends.

China’s Renewable Energy Revolution Is a Huge Mess That Might Save the World

A global onslaught of cheap Chinese green power is upending everything in its path. No one is ready for its repercussions.

How AI Companies Got Caught Up in US Military Efforts

Two years ago, companies like Meta and OpenAI were united against military use of their tools. Now all of that has changed.

Trump Declared a Space Race With China. The US Is Losing

If you want to put people back on the moon, don’t gut the agency in charge of getting them there.

How Mormons Helped Make America’s Prepping Industry Into Big Business

How two big names in mainstream disaster preparedness helped sell Americans on fear, anxiety and a new generator.

The 3 Keys to Understanding Trump’s Retro Coup in Venezuela

This weekend’s invasion was both a throwback to the last century and a new, uniquely Trumpian nightmare—one that’s just beginning.

Phone Updates Used to Be Annoying. iOS 26 Is Awful

Is the latest iPhone operating system aesthetically appealing? No. But is it useful? Also no. At least I have company among the disgruntled.

DEI Died This Year. Maybe It Was Supposed To

I’m a Black staffer at WIRED. My position feels more precarious than ever. There’s a reason for that.