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Pulses

Huawei eyes Brazil data center expansion

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Reuters
Huawei is interested in investing in Brazil’s data center market but is awaiting the potential rollout of a tax break for tech investments. The company could provide storage, connectivity, and energy support if the policy is implemented. A government proposal is expected to reach Congress soon.

BYD expands DiPilot features, commits support

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BYD
BYD said it is the first automaker to offer full liability coverage for assisted parking under its DiPilot system in China, allowing users to bypass insurance claims for eligible incidents. The pledge reflects growing confidence in its technology and coincides with the largest DiPilot upgrade to date, adding new features across parking, driving, and safety.

Augmentus raises Series A+ funding

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Augmentus
Singapore-based Augmentus has raised USD 11 million in Series A+ funding to scale deployment of its AI-powered no-code robotics systems for manufacturing. The round, led by Woori Venture Partners with participation from EDBI, Sierra Ventures, and Cocoon Capital, will support the startup's regional expansion, order fulfillment, and R&D into adaptive automation.

Codelco signs tech pact with Huawei

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Codelco
Chile's Codelco and Huawei have signed an MoU to explore joint pilot projects aimed at advancing digital transformation and operational efficiency in mining. Focus areas include AI for automation, cloud services, and site connectivity. The partnership follows Codelco’s tech-focused visit to China earlier this year.

New OpenAI browser to challenge Chrome

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Reuters
OpenAI is set to launch an AI-powered browser built on Chromium in the coming weeks, according to sources. Designed to integrate agentic tools and keep users within a native chat interface, the browser could challenge Google Chrome’s dominance and erode Alphabet’s ad data advantage. Chrome currently holds over two-thirds of the global market.

X CEO Linda Yaccarino resigns

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Semafor
Linda Yaccarino resigned as X CEO on July 9, a day after the platform’s Grok chatbot posted antisemitic and threatening content. Appointed in 2023 to help restore ad revenue following Elon Musk’s loosening of content rules, Yaccarino gave no reason for her departure. Her tenure focused on rebuilding advertiser relationships.

Douyin saves sellers RMB 14 billion in H1

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Sina
Douyin E-commerce said its merchant support policies saved sellers over RMB 14 billion in the first half of 2025, including RMB 3 billion in June alone. A key deposit reduction policy reportedly unlocked more than RMB 15 billion in withdrawable funds. The platform plans to expand support in the second half to ease costs and improve business stability.

Nvidia becomes world’s most valuable firm

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Bloomberg
Nvidia became the first company to surpass a USD 4 trillion market cap after shares hit USD 164.42 on July 9, fueled by surging AI demand and renewed capital spending from major clients. Now making up about 7.5% of the S&P 500, the stock has climbed more than tenfold since 2023, despite trade tensions and rising competition.

China’s CPI edges up after five months

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CGTN
China’s consumer prices rose 0.1% YoY in June, marking the first increase in five months as measures to spur demand showed initial impact. Core CPI reached a 14-month high at 0.7%, while the producer price index fell 3.6% amid ongoing deflationary pressure. Prices of high-tech and energy products showed signs of stabilizing.

JD.com pledges RMB 10 billion to grow brands

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SCMP
JD.com has pledged over RMB 10 billion to boost benchmark brand sales and gain ground in China’s booming on-demand delivery market. The move intensifies its rivalry with Meituan and Alibaba as daily orders surpass 200 million and subsidy-fueled price wars mount.

Geely’s Zeekr unveils 9X SUV

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SCMP
Zeekr, Geely’s premium EV unit, has launched its first plug-in hybrid SUV, the 9X, amid a shift in China’s EV market. Powered by CATL’s Freevoy battery and built on a 900-volt system, the 9X offers 380 kilometers of range and delivers 220 kilometers after a nine-minute charge. Priced at about RMB 600,000, it will launch in Q3 2025.

Manus shifts hiring focus to Singapore

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Bloomberg
Chinese AI startup Manus is shifting jobs from China to Singapore, hiring more than 20 roles after a Benchmark Capital-led funding round that valued the firm near USD 500 million. It is also expanding in San Mateo and Tokyo. Manus’ agentic AI tools have drawn attention amid escalating US-China tech tensions.

NetEase expands Beat monetization tools

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36Kr
NetEase Cloud Music has launched the BeatSoul incentive program for Beat producers, featuring streaming revenue share, ladder-based bonuses, and an annual award of up to RMB 50,000. Beat tracks now earn on par with full songs and enjoy zero commission in the BeatSoul zone. All uploads are automatically enrolled in the rewards program.

Robots, chatbots aid Singapore logistics

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CNA
Logistics firms in Singapore are deploying AI-driven tools such as chatbots and autonomous robots to manage growing e-commerce volumes. FedEx is reportedly using Quikbot for last-mile delivery support, while Ninja Van’s chatbot is said to help drivers navigate cross-industry tasks. Experts view such technologies as key to scaling operations and improving efficiency.

Temu taps local suppliers in Germany

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RetailDetail
Temu is expanding into Europe’s FMCG market by sourcing food and cosmetics from German suppliers, marking a shift from its focus on low-cost Chinese imports. Brands like Wurstbaron and Mr Tom have reportedly joined the platform. Switzerland is expected to be next as Temu broadens its reach in the region.

CXMT parent begins IPO preparation

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Reuters
CXMT Corporation, parent of DRAM chipmaker ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), has begun IPO preparations through a regulatory counselling process, per a July 8 filing. The firm hired state-owned banks CICC and CSC Financial, but did not specify the listing venue, timeline, or whether the CXMT unit will be included.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers drops July 24

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505 Games
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, developed by Chengdu-based Leenzee and published by 505 Games, launches July 24 with preorders already open on Steam. Set in a war-torn, decaying world, the roleplaying game features nonlinear exploration, deadly enemies, and a blend of brutal weapons and magic.

Tesla risks tipping point amid setbacks

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CNN
Tesla is under growing financial pressure as falling sales, expiring EV tax credits, and the loss of emissions credit revenue threaten its profitability. CEO Elon Musk’s escalating political activity has further unsettled investors, while Tesla’s robotaxi rollout reportedly trails rivals like Waymo. Analysts warn the company may be nearing a tipping point.

Agibot to take control of Shangwei

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Jiemian News
Agibot plans to acquire a 63.62% stake in Shangwei New Materials for RMB 2.1 billion via share transfer and tender offer. If completed, CEO Deng Taihua will become the controlling shareholder, making Shangwei the first embodied AI company listed on China’s A-share market. The deal would combine Agibot’s robotics tech with Shangwei’s manufacturing base to accelerate commercialization.

Romoss spirals as recall triggers shutdowns

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The Paper
Romoss is facing a deepening crisis after recalling about 491,700 power banks. The company has suspended production, shut down online stores, and undergone multiple leadership changes. Employees have reported wage issues and absent management, while Shenzhen regulators have launched round-the-clock oversight to ensure refunds and trace defective products.
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