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The “Nordic Arc’teryx” returns to China, but will Norrona finally find its name?

5 mins read

Pulses

Dada Nexus delists after JD.com takeover

just now
Dada Nexus
JD.com has completed its acquisition of Dada Nexus, taking the on-demand delivery platform private in a cash deal valued at USD 2 per ADS. Dada delisted from Nasdaq on June 17 and will cease SEC reporting as it becomes wholly owned by JD through a subsidiary merger.  

Vietnam approves Da Nang free trade zone

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VietnamPlus
Vietnam has approved its first free trade zone in Da Nang, a 1,881-hectare hub for manufacturing, logistics, and digital tech. Linked to key infrastructure including Lien Chieu Port and Da Nang International Airport, the zone aims to drive regional growth and integrate into global supply chains.

Taobao sees surge in pet product sales

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Caijing
Taobao’s 618 campaign saw a surge in cross-border pet product sales, with more than 1,000 merchants doubling their YoY revenue. Chinese brands led in pet food and smart care devices, while small pet supplies gained global traction. Top markets included Hong Kong, Taiwan, and countries across Southeast Asia.

Alibaba brings Qwen 3 to Apple devices

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SCMP
Alibaba has released open-source Qwen 3 AI models optimized for Apple’s MLX framework, enabling training and deployment on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. The move may aid Apple’s efforts to launch its AI features in China, where regulatory approval is required for public rollout.

China’s DataCanvas unveils AI infra upgrade

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Xinhua
DataCanvas has launched Alaya NeW Cloud 2.0, an AI computing platform built to help developers train and deploy large models more efficiently and cost-effectively. It uses a flexible serverless architecture to accelerate tasks like text generation and reinforcement learning, with billing based on actual resource consumption.

AliHealth, Novo Nordisk launch digital health hub

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Alibaba Health
Alibaba Health and Novo Nordisk have partnered to launch a digital platform for weight and chronic disease management. The service integrates medical education, AI-driven tools, and delivery solutions to support early screening and treatment of obesity and diabetes, in line with China’s public health initiatives.

Cainiao upgrades HK hub with RFID tech

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Securities Times
Cainiao has fully implemented RFID technology at its Hong Kong eHub, making it the city’s first logistics hub with full-scene RFID coverage. The upgrade reportedly cuts check-in time to one minute, boosts parcel processing speed by 30%, and enables 99.5% data accuracy with real-time, touchless tracking from unloading to outbound delivery.

LG Energy inks EV battery deal with Chery

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Yonhap News Agency
LG Energy Solution has signed a six-year deal to supply Chery with 8 GWh of 46-series cylindrical EV batteries, marking its first contract with a Chinese automaker. The high-capacity cells will begin shipping in early 2026 and are expected to power around 120,000 vehicles.

Baidu ramps up hiring for AI talent

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IT Zhijia
Baidu has launched its largest AI hiring campaign to date, expanding recruitment by over 60% YoY. The effort spans 23 business units and 11 research areas, including LLMs, infrastructure, and intelligent agents. Candidates receive personalized training, expert mentorship, and uncapped salary offers.

WeRide, Uber to launch robotaxis in Dubai

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WeRide
WeRide and Uber will deploy autonomous robotaxis in Dubai this year under a new partnership with the city's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Vehicles will launch on Uber's app with safety drivers, with fully driverless rides targeted for early 2026. Road testing is already underway with RTA oversight.

JD Logistics expands ops in Saudi Arabia

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National Business Daily
JD Logistics is reportedly expanding in Saudi Arabia and may launch its first self-operated overseas logistics network. Locals have spotted couriers in JD uniforms, while job listings show hiring for delivery, sales, and support roles.

Pop Mart halts Labubu sales in Korea

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The Korea Times
Pop Mart has suspended offline sales of its Labubu plush dolls and keychains in South Korea due to safety concerns, following crowd surges and disputes at stores. Demand spiked after celebrity endorsements, including Blackpink's Lisa in 2024. The company has not announced when in-store sales will resume.

Transsion launches mobility division

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Sina
Transsion has formed a mobility division to enter the two-wheeled EV market, with hiring focused on Africa and other developing regions. Roles include country managers and product leads, signaling plans for retail expansion and tech integration. The company has not publicly confirmed the move.

South Korea plans AI fund, global tie-ups

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Semafor
South Korea is weighing a Stargate-style AI partnership with US tech firms under President Lee Jae-myung’s new administration. A proposed KRW 100 trillion fund would blend public and private capital to develop data centers and AI infrastructure, with the initiative framed as both an economic driver and strategic security priority.

Google-Wiz deal under antitrust review

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Bloomberg
Google’s planned USD 32 billion acquisition of cybersecurity firm Wiz is under early antitrust review by US authorities. Officials are probing whether the deal would stifle competition, amid broader scrutiny of Google’s dominance in tech markets and recent rulings over illegal monopolies.

Neuralink tests brain chip to simulate vision

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Bloomberg
Neuralink has tested a brain chip called Blindsight in monkeys, stimulating the visual cortex to simulate sight. The implant prompted eye movements in two-thirds of trials, laying the groundwork for human applications to restore or enhance vision. Human trials are planned, but the device is not yet approved.

Temu resumes direct shipping to US

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SCMP
Temu has resumed direct shipments from China to the US, reversing course after tariff changes forced a shift in its logistics model. The PDD-owned platform is relisting select products as trade talks between Washington and Beijing ease tensions, potentially restoring its full-custody approach, in which Temu handles pricing, listings, and delivery.

Hong Kong to revise drone testing rules

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SCMP
Hong Kong plans to revise laws to allow broader testing of high-capacity drones, aiming to boost logistics and develop its low-altitude economy, deputy financial secretary Michael Wong said. The move builds on a sandbox initiative launched in 2024 and looks to mirror progress seen in mainland China.

China drafts rules on car data exports

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Bloomberg
China has issued draft rules on exporting automotive data, clarifying how assisted driving systems from companies like Tesla can legally transmit critical vehicle data abroad. The move may accelerate Tesla’s FSD rollout in China, where local approvals and partnerships have so far limited deployment.

Abu Dhabi’s G42 expands into Europe

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Bloomberg
Abu Dhabi-based AI firm G42 has launched a European unit in London to deploy AI solutions and partner with governments and industry on infrastructure projects. The move follows UAE tech investments across Europe and G42’s deepening collaboration with Nvidia on advanced data centers.
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