FB Pixel no scriptKrASIA | Decoding China's tech and business pulse
MENU
KrASIA

News

Huawei’s HIMA plans 17 car launches to secure position in premium car market

5 mins read

Pulses

Mexico tariffs derail Chinese investment

just now
Bloomberg
Mexico’s proposed tariffs on Chinese goods are already disrupting planned investments, according to the Mexico-China Chamber of Commerce. Firms in automotive parts and electronics have paused projects amid rising uncertainty. The chamber warned the levies could fuel inflation, drive black market activity, and hinder Mexico’s EV transition. Congressional approval is expected.

US, China reach TikTok framework deal

just now
WSJ
US and Chinese officials have reportedly reached a framework deal to restructure TikTok’s ownership ahead of a looming ban, pending approval by both national leaders. The agreement emerged during trade talks in Madrid, as Beijing softened its stance amid efforts to secure a visit by US President Donald Trump. Whether ByteDance will part with TikTok’s algorithm remains unresolved.

HIMA to launch up to 19 models in 2026

just now
KrASIA
Huawei-backed HIMA plans to launch up to 19 new vehicles in 2026 across its five brands, including a luxury SUV from Maextro equipped with Huawei’s full smart tech suite. The alliance aims to deliver one million vehicles annually, expand its retail network, and restructure Luxeed into an independent unit as it pushes into China’s premium and mass car markets.

Dreame expands smart home lineup

just now
KrASIA
Dreame introduced more than 30 products at its latest launch, led by AI-powered floor washers with robotic arms that detect stains and adapt in real time. The company is expanding beyond cleaning into appliances and wearables, including smart rings and glasses, as part of a broader push toward AI-driven living. Companion robots and vehicles are also in development.

Dyna secures backing from tech giants

just now
Bloomberg
Dyna Robotics has raised USD 120 million in a round co-led by CRV, First Round Capital, and RoboStrategy, with support from the venture arms of Nvidia, Amazon, and Salesforce, lifting its valuation above USD 600 million. Founded in 2024, the startup develops AI-powered robotic arms for commercial use and aims to advance toward physical AGI.

Fangchengbao unveils Tai 7 SUV

just now
KrASIA
BYD’s Fangchengbao launched the Tai 7 SUV on September 9, priced at RMB 179,800–219,800. Designed for family use, the vehicle offers nearly 1,000 liters of storage and a cabin that can convert into a sleeping space. Key features include leather seats, seven screens, and a wide-range fridge.

Nvidia under antitrust scrutiny in China

just now
WSJ
China has launched an antitrust probe into Nvidia over alleged violations tied to its USD 7 billion Mellanox acquisition in 2020. Regulators said Nvidia may have disrupted chip supply to Chinese customers despite pledges to maintain access. The investigation follows US export curbs, and Nvidia said it remains in compliance with Chinese law.

China retail sales slump adds to stimulus calls

just now
Reuters
China’s factory output rose 5.2% YoY in August, the weakest in a year, while retail sales grew 3.4%, a nine-month low, both missing forecasts. The slowdown highlights persistent drag from the property slump and weak demand, adding pressure on Beijing to roll out further stimulus.

Midea denies overwork and wage arrears claims

just now
Jiemian News
Midea denied claims that an employee at its Hefei Hualing subsidiary worked 14-hour days without pay, saying the worker resigned voluntarily and later received wages after a bank transfer issue. Police reportedly said the worker’s daughter admitted her social media post was inaccurate, deleted it, and apologized.

JD.com eyes Argos deal with Sainsbury’s

just now
Nikkei Asia
JD.com is reportedly in talks with Sainsbury’s about acquiring Argos, the UK’s second largest general merchandise retailer, which Sainsbury’s bought for GBP 1.1 billion in 2016. The Chinese e-commerce group said a deal could accelerate Argos’ growth, though no agreement has been reached and a deal is not certain.

China unveils two-year plan for car market

just now
Xinhua
China has issued a two-year plan to stabilize its automotive sector, targeting 2025 sales of 32.3 million vehicles, up 3% YoY, and 15.5 million NEVs, up 20% YoY. The plan, backed by eight ministries, details over 60 measures to boost demand, strengthen supply chains, and support overseas expansion.

China launches probes into US chip sector

just now
Bloomberg
China’s Ministry of Commerce has launched anti-dumping and anti-discrimination investigations into the US semiconductor sector, focusing on analog chips from firms such as Texas Instruments and Analog Devices. The probes precede trade talks in Madrid between US treasury secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese vice premier He Lifeng.

Geely’s Lynk & Co expands via Volvo network

just now
Nikkei Asia
Geely-owned Lynk & Co is shifting from its rental and club model to a retail strategy in Europe, leveraging Volvo’s dealer and service network. CEO Nicolas Lopez Appelgren said the company plans to grow German dealerships from nine to 25 by year's end as it seeks greater traction in Europe’s EV market.

Disney credits Chinese partners for global push

just now
36Kr
Disney said its Asia-Pacific cross-border consumer products business grew about 45% YoY, led by China, one of its strongest markets. Lin Jiawen, newly promoted to senior vice president for the region, credited Chinese partners including Miniso and Pop Mart with taking Disney products global.

OpenAI researcher Yao Shunyu joins Tencent

just now
Bloomberg
Tencent has hired Yao Shunyu, a researcher who recently left OpenAI, to help integrate AI into its services, according to people familiar with the matter. Yao specializes in agentic AI and previously worked at Google. OpenAI confirmed his departure but declined to say his next destination.

BYD disputes Stellantis chief on Leapmotor sales

just now
BYD
BYD has issued a statement disputing Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa’s claim that Leapmotor outsold it in Germany, citing 8,610 registrations from January to August 2025, more than double Leapmotor’s 3,536. BYD also said it led in BEV and PHEV sales, overtook Alfa Romeo, and narrowed its sales gap with Jeep.

Steering flaw triggers Xpeng P7+ recall

just now
Bloomberg
Xpeng is recalling 47,490 P7+ sedans in China after regulators flagged a wiring flaw that could cause steering failure. The recall affects over two-thirds of buyers of the model, which launched late last year. Xpeng said it will replace the faulty parts at no cost to customers.

Huawei names new chairman at HiSilicon

just now
SCMP
Huawei has promoted Jeffery Gao, head of HiSilicon's Shanghai division, to chairman of the chip design unit, replacing deputy chairman Eric Xu. Gao, who joined Huawei in 2012, takes charge as China’s semiconductor sector consolidates to boost domestic production amid rising US trade tensions.

OpenAI plans shift to benefit corporation

just now
SCMP
OpenAI plans to convert into a public benefit corporation overseen by its nonprofit arm, which will hold equity worth at least USD 100 billion. Microsoft has agreed in principle to the restructuring, but the plan is under regulatory review and faces pushback from co-founder Elon Musk.

Meituan debuts agentic AI app for food delivery

just now
Bloomberg
Meituan has launched Xiaomei, an agentic AI app powered by its LongCat model, to strengthen its food delivery and local services. Xiaomei lets users place meal orders by voice and book restaurants. Shares rose in Hong Kong after the rollout, which comes as Alibaba and JD.com escalate competition in China’s delivery market.
See All

Icon for Editor’s PicksEditor’s Picks

Insights

From sci-fi to factory floors: Humanoid robots at the crossroads of technology, capital, and ambition

US and Chinese players race to define how AI takes physical form.

9 mins read
  • Insights

    From dominance to doubt: How Nvidia fumbled its shot at powering China’s cars

    11 mins read

Venture RoundupVenture Roundup

  • News

    Deals in brief: SGInnovate leads investment in Greenitio, Living Roots and LineWise raise funding, eight deals in China, and more

    5 mins read
    • See All

    Automaker InsightsAutomaker Insights

    • See All

    Retail and CommerceRetail and Commerce

    • See All

    Icon for Casual ChroniclesCasual Chronicles

    100 AI Creators100 AI Creators

    • See All