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CATL targets rollout of charging robots

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SCMP
CATL’s planned Hong Kong IPO comes as the company expands beyond EV batteries into charging robots. Its CharGo unit aims to deploy up to 15,000 units globally by 2026, targeting leadership in China’s mobile charging market. EV batteries accounted for around 70% of its 2024 revenue.

China’s electric truck sales to surge: CATL

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Jiemian News
At a May 18 event, CATL chairman Robin Zeng said electric heavy trucks could account for 50% of China’s market by 2028, up from 10% in 2024. His remarks came alongside the launch of a new standard swappable battery for medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

NIP targets Middle East amid esports push

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SCMP
Chinese esports firm NIP Group will establish its global headquarters in Abu Dhabi under a five-year agreement, aiming to tap broader markets. Co-founder Hicham Chahine said the UAE base offers strategic access to diverse gaming regions as the company works toward profitability.

TikTok signals openness to Brazil talks

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Bloomberg
TikTok has expressed willingness to discuss its Brazil operations with officials, following calls for tighter regulation after the death of an eight-year-old girl, allegedly linked to a TikTok challenge, raised concerns about risks to women and children.

Huya posts flat Q1 revenue, net income dips

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Huya
Huya reported RMB 1.51 billion in Q1 2025 revenue, nearly flat YoY, as gains in game-related services offset declines in live streaming. Net income fell sharply to RMB 927,000 from RMB 71 million a year earlier, while non-GAAP profit dropped 74%.

HiSilicon hits 12% share in global chip race

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SCMP
Huawei's chip unit HiSilicon doubled its revenue in 2024, boosted by its return to the premium smartphone segment with the Kirin-powered Pura 70 and Mate 70. Counterpoint Research said HiSilicon now holds 12% of the global Android SoC market but faces continued pressure from US trade curbs and competition from Qualcomm and MediaTek.

Nvidia denies GPU design transfer to China

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CNBC
Nvidia said it is not sending GPU designs to China, pushing back on reports it might do so amid plans for a new R&D center in Shanghai. The company confirmed it is leasing space for staff but stressed that no IP will be transferred. China remains a key market for Nvidia and other chipmakers despite mounting regulatory uncertainty.

TikTok launches meditation tools for teens

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CNBC
TikTok has introduced in-app meditation exercises aimed at promoting sleep and reducing screen time for users under 18. The features activate during late hours and interrupt usage after 10 p.m, and are being rolled out as the platform faces lawsuits and criticism over its mental health impact on teens.

Baidu introduces “DeepSearch” AI tool

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GeekPark
Baidu’s AI search now features “DeepSearch,” a deep retrieval tool powered by a ten-billion-entry content base. It is designed to mimic human reasoning by breaking down queries and refining results through multi-step analysis. Unlike similar tools from OpenAI or Google, DeepSearch is reportedly free to use without limits.

BYD to set up European hub in Budapest

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Xinhua
BYD has signed an agreement with Hungary to establish its European headquarters and a new R&D center in Budapest. The company plans to collaborate with local universities and suppliers, offer job training, and create thousands of jobs, aiming to strengthen Hungary’s role in the global EV supply chain.

WeRide expands robotaxi service in UAE

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WeRide
WeRide has begun trial operations of fully driverless robotaxis in Abu Dhabi. The pilot expands coverage to Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands, building on existing routes serving Yas Island and Zayed International Airport. It also follows WeRide’s receipt of a UAE self-driving vehicle license in 2023 and its partnership with Uber since 2024.

Nvidia plans Shanghai R&D center amid chip curbs

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Financial Times
Nvidia is planning a new R&D center in Shanghai to adapt AI chip development to US export restrictions and support local market needs. CEO Jensen Huang discussed the project with Shanghai’s mayor last month and has warned that exiting China could cede ground to domestic rivals like Huawei.

Geely plans 3–4 new models after strong Q1

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IT Zhijia
Geely plans to launch 3–4 new car models this year and expand exports, with 1–2 models slated for Q4 2025 and a six-seat Galaxy SUV set to debut in Milan. The rollout builds on a strong Q1, which saw NEV sales reach 339,000 units and Galaxy sales, led by the E8, more than triple YoY.

Xiaomi to launch XringO1 chip in May

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Reuters
Xiaomi founder Lei Jun announced on Weibo that the company will launch its XringO1 mobile chip in late May. Designed in-house using Arm architecture and manufactured by TSMC on a 3-nanometer process, the chip is intended for premium phones and tablets as Xiaomi ramps up competition with Apple and Huawei’s custom silicon.

Shein leases massive warehouse in Vietnam

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Reuters
Fast fashion giant Shein has leased nearly 15 hectares of warehouse space near Ho Chi Minh City, its first such facility in Vietnam, sources said. The move aims to position goods closer to global shipping routes and reduce exposure to US-China trade tensions. Shein remains heavily reliant on China-based suppliers and vulnerable to shifts in tariff policy.

ByteDance targets 20% revenue growth in 2025

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Bloomberg
TikTok owner ByteDance is targeting 2025 revenue of USD 186 billion, a 20% increase from 2024, putting it just shy of Meta’s projected USD 187 billion. The company now reports over 4 billion monthly active users across its apps, despite slowing ad demand on Douyin and ongoing US pressure to divest TikTok.

China slams US over Huawei chip warning

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Reuters
China said on May 15 the US is misusing export controls after US authorities warned of legal risks tied to Huawei’s Ascend AI chips. A commerce ministry spokesperson said the move threatens supply chain stability and vowed to safeguard Chinese companies' interests. Huawei’s chips compete with Nvidia’s in China.

AI-powered clinic debuts in Saudi Arabia

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Bloomberg
Synyi AI, a Tencent-backed Chinese startup, launched a trial clinic in Saudi Arabia in April to test AI-led diagnoses and prescriptions under human doctor oversight. Backed by Almoosa Health Group, the pilot covers 30 respiratory conditions and is generating regulatory data. The company aims to enter commercial use within 18 months.

NEV exports from China leap 44% in April

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China News Service
China's NEV exports rose 44.2% YoY in April to 189,000 units, accounting for 44.6% of total passenger car exports, up 14 percentage points from a year earlier. Total automotive production and sales each exceeded 10 million in the first four months of 2025, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM).

China, LATAM outline cooperation plan

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CCTV
China and Latin American nations set a three-year cooperation roadmap at the latest China-CELAC Forum, announcing over 100 joint projects. The agenda also shifts focus beyond trade to AI, green energy, and industrial tech. Starting June 1, China will offer visa-free entry to travelers from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay.
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