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Baidu reimagines search as the race to build the first AI superapp continues

6 mins read

Pulses

Bilibili unveils podcast support program

just now
Ebrun
Bilibili is rolling out a new video podcast support initiative featuring free studio access, traffic boosts, and an AI-driven tool that can reportedly generate videos from text or audio in under six minutes. Designed to streamline production for creators, the tool is said to have received strong early feedback.

TikTok said to be prepping US spinoff

just now
The Information
TikTok is reportedly developing a separate version of its platform for US users ahead of a potential sale to American investors. The report, citing anonymous sources, comes as President Donald Trump signals talks with China over a possible TikTok deal, set to begin July 7 or 8.

Temu reports strong Q2 user growth

just now
Ebrun
PDD-owned Temu reported 416.5 million monthly active users and 70.5 million daily users in Q2 2025, up 68% and 65% YoY, respectively. While global downloads fell 7% to 113 million, the e-commerce platform reached a key milestone of one billion cumulative downloads, highlighting strong user retention despite slower new adoption.

TikTok Shop sees EU summer sales surge

just now
Ebrun
TikTok Shop’s European summer promotion ended with recordbreaking results, as GMV surged 122% for fully managed sellers in the EU and more than 600% in the UK. Independently operated stores saw daily order volumes more than double. In the US, a new campaign has launched with early sales already surpassing first-half highs.

Baozun acquires Sweaty Betty’s China unit

just now
36Kr
Baozun has reportedly acquired the China business of UK activewear brand Sweaty Betty, its third international brand deal after Gap and Hunter. The existing team managing Gap and Hunter will oversee operations, as Baozun continues to localize overseas brands using its design, supply chain, and retail capabilities. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

China and Brazil deepen AI, growth ties

just now
Jiemian News
China and Brazil signed new cooperation agreements on July 5 to advance AI development and align strategic growth plans. The deals include a second-phase MoU linking China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Brazil’s national programs and a pact to establish a joint AI application center, covering areas such as open-source tech, infrastructure, and talent development.

Blind box trend expands beyond toys

just now
Nikkei Asia
China’s blind box boom has spread into services, with businesses offering surprise meals and mystery travel at budget prices. Driven by social media and demand for novelty, the trend appeals to younger consumers facing decision fatigue but has raised concerns over addiction and repeat purchases, particularly among minors.

Tencent Yuanbao adds smart media search

just now
IT Zhijia
Tencent's Yuanbao AI assistant has launched a new feature that links user queries to relevant images and WeChat video tutorials. The updated search function delivers responses with both text and media, allowing users to view guides, ask follow-up questions, and access tutorials easily.

Meituan hits 120 million orders in a day

just now
Ebrun
Meituan’s real-time retail orders surpassed 120 million on July 5, with food delivery alone accounting for over 100 million, according to company data. More than 20 million orders were placed in just two hours that evening, as the summer shopping season began and late-night demand surged during a peak promotional weekend.

China phone sales post sharp May drop

just now
SCMP
Smartphone shipments in China fell 21.8% YoY in May to 23.7 million units, reversing a three-month rebound and marking the steepest decline this year. Domestic brands saw a 24.2% fall, while foreign brands like Apple slipped 9.7%, according to CAICT. Analysts cite delayed launches, economic strain, and paused subsidies, though new state funding is expected later this year.

JDP to build first Middle East hub in UAE

just now
Securities Daily
JD Property has signed a deal with the Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ) to build and operate a 70,000-square-meter logistics facility, its first self-developed hub in the Middle East. The site will support cross-border e-commerce across the GCC and MENA regions, aiming to reduce logistics costs for Chinese firms entering the market.

Trump says TikTok deal talks to resume

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Nikkei Asia
President Donald Trump said the US will begin talks with China on July 7 or 8 over a possible TikTok deal, which he described as “pretty much” complete. A previous plan to spin off TikTok’s US assets stalled amid tariff tensions. ByteDance faces a September 17 divestment deadline, but Chinese approval remains uncertain.

Anker exec details battery recall causes

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36Kr
Anker Innovations traced its global power bank recall to unauthorized changes in battery cell materials, uncovered through internal testing and supplier audits. In an interview, vice president Xiong Kang said shifts in cathode composition and separator performance raised thermal risks, despite initial denials from the supplier. The case exposes key gaps in upstream quality control.

Xiaomi files IP for lifestyle product push

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36Kr
Xiaomi has filed a broad range of "Xiaomi Life" trademarks across categories including transport, apparel, and convenience foods, with several already approved. In 2025, the company also registered copyrights for SU7-branded lifestyle products, including mugs, blankets, and fridge magnets, signaling a wider IP strategy tied to its automotive line.

EV maker Neta falters in Thailand

just now
Reuters
Neta Auto, one of the first Chinese EV brands in Thailand, is struggling to meet local production targets under a government subsidy scheme, with sales plunging 48.5% and dealers filing complaints over unpaid debts. Its parent company has entered bankruptcy in China, reflecting the mounting pressure on smaller EV makers amid BYD-led price competition across Asia.

Cyberport’s AI hub hits 90% utilization

just now
SCMP
Cyberport’s AI Supercomputing Centre has reached over 90% usage since launching in December 2024, backed by a HKD 3 billion subsidy program to grow Hong Kong’s AI ecosystem. Ten projects have been approved, including medical AI models and tools used by government departments. A second site is planned for the Northern Metropolis.

EU stands firm on AI law implementation

just now
Reuters
The European Commission confirmed it will follow the legal timeline for the AI Act, rejecting calls from firms like Alphabet, Meta, and ASML to delay enforcement. Obligations for general-purpose AI models begin this August, with high-risk model rules set for 2026. Brussels may still ease digital compliance rules for small companies later this year.

TSMC delays Japan plant amid US pivot

just now
WSJ
TSMC is delaying construction of its second chip plant in Japan to prioritize US expansion ahead of possible Trump-era tariffs on imported semiconductors. The move undercuts Japan’s USD 8 billion-backed Kumamoto project while accelerating Arizona output for clients like Apple and Nvidia. The Japan timeline is now uncertain.

Nissan to export China-made EVs in 2026

just now
Nikkei Asia
Nissan will begin exporting China-made EVs in 2026, starting with the N7 sedan, as part of a global turnaround plan. Produced in Guangzhou using Chinese AI software, the N7 will be modified for markets with tech restrictions. A new joint venture with Dongfeng Motor will handle exports, aiming to capitalize on low-cost EV production and Nissan’s overseas service network.

Wind and solar reshape China’s capacity mix

just now
Bloomberg
More than 500 GW of wind and solar will come online in China this year, lifting renewable energy to 48% of total capacity and overtaking coal and gas for the first time. The State Grid Energy Research Institute said the record buildout, including 380 GW of solar, should ease summer shortages and support rising demand, though weather risks persist.
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