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Alibaba has unveiled Qwen VLo, a new AI model that can generate and modify images from text or visual prompts using a “progressive generation” process…

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IPO filings, shutdowns, and a deepening price war signal the start of a high-stakes consolidation phase in outdoor robotics.

Boom, bust, and breakout: China’s lawn robot race hits a tipping point

Decoding China&#039;s tech and business pulse

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36Kr is China's most influential business and technology network, delivering high-quality content focused on China’s innovation and new economy trends since 2010. With its extensive traffic and network, 36Kr has built a comprehensive database and strong data analytics capabilities to provide insights into China’s technology landscape.

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Alibaba, China’s e-commerce giant, operates online retail marketplaces, cloud computing services, and digital payment networks across Asia and beyond.

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Koitake, the IP-driven toy unit under Alibaba’s Hujing business, has been phased out as the tech giant shifts its attention to higher-margin verticals.

Alibaba dials back designer toy ambitions, shuts Koitake to sharpen focus

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Deals in brief: Shiok Burger and 3cat raise funding, Timah Partners gets USD 50 million to tackle SME succession, latest China deals and more

An alias used when humans and machines team up in our newsroom. Articles under this byline may be shaped with the help of AI, but are always vetted by a human before publication.

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KrASIA tracks China’s tech and business stories—alongside key developments across the broader Asia Pacific region.

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<p data-start="272" data-end="559"><a href="/company/alibaba">Alibaba</a> has unveiled Qwen VLo, a new <a href="/industry/ai">AI</a> model that can generate and modify images from text or visual prompts using a “progressive generation” process. Part of its Qwen series, the multimodal model is designed to rival tools from <a href="/company/openai">OpenAI</a> and <a href="/company/deepseek">DeepSeek</a>, reinforcing Alibaba’s goal of achieving artificial general intelligence.</p>

US President Donald Trump said a buyer has been identified for <a href="/company/tiktok">TikTok’s</a> US operations but did not share details, citing a two-week wait and possible need for Chinese approval. The sale, mandated under a US law citing national security concerns, has faced delays amid broader trade tensions. A previous deal involving Oracle and Blackstone reportedly stalled earlier this year.

<a href="/company/nvidia">Nvidia</a> has hired Chinese <a href="/industry/ai">AI</a> researchers Zhu Banghua and Jiao Jiantao, co-founders of Nexusflow AI, to work on post-training, evaluation, and agentic systems. The move highlights rising demand for Chinese talent in US AI labs, as firms like Google and Meta also step up recruitment of Chinese researchers in advanced AI fields.

<a href="/company/shein">Shein</a> plans to submit a draft prospectus confidentially for a Hong Kong IPO, according to sources, marking a rare waiver of the city’s disclosure rules. If approved, it would be the fast fashion firm’s third attempt to go public after stalled bids in the US and UK due to regulatory setbacks.

Germany’s data protection office has alleged that <a href="/company/deepseek">DeepSeek</a> illegally transfers user data to China and has asked Apple and Google to review the app’s status in their stores. The move could lead to a broader EU ban if other regulators follow suit. DeepSeek, which launched a low-cost <a href="/industry/ai">AI</a> model earlier this year, is facing growing scrutiny over its data handling in Europe.

Anker Innovations has signed a deal with ATL to source 45 million lithium-ion batteries after recalling over one million power banks linked to overheating risks. The move marks a supply chain shift aimed at restoring product safety and consumer trust. ATL, a major supplier to Apple and Samsung, replaces a former vendor that Anker has since cut ties with following the recall.

China’s Big Fund III is shifting its focus to key <a href="/industry/semiconductors">semiconductor</a> chokepoints, including lithography and chip design software, in response to tightening US export controls. Backed by the Ministry of Finance and state-owned banks, the RMB 344 billion fund will prioritize longer-term investments after earlier rounds delivered limited breakthroughs. Initial deals are expected in the coming months.

China Medical System (CMS) has filed for a secondary listing on the SGX via introduction, with no new share issuance planned. Pending exchange approval, the move aims to attract Southeast Asian capital and support the group’s regional expansion. CMS has secured regulatory clearance from the CSRC and runs its Southeast Asia and Middle East operations from Singapore.

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Singapore will begin deploying autonomous vehicles in public housing estates by the end of 2025, starting with Punggol and expanding to Tengah. Acting transport minister Jeffrey Siow announced the move during a visit to WeRide’s Guangzhou headquarters, part of a partnership to integrate driverless vehicles into the national transport network and address labor shortages with self-driving solutions.

Indonesia has broken ground on a USD 5.9 billion EV battery project backed by <a href="/company/catl">CATL</a>, Huayou Cobalt, and state-owned Antam. Spanning Halmahera and West Java, the project focuses on nickel processing and battery cell production. NGOs including Greenpeace and CRI have warned of environmental risks near the Weda Bay industrial site.

<p data-start="527" data-end="871"><a href="/company/tiktok-shop">TikTok Shop</a> has launched in Japan, enabling in-app purchases through videos, live streams, and brand profiles. The service supports discovery-driven <a href="/industry/e-commerce">e-commerce</a> with features like product tags, affiliate programs, and a dedicated shop tab. Early adopters include Kate, Unilever, and Nissin as TikTok expands its local retail presence.</p>

How is power evolving? Review renewable sources, grid innovations, and efficiency measures driving cleaner, more resilient energy systems.

Energy

The legislation would strip away tax credits, making investors think twice.

Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" threatens to pull plug on China solar players

Trump&#8217;s &#8220;Big Beautiful Bill&#8221; threatens to pull plug on China solar players

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Nikkei Asia

Li Auto develops electric vehicles that combine smart cockpit systems, advanced safety features, and long-distance battery support.

What powers tomorrow’s roads? Explore EV adoption, charging infrastructure, and battery advances sparking the shift toward sustainable transport.

Electric Vehicles

How is the way we move evolving? Explore developments in autonomous transportation, electric vehicles, and more efficient urban transit.

Mobility

How do goods and people flow worldwide? Examine transport networks, logistics innovations, and policies shaping global connectivity.

Transportation

President Ma Donghui takes control of product, supply, and sales as the company prepares new EV releases.

Li Auto unites R&D and sales to counter Xiaomi’s YU7 momentum

Li Auto unites R&#038;D and sales to counter Xiaomi’s YU7 momentum

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Xpeng Motors builds intelligent EVs equipped with advanced infotainment systems, autonomous features, and sleek electric mobility designs.

Xpeng Motors

Indonesia

With fresh funding in hand, Omoway aims to bring automotive-grade technology to everyday two-wheelers.

Alibaba unveils upgraded Qwen AI model

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