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TSMC is delaying construction of its second chip plant in Japan to prioritize US expansion ahead of possible Trump-era tariffs on imported semiconduct…

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China’s tech ecosystem serves as a driving force behind the world’s second largest economy, influencing global digital markets.

China

Explore East Asia’s thriving tech hubs, global electronics producers, and fast-evolving digital platforms shaping cross-border innovation.

East Asia

Luckin Coffee provides app-based ordering, convenient pickup, and a broad beverage menu, reshaping China’s coffee consumption patterns.

Luckin Coffee

What sets the bar for convenience? Examine on-demand platforms, subscription models, and personalization transforming consumer expectations.

Consumer Economy

How do stores adapt to digital shifts? Explore e-commerce integration, inventory analytics, and omnichannel strategies for modern shoppers.

Retail

Coffee

Five years after a financial scandal, China’s leading coffee chain is testing its footing in Starbucks’ home market.

Luckin Coffee tests the waters in the US with two New York stores

Decoding China&#039;s tech and business pulse

KrASIA

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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What lies beyond familiar frontiers? Investigate emerging tech—like quantum computing and AI—transforming traditional sectors.

Deep Tech

How does automation advance industry? Analyze robotic arms, drones, and AI-driven tools reshaping manufacturing and services.

Chinese companies are moving fast to claim ground in the US lawn care market, where robotic mower adoption remains low.

US lawns are the next big play for China’s robotic mower brands

How do markets shape wealth creation? Study portfolio diversification, asset classes, and strategies balancing growth and risk.

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When do companies invite public investment? Understand listing criteria, underwriter roles, and regulatory steps defining initial offerings.

Why do firms join forces? Investigate synergy goals, valuation methods, and negotiations driving corporate consolidation.

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What happens after acquisitions close? Examine deal structures, operational improvements, and exit strategies molding corporate outcomes.

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Bringing you the latest updates on funding deals and activities in the Asia Pacific.

Deals in brief: Monit raises USD 2.5 million, GreenTeams and AI Hay land Series A rounds, latest China funding 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.

Sudo Lim

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

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<a href="/company/tsmc">TSMC</a> is delaying construction of its second chip plant in Japan to prioritize US expansion ahead of possible Trump-era tariffs on imported <a href="/industry/semiconductors">semiconductors</a>. The move undercuts Japan’s USD 8 billion-backed Kumamoto project while accelerating Arizona output for clients like Apple and <a href="/company/nvidia">Nvidia</a>. The Japan timeline is now uncertain.

<a href="/company/bilibili">Bilibili</a> is rolling out a new video podcast support initiative featuring free studio access, traffic boosts, and an <a href="/industry/ai">AI</a>-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.

<a href="/company/tiktok">TikTok</a> 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.

PDD-owned <a href="/company/temu">Temu</a> 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 <a href="/industry/e-commerce">e-commerce</a> platform reached a key milestone of one billion cumulative downloads, highlighting strong user retention despite slower new adoption.

<a href="/company/tiktok-shop">TikTok Shop’s</a> 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 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 signed new cooperation agreements on July 5 to advance <a href="/industry/ai">AI</a> 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.

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.

<a href="/company/tencent">Tencent's</a> Yuanbao <a href="/industry/ai">AI</a> 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.

<a href="/company/meituan">Meituan’s</a> 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.

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.

Some cities have suspended programs earlier than expected.

China races to calm worries over end to USD 42 billion consumer subsidies

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Baidu leads Chinese search engines, voice assistants, autonomous driving research, and AI platforms connecting users with information and services.

What guides machine-led insights? Uncover AI applications, language models, and decision-making systems transforming sectors worldwide.

Artificial Intelligence

Its new search interface is part chatbot, part creative tool, and part concierge, but whether users will embrace it at scale remains an open question.

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

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What shapes modern healthcare and agriculture? Examine biotech startups, gene editing, and drug discovery unlocking biological potential.

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Hong Kong

The Hong Kong-listed firm is advancing its pipeline using an mRNA system it says can compete with the industry’s best.

Everest Medicines targets global expansion with proprietary, AI-driven mRNA platform

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TSMC delays Japan plant amid US pivot

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China races to calm worries over end to USD 42 billion consumer subsidies

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

Everest Medicines targets global expansion with proprietary, AI-driven mRNA platform