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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 …

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

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

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

Luckin Coffee

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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

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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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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

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

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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 <a href="/industry/ai">AI</a> 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.

<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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EU stands firm on AI law implementation

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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