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BreadTalk has closed all 11 of its stores in Chengdu, drawing complaints from prepaid card users unable to claim refunds. A June notice cited planned …

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BreadTalk has closed all 11 of its stores in Chengdu, drawing complaints from prepaid card users unable to claim refunds. A June notice cited planned renovations, but users say contact lines are unreachable and refund procedures unclear. The company had previously exited Xi’an under similar circumstances, sparking consumer frustration.

Chinese tea chain Chagee has reopened in Ho Chi Minh City after a boycott in March tied to its mobile app. The company has launched a new store and is offering discounts to regain customers.

<a href="/company/nvidia">Nvidia</a> said it has US approval to resume H20 chip sales to China under license, reversing an April restriction days after CEO Jensen Huang met with President Donald Trump. A downgraded chip based on the Blackwell architecture is also being prepared to meet US export rules. Sales of top-tier chips remain restricted.

The US robotaxi market is projected to reach USD 36.5 billion by 2035, co-led by <a href="/company/tesla">Tesla</a> and Waymo, according to TrendForce. Tesla’s growth will depend on regulatory approval and mass production of its Cybercab by 2026. In China, the market is expected to hit USD 44.5 billion, driven by robust supply chains and active local players.

<a href="/company/bytedance">ByteDance</a> is reportedly developing a lightweight mixed reality headset resembling goggles, according to sources familiar with the matter. The move comes as Meta also works on a similar device, slated for release in 2027. ByteDance has yet to respond to requests for comment.

<a href="/company/jd">JD.com</a> is offering up to RMB 1.4 million in annual salary to hire short drama content strategists, ramping up efforts to merge entertainment with <a href="/industry/e-commerce">e-commerce</a>. Following earlier moves by <a href="/company/alibaba">Alibaba</a> and <a href="/company/pinduoduo">Pinduoduo</a>, JD.com plans to build an IP-driven production system and use data to boost user retention and platform traffic.

Asia’s convertible and exchangeable bond sales have surged past USD 30 billion in 2025, led by Chinese firms tapping strong equity markets and low-cost funding. Major issuers like <a href="/company/baidu">Baidu</a>, <a href="/company/alibaba">Alibaba</a>, and Ping An Insurance offered zero-interest deals. Analysts say demand remains strong, barring disruption from geopolitical risks.

Stablecoins are gaining ground in Africa as businesses adopt them for cross-border payments. With global banks deprioritizing the continent, on-chain dollars could offer faster, cheaper, and more accessible alternatives, positioning stablecoins as emerging infrastructure for trade and financial autonomy.

BMW is partnering with Chinese tech firm Momenta to co-develop an <a href="/industry/ai">AI</a>-powered driver assistance system tailored for China. The system will offer point-to-point assist across urban and highway routes, combining BMW’s safety architecture with Momenta’s AI. It will launch on next-gen China-made BMW vehicles.

<a href="/company/tiktok">TikTok</a> is pushing for urgent talks with Canadian officials to avoid a shutdown of its local operations, warning it may need to lay off staff and halt investment. The company has proposed a Canada-specific data security plan but says it has yet to receive a government response. TikTok employs 350 people in Canada and serves around 14 million users.

Cognition AI has acquired what remains of <a href="/industry/ai">AI</a> coding startup Windsurf, including IP, staff, and assets. The deal follows Google’s hire of Windsurf’s co-founder and CEO, after a prior USD 3 billion acquisition by <a href="/company/openai">OpenAI</a> collapsed amid tensions with Microsoft. Windsurf reported USD 82 million in ARR, and all remaining employees will share in the deal.

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

Meituan, China’s all-in-one local services platform, covers food delivery, travel bookings, and lifestyle deals, simplifying daily consumer choices.

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What changes the way we shop? Review fresh inventory management, dark stores, and logistics driving door-to-door grocery services.

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A single Saturday saw Taobao Shangou, Meituan, and JD.com log a combined 200 million orders, testing subsidy strength, logistics, and supply chains in real time.

Meituan scrambles on “Super Saturday” as Taobao Shangou tops 80 million daily orders

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AI-powered therapy tools are emerging in the mental health space, but questions around empathy, safety, and readiness remain unresolved.

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HotMaxx rolls out supersized outlets following success with near-expiry snacks and beverages.

Chinese discount retailer grows as demand rises for affordable goods

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BreadTalk shuts all Chengdu stores

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Meituan scrambles on “Super Saturday” as Taobao Shangou tops 80 million daily orders

AI may offer a listening ear, but can it close mental healthcare gaps?

Chinese discount retailer grows as demand rises for affordable goods