Reading Time : 2 minutesFormer Google CEO Eric Schmidt warns that free open-source AI models from China could dominate globally, especially in developing nations unable to afford expensive Western AI. This shift raises critical geopolitical and technological challenges around AI sovereignty, competition, and global influence in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Reading Time : 2 minutesCitigroup’s CEO Jane Fraser reports rapid growth in China, driven by increased demand for cross-border corporate banking services. While Citi retreats from consumer banking, it doubles down on institutional clients across Asia. Analysts stay cautious, but the bank presents China as a renewed opportunity in a shifting global landscape, where digital and distributed finance continue to reshape strategy.
Reading Time : 2 minutesStarbucks is selling control of its China business to Boyu Capital in a $4 billion deal while retaining a 40 percent stake and brand rights. The decision comes after rising competition from local chains reshaped the market. By partnering rather than exiting, Starbucks aims to regain momentum through local expertise while keeping a long-term position in its fastest-growing region.
Reading Time : 2 minutesXPeng has introduced a humanoid robot named IRON with movement so natural the company opened it on stage to prove it wasn’t a person in a suit. IRON is built with a spine-like structure, artificial muscles and articulated joints, aiming for real-world service use. XPeng plans for mass production by 2026, though practical costs and durability remain unanswered.
Reading Time : 3 minutesShenzhen, China’s dazzling mega-city, blends cutting-edge tech, vibrant women-centric shopping districts, and a rich tapestry of culinary delights. From the gadget-packed Huaqiangbei to fashion-forward boutiques and sizzling street food markets, the city pulses with innovation, style, and flavor. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, trend seeker, or food lover, Shenzhen offers an unforgettable urban adventure.
Reading Time : 2 minutesChina is offering major electricity discounts to data centers that adopt domestically produced AI chips, aiming to strengthen its independence in advanced computing. These subsidies help offset performance and efficiency gaps with foreign hardware while encouraging large tech companies to invest in local semiconductor ecosystems. The policy reflects China’s strategic response to ongoing international tech restrictions.
Reading Time : 2 minutesMiniMax M2 is redefining open-source AI with its efficient mixture-of-experts design and cutting-edge performance. Released in October 2025, it stands as the leading open-weight model, offering top reasoning, coding, and agentic capabilities at lower cost. The M2 proves that open-source innovation can rival the biggest names in artificial intelligence.
Reading Time : 2 minutesBorn in the teahouses of southern China, dim sum grew from simple snacks into a worldwide culinary ritual. From delicate dumplings to sweet tarts, each bite captures the artistry of Cantonese cuisine and the joy of sharing food with loved ones. Dim sum is not just eaten—it’s experienced, savored, and remembered.
Reading Time : 2 minutesChina’s home prices dropped at their fastest pace in nearly a year, highlighting a deepening real estate crisis that threatens economic recovery. With weak demand, high inventories, and falling consumer confidence, the property slump could push Beijing toward stronger intervention as regional markets brace for broader ripple effects.
Reading Time : 2 minutesThe United States asked Taiwan to move half its chip production to America, citing security and supply chain concerns. Taiwan firmly rejected the request, defending its semiconductor dominance as both an economic asset and strategic shield. The standoff exposes growing tension between US self-sufficiency goals and Taiwan’s vital role in global technology.
Reading Time : 2 minutesChina’s open-source AI ecosystem has overtaken the United States in developer numbers, innovation speed, and model performance. Companies like DeepSeek and Alibaba now rival top U.S. projects, driven by state support and efficiency breakthroughs. Though the U.S. still dominates frontier AI, the balance of innovation is increasingly tilting toward China.
Reading Time : 2 minutesChina has tightened export controls on rare earth elements, defending the move as a matter of national security. The decision, which affects key materials for semiconductors and defense industries, has sparked international concern. Beijing insists the new rules are about responsible management, not trade war tactics, but many see strategic motives behind them.
Reading Time : 2 minutesChina’s new K visa program is reshaping the global science landscape by drawing top US researchers at a time when America tightens its visa rules. With generous support and fewer barriers, China positions itself as a magnet for talent, sparking a potential reverse migration that could alter the future of global innovation.
Reading Time : 2 minutesChinese researchers have introduced Bone-02, a new injectable bone glue inspired by oysters’ adhesion abilities. The adhesive bonds bone fragments in just three minutes and is biodegradable, avoiding the need for metal implants. Though still in lab testing, it signals China’s growing role in medical innovation and the development of novel biomaterials.
Reading Time : 2 minutes TikTok’s U.S. operations will be led by American investors including Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX, separating from ByteDance with a $14 billion valuation. Oracle will secure user data and retrain TikTok’s algorithm to ensure autonomy from China. Though experts question the oversight, the deal reflects intense US-China tech tensions and political challenges ahead.
