Japan, a nation synonymous with car manufacturing, faces a surprising challenge: a lack of competitive electric vehicles (EVs) from its own domestic brands. This irony is highlighted by the recent “2023 Japan Electric Car of the Year” award, where a Chinese-made BYD Dolphin EV secured the top spot, with another BYD model and a Hyundai...
Author: Cecilia Lu (Cecilia Lu)
China’s Premier Calls for Promotion of AI as Engine for New Economic Growth
Following China’s recent emphasis on developing “new quality productive forces” in its Government Work Report, Premier Li Qiang has urged a coordinated effort to promote the application of artificial intelligence (AI). This push for AI development comes after a series of visits by Li to key players in China’s technological landscape. Li’s remarks were made...
Apple Doubles Down on China with New Research Labs
Apple is further solidifying its presence in China by expanding its research and development (R&D) footprint. This move positions them to leverage the country’s manufacturing prowess and booming innovation scene to create even better products. The company isn’t alone in recognizing China’s growing appeal. Despite global economic uncertainties, China remains a magnet for foreign high-tech...
Alibaba Injects $640 Million to Revive Hong Kong’s Entertainment Powerhouse
Chinese tech giant Alibaba is injecting $640 million (HK$5 billion) into Hong Kong’s entertainment industry over the next five years, aiming to reignite the territory’s cultural and film scene. This significant investment goes beyond just cash. Alibaba’s digital media and entertainment arm is spearheading the initiative, allocating funds to support Hong Kong-produced television dramas, movies,...
China to Mexico in One Go! Airline Launches Epic 14,000km Marathon
China Southern Airlines is poised to take to the skies with a history-making flight! Buckle up for China’s longest international route yet, connecting the bustling metropolis of Shenzhen with the vibrant heart of Mexico City. This epic journey, featuring a convenient layover in Tijuana, will take its inaugural flight on April 17th. But the excitement...
Chinese Phones Conquer Africa: Understanding Transsion’s Domination
Africa’s bustling mobile phone market boasts a surprising leader – a Chinese company called Transsion, unknown to most in mainland China itself. Their secret? Deep understanding of the African market and a laser focus on affordability. Transsion’s success story began in 2008 on Nairobi’s Luthuli Avenue, starting small from a second-floor office. Today, their brands...
China’s Auto Market Speeds Up in First Two Months, New Energy Soars
China’s auto industry kicked off 2024 with positive momentum, recording an 11.1% year-on-year increase in total vehicle sales to nearly 4.03 million units in the first two months, according to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). This growth was mirrored in production, with auto output climbing 8.1% year-on-year to 3.92 million units...
Danish Drug Giant Surges Past Tesla, Tops LVMH: Weight Loss Cure or Dangerous Fad?
Denmark may boast a GDP of approximately 430 billion dollars, but within its borders lies a pharmaceutical giant that dwarfs the nation’s economic output. Novo Nordisk, a Danish company specializing in healthcare, carries a market cap exceeding 604 billion dollars, surpassing even luxury powerhouse LVMH. This year alone, Novo Nordisk has soared past Tesla in...
China Moves to Compensate “Invisible Overtime”
China is taking steps to address the growing issue of “invisible overtime,” where employees are expected to respond to work messages and handle tasks outside of regular working hours. This follows a recent Supreme Court ruling recognizing such work as compensable overtime. Lyu Guoquan, head of the trade union federation, proposed a legal framework for...
China Vows Continued Fight Against Air Pollution
A decade ago, President Xi Jinping hosted world leaders at the APEC summit in Beijing. Back then, the air quality in the Chinese capital was a source of concern, with clear skies nicknamed “APEC blue” seen as a temporary phenomenon. Xi assured those leaders of China’s commitment to environmental protection, promising the “APEC blue” would...