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TikTok launches meditation tools for teens

just now
CNBC
TikTok has introduced in-app meditation exercises aimed at promoting sleep and reducing screen time for users under 18. The features activate during late hours and interrupt usage after 10 p.m, and are being rolled out as the platform faces lawsuits and criticism over its mental health impact on teens.

Baidu introduces “DeepSearch” AI tool

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GeekPark
Baidu’s AI search now features “DeepSearch,” a deep retrieval tool powered by a ten-billion-entry content base. It is designed to mimic human reasoning by breaking down queries and refining results through multi-step analysis. Unlike similar tools from OpenAI or Google, DeepSearch is reportedly free to use without limits.

BYD to set up European hub in Budapest

just now
Xinhua
BYD has signed an agreement with Hungary to establish its European headquarters and a new R&D center in Budapest. The company plans to collaborate with local universities and suppliers, offer job training, and create thousands of jobs, aiming to strengthen Hungary’s role in the global EV supply chain.

WeRide expands robotaxi service in UAE

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WeRide
WeRide has begun trial operations of fully driverless robotaxis in Abu Dhabi. The pilot expands coverage to Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands, building on existing routes serving Yas Island and Zayed International Airport. It also follows WeRide’s receipt of a UAE self-driving vehicle license in 2023 and its partnership with Uber since 2024.

Nvidia plans Shanghai R&D center amid chip curbs

just now
Financial Times
Nvidia is planning a new R&D center in Shanghai to adapt AI chip development to US export restrictions and support local market needs. CEO Jensen Huang discussed the project with Shanghai’s mayor last month and has warned that exiting China could cede ground to domestic rivals like Huawei.

Geely plans 3–4 new models after strong Q1

just now
IT Zhijia
Geely plans to launch 3–4 new car models this year and expand exports, with 1–2 models slated for Q4 2025 and a six-seat Galaxy SUV set to debut in Milan. The rollout builds on a strong Q1, which saw NEV sales reach 339,000 units and Galaxy sales, led by the E8, more than triple YoY.

Xiaomi to launch XringO1 chip in May

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Reuters
Xiaomi founder Lei Jun announced on Weibo that the company will launch its XringO1 mobile chip in late May. Designed in-house using Arm architecture and manufactured by TSMC on a 3-nanometer process, the chip is intended for premium phones and tablets as Xiaomi ramps up competition with Apple and Huawei’s custom silicon.

Shein leases massive warehouse in Vietnam

just now
Reuters
Fast fashion giant Shein has leased nearly 15 hectares of warehouse space near Ho Chi Minh City, its first such facility in Vietnam, sources said. The move aims to position goods closer to global shipping routes and reduce exposure to US-China trade tensions. Shein remains heavily reliant on China-based suppliers and vulnerable to shifts in tariff policy.

ByteDance targets 20% revenue growth in 2025

just now
Bloomberg
TikTok owner ByteDance is targeting 2025 revenue of USD 186 billion, a 20% increase from 2024, putting it just shy of Meta’s projected USD 187 billion. The company now reports over 4 billion monthly active users across its apps, despite slowing ad demand on Douyin and ongoing US pressure to divest TikTok.

China slams US over Huawei chip warning

just now
Reuters
China said on May 15 the US is misusing export controls after US authorities warned of legal risks tied to Huawei’s Ascend AI chips. A commerce ministry spokesperson said the move threatens supply chain stability and vowed to safeguard Chinese companies' interests. Huawei’s chips compete with Nvidia’s in China.

AI-powered clinic debuts in Saudi Arabia

just now
Bloomberg
Synyi AI, a Tencent-backed Chinese startup, launched a trial clinic in Saudi Arabia in April to test AI-led diagnoses and prescriptions under human doctor oversight. Backed by Almoosa Health Group, the pilot covers 30 respiratory conditions and is generating regulatory data. The company aims to enter commercial use within 18 months.

NEV exports from China leap 44% in April

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China News Service
China's NEV exports rose 44.2% YoY in April to 189,000 units, accounting for 44.6% of total passenger car exports, up 14 percentage points from a year earlier. Total automotive production and sales each exceeded 10 million in the first four months of 2025, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM).

China, LATAM outline cooperation plan

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CCTV
China and Latin American nations set a three-year cooperation roadmap at the latest China-CELAC Forum, announcing over 100 joint projects. The agenda also shifts focus beyond trade to AI, green energy, and industrial tech. Starting June 1, China will offer visa-free entry to travelers from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay.

TikTok faces EU fine over ad practices

just now
Bloomberg
The EU has issued preliminary findings that TikTok violated ad transparency rules, risking a fine of up to 6% of global sales. The probe comes amid wider scrutiny into the platform’s content systems, data practices, and foreign interference risks. TikTok says it disagrees with parts of the finding and will respond.

4Paradigm posts solid growth in Q1

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4Paradigm
Chinese AI firm 4Paradigm reported Q1 2025 revenue of RMB 1.08 billion, a 30.1% YoY increase driven by enterprise demand for AI agents and “vertical world models.” Gross profit rose to RMB 444 million, with a stable margin of 41.2%. The company expanded AI agent deployments across 14 sectors, supported by new tools and ecosystem partnerships.

TikTok Shop announces 2025 summer campaign

just now
Ebrun
TikTok Shop has announced its 2025 summer campaign will span six markets: the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Platform-wide promotions will debut in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The campaign will run in two waves: Europe from June 23 to July 1, and the US from July 7 to 19, focused on clearing inventory and testing seasonal products.

Asia reached 646 unicorns in 2024

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Asia Unicorn Forum
Asia had 646 unicorns by end-2024, with a combined valuation of USD 2.4 trillion, according to a recent report. China led with 454 firms, followed by India. Most unicorns are in software, transport, and deep tech, and 96% are valued under USD 10 billion. The average time to reach unicorn status is five years. ByteDance topped the list with a USD 300 billion valuation.

Ant’s profit drops 31% as AI spending grows

just now
Bloomberg
Ant Group’s quarterly profit fell about 31% to an estimated RMB 5.3 billion as the firm ramped up investment in AI and overseas expansion. It contributed RMB 1.76 billion to Alibaba’s earnings. Ant is applying AI across services, using domestic chips to cut training costs, and continues to prepare its tech units for potential spinoffs while exploring a Hong Kong IPO.

Alibaba posts 93% jump in quarterly profit

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Alibaba
Alibaba reported a 93% YoY increase in operating income for the March 2025 quarter, driven by strong cloud revenue and sustained triple-digit growth in AI products. Total revenue rose 7% to RMB 236.5 billion, while net income reached RMB 11.97 billion. The company declared USD 4.6 billion in dividends for the fiscal year.

CATL expands with new unit in Hubei

just now
Guandian
CATL has established a new subsidiary in Suizhou, Hubei, focused on energy tech R&D, battery swapping, and EV sales. The firm, registered with RMB 5 million in capital, is wholly owned by CATL’s regional green energy unit.
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