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Consumer Law & Regulation Politics & Society Takeaway Tech, Media & Telecom

No subsidies no sales

China’s smartphone market contracted in 2025, as government subsidies which were propping the sector up dissipated in the second half of the year. Global Times reported in May that the subsidies—which were rolled out in January—accounted for 50 million units sold, seeing a year-on-year increase of 25.4% for the first four months of 2025. However, Caixin reports that through […]

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Brief Manufacturing Tech, Media & Telecom

China’s Unitree ships more than 5,500 humanoid robots in 2025

China’s Unitree Robotics shipped more than 5,500 humanoid robots in 2025, reports the South China Morning Post, citing unnamed sources. This comes as the Hangzhou-based company ramps up production ahead of its planned listing on the mainland. That number–covering “pure” full-body, bipedal humanoid models–exceeded those of its American peers such as Tesla, Figure AI and Agility Robotics, which shipped 150 humanoid robots each last year, according […]

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Economics & Policy Politics & Society Takeaway Tech, Media & Telecom Uncategorized

Robots don’t rent

China’s birth rate has dropped to its lowest since records began. This comes despite Beijing’s best attempts at encouraging the population to have children—including discouraging the use of condoms by taxing.  Meanwhile, there continues to be more doom and gloom with China’s property sector—second-hand house prices are continuing to drop, and real estate agents are […]

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Autos Brief Energy & Environment Tech, Media & Telecom

Beijing requires NEV-makers to recycle batteries

The Chinese government has formalized the legal framework for recycling new-energy vehicle (NEV) batteries, reports Caixin. The mandate places the primary responsibility for recovering waste power cells on automakers as the industry braces for a surge in battery retirements. Under the new regulation, set to take effect on 1 April, NEV manufacturers are required to establish […]

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Brief Economics & Policy Law & Regulation Politics & Society Tech, Media & Telecom

China targets influencers with audits amid domestic slump

China has ramped up audits involving online influencers and high-wage earners, reports the South China Morning Post. The move looks to recover billions in unpaid levies amid slumping land sales and value-added tax revenue decline. As China’s digital infrastructure matures, top-tier influencers are leveraging massive audience engagement to generate premium earnings. Consequently, they have become a […]