Tobias

A *People’s Daily* commentary addresses the declining popularity of superhero movies in China, citing the disappointing box office results of recent releases like *Superman* and *Fantastic Four: First Light*. Factors contributing to this trend include the rise of high-quality domestic films, the proliferation of streaming services offering diverse content, and Chinese audiences’ growing preference for sophisticated narratives with depth and emotional resonance over formulaic plots and CGI spectacle. The article suggests filmmakers should prioritize compelling storytelling to engage viewers.

Li Auto CEO Li Xiang, in an interview with Luo Yonghao, addressed online negativity, particularly the “coffin car” smear campaign against the MEGA model. Luo expressed surprise at the intensity of the attacks. Li Xiang alleged a rival company orchestrated these campaigns dating back to the i8 model, aiming to damage Li Auto’s image. He stated that the appropriate response is to improve product and strategy to eliminate vulnerabilities, and acknowledges that the pressure from the controversy nearly caused a complete redesign of the MEGA car.

AI search adoption is surging, with Google integrating AI Overviews, yet Google’s ad revenue surprisingly increased by 14%. This is because Google embeds ads within AI responses, potentially undermining the purpose of AI search – avoiding ads. While websites in AI results gain traffic, overall click-through rates to content websites decrease. Google defends against claims of declining traffic. The long-term impact includes a potential decline in high-quality content and increasing margin of error as AI uses AI-generated content for learning, and possible antitrust conflicts.

Xiaomi’s Q2 2025 earnings report reveals a 66.2% year-over-year revenue increase in its smart home appliance segment, with air conditioner shipments exceeding 5.4 million units. Despite intense price competition, Xiaomi President Lu Weibing emphasized the company’s commitment to core technologies over short-term rankings. He expressed confidence in Xiaomi’s major appliance business and predicted its air conditioners will be among China’s top two by 2030. Xiaomi aims to elevate its air conditioner ranking to third this year.

Haier holds the leading refrigerator market share in Southeast Asia as of H1 2025, experiencing over 50% growth in the large refrigerator segment. Building on this momentum, Haier launched its Wave Series refrigerator in the region, adapting the successful domestic model to local needs. The Wave Series features advanced preservation technology, space-saving design (crucial for smaller Southeast Asian kitchens), and Smart Ice technology, catering to the region’s hot climate and beverage preferences. The refrigerator aims to continue Haier’s growth in the area.

Ahead of Xiaomi’s EV entry, Lei Jun consulted Li Auto CEO Li Xiang for advice, revealed on a Chinese business show. Their two-hour phone call covered Tesla, BYD, and Huawei, with Li Xiang urging Lei Jun to be fully involved. Li Xiang also mentioned frequent gatherings with other EV leaders like Nio’s William Li and Xpeng’s He Xiaopeng, emphasizing “mutual candor” and open communication within China’s competitive EV market, including sharing beneficial, albeit sometimes uncomfortable, advice.

On “Luo Yonghao’s Crossroads,” Li Auto CEO Li Xiang emphasized prioritizing execution, suggesting focusing on achieving three key tasks daily. He contrasted this with spreading oneself too thin, arguing that tackling too much leads to poor execution. Li admitted his work ethic paled compared to Xiaomi’s Lei Jun, whom Luo Yonghao lauded as a “famously hardworking genius.” Li also discussed his early investment strategy before launching Li Auto, inspired by Lei Jun’s approach to understanding the industry.

Kodak China refuted recent reports suggesting potential cessation of operations or bankruptcy, labeling them as misinterpretations of SEC filings. The company asserts it has no plans to cease operations, remains confident in meeting debt obligations, and anticipates a significantly strengthened balance sheet by early 2026 following a planned transaction. Kodak clarifies that a “going concern disclosure” was a technicality. The company highlights its robust business fundamentals and plans to use proceeds from a pension plan transaction to reduce debt, not fund daily operations, expressing optimism for the future.

Li Auto CEO Li Xiang discussed his personal life on “Li Yonghao’s Crossroads,” revealing insights into his marriage and financial management. He admitted his dependence on his wife and that she manages all family finances. Li also addressed his perceived “low EQ” and admitted to conducting a thorough pre-marital “due diligence” on his wife. Despite this unconventional approach, they maintain a stable relationship and have five children. They were recently spotted at a soccer match where Li’s wife garnered attention.

Meitu, once known for image editing, is experiencing an AI-driven resurgence, with its stock surging. The company’s first-half 2025 revenue reached RMB 1.8 billion, a 12.3% year-over-year increase, and net profit soared by 30.8% to nearly RMB 400 million, exceeding its entire 2023 earnings. CEO Wu Xinhong attributes the growth to AI-powered subscriptions and views nimble startups as the biggest threat, emphasizing the need to act fast and strategically partner to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving AI imaging market.