Tobias

In Xining, Cheng Shizhong is revitalizing Northwest China’s “Hua’er” folk music. He innovates performances, drawing large crowds and seeking new talent through the “Village Stage” initiative. As a Kuaishou influencer, he breaks barriers and spreads the musical heritage online. Cheng’s efforts, from outdoor live streams to talent searches, are aimed at preserving and promoting “Hua’er,” engaging youth & wider audiences, ensuring its future through community participation, talent discovery, and digital platforms.

India is resisting escalating trade tensions with the US after Washington’s tariff hike on Indian goods. Prime Minister Modi vowed to protect Indian farmers’ interests. The Ministry of External Affairs deemed the US tariffs “unfair” and pledged to protect national interests. Despite concessions already made by India, the US demands more access to India’s agricultural sector, a politically sensitive area. An opposition party member even suggested closing McDonald’s in India in response to the dispute and Trump’s claims regarding India-Pakistan relations.

Fat Dong Lai, a Chinese retail chain, plans to hire 1,000 employees for a new store in Xinxiang, allocating 20% of positions to veterans and 2% to ex-offenders. This initiative sparked online debate, with netizens discussing the merits and drawbacks. A local HRB official stated they were unaware of specific recruitment plans and deferred responsibility for clarification to Fat Dong Lai. Yu Donglai, the company’s founder, announced the plan on social media. The move raises questions about social responsibility and reintegrating former inmates.

OPPO is attracting attention with its new employee perk: sea-view apartments. The “OPPO Binhai Bay Advanced Talent Housing Project” provides over 4,100 units, accommodating approximately 11,000 residents in Dongguan. These apartments, some renting for under $210 USD per month, range in size from studios to three-bedroom units and boast comprehensive amenities, including leisure facilities and educational resources. This large-scale residential venture aims to attract and retain talent in a competitive tech market.

Gree Electric’s Chairperson Dong Mingzhu asserted that consumers are “making a mistake” if they don’t use Gree appliances, emphasizing the energy efficiency and health benefits of their products. She specifically highlighted the refrigerators’ ability to keep produce fresh for 20 days, claiming substantial electricity bill savings. This direct marketing approach, though controversial, is a hallmark of Dong’s leadership and contributes to Gree’s brand recognition. She also addressed consumer perceptions regarding air conditioner airflow and health benefits.

Tesla is reportedly shutting down its Dojo project, a move indicating a shift towards external partnerships for its AI needs. Head of Dojo, Peter Bannon, is expected to leave. Tesla plans to enhance collaborations with Nvidia and AMD for computing, and deepen its partnership with Samsung in chip manufacturing, evidenced by a $16.5 billion deal. Samsung will reportedly produce Tesla’s AI6 chip, while TSMC will manufacture the AI5. Tesla also plans to diversify Dojo’s supply chain, engaging Samsung and Intel for chip manufacturing and packaging.

Intel released a statement affirming its commitment to U.S. national and economic security amid reports of calls for CEO Lip-Bu Tan’s resignation. The company highlighted its significant investments in U.S. semiconductor R&D and manufacturing, including a new fab in Arizona. The statement follows alleged pressure from sources close to former President Trump. Tan, Intel’s first CEO of Chinese descent, was appointed in March 2025 and has a strong background in technology and investment. Intel is reportedly engaging with U.S. government officials to address concerns.

Alibaba’s 88VIP program now offers a discounted Hema X Gold membership (¥88/$12 USD) to its subscribers, a significant reduction from the usual ¥258 ($36 USD). Existing Hema members can also leverage this benefit and re-enroll. This move, part of 88VIP’s 7th-anniversary revamp, includes new perks like preferential delivery, travel benefits, and discounted tickets. Hema saw a doubling of X Gold memberships after integrating with 88VIP. The enhanced program boasts over 20 benefits, aiming to boost customer loyalty within Alibaba’s ecosystem.

With the arrival of “Beginning of Autumn” on August 7th, Douyin Life Services reports a surge in food & beverage group-buying orders related to traditional customs like “autumn fattening.” Braised pork belly orders jumped 103% year-over-year, while watermelon and winter melon orders increased by 41% and 83% respectively. Restaurants are leveraging Douyin to offer themed group-buying deals, reflecting the platform’s ability to transform cultural traditions into e-commerce opportunities and cater to seasonal consumer interests.

Actress Zhao Lusi’s recent livestream endorsement of bamboo fungus (“zhusun”) triggered a massive surge in online sales. Vendors reported unprecedented website traffic and order volumes. Historically used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its health benefits, cultivated zhusun is now more accessible. This highlights the significant impact of celebrity endorsements on niche product markets and reflects growing consumer interest in functional foods.