Tobias

This article explores the evolution of China’s historic merchant groups, like the Jin, Min, and Wenzhou merchants. It examines their traditional values and business strategies, highlighting how they are adapting in the digital age. From e-commerce in Shanxi to brand building in Fujian and live streaming in Wenzhou, the article showcases modern entrepreneurs carrying on the spirit of their predecessors, often leveraging platforms like Pinduoduo.

Beijing authorities are clamping down on “self-media” accounts exploiting Professor We Dong Yi following the viral spread of videos showing him in a university cafeteria. The crackdown, targeting impersonation, misleading content, and manipulative marketing, has resulted in the removal of over 5,000 illegitimate accounts and the deletion of nearly 4,700 content pieces. This action, a commitment to a healthier digital environment, aims to curb sensationalism and encourage ethical online behavior.

Roborock achieved phenomenal sales during the 618 shopping festival, exceeding $160 million in GMV across all channels. The company dominated the cleaning appliance market, securing a 32.76% market share in robotic vacuums (GMV over $100M) and ranking highly in floor washing machines. Its innovative products like the A30 Pro Steam and P20 series propelled Roborock to top positions across major e-commerce platforms, solidifying its market leadership and reflecting strong consumer demand.

A young developer born in the 90s has achieved remarkable success by creating and monetizing a dozen niche apps. Focusing on specific needs like caffeine tracking and sunset calculations, this developer generates a monthly income of $9,700. Their success highlights the power of niche markets and efficient development tools, leveraging platforms like Huawei’s for components and distribution, proving an inspiring case study for aspiring entrepreneurs.

At the Huawei Developer Conference 2025, the gaming sub-forum examined how HarmonyOS is transforming the game industry. HarmonyOS’s “one-time development, multi-platform deployment” capability enables seamless user reach. Huawei Game Center supports developers with all-scenario applications, mini-games, and international expansion, fostering innovation and driving user growth. New features enhance gameplay, user engagement, and developer support, creating a thriving ecosystem.

The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra has set a new lap record for production EVs at the Nürburgring, clocking in at 7 minutes and 4.95 seconds. This achievement, highlighted by Top Gear, puts the SU7 Ultra ahead of previous leaders like Porsche and Tesla. The remarkable feat, accomplished on the first attempt, marks a significant milestone for Chinese automakers in the global EV market, according to the report.

South Korea is implementing major labor reforms, including a 4.5-day workweek with no pay cuts, reducing weekly work hours from 52 to 48. The government aims to lower average annual working hours to below the OECD average by 2030. Other changes include expanded annual leave eligibility and promoting flexible work arrangements like adjusted schedules and remote work, with incentives for businesses. These policies aim to improve work-life balance and align with international standards.

Former Chinese national team player Xu Liang reignites debate on footballers’ salaries. He argues that top players’ earnings (around $414,000 annually post-tax) are justified, comparing them to other competitive industries. Xu stresses the importance of evaluating a range of player compensation, not just the elite’s. He defends salaries as separate from performance criticism, recognizing that elite players have earned their position.

Dangdang founder Li Guoqing and Zhang Danhong will marry on August 16, 2025, marking a new chapter. The announcement follows Li’s divorce settlement. The wedding, themed “A Delayed Answer for Two Peking University Graduates,” will be held in Beijing. Guests are asked to donate to a Guizhou primary school, reflecting the couple’s philanthropic nature. Li, 61, appears to be embracing this new phase.

China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) is launching a 2025 product quality supervision campaign, inspecting 164 product categories across manufacturing, distribution, and online platforms. The initiative emphasizes consumer safety, especially for children’s products and items like power banks and e-bikes, with a 70% increase in live streaming platform inspections. The campaign follows a power bank recall prompted by safety concerns and focuses on emerging sectors. Results will be publicly disclosed.