Markets

At WAIC 2025, Kuaishou’s Kling AI launched “Ling Animation Canvas,” a creative workbench with infinite visual space and real-time collaboration. It also upgraded its “Multi-Image Reference” feature, improving consistency and style maintenance. Kling AI boasts over 45 million global creators and has generated over 200 million videos. Since releasing “Kling 2.0,” B-end merchant usage has surged. Over 20,000 enterprise clients globally have integrated with the Kling AI API, extending its reach to 149 countries, highlighting the increasing demand for AI-powered content generation.

Tencent’s Robotics X Lab and Futian Lab launched Tairos, a modular embodied AI open platform designed to advance robotics in China. Tairos uses large-scale AI models, offering a “plug-and-play” system with development tools and data services. The platform empowers robots to perceive, plan, and autonomously make decisions. Tairos includes multi-modal perception, planning, and perception-action joint models, improved by a cloud simulation environment and Tencent Games’ scene generation tech. Initial partners will help improve real-world applications of embodied AI tech through collaboration.

At WAIC 2025, Alibaba’s Quark showcased its “AI Super App” and a range of AI features, including AI Writing, Image Generation, and a Deep Research tool capable of generating complex reports. The Quark AI Glasses, integrating the Tongyi Qianwen model, also drew significant attention. Notably, Quark’s AI Camera and “Chief Physician-Level AI Doctor” integrated into its AI search proved popular, highlighting Quark’s versatility in addressing diverse user needs from work to healthcare.

During extreme rainfall in Beijing on July 26th, a 65-year-old resident of Dashuiyu village heroically guarded a flooded road section overnight. Driven by concern for community safety, he used his vehicle to block the road, preventing potential accidents. The region experienced severe, localized precipitation events, with some areas recording extraordinary rainfall levels. This event highlights the challenges of managing extreme weather and the importance of community resilience and effective disaster preparedness. The highest rainfall reached 315.3 mm in Huangtuliang, Miyun.

The article discusses a new trend: “refer an ex,” where people recommend their former partners for dating, mirroring job referrals. Originating from a lighthearted online post, it evolved into a structured system with testimonials focusing on attributes like appearance, wealth, and emotional stability. The phenomenon reflects anxieties about modern dating and a desire for reliable partners, highlighting a complex interplay of motivations from genuine goodwill to exposing past flaws. This trend reveals a societal tendency to treat exes as resources in a relationship marketplace, objectifying potential partners.

Huawei’s Consumer Business Group Chairman Richard Yu was seen casually visiting a Shenzhen mall, indulging in cakes from a local bakery. Netizens noted his relaxed demeanor and lack of accompanying personnel. This sighting follows a previous report of Yu and another Huawei executive, He Gang, travelling unescorted in an airport shuttle. Both were seen using their smartphones. These public appearances portray a down-to-earth image of Huawei executives despite the company’s high-stakes competition in the global market.

A Texas EV charging station in the “Texas Peony Garden” is generating controversy with a sign authorizing EV owners to deflate or puncture tires of non-charging vehicles parked in charging spots. The station operator, Cloud Fast Charge, confirmed the sign’s authenticity, aiming it as a deterrent to “ICEing” – gasoline vehicles blocking EV chargers. While the station would cover tire repair costs, no incidents have been reported. Early data suggests the tactic is effective in reducing violations, despite concerns over potential legal ramifications.

The 2025 World Games (Chengdu) torch relay concluded at Xinglong Lake Wetland Park featuring 38 torchbearers including an Ele.me delivery rider, Zhao Mingyang. Zhao was selected for his exceptional bravery and community service, including repeatedly entering a burning building to rescue residents in 2020. He has been recognized as a “Citizen of Courage,” a “Good Person of Sichuan Province,” and one of the “Most Beautiful Delivery Riders,” highlighting the increasing importance and social recognition of delivery workers in China.

The FAA is investigating an incident where an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 struck deer upon landing at Kodiak Airport in Alaska. Flight AS231 encountered at least two deer on Runway 26 despite the flight crew reporting their presence to air traffic control. No injuries were reported, and the aircraft taxied to the gate, but the landing gear sustained damage. The incident raises concerns about wildlife strikes at airports, a growing threat to aviation safety.

Apple will close its Dalian Apple Store on August 9, 2025, marking the end of nearly a decade of operation. The reason for the closure is unclear. This closure coincides with the opening of a new store in Shenzhen on August 16. Apple currently operates 49 stores across China, demonstrating its continued investment in the Chinese market despite the Dalian closure. Speculation suggests declining foot traffic in Dalian may be a factor in the store’s closure.