Markets

At the 2025 World Robot Conference, Unitree Robotics founder Wang Xingxing discussed the potential for taxing robots as they enter the workforce. He suggested taxing robots based on their generated value, even proposing their use in undeveloped land with output shared with the state, contingent on advanced capabilities. He also addressed price differences in Unitree’s robot models, stating that smaller, less sophisticated robots would be more affordable, aiming for wider adoption through tiered pricing strategy.

A restroom sign on a Chinese high-speed train, urging users to flip up the toilet seat, has sparked a gender equality debate online. Female netizens argue the sign implies standing urination as the norm, unfairly burdening those who require a seated position. Others view it as a practical hygiene measure. The controversy highlights sensitivity around gender roles and the potential for misinterpretations, raising questions about legitimate grievances versus overreactions on social media.

A translation error on a highway sign near China’s FAST telescope (“China Sky Eye”) in Guizhou Province sparked online criticism. The English translation of “China” was misspelled as “Ching,” and a Pinyin misspelling was also noted. Authorities from the scenic area and the Pingtang County Culture and Tourism Bureau pledged immediate verification and correction of the signage. The China Sky Eye scenic area, a popular tech-tourism destination, features the 500-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST) and other attractions.

At the 2025 World Robot Conference, Unitree Robotics CEO Wang Xingxing discussed the pricing strategy for their new R1 humanoid robot (starting at ¥39,900). The R1, designed for development and customization, weighs 25Kg and integrates large language models for multi-modal interaction. Wang explained that the lower price point compared to the G1 reflects a model-specific approach, aiming to increase adoption by offering more affordable options within their robot product lines. Unitree previously launched the H1 and G1 humanoid robots.

At the 2025 World Robot Conference, Unitree Robotics CEO Wang Xingxing emphasized the need for robust and unified “embodied intelligence robot foundation models,” citing them as the industry’s core bottleneck. He believes current robotic model architectures are lacking, and the industry needs a “ChatGPT moment.” Unitree is focused on developing general-purpose humanoid robots for diverse tasks and sees unified models, affordable hardware, high-volume manufacturing, and accessible computational power as key priorities for the next 2-5 years.

At the China Brand Festival, Gree’s Dong Mingzhu staunchly defended the Rose air conditioner against design criticisms. Priced at $4,500, this bio-inspired, rose-exterior model targets newlyweds, aiming to infuse romance into the home. Dong insists on its innovative value, despite mixed reactions, stating it is “the world’s first.” The Rose embodies Gree’s strategy to elevate appliances beyond mere functionality, exploring emotive design in a competitive market as China’s appliance industry seeks artistic differentiation.

Anbio Biotechnology has launched two products: a Chikungunya IgM/IgG Rapid Test to address rising cases of the mosquito-borne illness, and the AP-100 Ultra-Fast PCR system. The AP-100 is a point-of-care diagnostic tool delivering results in 15 minutes. This 668g device features an extraction-free workflow and covers multiple pathogens like COVID-19 and Flu A/B. Anbio plans to expand its testing portfolio to include diagnostics for tuberculosis and HPV.

A graduation photo of six Chinese female students was stolen and went viral with a caption offering them as “brides” with a price tag, sparking outrage. The perpetrator, Mr. Lu, created fan groups and assigned false attributes to the women. They sued, and the court ruled in their favor, ordering Lu to pay damages. However, collecting the debt has proven difficult, highlighting the challenges of enforcing online defamation judgments, even after the case was featured on national television.

Online rumors allege Wells Fargo, via a cross-border factoring program led by “Mao XX,” funneled billions overseas to Chinese firms like Xiaomi and Nio. Both Xiaomi and Nio have vehemently denied any involvement with Wells Fargo or “Mao XX,” stating they’ve never cooperated or had contact. They are pursuing legal action against those spreading the false claims. These unverified accusations have generated online debate regarding misinformation and accountability.

Scryb Inc. adjusted its stake in Cybeats Technologies on August 5, 2025, acquiring 9,788,450 shares to settle $978,845 in debt as part of a $1.5 million debt settlement. Post-settlement, Scryb holds 74,431,950 shares and 13,125,000 warrants, representing 38.59% ownership (42.50% partially diluted) of Cybeats, which has 192,880,745 shares outstanding. The acquired shares are subject to a four-month and one-day hold period. Scryb maintains flexibility to adjust its Cybeats stake in the future.