China sees surging culture, tourism market during 2025 Spring Festival holiday

China witnessed a remarkable surge in its culture and tourism market during the eight-day Spring Festival holiday, which ended on Tuesday, with several market segments climbing to all-time highs.

The Spring Festival, traditionally a peak and lucrative period for cinemas, saw record box office revenue and audience turnout highs this year, according to the China Film Administration on Wednesday.

Read more: China sees surging culture, tourism market during 2025 Spring Festival holiday

China’s 2025 Antitrust Probe into Google

In early February 2025, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR, China's top market regulator) announced an antitrust investigation into Google, marking the latest escalation in the U.S.-China trade and technology rivalry. The probe, initiated amid retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, underscores China’s strategic use of regulatory tools to counterbalance geopolitical pressures. This report synthesizes media coverage of the probe, Google’s historical tensions with China, and the broader implications for global tech competition.

Read more: China’s 2025 Antitrust Probe into Google

'Ne Zha 2' shows the rise of Chinese animation

The sequel to the blockbuster Chinese animation film, Ne Zha, was released on Chinese New Year's day, that is, Jan 29. It seems the general audience can't get enough of Ne Zha: Demon Child Conquers the Sea (Ne Zha 2), as many of them have returned to the theater a second, and even a third, time. Its total box office revenue of 5.8 billion yuan ($796 million) has surpassed The Battle at Lake Changjin, ranking first on the all-time Chinese box office chart, according to online platform data.

Read more: 'Ne Zha 2' shows the rise of Chinese animation

Xiaomi YU7 SUV Test Car 258 exposed on Weibo

Read more: Xiaomi YU7 SUV Test Car 258 exposed on Weibo

Amap (Gaode) debuts English navigation app for international tourists

Amap, a leading Chinese digital map provider, has launched the first English-language version of its popular navigation app, aiming to facilitate travel for the growing number of international tourists visiting China.

The app, available globally on both App Store and Google Play, provides a localized experience with English names and descriptions for attractions, eateries, accommodations and other key locations.

Read more: Amap (Gaode) debuts English navigation app for international tourists

Smartphone shipments forecast to rise by 73.1% in 2025

The shipments of artificial intelligence-powered smartphones across the globe are expected to rise by 73.1 percent year-on-year in 2025, according to a report from global market consultancy IDC.

The triple-digit growth in 2024 will be followed by four consecutive years of double-digit growth as handset manufacturers look to incorporate generative AI features across their device offerings, the consultancy said.

Read more: Smartphone shipments forecast to rise by 73.1% in 2025

EngineAI's Robot Step Into New Era

If you thought humanoid robots all have stiff, unnatural movements, it's time to take another look. A company in Shenzhen has taken a giant leap forward, perfecting robots capable of the smooth, organic movements of real people.

EngineAI Robotics Technology captured the public's imagination recently with a viral video showcasing the natural walking gait and balance of its latest robot — designated the SE01 — which moves with a fluidity and stability that closely matches that of a human. It's smoother by far than any of its predecessors, including C-3PO of Star Wars fame, which is just plain clunky by comparison.

Read more: EngineAI's Robot Step Into New Era

China Electric vehicle sales in 2025 seen up 20% to over 12 million units

China is on the cusp of leading the global transition to electric vehicles with sales overtaking fossil fuel-powered cars in 2025 and outperforming other countries, said a recent report by the UK-based Financial Times, citing assessments from four investment banks and research institutes.

The report forecasts that EV sales in China will grow 20 percent year-on-year to exceed 12 million units in 2025. Meanwhile, sales of traditional fuel-powered vehicles will drop to under 11 million units, an annual decline of over 10 percent. The report underscores the fact that EV sales have surpassed both domestic and global expectations.

Read more: China Electric vehicle sales in 2025 seen up 20% to over 12 million units

China imposes export controls on 28 US entities

China has added 28 entities from the United States, including Boeing Defense, Space & Security and Lockheed Martin Corp, to its export control list, the Ministry of Commerce announced on Thursday.

Taking effect immediately, this move aims to safeguard national security and interests while fulfilling nonproliferation and other international obligations, the ministry said in an online notice. 

Read more: China imposes export controls on 28 US entities

Baidu launches advanced AI model

Chinese tech heavyweight Baidu Inc has unveiled the latest version of its large language model, Ernie 4.0 Turbo, which will be available to the public via web interfaces and mobile apps.

The newly launched model offers faster responses and superior performance, elevating the capabilities of its previous version Ernie 4.0, according to the company. Developers can integrate the technology through Baidu's Qianfan LLM platform.

Read more: Baidu launches advanced AI model

China T-bond move seen safeguarding financial stability

The People's Bank of China, the country's central bank, may soon sell borrowed long-term Chinese government bonds, a move that would help safeguard financial stability and add a new tool of liquidity management, market experts said.

The PBOC said in an announcement on Monday that it would borrow treasury bonds in the near term from primary dealers — mainly commercial banks — to maintain the sound operation of the bond market, based on prudent assessment of the market situation.

Read more: China T-bond move seen safeguarding financial stability

Great Wall Moter officially unveils GWM POER 2.4T diesel

Great Wall Moter officially unveils GWM POER 2.4T diesel on Beijing Auto Show 2024.

It's powered by 2.4T diesel engine, Max 135kW. It's also equipped with 7-inch color LCD dashboard + 12.3-inch smart touch screen, built-in a new generation of intelligent vehicle networking system, L2+ level global intelligent driving assistance, AI intelligent voice, vehicle remote control, FOTA wireless upgrade, online map and smart parking.

Read more: Great Wall Moter officially unveils GWM POER 2.4T diesel