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Meitu expects adjusted net profit for H1 2025 to rise 65–72% YoY, citing strong revenue growth in imaging and design products. The increase follows a …

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Meitu expects adjusted net profit for H1 2025 to rise 65–72% YoY, citing strong revenue growth in imaging and design products. The increase follows a surge in paid subscriptions over the past six months.

Shanghai police have arrested seven suspects, including former Ele.me CEO and logistics head Han Liu, in a commercial bribery case involving more than RMB 40 million. Han allegedly accepted bribes from suppliers in exchange for favorable delivery zone access. Authorities suspect Han and three others took bribes 30 times over two years, storing cash and gifts in multiple rented homes.

<a href="/company/dji">DJI</a> has released a teaser for its first robot vacuum, the Romo, with a launch set for August 6. The model reportedly features a transparent dock, automatic emptying, and advanced navigation. While mopping capabilities remain unclear, the device is expected to highlight DJI’s strength in object detection.

<a href="/company/jd">JD.com</a> is in advanced talks to acquire German electronics retailer Ceconomy for EUR 4.6 per share, valuing the company at about EUR 2.2 billion. The offer represents a 23% premium, but no binding deal has been signed. While the deal could give JD an entry point into Europe, reluctance from major shareholders poses a potential hurdle.

<a href="/company/tencent">Tencent</a> has begun beta testing CodeBuddy, an <a href="/industry/ai">AI</a>-driven IDE that reportedly lets users build applications using natural language, without writing code. More than 50,000 developers joined the 24-hour trial. CodeBuddy is expected to support both global and domestic AI models, with deployment via Tencent’s CloudStudio.

Chinese investment banks are charging as little as USD 100 to underwrite bond deals, as state-owned issuers dominate a tepid credit market. One RMB 35 billion issue saw six banks split a 0.0002% fee. Regulators are probing lowball tactics, but enforcement remains limited as firms race to secure mandates and boost league table rankings.

Qihoo 360 is purchasing <a href="/company/huawei">Huawei</a> chips for <a href="/industry/ai">AI</a> development, said chairman Zhou Hongyi, as more Chinese firms look to prioritize domestic hardware over <a href="/company/nvidia">Nvidia’s</a> H20 GPU. Zhou cited cost-efficiency and long-term improvement as key factors. While demand for Nvidia chips remains strong, companies like <a href="/company/iflytek">iFlytek</a> report significant gains using Huawei’s Ascend chips, reflecting a gradual shift under US tech restrictions.

Chocolate Finance has raised USD 15 million in a Series A+ funding round led by Nikko Asset Management, with backing from returning investors Peak XV Partners, Prosus, and Saison Capital, as well as founder Walter de Oude. The fundraise coincides with regulatory approval to operate in Hong Kong, as the firm targets regional expansion.

A consumer who missed a concert due to a family bereavement was denied a refund for the RMB 580 ticket by Damai for nine months before finally receiving it on July 17. The case, initially rejected despite death certificates, sparked public backlash over rigid refund rules and lack of human consideration, with nearly half of all ticketing complaints tied to return disputes.

McKinsey has barred its China operations from taking on <a href="/industry/ai">generative AI</a> consulting projects, citing heightened US scrutiny of sensitive tech sectors. The restriction extends to multinational clients’ China offices but excludes traditional AI work. The firm has also cut its regional headcount from 1,500 to about 1,000.

Xreal has launched its OnePro <a href="/industry/ar-vr">AR</a> glasses, offering a 57-degree field of view, about 38% larger than its predecessor. The glasses support major devices including iPhone and Steam Deck. It also unveiled the Xreal Eye, a detachable camera for gesture tracking and live streaming. Domestic preorders began on July 22, with shipping set for month's end.

What shapes modern healthcare and agriculture? Examine biotech startups, gene editing, and drug discovery unlocking biological potential.

Biotechnology

New capital, maturing pipelines, and a more global R&D mindset are pushing valuations higher, even as competition tightens.

Hong Kong biotech enters its second act with a licensing supercycle

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With AI-powered systems and energy-efficient infrastructure, the site reflects Midea’s smart building ambitions.

Midea opens new Shanghai campus to anchor its global innovation push

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Meitu forecasts strong H1 profit growth

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Hong Kong biotech enters its second act with a licensing supercycle

Midea opens new Shanghai campus to anchor its global innovation push

Deals in brief: Respiree raises Series A funding, HeyMax expands with Krip acquisition, latest China deals, and more