The chain’s global reach relies on a strong brand, robust ecosystem, and loyal customer base, according to Zhou. He notes that every overseas market is complex, shaped by different cultures, legal systems, and consumer habits – so localising food, menus, and service is essential. BBC
Gao suffers from chronic lumbar spine disease, arthritis, eye problems and chronic urticaria – a skin condition that causes itchy red welts. He has met his lawyer in a wheelchair on multiple occasions, in some cases struggling to get out of bed, and has reportedly shown signs of malnutrition, according to Qiang. Repeated applications for medical bail have been denied. BBC
Robots competed in a half marathon race in Beijing on Sunday, with the fastest machine leaving its human rivals for dust. The winning robot, Lightning, was developed by Chinese smartphone maker Honor and finished the race in 50 minutes and 26 seconds, according to race organisers. Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo holds the men’s half marathon world record, which he set in March in Lisbon with a time of 57 minutes and 20 seconds. Around 40% of the robots raced autonomously, while the others were remotely controlled. BBC
As the number one importer of Iranian oil, China has a major problem with any constriction of exports in the Gulf – including the US blockade of Iran’s ports, which began on Monday. Beijing has condemned the US blockade, calling it “irresponsible and dangerous”. It has also reportedly sought to play peacemaker in the conflict, steering its ally Iran towards talks with the US in Pakistan last weekend. Beijing and Tehran have been allies for decades, but this is a transactional relationship with no mutual defence treaty – though Beijing…
In 2016, Beijing cut off high-level communications with Taiwan after the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) Tsai Ing-wen became president, citing her refusal to endorse the concept of a single Chinese nation. The DPP is among those who have criticised Cheng’s trip, accusing her of being “subservient” to Beijing. BBC
Last year, the Trump administration vowed to “aggressively” revoke the visas of Chinese students, especially those linked to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields. Months later, the US made a U-turn on the hard line stance, issuing 600,000 Chinese student visas as Washington and Beijing engaged in trade talks. BBC
For Yunji, that means proving its robots can operate in real-world international settings. The company, which builds its service robots for hotels, hospitals and factories, listed in Hong Kong in October of last year, as it sought to widen its investor base beyond the mainland. BBC
He advised students in liberal arts to major in law, accounting, or Chinese literature, reasoning that these fields most commonly led to recruitment after civil service exams. For biology, chemistry, or environmental science, he warned that finding a decent job often required studying all the way to a doctorate. BBC
Wind, nuclear, solar and hydropower generated more than a third of China’s electricity in 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. But the country has since expanded its renewables grid significantly, with estimates saying more than half the installed capacity is now from clean sources. BBC
“We have noted that the US side has publicly clarified these false reports by the media, stating that the relevant reports are completely wrong, and emphasised that the visit has nothing to do with the issue of the open navigation of the Strait of Hormuz,” Jian said. BBC