Pandaily Digest | Dec 26, 2022
Editor's note: Affected by the pandemic and global logistics complications, computer chips have become the latest precious cargo for smugglers entering China.
Chips Shortage Fuels Wave of Smuggling Attempts Into China
The roughly 800-mile border between China and Vietnam has long been the site of illicit exchange. Abducted women and children, trucks full of pigs, and rare wildlife have been some of the most frequent examples of smuggling operations in past decades. But affected by the pandemic and global logistics complications, computer chips have become the latest precious cargo. Link
Headlines from China
ByteDance Adjusts Games Business, Establishes ONE Publishing Studio
ByteDance's games business has recently adjusted its organizational structure, as its original Chinese and global distribution studios have now merged into a new entity called ONE Publishing Studio. Link
Tesla China Responds to Rumored One-Week Production Halt at Shanghai Gigafactory
According to Tesla China, the Shanghai factory still maintained efficient production and output in 2022. The vehicle production will carry out the annual production line maintenance work as planned this week. Link
Xiaomi and Its Investment Recipients ZMI and Black Shark Conduct Layoffs
Beijing-based tech giant Xiaomi has reportedly initiated a new round of layoffs. Furthermore, two enterprises that have received major Xiaomi backing – Black Shark and ZMI – have also been exposed to extensive layoffs. Link
Chinese Social Media Giant Weibo Denies Purchasing Parent Company Sina
A recent announcement by leading Chinese social media platform Weibo revealed that it plans to acquire 100% equity of Sina Technology (China) Co., Ltd., leading to speculation that it will also acquire Sina, its parent company. Link
News You Shouldn’t Miss
Douyin Introduces Mini-Programs of Ride-Hailing Platforms
Placing an order for a ride within ByteDance's short video app Douyin has become a reality. The platform has allowed online ride-hailing service providers' mini-programs to settle in the app. Link
Xiaomi Obtains New Automotive Battery Patent
This utility battery model is equipped with liquid cooling plates on both sides of each row of cells, allowing the temperature of each row to be regulated by two large liquid cooling plates. Link
Chinese Automaker BYD Publishes Patent Related to Foldable Smartphones
A patent named "Foldable Device Equipped With Flexible Screens" applied for by Shenzhen-based automobile manufacturer BYD was published on December 23. Link
ByteDance Launches Home Decoration App Zhuhaojia
Zhuhaojia, the self-operated home decoration unit of Beijing-based TikTok owner ByteDance, has recently launched an independent app, indicating that the tech giant has separated this business division. Link
A Review of Cotti Coffee’s First Store in Shanghai Created by Former Team Member of Luckin Coffee
Cotti Coffee, a new coffee brand created by Luckin Coffee's original core team, opened its first store in Shanghai in November, situated next to an outlet of its competitor, Starbucks. The coffee brand is also the sponsor of Argentina, the 2022 World Cup champion. Link
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