HOT TOPICS
China’s economic indicators beat expectations in first two months
China’s key economic indicators for the January-February period exceeded market expectations, according to data released Monday by the National Bureau of Statistics. Value-added industrial output grew 6.3% year-on-year, growth in retail sales reached 2.8%, and fixed-asset investment growth turned positive to reach 1.8%.
Shanghai lowers down payment for commercial properties
The People’s Bank of China’s Shanghai head office announced that starting March 16, the minimum down payment ratio for commercial property loans in the city is reduced to 30% from 50%.
China to subsidize hydrogen energy pilot programs
Three government departments issued a notice to launch comprehensive hydrogen energy application pilot programs to expand its use from fuel cell vehicles to broader transportation and industrial sectors. The government will provide up to 1.6 billion yuan ($232 million) in rewards for each selected pilot city cluster, aiming for large-scale application across multiple sectors by 2030.
JD.com to build world’s largest embodied AI data center
JD.com Inc. announced Monday that it will build the world’s largest embodied data collection center, aiming to accumulate 5 million hours of real-world human video data within a year and 10 million hours within two years. The company plans to mobilize hundreds of thousands of people for what it called the largest data collection campaign in human history.
Universities test controlling robots via space computing
ADASpace and a joint space computing laboratory at Shanghai Jiao Tong University completed a technical trial using the open-source AI agent OpenClaw to remotely control humanoid robots on Earth via space computing capabilities. This verifies the feasibility of using space-based computing to provide AI services for ground robots.
NEWS SUMMARY
Companies
Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology Co. Ltd. reported a net profit of 540 million yuan for 2025, turning around from a 2.8 billion yuan loss in the previous year.
Zhengzhou Sudashare Industrial Co. Ltd. said its Chairman Li Xiyuan has been detained by authorities, but its production and operations remain normal.
International
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said the two countries are communicating regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to China.
The Chinese foreign ministry called on all parties to cease military actions amid the escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
In response to the supply shock, the International Energy Agency stated it will soon release emergency oil reserves into the market.
Japan has begun releasing a record 80 million barrels of its oil reserves.
