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China's non-binary AI chip breakthrough, DJI unveils robotic cleaner: SCMP's 7 highlights

China's non-binary AI chip breakthrough, DJI unveils robotic cleaner: SCMP's 7 highlights

We have selected seven stories from the SCMP's coverage over the past week that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider
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China has initiated the world's first large-scale application of non-binary AI chips, integrating its proprietary hybrid computing technology into critical sectors including aviation and industrial systems.
The latest image of a Chinese J-36 fighter started circulating on social media on Saturday. It is also the first to show the aircraft on the ground, reportedly on a Chengdu Aircraft Corporation tarmac. Photo: X/@WZZJWZ
China's two next generation stealth fighter jets – known as the Chengdu J-36 and the Shenyang J-50 – stunned the world when they seemingly emerged out of nowhere on December 26 last year.
Shenzhen-based DJI will introduce a combination vacuum cleaner and mopping robot this month, a project that has been under development over the past four years, according to the report. The product is called DJI ROMO, according to leaked images of the packaging.
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Competition should be about innovation and quality, not the price
Competition should be about innovation and quality, not the price

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Competition should be about innovation and quality, not the price

As Beijing works aggressively to make sure the economy meets the 5 per cent growth target at year end, one new tool in its arsenal is to amend a key law to discourage vicious price wars that have plagued multiple sectors in recent years. From food delivery and e-commerce to solar power and electric cars, steep price cuts – with the aim to drive out competitors but which also undercut one's own profits – are fuelling deflationary pressure. That has led regulators to propose urgent amendments to an old pricing law. A public consultation is open until August 23. With transparency and an open mind, the authorities can use positive public feedback to fine-tune the changes. In the existing law, firms are banned from selling goods below cost to eliminate competitors or monopolise the market. The new amendment adds the condition that businesses cannot fight each other by dumping products at below-cost prices. With more transparent price regulation and oversight, they will also be prohibited from 'leveraging data, algorithms and technological tools' to chase clients and beat rivals. So far, market reactions have been positive. Listed companies in consumer services, non-ferrous metals and financial companies – sectors that have experienced cutthroat competition or what officials have termed 'involution' – have seen share prices move up since the news broke. There is, of course, a counterargument that market forces alone should decide prices. But in such cases of market failure, supervision and regulatory intervention are called for. Companies ought to compete on quality and innovation rather than price. A proper legal framework will work better to guide businesses and promote healthy competition, rather than for authorities to deliver ad hoc admonitions to offending firms when the situation has already become dire. In early July, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology warned 14 major solar firms against a vicious price war and overcapacity. The share prices of some of them rose on the news, as markets expected price cutting eating into profits would stop. But such intervention is unsystematic. A transparent legal framework should be business-friendly with clear rules and regulations. Moderating or even eliminating involution will allow more time for companies to phase out outdated practices to better compete.

China's central bank vows to boost money supply, cut borrowing costs in growth push
China's central bank vows to boost money supply, cut borrowing costs in growth push

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China's central bank vows to boost money supply, cut borrowing costs in growth push

China's central bank has pledged more liquidity and lower borrowing costs in the second half of the year, as part of a broader strategy to boost growth and implement long-term financial reforms. At a key mid-year meeting on Friday, the People's Bank of China said it would maintain a moderately loose monetary policy by cutting reserve requirement ratios and key interest rates, while making full use of targeted tools to lower overall financing costs. Amid external uncertainties, sluggish domestic demand , as well as persistent deflationary pressure, the central bank also vowed to refine its monetary policy framework, guide market expectations more effectively, and strengthen coordination with fiscal policies to support innovation, consumption, small and micro businesses, and exports. In particular, the bank said it would target 'idle capital circulation and ' involution style ' competition in the financial industry', a reference to self-defeating competition that drains resources without improving outcomes. This kind of competition has been a key concern for policymakers in various parts of the economy. However, Xu Tianchen, senior China economist at the Economist Intelligence Unit, said that a new round of rate cuts or reserve requirement ratio reductions was unlikely in the third quarter.

China-built satellite station a ‘shining' example of support for Namibian space programme
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China-built satellite station a ‘shining' example of support for Namibian space programme

On the outskirts of the Namibian capital Windhoek, a Chinese-funded and built satellite data receiving ground station symbolises China's growing cooperation in Africa's nascent space industry. The station was described by the Chinese embassy as 'a shining example of China-Namibia cooperation ' as they celebrated the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations. In a social media post on July 18 announcing the completion of the satellite facility ahead of time earlier this year, the embassy said it aimed to support Namibia in developing its space-related infrastructure and training technical talent , while enhancing its capacity in remote sensing satellite applications'. The ground station will primarily receive, process and distribute remote sensing satellite data for various applications such as environmental monitoring, agriculture , disaster management and resource assessment in the southwestern African country. China will also provide technical training to dozens of engineers to build up Namibia's capacity to operate and use the station independently. This ongoing cooperation highlights China's growing influence in space, as it helps African nations to build their space capabilities through strategic partnerships.

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