On March 16, 2025, Baidu launched its latest AI models, Ernie 4.5 and Ernie X1, and announced they would be available free for all users. Ernie 4.5 also marks Baidu's first fully multi-modal large language model (LLM)
Most Chinese chief executives are focusing on corporate survival rather than growth strategies, with geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions ranking as their top concerns for the next three years, according to KPMG's "2024 China CEO Outlook" survey
As the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) slows, battery manufacturers are adjusting their procurement strategies to manage costs. South Korean battery maker Samsung SDI is exploring increased use of Chinese battery equipment following discussions at a recent shareholders' meeting, citing improvements in quality and cost-effectiveness
At LG Group's 63rd shareholders' meeting in Seoul, chairman Koo Kwang-mo, though absent, conveyed his strategic vision through a written message, emphasizing the company's commitment to advancing its battery business as a key driver of future growth, according to South Korean media reports, including Money Today and ZD Korea
Following the announcement of a price increase by Micron, the world's third-largest DRAM manufacturer, South Korean media analysis indicates that the other two major DRAM players, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, are also expected to raise their prices soon. According to a report from South Korea's Chosun Biz, demand related to artificial intelligence has exceeded expectations, and the inventory levels of general memory have gradually depleted
Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle (EV) brand under Geely, is making swift moves to enter the South Korean market. On December 28, 2024, the company registered "Zeekr Intelligent Technology Korea Holding" with the South Korean court registry, signaling the start of its market expansion, reports Money Today and The Hankyoreh
A recent survey from South Korea reveals a significant boost in the country's top 500 companies' performance in 2024. Operating profits soared by 66% compared to 2023, reaching KRW73 trillion (approx. US$51.1 billion), with the semiconductor industry leading the charge. Major players such as SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics are driving the country's IT and electronics sector, contributing to an astounding 854% increase in operating profits for the industry as a whole
Nearly 20 Chinese AI chip companies have announced compatibility with the DeepSeek distilled model, but only a handful—including Huawei, Cambricon Technologies, Moore Threads, and Baidu Kunlun—are capable of running the 671-billion parameters version. The disparity highlights the current state of China's AI chip sector, with many firms still focusing on smaller, less computationally intensive models
Renesas Electronics CEO Hidetoshi Shibata said on March 26 that layoffs and a pay freeze are necessary responses to the prolonged slump in the global semiconductor market. Speaking at an online shareholders meeting, Shibata framed the moves as survival-driven rather than strategic
At Nvidia GTC 2025, the discussion surrounding advanced autonomous driving heated up, with US automotive alliances and tech industry groups joining forces to urge President Donald Trump to take action. Their goal: to expedite the deployment of self-driving cars by overcoming current regulatory hurdles before China takes the lead in this emerging sector
With the White House soliciting industry input for its "Artificial Intelligence Action Plan" until March 15, OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic have unveiled detailed proposals to shape US AI policy. These firms, identified by 01.AI CEO Kai-Fu Lee as future AI market leaders, emphasize the need to balance innovation, national security, and global competitiveness
China's EV industry is now building on the past glories of its automotive sector. The much-criticized issue of "overcapacity" seems to be a perpetual non-concern. Outdated, low-quality EVs are sent to the scrapyard during market transitions. China's system naturally eliminates laggards that fail to keep pace. The Chinese assure the world there is no need to worry unnecessarily, emphasizing that they possess greater resilience and flexibility than other nations to tolerate failures. Even if only three EV manufacturers remain profitable, the Chinese will not falter
As US export controls tighten on advanced semiconductor technologies, Shenzhen-based SiCarrier unveiled new 5nm-capable fabrication tools at SEMICON China 2025. The company claims its proprietary deep ultraviolet (DUV) and non-optical process equipment can manufacture 5nm chips without relying on ASML's extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography systems
