This week's edition of China Insights highlights China's economic and technological advancements. Here are some key takeaways:

  • China has quadrupled its lead over the United States in scientific output.
  • Chinese cosmetics brands are expanding globally, winning awards and gaining shelf space in luxury stores.
  • Fish-solar farms and vanadium batteries are supporting the transition to clean energy.
  • Anta and Laopu Gold are accelerating their global retail expansion, from Los Angeles to Singapore.

Top Stories

China Quadruples Lead in High-Quality Science

China has quadrupled its lead over the United States in high-quality science in just one year, according to data from the Nature Index. In 2024, China's score was 32,122 points, compared to 22,083 for the United States. China's score increased by 17.4%, while the US score decreased by 10.1%. The US saw the biggest declines in chemistry and physics. China is also investing heavily in education, aiming to produce 77,000 PhD graduates in STEM fields annually by 2025, compared to 40,000 in the US.

Anta Opens Store in Beverly Hills, Luckin Coffee Lands in New York

The Chinese sportswear giant Anta is entering the US market by opening its first brick-and-mortar store in Beverly Hills, alongside brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel. The brand sells its sneakers at prices comparable to Nike, and the Kai 1 model sold out quickly in 2024. Anta is also expanding in Southeast Asia and has further expansion plans.

Meanwhile, Luckin Coffee has opened two new locations in New York. With a total of over 24,000 stores globally and a rapid growth rate, the company is betting on digital innovation and adapting its offerings to local tastes, including technologies for fast preparation and payment methods like Apple Pay.

AI in Robotics Attracts Billions

China's "embodied AI" sector – physically embodied artificial intelligence – is attracting unprecedented investment. This year, it has already surpassed the total investment for the entire year of 2024, reaching 23 billion yuan. Key investments include Galaxea AI (US$100 million), Deep Robotics (500 million yuan), and Galbot (1.1 billion yuan). The market is seen as crucial for 2025, when the first major shipments of robotic devices are expected.

Laopu Gold: Gold as the New Luxury, Conquering the World

Laopu Gold, founded in 2020, opened its first overseas store in Singapore in June. Revenue in 2024 increased by 167.5% to 8.5 billion yuan. The brand focuses on traditional goldsmithing techniques and patented designs inspired by the Song Dynasty. Plans are in place for five more stores in Southeast Asia.

Huawei Patents Revolutionary Battery with a 3,000 km Range

Huawei has registered a patent for a sulfide solid-state battery with an energy density of 180-225 Wh/lb, which is 2-3 times higher than that of conventional EV batteries. Theoretically, it enables a range of up to 3,000 km and charging from 10% to 80% in less than five minutes. China is a global leader in this technology, with over 7,600 patents filed annually, representing 36.7% of global activity.

Solar Farm with 370,000 Solar Panels Above a Fish Farm

One of the world's largest hybrid fish-solar farms has been completed in Tangshan, Hebei province. The system, consisting of 370,000 bifacial panels with a capacity of 250 MW, is expected to generate 400 million kWh of clean energy annually. The shade from the panels reduces water temperature, improving conditions for fish farming. The project saves coal and reduces CO2 emissions by 320,000 tons per year.

Chinese Cosmetics Brands Succeeding in Paris and Online

Brands like Judydoll and Florasis are achieving success in the global market. Judydoll has seen a 400% increase in overseas sales thanks to platforms like Shopee and TikTok Shop. Florasis has made its mark in the luxury market by opening a counter in the Parisian department store Samaritaine. Their products, inspired by Chinese culture, are changing perceptions of Chinese cosmetics worldwide.

World's Largest Vanadium Flow Battery Goes Online

The world's largest vanadium flow battery (VRFB), with a capacity of 200 MW and 1 GWh, has been launched in Xinjiang. The project is connected to a 1 GW solar power plant and can provide 5 hours of continuous power. It is expected to generate 1.72 TWh of electricity annually and reduce CO2 emissions by 1.6 million tons. The goal is to stabilize the power grid and address issues of overload.

Jinan Builds Green: Inflatable Domes as a Symbol of Innovation

The city of Jinan has unveiled a unique 50-meter-high inflatable structure as part of the Honglou 1905 urban project. The dome enables quiet and environmentally friendly construction within the city. The PVDF material reflects heat and reduces energy consumption by up to 90%. The system intelligently monitors temperature and air quality. The city is demonstrating a path towards sustainable development.

Xixia Dynasty Imperial Tombs Inscribed on UNESCO List

On July 11, 2025, the Xixia Dynasty imperial tombs were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This marks the 60th Chinese site to be added to the list. The complex in Ningxia province covers nearly 40 km² and includes nine mausoleums, hundreds of smaller tombs, and defensive structures. UNESCO praised the cultural significance of the tombs and China's efforts to preserve them.

Tomáš Kučera & Yereth Jansen

China-insights.com/gnews.cz – GH