🔥 Hot Topics · Jul 18, 2026
Lithium batteries face new consumption tax; WAIC 2026 opens in Shanghai; US considers AI regulatory body after China's Kimi K3 launch; Chongqing landslide hero grid worker injured; 'Eight Immortals' projected 1.1B yuan box office; 'Kung Fu Women's Football' enters top 5 despite mixed reviews; Feitian Moutai price hikes to 1,639 yuan; Hung Hsiu-chu: 'I'm almost 80, can't wait any longer' at cross-strait forum; UK nationalizes Chinese-owned British Steel; 95s couple's AI comic drama hits 4.1B views; World Cup may cost US $11.7B in productivity; Tsinghua's minimalist admission letter goes viral.
1. Lithium Batteries Face New Consumption Tax
China to restore consumption tax on lithium batteries from Sep 1, 2026, ending over a decade of EV battery tax exemption policy.
2. WAIC 2026 Opens in Shanghai
WAIC 2026 kicks off in Shanghai. Exhibitors show strong confidence in AI赛道, envisioning robots flowing into daily life like water.
3. US Considers AI Regulatory Body After China's Kimi K3 Launch
After Kimi K3 launch triggered US stock dip, Trump admin considers AI regulatory body modeled after FINRA. Former AI czar says US 'tied its own hands.'
4. Chongqing Landslide: Hero Grid Worker Injured While Evacuating Residents
Massive rockslide in Chongqing Pengshui buries buildings. The community grid worker who first alerted residents was struck by debris while bringing up the rear.
5. 'Eight Immortals' Projected Box Office Exceeds 1.1B Yuan
Director Guo Fan recommends animated film 'Eight Immortals!' about ordinary people defying fate. Maoyan projects 1.16B yuan total box office.
6. Feitian Moutai Price Hikes to 1,639 Yuan
Kweichow Moutai raises Feitian Moutai retail price from 1,539 to 1,639 yuan on its iMoutai platform, contract price from 1,269 to 1,369 yuan.
7. Hung Hsiu-chu: 'I'm Almost 80, I Can't Wait Any Longer'
Former KMT chair Hung Hsiu-chu at the 9th Cross-Strait Youth Development Forum laments 80 years of separation, says 'I can't wait any longer.'
8. UK Nationalizes Chinese-Owned British Steel, Jingye's £1.2B Investment at Risk
UK nationalizes British Steel, putting Chinese firm Jingye Group's £1.2B investment at risk. Media warns China against being 'Mr. Dongguo' (naively kind).
9. 95s Couple's AI Comic Drama Goes Viral with 4.1B Views
A 95s couple in Sichuan creates pure AI-generated period comic drama, racking up 4.1B views on Douyin with no stars or ad spend.
10. World Cup May Cost US $11.7B in Lost Productivity
World Cup fever grips US: over 25% of employees late or absent. HR firm estimates $11.7B US productivity loss, $17B globally.
11. 'Kung Fu Women's Football' Enters Annual Box Office Top 5
Stephen Chow's 'Kung Fu Women's Football' hits 1.068B yuan in 7 days. Zero-marketing release draws polarizing reviews but packed theaters.
12. Tsinghua's Minimalist Admission Letter Goes Viral
Tsinghua University's 2026 admission letter features minimalist one-page design that goes viral for its elegant simplicity.
Sources and verification
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