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Global Times: Rooting Chinese drama in ancient philosophy

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BEIJING, April 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Chinese drama standing out in the world of drama depends on whether we can find the roots of our national culture and the light of our philosophical thought, as well as well as whether we can apply artistic wisdom to localize Western theories in a Chinese context and adapt creative methods to align with national depth and breadth. Chinese philosophy nourishes our souls and fosters our thinking and aesthetic awareness. To construct a Chinese theatrical system, we need to unearth aesthetic ideas and philosophical foundations from our own theatrical traditions. Otherwise, the Chinese theatrical system will remain at the level of mere “technique” with refined “skills” but unclear Dao (the fundamental principle of the universe).

This article traces the origins of Laozi and Zhuangzi’s philosophy, suggesting that drama practitioners should consciously strive for the ideal of “art for the sake of life.” It seeks inspiration from the expressive techniques of Laozi and Zhuangzi, including their use of abstraction, xieyi (freehand expression), the construction of artistic yijing (mood and conception) and the interplay of reality and illusion, while exploring the relationship between Laozi and Zhuangzi’s philosophy and the development of a Chinese theatrical system in the new era.

Devt of Chinese drama needs to incorporate a philosophical perspective

As society progresses and technology advances, diverse forms of drama – such as digital drama, machine drama, and cyber performances – are emerging. What will the future of drama look like? We are faced with new questions. Theatrical art is a dynamic art form, and its creative concepts and methods must evolve alongside the times. However, amidst this overwhelming array of options, drama practitioners need to reflect carefully on more than just technique: What are the cultural characteristics of our nation? What is the theoretical foundation that shapes our aesthetic needs and tastes? Where do the philosophical roots that ground Chinese people’s understanding of life come from? And what is the essence of the Chinese theatrical approach that is closely tied to these questions?

Thought is the soul of drama. Drama is not just about aesthetic expression, it can also be a reflection of philosophy. Dramatists need to draw from philosophy, sociology, psychology, and other fields to drive artistic creation forward through the power of thought.

Ouyang Yuqian, a renowned Chinese dramatist, actor, playwright, and educator, once said that we should “create the latest and most beautiful theatrical art on the foundation of tradition,” which points us in the right direction for exploration. Chinese philosophy nourishes our souls and fosters our ways of thinking and aesthetic awareness. To build a Chinese theatrical system, we must first unearth aesthetic ideas and philosophical foundations within our own cultural heritage.

Influence of Zhuangzi’s thought on Chinese drama

Although the philosophical work Zhuangzi is not an aesthetic treatise, it has profoundly influenced the discourse of Chinese artistic creation and criticism, shaping Chinese theatrical concepts and aesthetic tastes. 

The beauty depicted in the Zhuangzi is unrelated to practicality, material satisfaction, or the pursuit of accomplishments. Zhuangzi advocates for a life that is “artistic,” one that strives for an artistic existence. Artists must come to understand the vital importance of art in the lives of ordinary people, seeing their creative duty as “making art for life.” Only in this way can they truly embody the spirit of Chinese art, which embraces the pursuit of ideals and the joy of artistic expression.

Contemporary drama practitioners should strive to hone their craft with the same unwavering dedication as the artisans in the Zhuangzi, elevating their spiritual cultivation and embodying the unique spiritual qualities and humanistic sentiments of the Chinese people. They should avoid shallowly indulging in form and technique and not be constrained by external practical goals. Instead, they should draw inspiration from Chinese aesthetics and artistic spirit to foster a conscious engagement with theory and creation, working to produce theatrical works that reflect national characteristics, embody cultural identity, and resonate with the features of our times and the human sentiment.

Zhuangzi excels at using exaggerated language to describe his subjects. The situations and character portrayals he presents, with just a few words, can reach the essence of the spirit, thereby creating a profound artistic conception. His expressive techniques and the way he generates artistic meaning have had a great impact on various artistic forms in China, including fine arts, sculpture, poetry, music, and drama.

Chinese art seeks to capture a sense of nuance, which emerges from the interplay between presence and absence, as well as the tangible and the intangible. Techniques like the use of blank space in traditional Chinese painting, the balance of density and sparsity in calligraphy, the intricate hollowing in shadow puppetry, and the chengshi (sets of technical rules and regulations) in Chinese opera all exemplify artistic methods that explore the relationship between what is present and what is absent, as well as between the real and the illusory.

Traditional Chinese drama is a stage of “presence and absence,” appearing seemingly vacant, yet through the actors’ performances, it can bring forth the myriad elements of Heaven and Earth. A “void” is created by the actors, transforming in the audience’s imagination into “something,” thereby forming a complete theatrical representation.

The inspiration of Laozi and Zhuangzi philosophy in constructing China’s theatrical system

Most existing theories of literary and artistic creation are experiential summaries, distilled from analyzing and generalizing classic works. In contrast, the philosophy of Laozi and Zhuangzi begins at the very source of things, contemplating how a truly great work comes into being. In fact, masterpieces are not the result of force or meticulous planning. Many great works of art have been created unintentionally – born out of genuine interest, free from utilitarian motives. Only when artists are deeply moved by profound experiences can they create enduring classics.

Drama is an important medium through which ­humanity engages in self-understanding and ­self-exploration. From Zhuangzi’s perspective, drama is a dream that reflects reality, while life is reality within a dream. 

Both drama and philosophy seek to answer fundamental questions about human existence – such as “What is the meaning of life?” and “Who am I?” In this sense, drama is not only an art form but also a kind of philosophy. Drama gains depth through historical reflection, and reaches new heights through philosophical inquiry. The unbroken continuity of Chinese civilization over more than five millennia means that the Chinese people must seek their spiritual grounding within their own cultural heritage. The development of a Chinese theatrical system should be rooted in the finest traditions of Chinese culture, using drama as a vessel to support the growth of the Chinese people – from the physical to the spiritual.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-rooting-chinese-drama-in-ancient-philosophy-302422666.html

SOURCE Global Times

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STARTRADER Launches SKHY as SK Hynix Makes Its US Market Debut, Giving Clients Timely Access to a Key AI Memory Name

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July 23, 2026

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SKHY gives clients direct exposure to a key supplier of high-bandwidth memory at the heart of the AI acceleration market.

DUBAI, UAE, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — STARTRADER today announced the launch of SK Hynix Inc. (SKHY) as a US Stock CFD on its trading platform, available from July 22, 2026. Moving swiftly following SK Hynix’s recent US listing, which raised approximately $26.5 billion, STARTRADER is ensuring clients can engage with this name at the earliest opportunity.

This is precisely the type of occasion STARTRADER builds its product strategy around. As significant names enter the US market and begin drawing institutional attention, STARTRADER moves decisively to ensure clients have access when it carries the most relevance. For a company of SK Hynix’s standing in the AI memory supply chain, its US debut represents exactly that kind of opportunity.

The decision reflects a product philosophy centred on anticipation. As the boundary between global and US-listed equities continues to narrow, STARTRADER intends to remain consistently at that intersection, connecting clients to names the global investment community is beginning to follow closely and providing the access needed to engage with both confidence and context.

“Clients who follow the AI infrastructure story understand that the opportunity runs through the entire supply chain, including the memory and bandwidth that make large-scale AI possible. SK Hynix’s arrival on the US market made this the right moment to act, and acting early on behalf of our clients is exactly what we intend to keep doing.”

Peter Karsten, Chief Executive Officer, STARTRADER

SKHY marks the latest addition in a product offering designed to keep clients directly connected to the names and sectors defining the next phase of global market development, with the breadth and precision to engage with structural investment themes as they take shape.

Trading CFDs involves a significant risk of loss and may not be suitable for all investors. Please ensure you fully understand the risks before trading.

About STARTRADER
STARTRADER is a global multi-asset broker empowering retail and institutional partners to access global markets through a range of platforms, including MetaTrader, STAR-APP, and STAR-COPY. Regulated infive jurisdictions (CMA, ASIC, FSCA, FSA, and FSC), STARTRADER combines strong governance with a client-first approach, serving both retail clients and partners with a commitment to transparency, reliability, and long-term growth.

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FORD AND GEELY AUTO JOIN FORCES IN EUROPE TO PRODUCE NEXT-GENERATION MULTI-ENERGY VEHICLES IN SPAIN

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July 23, 2026

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The global automakers plan to form a manufacturing joint venture at Ford’s Valencia, Spain, plant, combining scale and factory utilization, to build Ford and Geely vehiclesThe partnership, built on a foundation of trust and shared business principles, secures the future of the Valencia plant, provides long-term stability and creates the potential for future high-tech manufacturing job growthThe joint venture addresses the new realities of the European market — intense global competition, relentless cost pressure and tightening regulation — resetting Valencia to build at the industry’s emerging cost benchmarkThe Valencia plant will produce a new generation of low- and zero-emission vehicles for European markets, offering customers an outstanding technology experienceThe joint venture is expected to produce an all-new multi-energy crossover for Ford, in addition to a new member of the Bronco family, plus two electric Geely SUVs, with production starting in 2028. Kuga production continues uninterruptedThe collaboration accelerates Geely Auto’s European expansion, and supports Ford’s product offensive to bring five new passenger vehicles to European showrooms by 2029

VALENCIA, Spain, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ford Motor Company and Geely Automobile Holdings (hereafter “Geely Auto”) today announced an agreement to form a Europe-focused joint venture (JV) at Ford’s Valencia, Spain, manufacturing hub.

The new JV will manufacture Ford and Geely multi-energy passenger vehicles for the European market, driving greater choice and value for European drivers.

Europe is home to one of the fiercest competitive battles in the global automotive industry today. Tightening regulation, high operating costs and a new generation of global competitors have reset the industry’s benchmark for manufacturing cost, vehicle technology and software experience.

By pooling production volume, Ford and Geely will maximize the capacity of the Valencia plant, lower the cost of every vehicle built there, and compete at this emerging cost standard while delivering world-class multi-energy vehicles and strengthening the local Valencia economy in the process.

Pending regulatory approvals, the joint venture will begin operations in the first half of 2027, with the first new vehicles scheduled to roll off the line in 2028. The Valencia plant will continue to produce the Ford Kuga in the meantime.

“This JV with Ford in Europe reflects our commitment to open, collaborative product development as part of our growth strategy, deepening our local presence and commitment to customers in Europe”, said Alex Nan, Vice President of Geely Auto Group. “We are dedicated to delivering vehicles that European customers will choose on merit: on industry leading features, on high-quality and on actively contributing to Europe’s green future. Put simply: we are building cars in Europe, for Europe, alongside a trusted partner.”

Ford’s partnership with Geely is built on a foundation of trust and respect stretching back to 2010 when Ford sold Volvo Cars to Geely and watched it protect and revitalize the brand. Both companies share a commitment to quality, cost-efficient sourcing and continuous improvement, as well as a belief that customers should be able to choose their own path through the energy transition.

Transforming Valencia into a Powerhouse for Low-CO2 Mobility

The JV will transform Ford’s Valencia facility – already one of Europe’s most productive and advanced plants, with a potential annual capacity of about 500,000 vehicles – into a shared, high-tech manufacturing hub built to compete at the industry’s new global cost standard. The plant has been at the leading edge of the European market since it opened in 1976, when it built the original Ford Fiesta, Ford’s first global front-wheel-drive car, and a major success. Ford was the first non-Spanish automaker to build in Valencia, the start of a partnership with Spain and its people that remains as strong today.

Under the proposed ownership structure, Ford will own 66% of the new entity and Geely Auto 34%.

An Exciting Vehicle Lineup

“For nearly 50 years, Valencia has built some of the most-loved cars in our history, and now this team will help build our future”, said Jim Baumbick, President, Ford of Europe. ” That’s why we’re building a flexible, cost-effective industrial system with a capable partner in Geely Auto. Together we can fully utilize a best-in-class plant with a great workforce and match the industry’s new cost benchmark. This is all part of Ford’s vision to give European drivers rally-bred handling, true off-road capability and multi-energy technology, with a distinct Blue Oval DNA.”

The JV will combine the engineering, manufacturing and development know-how of two of the world’s leading automakers to build both Ford and Geely low- and zero-emission passenger vehicles. The cars will be tailored for European drivers and will offer them choice in powertrain technology, as well as outstanding digital experiences.

Ford Models:

The Popular Ford Kuga: Production of the Ford Kuga — one of Europe’s favorite plug-in hybrids — will continue uninterrupted in Valencia.A Rugged New Bronco: Valencia will also produce a new member of the global Bronco family – a tough, compact, adventure-ready SUV built for European roads, with production starting in 2028.An All-New Crossover: A multi-energy family crossover, designed by Ford and jointly developed with Geely will arrive in 2028. Engineered with Ford’s signature capabilities and driving dynamics, it is part of an aggressive product offensive that will bring five new multi-energy vehicles to Europe by 2029.

Geely Models:

Sleek Electric SUVs: Geely Auto plans to produce two electric SUVs at the Valencia facility in full support of their European focus and growth strategy. The first Geely-branded models to be manufactured under this joint venture are scheduled to roll off the production line in 2028.

The venture supports Geely Auto’s international expansion, following overseas sales of 474,228 vehicles in the first half of the year, while advancing Ford’s strategy of using partnerships to compete with speed, efficiency and scale in Europe.

“This partnership shows how automakers are strengthening Europe’s industrial base, but we can’t do it alone,” said Jim Baumbick. “What we’ve achieved in Valencia, with the ongoing support of Spain’s national and regional governments, is a masterclass in public-private partnership that sets the benchmark for the rest of Europe.”

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities, and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services, including BlueCruise (ADAS) and security. The company offers freedom of choice through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles (“EVs”) along with embedded software that defines always-on digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, the company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 168,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

About Geely Auto Group

Geely Auto Group is a leading global automotive company headquartered in Hangzhou, China. Part of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Geely Auto Group develops and manufactures passenger vehicles under the Geely, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr brands.

Geely Auto achieved cumulative sales of 3,024,567 units in 2025, exceeding the full-year sales target with a year-on-year growth of 39%. New energy vehicle (NEV) sales reached 1,687,767 units, a year-on-year increase of 90%.

With a strong focus on technology innovation, electrification, and sustainable mobility, Geely Auto Group operates world-class R&D centers and manufacturing facilities across China, Europe, and key international markets. The Group is committed to delivering safe, high-quality, and intelligent vehicles enabled by advanced technologies such as hybrid powertrains, full-electric architectures, smart connectivity, and autonomous driving systems.

As a global company, Geely Auto Group continues to expand its international presence through strategic partnerships, localized operations, and industry-leading platforms. Geely strives to create mobility solutions that are greener, smarter, and more accessible, driving forward the future of sustainable transportation.

Ford news releases, related materials, photos and video, visit From the Road, www.fordmedia.eu or www.media.ford.com.
Follow www.linkedin.com/company/ford-in-europe, www.youtube.com/FordNewsEurope, www.instagram.com/FordNewsEurope,
www.threads.net/@fordnewseurope and www.tiktok.com/@FordNewsEurope

 

 

 

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SOURCE Ford

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K25.ai Secures Series A Investment with Strategic Support from Amber Group, Valuation Doubles to US$200 Million

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59 minutes ago

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July 23, 2026

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Series A follows K25.ai’s oversubscribed Pre-A round and accelerates its vision to make prediction markets native to live digital content

SINGAPORE, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — K25.ai, the AI-native prediction market transforming livestreams into real-time interactive markets, today announced the closing of its Series A investment round, with strategic support from Amber Group, at a post-money valuation of US$200 million, doubling the company’s valuation in under 60 days.

The Series A marks another major milestone for K25.ai as it builds a new category at the convergence of artificial intelligence, live digital content, creator economies and prediction markets.

K25.ai enables audiences to predict what happens next across live sports, esports, entertainment and creator content. Its proprietary AI infrastructure supports real-time market generation, content monitoring and outcome resolution, powering a seamless watch-to-predict experience.

The investment and strategic collaboration will accelerate K25.ai’s product development, global expansion, institutional liquidity infrastructure and creator ecosystem.

“We’re building the category where AI meets live content and real-money prediction. Amber Group’s backing — and the doubling of our valuation — confirms the market is ready. We’re moving fast,” said Andy Cheung, Founder and CEO of K25.ai.

Amber Group will support K25.ai across market infrastructure, liquidity strategy, ecosystem development and related digital asset expertise.

“K25.ai is creating a differentiated platform at the intersection of AI, real-time content and prediction markets,” said Haoyu, Portfolio Director of amber.ac. “We are excited to support its experienced team as it scales a new generation of interactive financial and entertainment experiences.”

The Series A follows K25.ai’s recently closed Pre-A round led by Nasdaq-listed NewGenIVF Group Limited (Nasdaq: NIVF). The Series A support from Amber Group doubles K25.ai’s valuation from its Pre-A round and adds a second institutional backer alongside NewGenIVF Group, extending K25.ai’s strategic support across both public markets and digital assets.

About K25.ai

K25.ai is an AI-native livestreaming prediction market transforming passive audiences into active participants. By combining live content, creator-led markets and AI-powered resolution, K25.ai is building the infrastructure for the next generation of interactive information markets.

About Amber Group

Amber Group is a global leader in digital assets, headquartered in Singapore. Amber Group is the parent company of Amber International Holding Limited (Nasdaq: AMBR), which operates as a separate publicly traded company. Since 2017, Amber Group has developed full-stack solutions that bridge traditional finance and digital assets, offering end-to-end services including wealth management, asset management, market making, advisory, investment, and infrastructure. These products and services are offered across various entities within Amber Group. Certain products, services, technologies, and initiatives described in this press release are developed or carried out by subsidiaries or affiliates of Amber Group other than Amber International Holding Limited, and are not necessarily conducted by or attributable to the listed entity.

Backed by top investors and equipped with deep expertise in both digital and traditional markets, Amber Group leverages AI, blockchain, and quantitative research to deliver personalized, cutting-edge solutions. The company focuses on servicing a diverse global clientele—comprising HNW individuals, institutions, funds, exchanges, and projects—to optimize returns safely across all market conditions.

Learn more at www.ambergroup.io.

Media and Investor Contacts

K25.ai Media Contact
media@k25.ai 

K25.ai Investor Relations Contact
ir@k25.ai 

K25.ai Partnership Contact
partnership@k25.ai 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/k25ai-secures-series-a-investment-with-strategic-support-from-amber-group-valuation-doubles-to-us200-million-302833151.html

SOURCE K25.ai

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