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Global Times: Bridging divides through Open Source: The iterative logic of China’s AI

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BEIJING, Aug. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — China’s foreign trade has kept on gaining steam. Following the “new three” (NEVs, lithium batteries, and PV), a “next new three”—artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and innovative medicineis emerging as the new growth driver.

AI-related products export stood out in the first half of 2026, accounting for 22.7 percent of total exports and contributing 8.6 percentage points to overall trade growth. This surge boosts China’s high-quality development and carries global significance for sustainable development.

If traditional manufacturing reflects the strengths of “Made in China,” and the “new three” showcase green transformation, then the “next new three,” including AI, signal the rise of “Intelligent Manufacturing in China.” China’s unique AI large-model development model is now reshaping the global AI landscape.

Chinese AI models are penetrating global markets through cost-effectiveness and open source. OpenRouter data showed that in the third week of July 2026, Chinese large-language models (LLMs) recorded 36 trillion weekly tokens, ranking first for 12 straight weeks and capturing two-thirds of the global market, with the top five most-called models all from China. On hardware, exports of AI-related products reached $480 billion in the first half of 2026, up 47.3 percent year-on-year, forming a full chain from computing power and infrastructure to terminals. Exports of optical equipment, smart sensors, and smart terminals grew at double-digit rates, while ICs and 3D printers more than doubled year-on-year in June.

China’s AI exports go beyond products. They represent a “systematic global expansion” covering computing power, algorithms, standards, and solutions. Serving over 140 countries and regions, China provides tailored digital solutions: Peruvian ports use Chinese algorithms to boost efficiency; Russian e-commerce relies on Chinese AI as its “intelligent core”; and Southeast Asian small and medium-sized enterprises are being empowered in their digital transformation.

First, China’s AI surge stems from its unique model, notably its open-source approach. China shares core models to engage global developers. This fosters tech inclusivity and ecosystem co-building, while leveraging global intelligence to offset hardware gaps through algorithmic and ecological innovation.

Second, China leverages industry integration synergies. Its strong industrial ecosystem – spanning energy, chips, telecommunications, and applications – creates full-chain coordination. A vast manufacturing base, digital platforms, logistics, and public infrastructure facilitate AI testing and deployment, sharply cutting short the development-to-application cycle.

Third, China sticks to the strategic support of its independent innovation. Despite external “bottlenecks,” China ranks first globally in AI papers, citations, and patents. The World Intellectual Property Organization cites China as the top source of generative AI patents, and China leads or co-leads over a quarter of international AI standards.

After years of accumulation, China’s overall AI strength now ranks among the global first tier. The 2026 global AI Innovation Index places China second (60.49 points), far ahead of others – behind only the US, which leads in R&D and computing power, while China excels in industrial applications, lightweight models, and low-cost deployment. Stanford’s 2026 AI Index shows the performance gap with US top models narrowed to 2.7 percent by March 2026. In AI, China has firmly secured its place as a global leader.

Since the Industrial Revolution, global development has been marked by persistent imbalance – from the industrial divide to the information divide to today’s digital divide. The AI era now brings the “AI divide” into sharp focus, and evidence shows this gap is widening.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) data showed stark “digital divide” — 94 percent internet access in high-income countries vs. 23 percent in low-income ones, with 2.2 billion people still offline – mostly in low- and middle-income nations. High-income countries hold 77 percent of global data center capacity, while low-income countries hold less than 0.1 percent. The majority of the Global South languages and knowledge remain underrepresented in AI training datasets, hindering their AI development. And, digital skill penetration rate stands at 66 percent in high-income countries vs. less than 5 percent in low-income countries, with brain drain worsening the gap.

Also, developing countries’ weak infrastructure hinders their AI development and may further slow their economic growth. As some rely on foreign AI, much of their future economic output could flow back to developed countries and large corporations through cloud use fees, licensing, royalties, equipment imports, and data extraction.

China’s AI development and its unique model help break this dependency and bridge the global divide. It aligns with developing economies’ needs, as China’s deep integration with Global South industries creates a win-win ecosystem. Its open-source approach serves as a catalyst for intelligent transformation – the core philosophy is global collaboration to build and share an inclusive AI ecosystem.

China’s AI products and governance concepts are global public goods. At the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance held in July, China proposed a framework balancing innovation, security, civilization, and governance to guide AI for good. It also united 29 countries to establish the “World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization” for global welfare.

From Kimi K3 and DeepSeek to the MAZU weather early warning system deployed in multiple countries, China, as a producer, service provider, builder, and leader, is driving an inclusive, open global AI ecosystem to advance sustainable development.

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SOURCE Global Times

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Visa, MOONTON Games extend collaboration with new three-year partnership for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang’s M Series-the world’s most watched mobile esports tournament

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As the Global Payment Partner, Visa will elevate how millions enjoy the M8 to M10 World Championships

SINGAPORE, Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Visa, a global leader in digital payments, and MOONTON Games, the international video game developer behind Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), today announced a three-year partnership to elevate the M Series experience for fans worldwide. The partnership sees Visa named the Global Payment Partner for the next three editions of the M Series—the M8 World Championship (M8) in 2027 through the M10 World Championship (M10) in 2029. The M Series is MLBB’s flagship international competition and is the most-watched mobile esports tournament in history with 5.68 million Peak Concurrent Viewers (PCV), according to Esports Charts.

From the M8 through the M10, Visa cardholders will receive preferential access to M Series tickets, as well as opportunities to win VIP Zone access, meet-and-greets, and behind-the-scenes tours–bringing fans closer to their favourite players and teams.

The partnership comes as the M Series expands its international footprint. The M8 will mark the tournament’s European debut, building on MLBB Esports’ global expansion strategy unveiled earlier this year. With Visa facilitating payments across more than 200 countries and territories, its reach and payment capabilities will support MLBB’s continued international growth while creating more seamless and rewarding fan experiences.

Danielle Jin, Chief Marketing Officer at Visa Asia Pacific, said: “We’re proud to deepen our partnership with MOONTON Games and MLBB, one of the most remarkable gaming franchises in the world. MLBB is a powerful example of how mobile gaming is changing the way people play, connect with each other, and spend. Every year, millions of fans and gamers engage with the M Series. Together with MOONTON Games, we look forward to creating more iconic moments that fans and gamers will remember in the years to come.”

The multi-year agreement builds on Visa’s first entry into MLBB Esports at the M7 World Championship (M7) in Jakarta, Indonesia, anchored in a shared vision of empowering youth through digital innovation. Visa has also expanded its presence within the wider MLBB Esports ecosystem, joining MLBB Professional League (MPL) Philippines as an Official Sponsor for Season 18.

Tiger Xu, Global Head of MLBB Esports at MOONTON Games, said: “Our partnership with Visa at the M7 demonstrated how we can create greater value together across the fan journey. This multi-year agreement is a natural next step as MLBB Esports enters its next phase of globalisation. It also reflects the growing international scale and relevance of the M Series. Together, we are excited to deliver a more seamless, rewarding, and connected experience for fans around the world.”

Visa champions the moments that bring fans closer to the passions they love, from sports and music to gaming, fashion, and entertainment. Guided by a fan-first approach to partnerships, Visa designs experiences that deepen connection and make participation seamless, secure and accessible for audiences around the world. Through high-impact partnerships, Visa helps shape cultural moments while enabling effortless cross-border commerce. Visa’s partnership with MOONTON Games strengthens its growing range of gaming partnerships and its commitment to helping people connect with the communities and experiences they care about most.

About Visa

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, sellers, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.

About MOONTON Games

Established in 2014, MOONTON is a global video game company dedicated to gaming development, publication, and esports. With more than 2,000 employees worldwide, the company operates offices in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore. It has successfully launched several high-profile mobile games globally and has built long-term relationships with governments and esports organizations in more than 30 countries around the world. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is its current star game and the leading mobile multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game worldwide. For more information, visit https://en.moonton.com.

About Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is one of the most popular mobile Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games worldwide that brings communities together through teamwork and strategy. With over 1.5 billion installations and 110 million active monthly users, the award-winning game is among the top 10 most played in over 80 countries. With an extensive reach across the Asia Pacific region, the multiplayer is available in 139 countries with an expansive global esports presence.

About Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Esports

Established in 2017, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Esports serves as a platform for players to pursue their dreams of becoming esports athletes and illuminate opportunities within the international esports ecosystem. MLBB Esports has since expanded to multiple leagues, including the MPL series hosted in Southeast Asia, Middle East, and Latin America; MPL is the first esports event series to surpass 1 billion hours of watch time globally.

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SOURCE Visa Worldwide Pte Ltd

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CCTV4: CMG Mid-Autumn Gala Celebrates a Global Reunion at the Home of Chang’e

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BEIJING, Sept. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — One of the most popular traditions associated with Mid-Autumn Festival is the legend of Chang’e who, to prevent her husband’s apprentice Peng Meng from stealing an elixir of immortality, consumes it herself and flies to the moon. The earliest complete account of this legend is contained in the 2nd century BC philosophical text, Huainanzi. The work, a collection of essays based on scholarly debates held at the court of Liu An, Prince of Huainan, also contains the first systematic record of the jieqi – the 24 Solar Terms observed in China since ancient times to predict changes in the weather and guide farming. 

As the host city of this year’s CMG Mid-Autumn Festival Gala, Huainan is drawing on its rich heritage to create a memorable evening of celebration and family reunion. Lying on the banks of the Huaihe River in Anhui Province, the city offers a delightful and romantic setting for an evening of music and entertainment beneath a full moon. Performances will also use cutting-edge technology in the form of AI, robotics and drones to reimagine Mid-Autumn traditions for a worldwide audience. 

Among the evening’s highlights will be British singer Sarah Brightman duetting with China’s own Zhou Shen on The Music of the Night; and a performance of Clair De Lune and May We All Be Blessed with Longevity by pipa virtuoso Fang Jinlong, Croatian cellist Ana Rucner and German pianist Oskar Roman Jezior. Also making an appearance will be two of the stars of China’s latest box-office hit Dear You – Li Sitong and Wu Shaoqing.

Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, Mid-Autumn Festival has for centuries brought families and loved ones together. In Chinese culture, the full moon is a symbol of reunion and shared longing – an image that also speaks to a universal sense of romance and connection.

The 2026 CMG Mid-Autumn Festival Gala will be broadcast worldwide from Huainan at 8 p.m. Beijing time on September 25.

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SOURCE CCTV4

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Spiritual Journeys and Southeast Asian Escapes Mark Indian Travel Interest in September: Agoda

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SINGAPORE, Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda’s latest accommodation search data reveals growing interest in India’s spiritual destinations ahead of September, with several temple towns noting an increase in searches, alongside continued popularity of Southeast Asian cities.

Interest in India’s Temple Towns Climbs 

Among domestic destinations, Pachmarhi, known as the “Queen of Satpura”, recorded an almost 7x increase in accommodation searches for September compared with the same period last year. Set in the Satpura ranges of Madhya Pradesh, the hill destination is home to the Jatashankar Temple, a cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is also known for its forests, waterfalls and scenic views. Ujjain, another city in the state, recorded an almost 3x increase in accommodation searches. Known for the Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the city offers travelers a mix of pilgrimage, historic ghats, and cultural experiences.

In Puri, accommodation searches increased by 2x, with the Jagannath Temple being a key part of the city’s identity, while its coastline and beaches offer travelers another experience during their stay. Varanasi recorded a 44% increase in searches, with its temples, ghats and cultural heritage offering another way to experience India’s spiritual traditions. Further down south, Tirupati recorded a 29% increase in accommodation searches. Known for the Sri Venkateswara Temple, the destination remains an important pilgrimage centre and spiritual travel destination of interest.

Southeast Asia Brings Spiritual and Cultural Experiences into September Travel

Beyond India, September travel searches also point to Southeast Asia, where travelers can find spiritual and cultural experiences alongside beaches, food and city breaks. Hanoi recorded a 58% increase in accommodation searches, with its historic streets, cultural heritage and local food offering travelers a city experience shaped by Vietnam’s traditions.

Da Nang saw a 50% increase in search interest, combining its beaches and proximity to Hoi An with cultural attractions such as Linh Ung Pagoda on the Son Tra Peninsula, a Buddhist site known for its 67-metre statue of Guanyin. Kuala Lumpur recorded a 35% increase, offering multicultural heritage, food and landmarks including Batu Caves, Thean Hou Temple and Sri Maha Mariamman Temple.

In Indonesia, Bali recorded a 24% increase in accommodation searches, offering a mix of beaches, natural landscapes and spiritual experiences, with renowned temples such as Tanah Lot, Besakih Temple and Lempuyang Temple adding to its cultural appeal.

Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands, Agoda said “Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report found that 19% of Indian respondents consider spiritual or religious experiences when planning a trip this year, pointing to the diverse motivations shaping travel decisions. Our latest accommodation search data reflects this shift, with destinations being explored for pilgrimages, cultural experiences, nature getaways, and overseas holidays. At Agoda, we make it easier for travelers to find stays that best fit the diverse experiences they desire.”

With a global network of over 6 million hotels and holiday properties, along with flights, activities, and more, Agoda offers travelers a wide range of options to explore destinations across India and around the world. Whether discovering domestic hill escapes or international cities and island destinations, Agoda’s broad selection makes it easier to plan any trip.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/spiritual-journeys-and-southeast-asian-escapes-mark-indian-travel-interest-in-september-agoda-302884245.html

SOURCE Agoda

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