AI‑powered merchandise fuels mid‑year sales surge

As China's mid-year promotional season kicked off in mid-May and runs through June 20, a one-month wave of sales events across major e-commerce platforms has reignited consumer spending nationwide.

The results are striking: over 70 percent of the top 100 trending brands on platforms are Chinese, and searches for products featuring "AI elements" and "intangible cultural heritage elements" have surged roughly 120 and 270 percent year over year, respectively.

At an immersive pop-up store in Beijing, many families and tech enthusiasts came to explore AI-powered gadgets. A charming robotic dog drew crowds with its lifelike behaviors, prompting on-site purchases.

Other highlights included AI-equipped smart fridges and TVs with voice interaction and health-management features, robotic arms that efficiently pick up trash; handheld robots that engage children with "100,000 Whys", and rollable-screen laptops, all showcasing cutting-edge home technologies.

"Currently, most home appliances and 3C digital products sold in our store are equipped with large AI models, enabling features such as voice interaction and health management. At present, the sales of AI-powered products have increased by more than twofold month on month," said Chen Rui, deputy store manager of JD Mall's Shuangjing store.

A recent report based on e-commerce platform data and consumer survey indicates demand for AI-enabled products is shifting from novelty to necessity - over 80 percent of respondents prefer devices with AI features, especially smart wearables, home appliances, and smartphones.

"When a product incorporates AI capabilities, it brings a wow factor to Chinese brands. This enhancement is not only reflected in the product's functionality and intelligence but also demonstrates the brand's ability to grasp and lead future tech trends," said Zhang Linshan, a researcher at the Academy of Macroeconomic Research, National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

Regional governments are also promoting "AI plus Consumption" initiatives. In Shanghai, for instance, authorities are fast-tracking AI product launches, building AI-focused retail districts, and improving the consumer environment for AI goods by adopting supporting policies, pooling resources, creating innovation platforms, and attracting enterprises and talent to the AI consumption sector.

AI‑powered merchandise fuels mid‑year sales surge

China opposes the use or threat of force in international relations, opposes imposing one's own will on others, and opposes a return of the world to the "law of the jungle," Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Thursday.

During the call, Araghchi briefed Wang on the latest developments in Iran, saying the recent unrest was incited by external forces and that the situation has now returned to stability.

Saying that Iran has made preparations to respond to external interference while keeping the door wide open to dialog, Araghchi expressed hope that China would play a greater role in promoting regional peace and stability.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China consistently upholds the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, opposes the use or threat of force in international relations, opposes imposing one's own will on others, and opposes a return of the world to the "law of the jungle."

He said that the Chinese side believes the Iranian government and people will stay united, overcome difficulties, maintain national stability, and safeguard their legitimate rights and interests.

Wang also called on all parties to cherish peace, exercise restraint, and resolve differences through dialog, adding that China is willing to play a constructive role in this regard.

Chinese, Iranian FMs have phone conversation