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
The U.S. military strike against Venezuela and capture of its president, Nicolas Maduro, has shocked the international community, triggering a steady stream of condemnation and serious concerns worldwide.
Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay and Spain issued a joint statement on Sunday, expressing serious concern about and firm opposition to the U.S. unilateral military operations in Venezuela.
The U.S. actions contravene fundamental principles of international law, particularly the prohibition on the use or threat of force, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, as enshrined in the UN Charter, constituting an extremely dangerous precedent against peace and regional security, according to the statement.
In expressing profound concern and firm rejection, the six countries stressed in the statement that the situation in Venezuela must be resolved exclusively by peaceful means, and through dialogue, negotiation and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people in all its expressions, without external interference and in accordance with international law.
Only an inclusive political process, led by Venezuelans, can lead to a democratic, sustainable solution that respects human dignity, according to the statement.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the U.S. raid in Venezuela as a violation of international law, adding that the Spanish government always advocates and defends international law and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Addressing a meeting of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez demanded the unconditional and immediate release of Maduro and his wife.
Noting that Latin America and the Caribbean are a zone of peace, he expressed his firm opposition to the use of force, which is an unshakable principle.
Any aggression against Venezuela shall be regarded as an attack against all CELAC member states, and nations must collectively oppose it, he stressed.
The South African government denounced the U.S. attack on Venezuela as a violation of international law, according to a statement released on Sunday.
History has repeatedly demonstrated that military invasions against sovereign states yield only instability and deepening crisis, the statement said.
South Africa calls on the UN Security Council to urgently convene a session to address this situation, according to the statement.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said what happened in Venezuela demonstrates that international law and the UN Charter are losing their practical effectiveness.
U.S. military action against Venezuela marks a dangerous precedent, as similar actions could be taken against any other nations, he said.
In addition, the foreign ministries of Namibia, Singapore, Oman and Pakistan also issued statements on the same day, expressing grave concern over U.S. interference in Venezuela's internal affairs.
They emphasized the need to uphold international law and the principles of the UN Charter while respecting Venezuela's sovereignty.
They also called on all parties to exercise restraint and resolve the crisis through peaceful dialogue.
U.S. move against Venezuela sparks condemnation, concerns worldwide
