What's in this episode:

• Unusual Business Idea: Baijiu’s Decline—China’s 50% liquor is losing popularity; producers are launching milder versions for younger audiences.
• Top Bit: The AI Dilemma: Entry-level salaries in Hong Kong are at a seven-year low, dropping for the first time since 2018. Simultaneously, China's robotics market is expected to exceed $100 billion USD by 2028, driving huge demand for AI talent.
• Financial Markets: SK Hynix sets new records with 11.4T KRW (~$8B USD) in profit. Shares are up 200% YTD. Shanghai Composite Index briefly topped 4000.
• Number of the Day: >50%—For the first time since 2019, more than half of Americans favor cooperation and dialogue with China.
• Market Bit: Japan’s $550B US Investment Package: Tokyo pledged $550 billion by 2029 (in exchange for reduced auto tariffs). Key investments include $100 billion for nuclear/SMRs and $25 billion for power grids.
• Head of the Day: Tang Binsen (Chi Forest): The founder built the zero-sugar, zero-calorie brand like a tech product. 2024 Revenue was 10 billion RMB (~$1.4 billion USD).
• Short News of the Day: Digital Yuan rollout in Hong Kong via 17 local banks. Uber partnering with Chinese robotaxi firms, aiming to deploy 100,000 robotaxis by 2027. Indonesia emerges as Asia’s second largest app growth engine.