At 8 o'clock, 1 Krypton | Jia Guolong speaks out again: "There has never been two-year-old broccoli at Xibei."; Trump announces additional tariffs on eight European countries; The 12306 railway ticketing platform launches a time-limited free refund service for passengers who made a wrong purchase.
Today's Hotspot Guide
Bilibili: By 2025, the total viewing time of the content created by the top 100 UP owners on the platform will exceed 83 billion minutes.
Galactic Energy apologizes for the failure of its first flight test mission.
AMD promises to keep the prices of graphics cards within the affordability of ordinary people.
Two government departments: The minimum down - payment ratio for commercial housing loans has been adjusted to no less than 30%.
Wu Yongming, CEO of Alibaba, issued a New Year letter: Several major battles this year were fought brilliantly.
Yu Hao, the founder of Dreame, said: The goal is to build a company worth one quadrillion US dollars, and no money from investors has been wasted.
Top 3 Big News
Jia Guolong Speaks Out Again: "There's Never Been Two-Year-Old Broccoli"
On January 18th, Jia Guolong, the chairman of Xiabei, posted a "Response III" on his WeChat Moments, mainly responding to the previously hot - discussed issue of Xiabei's frozen broccoli among consumers.
Jia Guolong mentioned that the frozen organic pesticide - free broccoli selected by Xiabei belongs to the highest - grade range in the market, and its price is 80% to 120% higher than that of ordinary broccoli in the market. Jia Guolong said, "This kind of broccoli is exported to Europe, the United States, Japan and South Korea. It was once exclusively used for the Asian Games and is the same as the broccoli in supermarkets like Sam's Club and Hema. It uses ultra - low - temperature quick - freezing technology. Without adding any preservatives, it can effectively slow down the loss of vitamins and retain minerals and dietary fiber. The whole - process cold - chain transportation ensures the highest - standard food safety." He also said that the shelf life of most frozen vegetables for export is 18 to 24 months. However, there's never been any "two - year - old broccoli" at Xiabei. Xiabei's high turnover rate ensures that the organic broccoli is used up within two months, and now the standard is that it must be used up within one month. (Daily Economic News)
Multiple EU countries considering imposing tariffs on US goods worth 93 billion euros exported to the EU
According to reports obtained by CCTV reporters on the 18th local time, multiple EU countries are considering imposing tariffs on US goods worth 93 billion euros exported to the EU or restricting US companies from entering the EU market in response to US President Trump's decision to impose tariffs on eight European countries in an attempt to acquire Greenland. It is understood that this tariff list was drawn up last year but was postponed to avoid a full - scale trade war between the US and the EU. The postponement period expires on February 6. On the 18th, permanent representatives of the 27 EU member states to the EU headquarters held a meeting to discuss whether to restart this list and also whether to activate anti - coercion tools.
Previously, US President Trump announced that starting from February 1, 2026, a 10% tariff will be imposed on all goods exported to the US from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland. Starting from June 1, 2026, the tariff rate will be increased to 25%. The reason for imposing these tariffs is that these countries oppose US control of Greenland, which has further escalated the dispute over Greenland's future ownership. (CCTV News)
12306 Railway Platform Launches Time-Limited Free Refund Service for Passengers Who Made Mistaken Purchases
According to the WeChat official account of "China Railway", starting from January 19th, the 12306 Railway Platform (including the website, App, etc., the same below) has launched a time-limited free refund service for passengers who made mistaken purchases. When passengers purchase train tickets with a departure date of February 2nd or later through the 12306 Railway Platform, if they made a mistaken purchase within 30 minutes after successful payment and more than 4 hours before the train departs, the purchaser can handle the refund online by themselves without incurring a refund fee, which will further enhance the ticket - purchasing experience of passengers. (Cailian Press)
Large Companies/ Major Events
Galactic Energy Apologizes for the Failure of the First Flight Test Mission of Ceres-2
On the afternoon of January 17th, Beijing Galactic Energy Space Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Galactic Energy") issued a statement saying that at 12:08 on January 17th, the privately - owned commercial launch vehicle Ceres - 2 was launched at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The rocket experienced an abnormal flight, resulting in the failure of the first flight test mission. The specific cause is being further analyzed and investigated. "Here, we would like to extend our most sincere apologies to all parties involved in this mission and all leaders and friends who care about and support Galactic Energy. We will always maintain a sense of awe for space technology, spare no effort to find out the cause of the failure, and carefully and rigorously organize the work of rectification and re - flight of Ceres - 2 to ensure the successful completion of subsequent launch missions." According to the data, Galactic Energy was established in 2018 and is the first private commercial rocket company in China to achieve mass production, high - density launches, and commercialization of rockets. (Cailian Press)
The character "Snow" appears on the 12306 page, and a new ski equipment consignment service is added
Following the pilot launch of the "Convenient Ski Equipment Travel" service on December 7, 2025, by the railway department on G-series trains operating between Beijing North and Chongli at stations along the Beijing-Zhangjiakou High-Speed Railway, starting from January 15 this year, the service has been piloted at some stations and on trains in the Northeast region. The character "Snow" is the specific train number identifier. After successful online reservation, passengers can carry ski equipment on the train and store it in the designated area of the train, enabling passengers and their ski equipment to travel together. Passengers carrying ski equipment can enter the "Convenient Ski Equipment Travel" service through the "Ski Equipment Service" in the travel service section of the 12306 railway client to query service information. (Guangming Net)
AMD Promise: Keep Graphics Card Prices within the Reach of Ordinary People
Recently, AMD publicly promised that the prices of its Radeon graphics cards will be kept within the affordability of ordinary consumers, rather than being only targeted at wealthy enthusiasts. Due to the shortage of DRAM memory, the prices of graphics cards have soared out of control. David McAfee, the vice president and general manager of Ryzen and Radeon, told the media that AMD's goal is to keep the price increase within a reasonable range. McAfee explained that AMD has established long - term partnerships with DRAM suppliers to ensure a stable memory supply for its Radeon graphics cards. Although AMD is still working with its partners to maintain price competitiveness, it is not realistic to continue doing so under the continuous memory shortage. (Sina Finance)
Two Departments: The Minimum Down Payment Ratio for Commercial Real Estate Mortgages Adjusted to No Less Than 30%
According to a notice on the website of the People's Bank of China, in order to implement the decisions and arrangements of the Party Central Committee and the State Council, adapt to the new changes in the supply - demand relationship of China's real estate market, and support the construction of a new model for real estate development, the following announcements are made regarding the policies for commercial real estate mortgages:
The minimum down payment ratio for commercial real estate (including "residential - commercial dual - purpose properties") mortgages has been adjusted to no less than 30%. Each provincial branch of the People's Bank of China and each provincial agency of the National Administration of Financial Regulation shall, in accordance with the regulatory requirements of local city governments in their respective jurisdictions and following the principle of implementing policies tailored to local conditions, independently determine the lower limit of the minimum down payment ratio for each city in their jurisdiction on the basis of the national unified minimum down payment ratio. (Beijing News)
Rongbai Technology: Investigated by the CSRC for Alleged Misleading Statements in Major Contract Announcements
36Kr learned that Rongbai Technology announced that on January 18, 2026, the company received an "Investigation Notice" from the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). As the company's major contract announcements are suspected of containing misleading statements, etc., the CSRC has decided to launch an investigation into the company in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. At present, all the company's business activities and operations are proceeding normally. During the investigation period, the company will actively cooperate with the relevant work of the CSRC and strictly fulfill its information disclosure obligations in a timely manner in accordance with relevant laws, regulations, and regulatory requirements.
Rare disease pharmaceutical company Recordati exits the Chinese market
Recently, Recordati China, a wholly - owned subsidiary of the Italian pharmaceutical company Recordati, has officially filed for cancellation and will completely exit the Chinese market. With Recordati's exit, several rare disease drugs of the company will also stop supplying to China, including Osilodrostat, the only oral drug in China for the treatment of Cushing's syndrome. There is currently no similar alternative therapy for this drug in China. After its launch in the Chinese market, the price was about 8,000 yuan per box. Although the price in China is one of the lowest in the world, the average annual treatment cost still reaches about 200,000 yuan. In August 2025, Osilodrostat passed the preliminary formal review list for the adjustment of the 2025 National Medical Insurance Catalog. However, none of the company's three drugs, including Osilodrostat, were successfully included in the final medical insurance catalog. (Yicai Global)
Trump's Offer: Permanent Seat on the "Peace Commission" for $1 Billion
According to a Bloomberg report on the 17th, US President Trump has offered a donation of $1 billion for countries willing to join the so - called "Peace Commission" to obtain a permanent seat, exempt from the three - year term limit. A draft proposed charter of the "Peace Commission" obtained by Bloomberg shows that the commission is dedicated to resolving conflicts around the world, not just overseeing the post - war transitional governance in the Gaza Strip of Palestine. The commission is led by Trump as the first - term chairman, and its members are appointed by him. The term of each member state shall not exceed three years, but the chairman can be reappointed. The report said that some people are worried that Trump, who has long criticized the United Nations, may try to establish an international organization that replaces or competes with the United Nations. (Cailian Press)
Controversy Erupts over the Annual Salary of over 700,000 yuan for Public Welfare Figure Chen Xingjia at the Foundation, and the Foundation Responds
Well - known public welfare figure Chen Xingjia has been caught in a whirlpool of controversy due to his annual salary exceeding 700,000 yuan in 2024. According to the 2024 annual work report published on the official website of Shenzhen Henghui Public Welfare Foundation, the annual salary of founder Chen Xingjia is 730,100 yuan. Some voices have questioned whether it is appropriate for Chen Xingjia to receive such a high salary while working in a public welfare organization. However, most netizens have expressed their support, believing that since Chen Xingjia's salary complies with relevant regulations, there is nothing wrong with it. Even many netizens publicly spoke up for him, saying that public welfare figures should not be morally kidnapped by the standards of ascetics. In the afternoon of January 16th, a staff member of Shenzhen Henghui Public Welfare Foundation said that all the foundation's financial expenditures have been audited. The civil affairs department noticed the issues related to the salary mentioned by netizens and made inquiries. The foundation also gave corresponding responses, and after verification by the civil affairs department, no problems were found. (Yicai Global)
Alibaba CEO Wu Yongming Releases New Year Letter: Several Major Battles This Year Were Fought Brilliantly
On January 18th, Wu Yongming, the CEO of Alibaba, released a New Year letter.
In the letter, Wu Yongming said, "We fought several 'major battles' brilliantly this year. Taobao Flash Sale broke through and staged a comeback. The large-scale consumer service system covering 'food, accommodation, transportation, travel, and shopping' is accelerating its formation. Gaode's 'Street Scanning List' allows merchants to focus on business operations and consumers to shop with confidence, promoting the healthier and more sustainable development of the offline service industry. The download volume of the Qianwen App exceeded 10 million within a week of its public beta. Alibaba's AI is moving from various industries to being accessible to everyone... These achievements are not just breakthroughs in individual businesses but also the chemical reactions released by the synergy of the Alibaba ecosystem. They truly show us that AI does not bring about replacement but rather upgrades and more possibilities." (IT Home)
Yu Hao, Founder of Dreame: The Goal Is to Build a Company Worth One Quadrillion US Dollars, and No Investor Money Has Been Squandered
On January 17th, Yu Hao, the founder and CEO of Dreame Technology, posted on a social platform to respond to the remarks about "building a company worth one quadrillion US dollars." Yu Hao said, "Indeed, my goal is to build the first company worth one quadrillion US dollars in human history. It's what I and those who believe in us will strive for in the next twenty years." He also revealed that the company has never squandered investors' money. Even when including the funds spent on exploring so many fields, the company has still been profitable in total since its establishment. (Jiemian News)
Novo Nordisk's New CEO Debut: All Future Business Expansions Must Center Around the Core Needs of Diabetes or Obesity Patients
At the 44th J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, Novo Nordisk's new CEO, Ditlev Blicher Sørensen, made his first public appearance, charting a new course for the company and sending a signal to strengthen its dominance in metabolic diseases. He declared that the company is capable of conducting acquisitions worth up to $40 billion, but the targets must be "worth the price." At the same time, the company is advancing strategic contraction and carrying out its business around the core needs of patients. (NBD.com)
World's Largest Auto Supplier Warns of Profit Margin Dropping Below 2%
Bosch, the world's largest automotive parts supplier, is facing significant financial pressure in 2025. Recently, according to Germany's "Manager Magazin", Bosch CEO Stefan Hartung said in an internal email to employees that Bosch Group's profit margin in 2025 was significantly lower than 2%, far from the expected target. Hartung pointed out in the email that part of the profit shrinkage in 2025 was due to the high restructuring costs of up to 3.1 billion euros, which were provisions for plans such as lay - offs, accounting for about 3.5% of sales. The report also said that Bosch's revenue in 2025 was about 91 billion euros, slightly higher than 90 billion euros in 2024. (Yicai Global)
Guizhou Moutai: Beware of Fake Applications for Feitian Moutai
36Kr learned that Guizhou Moutai issued a notice stating that recently, false investment promotion information has reappeared on online platforms, falsely claiming to be in the name of Moutai. Such information includes "Opening direct supply channels for enterprises", "Enterprise application for Feitian Moutai at 1,499 yuan, click the link for details", "Official application entry for Feitian Moutai", "No bundling sales required, click the link to apply immediately", and "Enterprise application channel for Feitian Moutai at 1,499 yuan". All such content is false advertising, which may mislead consumers and even pose a risk of fraud. The company has never authorized or entrusted any entity to release the above information. Currently, the company's self - operated stores in each province are signing 2026 sales contracts with existing corporate group - buying customers. Qualification reviews and contract signings are conducted through offline communication, and applications are not directly accepted through public links or social media.
Bilibili: By 2025, the total time users spend watching content from top 100 UP owners will exceed 83 billion minutes
36Kr learned that Bilibili announced the list of the new session of top 100 UP owners. Official data shows that in 2025, the total time users spend watching content from top 100 UP owners will exceed 83 billion minutes, and on average, each video of the top 100 UP owners will be watched for more than 250 million minutes.
Going public in progress
Topstar
36Kr learned that Topstar announced that on January 16, 2026, the company submitted an application to The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited for the issuance of H-shares and listing on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. On the same day, it published the application materials for this issuance and listing on the website of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. If this issuance and listing is ultimately implemented, the issuance targets will be limited to overseas investors who meet the relevant conditions and domestic qualified investors who are entitled to make overseas securities investments in accordance with relevant Chinese laws and regulations.
Shandong Huawutang, the Parent Company of Banmu Huatian
According to documents from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, on January 16th, Shandong Huawutang Cosmetics Co., Ltd., the parent company of Banmu Huatian, submitted a listing application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with CITIC Securities as the sole sponsor. According to the document disclosure, the company's adjusted net profit increased by 249.4% from RMB 23.7 million in 2023 to RMB 82.8 million in 2024, and increased by 197.2% from RMB 49.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, to RMB 147.7 million for the same period in 2025. (Sina Finance)
CAS Space
The public offering counseling publicity system of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) recently showed that the counseling work of CAS Space Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as CAS Space) has been completed recently.
The Cutting - Edge of AI
OpenAI Plans to Test Targeted Ads in ChatGPT, Intensifying Revenue Growth Plan
On January 17th, it was reported that OpenAI will launch an advertising test within the ChatGPT app for some users in the United States in the coming weeks. This move marks a significant shift for the company on the path to generating revenue from this popular chatbot. The company revealed on Friday that the ad placements will cover users of the free version of ChatGPT, as well as users of the new low - cost Go package, which was first launched in India and is now expanding to the US market, with a monthly fee of $8. The more expensive paid premium version of ChatGPT will still not feature ads. OpenAI's decision to test the advertising business stems from its overall strategic layout to diversify revenue ahead of a potential initial public offering, and also to offset the huge costs of developing and operating artificial intelligence systems. (Yicai Global)
Kilo Collaborates with MiniMax to Launch New Programming Product
Silicon Valley star company Kilo announced that it will switch its default model to the domestic large model MiniMax M2.1 during the release of its latest programming product, Slack. It is understood that in the AI benchmark testing open platform LMArena for the community, M2.1 ranks fourth, right behind OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google. Kilo processes six trillion tokens on average per month. It has attracted a great deal of attention and capital in the past year and received an $8 million seed - round financing in December 2025 from investors such as Breakers, Cota Capital, General Catalyst, Quiet Capital, and Tokyo Black. (Sina Technology)
Musk Says Tesla Has Basically Completed the Design of AI5 Chip and Has Started Developing the Next-Generation AI6
Tesla CEO Elon Musk posted on X that the company has basically completed the design of the AI5 chip for its full self-driving system and is now in the early stages of developing the next-generation AI6. Musk said that Tesla hopes to adopt a nine-month design cycle for future chip iterations. (Sina Finance)
Investment and Financing
AI startup ElevenLabs is planning a new round of financing, with a potential valuation of $11 billion
It is reported that artificial intelligence startup ElevenLabs is in talks for a new round of financing, and the company's valuation could reach $11 billion. (Jiemian News)
Cool Products
Lgenie AI Partners with Linky to Launch the First AI-Enabled Walking Cane
36Kr learned that Lgenie (Lgenie AI Agent Platform) and Linky (LINKY, a brand of Qiling) have officially announced a strategic cooperation. The two sides have chosen the AI-enabled walking cane as their first product to be launched. They are also exploring the model of "pre-embedded AI capabilities in hardware + unlocking through continuous services" to promote the long-term operation of elderly-friendly assistive devices.
A Mini Survey on the Pain Points of Young People in Photography
The mobile phones can no longer satisfy young people's "desire for taking photos". As soon as it gets dark, the camera stops working. When trying to capture wonderful moments, blurry images like those in the "Five - Lightning Whips" are always taken. Just take a short trip, and the phone's memory runs out... There are many moments in life worth recording, but the shooting function of mobile phones is limited.
This generation of young people is experiencing an aesthetic shift from "pursuing perfect photos" to "recording life". Young people are eager to refine their trivial daily lives into short life films with a cinematic feel. What "photography pain points" have you encountered? Have you ever thought about upgrading your shooting equipment? Welcome to fill out the questionnaire and share with us the photography pain points you've encountered~
Scan the QR code to participate in the survey
Compiled | Chi Yu