Xiaomi just launched a $630 flagship phone to rival the iPhone 17, showing its push to take on Apple and Tesla in tech and EVs.
China will require all new vehicles from 2027 to have mechanical door releases, banning retractable handles due to safety concerns after EV accidents where electronic handles failed. Existing models have until 2029 to comply. The move aims to reduce occupant entrapment and improve emergency access.
Waymo revealed that some remote operators are contractors working abroad, including in the Philippines, raising safety concerns amid rising incidents involving autonomous vehicles in California. The company also faces questions over its use of Chinese-made vehicles and offshore labor, amid ongoing regulatory and geopolitical tensions.
Chinese automakers have intensified their global expansion in 2026, showcasing advanced electric and autonomous vehicles at the Beijing Auto Fair. Domestic sales have declined due to subsidy cuts and fierce competition, but exports surged over 60% in early 2026. BYD, Geely, and others are expanding aggressively into Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America, leveraging cutting-edge battery technology and competitive pricing to challenge legacy automakers worldwide.