China-ASEAN Trade & AI Push: The 23rd China-ASEAN Expo and CABIS in Nanning will spotlight economic and trade cooperation, AI, and deeper enterprise participation, with exhibition space expanded to 170,000 sq m and about 2,200 Chinese firms joining nearly 1,000 ASEAN players. Humanoid Robotics Industrialization: UBTECH opened a smart factory in Liuzhou, aiming for one humanoid robot every 10 minutes and 10,000+ units a year, as China moves from demos to factory-floor scale. Power Demand From Data Centers: China’s internet data service sector surpassed 60 bln kWh of electricity use in 2026, up over 40% year on year, underscoring how AI and EV growth are pulling more power. Auto Industry Restructuring: Gasgoo reports Audi has effectively finalized a China brand split: SAIC Audi will run the China-focused “AUDI” NEV brand, while FAW-Audi takes full control of the classic Audi business. Battery Boom: August data from China’s power battery alliance shows 237 GWh output for power+energy storage, with energy storage driving growth and exports surging. SME Payment Pressure Eased: China’s central SOEs are being required to pay SMEs on time, with tighter rules on contract terms and limits on certain financial instruments. Logistics Upgrade: The Pinglu Canal opened for navigation, creating a river-to-sea route for Southwest China to reach ASEAN faster and cheaper. AI Governance Clash: China rejects US calls to slow AI, saying the move is fearmongering and tied to preserving US tech dominance, while Washington frames it as safety and competition.