Air India plane with 242 people onboard crashes near airport in India's Gujarat

In this episode of “Ugly-Cute Goes Global: How Labubu Became a Worldwide Pop Toy Sensation”, we unpack how a mischievous toy monster from Chinese brand Pop Mart became a worldwide cultural phenomenon. Drawing on sales records, social media trends, and consumer insights, we trace Labubu's journey from niche collectible to record-breaking IP—generating ¥3 billion revenue in 2024 alone.Furthermore, we delved into the underlying drivers of Labubu's explosive popularity, exploring why it distinguished itself among countless blind box characters. Simultaneously, we examined its implicit cultural significance and voiced lingering concerns about its future trajectory.‌It can be said that Labubu's popularity signifies a leap for Chinese cultural products from relying on "contract manufacturing advantages" to generating "cultural premium." This phenomenon also proves that Chinese designer toys are fully capable of earning their rightful place on the global stage.‌Enjoy this episode, and open you favorite Labubu in Pop Mart !

An Air India flight to London with 242 people on board, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew members, crashed Thursday shortly after takeoff from an airport in the western Indian state of Gujarat, officials said.印度官员表示，一架载有242人（含2名飞行员和10名机组人员）的印度航空伦敦航班，周四从印度西部古吉拉特邦机场起飞后不久坠毁。The flight took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, about 17 km south of Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat.该航班从古吉拉特邦首府甘地讷格尔以南约17公里的艾哈迈达巴德萨达尔·瓦拉巴伊·帕特尔国际机场起飞。According to Air India, the Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 13:38 local time and was carrying 242 passengers and crew members.印度航空称，这架波音787-8客机于当地时间13:38从艾哈迈达巴德起飞，机上载有242名乘客和机组人员。"Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, one Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals," the airline said. “其中169人为印度籍，53名英国公民，1名加拿大公民和7名葡萄牙公民。”航空公司声明称。Air India has expressed condolences to the families of all those affected by this devastating event.印度航空公司已向所有遇难者家属表示哀悼。"With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event," N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Air India, said in a statement.印航董事长N·钱德拉塞卡兰在声明中表示：“怀着沉痛心情确认，印航171号艾哈迈达巴德-伦敦盖特威克航班今日发生悲剧事故。我们与所有受影响者家属及亲友同感悲痛，致以最深切慰问。”Chandrasekaran said further updates will be shared as they receive more verified information.钱德拉塞卡兰称将根据核实进展及时通报最新情况。"An emergency center has been activated and support teams have been set up for families seeking information," he further said.“已启动应急中心，并为需要查询的家属组建了支援团队。”他补充道。Local media reports said the plane had reached approximately 825 feet when it suddenly descended. Police said the plane crashed on the building of a doctors' hostel.当地媒体报道称飞机爬升至约825英尺高度时突然下坠。警方证实客机撞上了医学生宿舍楼。There were no reports of any survivors currently, and officials, so far, have not issued any statement on the number of casualties or injured in the crash.目前尚无生还者报告，官方迄今没有就坠机事件中的伤亡人数发表任何声明。"As per preliminary information, a London-bound Air India flight has crashed at the doctors' hostel. Within 2-3 minutes, police and other agencies reached the spot. Almost 70-80 percent of the area has been cleared. All agencies are working here," a police official told media.一名警方官员向媒体表示：“初步信息显示，这架飞往伦敦的印航客机坠毁在医学生宿舍区。警方和救援机构2-3分钟内抵达现场，已完成70-80%区域清理，所有部门正在协同作业。”Reports said the passenger aircraft went down in the Meghani area of the city.据报道，这架民航客机坠毁在该市梅加尼地区。According to officials, immediately after the crash, authorities rushed over two dozen ambulances to the spot to carry out rescue work.官员称事故发生后，当局立即调派二十余辆救护车赶赴现场展开救援。Video footage from the site aired on television news channels shows thick columns of smoke rising from the ground.电视台播出的现场画面显示，地面腾起浓密烟柱。Police have diverted traffic from the area, and a green corridor has also been established to ferry the injured quickly to the hospital.警方已对该区域实施交通管制，并开辟绿色通道快速转运伤者就医。tragic accident悲惨事故takeoff/ˈteɪˌkɔf/n.（飞机的）起飞crew members机组人员green corridor绿色通道rescue/ˈreskjuː/v.营救，救助

One after another, products "created in China" have evolved into global fashion trends. The record-breaking auction of Labubu for over 1 million yuan in Beijing on Tuesday has thrust Pop Mart, a "blind box" toy company, into the spotlight.一系列“中国创造”的产品正相继引领全球时尚潮流。本周二（6月10日），泡泡玛特（Pop Mart）旗下潮流玩具角色Labubu在北京以超百万元人民币的价格拍出，创下拍卖纪录，这家“盲盒”玩具公司由此成为焦点。In some business analysts' eyes, the evolution of Pop Mart is essentially a story of transitioning from a "product-centric" to an "ecosystem-centric" mindset. While other toy manufacturers are still competing on production efficiency, it has already been constructing a complete ecosystem loop covering IP incubation, content production, retail channels, and user communities. 在一些商业分析师看来，泡泡玛特的演变，本质上是一个从“产品导向”转向“生态系统导向”的过程。当其他玩具制造商仍在生产效率上竞争时，它已经在构建一个覆盖IP孵化、内容制作、零售渠道和用户社群的完整生态闭环。The quirky Labubu, along with the debut of DeepSeek, a low-cost, open-source large language model, and the animated blockbuster film Ne Zha 2, have paved the way for exploring new cultural communication channels internationally.古灵精怪的Labubu，连同低成本开源大语言模型“深度求索”（DeepSeek）的亮相，以及动画大片《哪吒2》的上映，共同为探索国际文化传播新路径铺平了道路。The digitalization of industries and the industrialization of digital technologies are not only about catching up, they are also about dialectical thinking, which has enabled China to maintain a healthy growth.产业的数字化与数字技术的产业化，不仅在于追赶，更在于辩证思考，这使中国得以保持健康的增长态势。From Confucius' "learning and constantly practicing what is learned" to Chinese philosopher Wang Yangming's "unity of knowledge and action" in Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Chinese philosophical ideas emphasize pragmatism, the theory of practice, which is different from European rationalism that focuses on regulating development and developing within regulation.从孔子的“学而时习之”，到明代（1368-1644）哲学家王阳明的“知行合一”，中国的哲学思想强调务实主义与实践论，这不同于欧洲理性主义所关注的规范发展，在规范中发展。In the film Ne Zha 2, Ne Zha's phrase that "My fate is in my own hands, not in Heaven's" is in line with the breakthrough achievements in AI by China, represented by Deep-Seek.电影《哪吒2》里哪吒高喊的“我命由我不由天”，与中国以深度求索（Deep-Seek）为代表的人工智能突破性成就一脉相承。Chinese researchers are breaking through the US-led technological blockade and writing an Eastern story of intelligence. Showcasing the depth of Chinese civilization, Deep-Seek embodies a cultural foundation that relies on human efforts rather than divine intervention. The Chinese language, with its 3,500 commonly used characters, has been outperforming English, which constantly invents new words, leading to soaring learning costs for large language models.中国研究人员正突破美国主导的技术封锁，谱写东方智慧的新篇章。深度求索（Deep-Seek）依托“人定胜天”的文化根基，展现了中华文明的深厚底蕴。仅凭3500个常用汉字，汉语便展现出比英语更优的性能——后者因需不断创造新词，使得大语言模型的学习成本水涨船高。Unlike Western capital-driven models, DeepSeek focuses on minimizing costs. Liang Wenfeng, a computer science teacher at Zhejiang University, established the hedge fund with classmates, using AI technology to achieve significant returns.与西方资本驱动的模式不同，‌深度求索‌（DeepSeek）始终贯彻成本最小化策略。浙江大学校友梁文锋（Liang Wenfeng）‌联合同窗创立对冲基金，通过人工智能技术实现显著投资回报。Within the evolving multipolar framework, DeepSeek's emergence has necessitated critical examinations of algorithms' governance framework, triggering constructive discussions on equitable technological development in the global digital ecosystem.Chinese companies should realize the importance of tailoring technological talents to suit national conditions, much like the Chinese saying, "Those who live near mountains, live off the mountains; those who live near waters, live off the waters."在动态演进的多极化框架下，深度求索的崛起促使国际社会对‌算法治理框架‌展开深度审视，进而引发关于全球数字生态中技术公平发展的建设性探讨。中国企业需认识到要根据国情来培养技术人才‌，正如中国古语所言：“靠山吃山，靠水吃水。”While some argue that China's global reach is limited compared with that of the US, more Chinese enterprises can create more products that transcends Chinese culture and acquire global cultural traits. This shows technologies developed by China can be adapted to different national contexts without the need for hegemonic dominance.尽管有人认为中国的全球影响力较美国仍有差距，但越来越多中国企业正推出‌超越单一文化‌、兼具全球特质的产品。这表明中国技术无需依赖‌霸权支配‌，即可适配多元国家语境。blind box盲盒IP incubationIP孵化user communities用户社群technological blockade技术封锁hedge fund对冲基金multipolar/mʌltɪ'pəʊlə/adj.多极的hegemonic/ˌhedʒɪ'mɒnɪk/adj.支配的，霸权的

China and the United States have mapped out a framework to implement their previously reached consensus and bring bilateral trade ties to the right track after concluding two days of "candid and in-depth" talks in London, which analysts said would help de-escalate tensions between the world's two largest economies.While it might still require some patience before a final agreement is reached, analysts said the talks were a good sign in terms of steadying bilateral ties and injecting much-needed certainty into the world economy.He Lifeng, Chinese vice-premier and lead person for China-US economic and trade affairs, said the US should resolve trade disputes with China through equal dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation, Xinhua News Agency reported on Wednesday.He made the remarks during the first meeting under the China-US economic and trade consultation mechanism, which was held in London from Monday to Tuesday with US lead person Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.During the talks, the two sides reached an agreement in principle on implementing the important consensus reached by the two heads of state during their phone call on June 5 and the framework of measures to consolidate the outcomes of the economic and trade talks held last month in Geneva, Switzerland.The trade talks in Geneva led to a temporary truce where China and the US agreed on a 90-day pause on their triple-digit tariffs to allow further negotiations.The White House, however, has since announced a range of negative measures with its new nontariff restrictions, including stopping sales of computer chip design software to China, warning against using chips made by Chinese tech company Huawei and canceling visas for Chinese students.In phone talks held at the request of US President Donald Trump on June 5, President Xi Jinping said the Chinese always honor and deliver what has been promised, urging both sides to make good on the agreement reached in Geneva.In fact, China has been seriously and earnestly executing the agreement, and the US side should acknowledge the progress already made, and remove the negative measures taken against China, Xi added.Ahead of this week's meeting in London, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said on Saturday that it had approved some applications for rare earth export licenses.Vice-Premier He noted that China's position and stance on China-US economic and trade issues are clear and consistent. The essence of China-US economic and trade relations is mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.Cooperation in the economic and trade realm brings benefits to both sides, while conflict hurts them both, He said, stressing that there are no winners in a trade war, and China does not wish to engage in one, but neither does it fear doing so.The US should work with China to honor its words with actions, and demonstrate sincerity in keeping commitments and concrete efforts to implement consensus, so as to jointly safeguard the hard-won outcomes of dialogue, He said.The two sides should maintain communication and consultation, and steer China-US economic and trade relations toward steady and sustained development, in order to inject more certainty and stability into the world economy, He added."The two largest economies in the world have reached a handshake for a framework," US Commerce Secretary Lutnick said. "Once the presidents approve it, we will then seek to implement it."The positive sentiments among Chinese and US negotiators point to a shared willingness to keep the trade talks afloat and strive for a comprehensive agreement that benefits both economies and the world at large.Gao Lingyun, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, said, "While the road ahead may not be completely smooth, both sides understand the need to navigate their differences and address each other's concerns carefully and responsibly."The progress made during this meeting is creating the conditions for a final agreement that serves the interests of both sides and the stability and prosperity of the global economy, Gao added.Diao Daming, a professor of US studies at Renmin University of China's School of International Studies, said: "The structural complexities behind the China-US relationship are undeniable. Yet, the core of the bilateral economic relationship between China and the US remains mutually beneficial.""Far from diminishing, the scope for shared interests between the two countries is widening amidst global turbulence," Diao said. "Seeking new avenues for cooperation isn't a concession; it's a strategic necessity for both Beijing and Washington."

It's dangling from Hermès bags in Paris. It's selling out in seconds in Tokyo. In Bangkok, it's now a cultural ambassador—officially endorsed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Labubu, a snaggle-toothed, wild-eyed forest creature from Chinese toy brand Pop Mart, has gone from underground oddity to global fashion icon.在巴黎，它悬挂在爱马仕包包上；在东京，它几秒钟内就销售一空；在曼谷，它如今已成为泰国旅游局官方认可的文化大使。拉布布，这个来自中国玩具品牌泡泡玛特、牙齿参差不齐、眼神狂野的森林小动物，已从地下奇葩摇身一变，成为全球时尚偶像。In New York, fans are camping outside Pop Mart stores like they were heading to a concert. In London, collectors are clashing over the last blind box. And in Beijing, a human-sized Labubu recently fetched $150,000 at an auction. The brand's latest feat? A collaboration with Louis Vuitton—the plush gremlin turned luxury icon.在纽约，粉丝们在泡泡玛特门店外扎营，仿佛要去听演唱会一样。在伦敦，收藏家们正为最后一盒盲盒争相抢购。而在北京，一个真人大小的拉布布最近在拍卖会上拍出了15万美元的高价。而这一品牌的最新成就？与路易威登联名合作——这只毛绒小怪兽，摇身一变成了奢侈品界的新宠。All this for a toy with nine fangs, upright ears, bulging eyes, and a grin that teeters between creepy and charming. Half-imp, half-elf, Labubu looks like it crawled out of a fever dream. And yet, it's everywhere.所有这一切，都是为了一个长着九颗獠牙、直立的耳朵、凸起的眼睛、介于惊悚与可爱之间笑容的小玩偶。它像个半恶魔半精灵的存在，就像刚从狂热的梦境中爬出来一样。然而，它却无处不在。No one knows exactly why.没有人知道确切的原因。Maybe it's the low-odds, high-stakes thrill of the blind box—that dopamine hit of maybe. Maybe it's the "ugly-cute" aesthetic that Gen Z has fully embraced. Or maybe, in an era of algorithms and sameness, Labubu feels like a "rebellion": a weirdo you can hold in your hand.或许是盲盒那种低概率、高风险的刺激——那种“也许”带来的多巴胺冲击。或许是Z世代完全接受的“丑萌”审美。又或许，在这个充斥着算法和千篇一律的时代，拉布布感觉像是一种“叛逆”象征：一个可以握在手中的怪胎。What's clear is this: Labubu isn't just a toy. It's a statement. A personality. A plush projection of a generation that craves individuality, contradiction, and something that feels imperfectly real.可以肯定的是：拉布布不仅仅是一个玩具。它是一种宣言，一种个性，一个毛绒玩具的投射，它代表着渴望个性、矛盾和不完美真实感的一代人。And it's making waves far beyond China.而且，它正在中国以外的地方掀起波澜。In April, Pop Mart's app became the No.1 shopping app on the US App Store—the first Chinese toy brand ever to top the chart. Pop Mart's founder, Wang Ning, is now the richest man in Henan province, and his company is rewriting the playbook on cultural exports—one fang at a time.今年4月，泡泡玛特的应用程序成为美国App Store排名第一的购物应用程序——这是有史以来第一个登上榜首的中国玩具品牌。泡泡玛特的创始人王宁如今是河南省首富，他的公司正在改写文化输出的剧本——以“一颗獠牙”为步伐。Labubu's rise comes at a time when headlines are filled with tension: trade wars, tech bans, geopolitical friction. Chinese brands face growing skepticism abroad. But somehow, this eccentric yet endearing toy has slipped through the cracks—or rather, danced through them—offering something both unmistakably Chinese and universally appealing.拉布布的崛起正值新闻头条充斥着紧张气氛的时期：贸易战、科技禁令、地缘政治摩擦。中国品牌在海外面临越来越多的质疑。但不知何故，这个古怪又可爱的玩具却悄然闯入——或者更确切地说，巧妙地融入其中——带来了既具有鲜明中国特色又具有全球吸引力的产品。Because the truth is, young people everywhere—in Shanghai, Stockholm, or São Paulo—share something simple: a desire for joy, surprise, and self-expression. Labubu is just strange enough, just expressive enough, to tap into that.事实上，世界各地的年轻人——无论是在上海、斯德哥尔摩还是圣保罗——都有一个共同点：渴望快乐、惊喜和自我表达。拉布布恰好足够奇特，足够富有表现力，恰好能够满足这些需求。Labubu isn't saving the world. But it's reminding us that globalization isn't dead—it's just gotten a lot weirder. And a lot cuter.拉布布并没有拯救世界。但它提醒我们，全球化并没有终结——它只是变得更加奇特，也更加可爱。eccentric/ɪkˈsentrɪk/adj.古怪的，反常的endorse/ɪnˈdɔːrs/v.支持，背书；为……代言aesthetic/esˈθetɪk/n.审美，美学；adj.美学的，具有美感的projection/prəˈdʒekʃn/n.投射，体现，表达

Chinese consumers have exhibited robust purchasing power for home appliances and intelligent electronic products during this year's "618" shopping carnival, a weekslong sales event that culminates on June 18, as e-commerce platforms have ramped up efforts to offer steep discounts and shopping subsidies amid the country's pro-consumption policies, such as the consumer goods trade-in program.中国消费者在今年为期数周、高潮在6月18日的618购物节期间，对家电和智能电子产品展现出了强劲购买力。在消费品以旧换新等国家促消费政策的背景下，电商平台加大打折力度并提供购物补贴。Experts said the midyear promotional event is expected to play a vital role in further stimulating people's purchasing appetite, expanding domestic demand and promoting the recovery of the consumer market, given that boosting consumption is a top priority for China's economic growth this year.专家表示，鉴于提振消费是今年中国经济增长的重点任务，618大促活动有望在进一步刺激消费需求、扩大内需、促进消费市场复苏方面发挥重要作用。Data from e-commerce giant JD, which initiated the "618" shopping extravaganza, showed that the turnover, order volume and number of shoppers placing orders on the platform all increased more than 200 percent year-on-year in the first hour of the shopping gala, which officially started at 8 pm on Friday.电商巨头京东是618购物节的发起者。数据显示，在5月31日晚8点618购物节开启的第一小时内，京东平台的成交额、订单量和下单用户数均实现超2倍同比提升。More than 20,000 brands saw their sales surge more than threefold year-on-year during this hour, and the turnover in the electronics categories soared over 380 percent from a year earlier, JD said. Meanwhile, over 500 home appliance and home lifestyle brands recorded over tenfold growth in turnover compared with the previous year.京东数据显示，在本轮促销开启一小时内，超2万个品牌成交额同比增长超3倍，电子品类成交额同比飙升超380%。与此同时，超500个家电家居品牌成交额同比增长超10倍。The transaction volume of Apple, Xiaomi, Midea, Huawei and Haier each surpassed 100 million yuan ($13.9 million) very quickly within the first hour of the promotion, while the sales of more than 10,000 popular electronic products such as gaming laptops, high-end earphones and intelligent robots skyrocketed over tenfold year-on-year.在促销开启一小时内，苹果、小米、美的、华为、海尔等品牌成交额迅速突破1亿元（约合1390万美元），游戏笔记本、高端耳机、智能机器人等超1万款电子爆品成交额同比增长超10倍。According to Tmall, Alibaba Group's business-to-customer platform, 217 brands saw their sales exceed 100 million yuan between 8 pm on May 16 and 9 pm on Friday.阿里巴巴集团旗下企业对消费者平台天猫的数据显示，在5月16日晚8点至5月17日晚9点期间，217个品牌成交额突破1亿元。The turnover of home appliances, mobile phones and digital products participating in the country's trade-in program increased 283 percent compared with last year's Singles Day shopping festival, a weekslong sales event that peaks on Nov 11. The overall sales of home appliances, home decorations and electronic gadgets registered double-digit growth year-on-year, Tmall said.参与全品类以旧换新活动的家电、手机、数码产品成交额较去年双11购物节增长283%。天猫数据显示，家电、家装、电子产品整体成交额同比增长两位数。Consumers increasingly prefer to snap up bargains via livestreaming on the e-commerce platform, with the turnover from 419 livestreaming rooms surpassing 10 million yuan as of 9 pm on Friday.消费者越来越倾向于通过电商平台的直播间抢购打折商品，截至5月17日晚9点，419个直播间成交额突破1000万元。"Consumption has become the main driving force boosting China's economic growth, and the June 18 online shopping extravaganza is pivotal in terms of unleashing consumers' purchasing potential, driving domestic demand and shoring up the economy amid external uncertainties," said Wang Yun, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research.中国宏观经济研究院研究员王云表示：“消费已成为拉动中国经济增长的主要动力。在外部不确定性的背景下，618购物节在释放消费者购买潜力、拉动内需和支撑经济方面至关重要。”Stephan Patton, from the United States, who works for a multinational company in Shanghai, recently bought a new refrigerator and outdoor sports equipment on Chinese e-commerce platforms. "I am delighted to stock up on products that I am keen to purchase without spending too much money during the shopping festival."史蒂芬·帕顿（Stephan Patton）来自美国，在上海一家跨国公司工作。他最近在中国的电商平台上购买了一台新冰箱和一些户外运动装备。他表示：“我非常高兴能在购物节期间，不用花太多钱就囤积到我渴望购买的商品。”He said there are some pretty decent discounts if people can catch them in time, and he enjoyed a discount of about 20 percent with shopping coupons.他说，如果人们能及时抓住机会，就能获得相当不错的折扣，他使用购物优惠券享受了大约20%的折扣。China's efficient delivery services have also greatly impressed him. "Most items can be delivered to my doorstep the next day after placing an order. It is quite convenient."中国高效的配送服务也给他留下了深刻印象。“大多数商品下单后第二天就能送到家门口，非常方便。”This year's Government Work Report listed vigorously boosting consumption and expanding domestic demand across the board as a top priority among the major tasks for 2025.今年的《政府工作报告》将“着力扩大国内需求，推动经济实现良性循环”列为2025年重点工作任务之首。The country announced a raft of measures to expand the scope of the consumer goods trade-in program in January, increasing funding from 150 billion yuan last year to 300 billion yuan through ultra-long-term special treasury bonds, and offering subsidies for more home appliances and electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and smartwatches.国家在1月份宣布了一系列扩大消费品以旧换新范围的措施，通过超长期特别国债将去年1500亿元的资金规模增加至3000亿元，并为更多家电和电子产品（如智能手机、平板电脑和智能手表）提供补贴。"The policy measures to encourage trade-ins of consumer goods have not only motivated consumers' enthusiasm to purchase and bolstered the sales of consumer electronic products and household appliances on online marketplaces, but also propelled the popularity of green and energy-saving commodities," said Mo Daiqing, a senior analyst at the Internet Economy Institute, a domestic consultancy.国内咨询机构互联网经济研究院的高级分析师莫岱青表示：“鼓励消费品以旧换新的政策措施不仅激发了消费者的购买热情，促进了消费电子产品和家用电器在线上市场的销售，也推动了绿色节能商品的普及。”Mo noted that Chinese consumers have become more value-conscious and are inclined to purchase premium products with high cost-effectiveness, emphasizing that retailers should step up investment in technological innovation, elevating the quality of products and upgrading supply chains to attract more young shoppers.莫岱青指出，中国消费者变得更加重视价值，倾向于购买高性价比的高端产品。她强调，零售商应加大科技创新投入，提升产品质量并升级供应链，以吸引更多年轻消费者。Hong Yong, an associate research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, said that online retailers have made promotional methods simpler this time, with direct price cuts being a preferred strategy, which is conducive to improving users' shopping experience.商务部国际贸易经济合作研究院副研究员洪勇表示，此次线上零售商使促销方式更加简化，直接降价成为首选策略，这有助于改善用户的购物体验。"Chinese consumers are more rational now and carefully review their needs, with an emphasis on the quality and value of products, as well as after-sales service," Hong said, adding that more efforts should be made to provide customized goods and services to satisfy diversified demands, while improving logistics networks and driving brand upgrading and product innovation.洪勇说：“中国消费者现在更加理性，会仔细审视自己的需求，更注重产品的品质、价值以及售后服务。”他补充道，应加大力度提供定制化的商品和服务以满足多元化需求，同时完善物流网络，推动品牌升级和产品创新。robust/rəʊˈbʌst/adj. 强健的；坚固的；强劲的gala/ˈɡɑːlə/n. 盛会；演出ramp up上升；增加trade-in折价旧物；以旧换新online retailers线上零售商 after-sales service售后服务

China and the United States have over the past two days conducted professional, rational, in-depth and candid exchanges, said a senior Chinese official on Tuesday.中国高级官员周二表示，过去两天，中美双方进行了专业、理性、深入、坦诚的交流。Li Chenggang, China international trade representative with the Ministry of Commerce and vice minister of commerce, made the remarks when briefing the press following the first meeting of the China-US economic and trade consultation mechanism held in London.中国商务部国际贸易谈判代表兼副部长李成钢在中美经济贸易磋商机制首次会议结束后向媒体发表以上言论，该会议在伦敦举行。The two sides have agreed in principle the framework for implementing consensus between the two heads of state during their phone talks on June 5, as well as those reached at Geneva talks, Li said.李成钢表示，双方已原则上就落实两国元首6月5日通话共识以及日内瓦会谈成果的框架达成一致。It is hoped that progress made at the London meeting will be conducive to strengthening trust between China and the United States, and to further promoting the steady and healthy development of economic and trade ties between the two countries, according to him.他表示，希望伦敦会谈取得的进展有利于增进中美互信，进一步推动两国经贸关系稳定健康发展。candid/ˈkændɪd/adj.坦率的，直言不讳的consensus/kənˈsensəs/n.共识，一致意见mechanism/ˈmekənɪzəm/n.机制，体制，运作方式conducive/kənˈduːsɪv/adj.有助于…的，有益于…的

China's price levels remained subdued in May, leaving ample room for further monetary easing and robust fiscal stimulus in the remainder of the year, analysts said on Monday.分析人士周一表示，中国5月份物价水平保持低位，为今年剩余时间进一步放松货币政策和实施强劲财政刺激措施留下了充足的空间。They said more policy support is needed to shore up demand in the world's second-largest economy, as policymakers navigate a more complicated and challenging external environment amid trade tensions with the United States.他们表示，在与美国贸易紧张局势加剧的背景下，决策者需要更多政策支持来提振全球第二大经济体的需求，因为政策制定者正在应对更加复杂和具有挑战性的外部环境。Their comments came as data released by the National Bureau of Statistics showed that the country's consumer price index, the main gauge of inflation, fell by 0.1 percent year-on-year in May, the same as in the previous month.他们发表上述言论之际，国家统计局发布的数据显示，5月份，作为通胀主要衡量指标的中国居民消费价格指数（CPI）同比下降0.1%，与上月持平。Wen Bin, chief economist at China Minsheng Bank, linked the subdued consumer prices to seasonal factors and a decline in oil prices, while noting the improvement in core CPI, suggesting the resilience of the domestic economy.中国民生银行首席经济学家温彬将CPI低迷归因于季节性因素和油价下跌，同时指出核心CPI的改善表明国内经济具有韧性。The core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices and is deemed a better gauge of the demand-supply relationship, increased 0.6 percent year-on-year in May, up from a 0.5 percent rise in April, NBS data showed.国家统计局数据显示，剔除食品和能源价格的核心CPI同比上涨0.6%，较4月份的0.5%进一步回升，被视为衡量供需关系的更优指标。On factory-gate prices, Wen said the decline reflected ongoing imported price pressures. "Although risk appetite increased early in the month due to favorable progress in US-China talks, with a slight rebound in commodity prices, excluding gold, commodity prices later dropped again as tariff threats resurfaced," he said.关于出厂价格，温彬表示，CPI的下降反映了持续的进口价格压力。他表示：“尽管本月初受中美贸易谈判取得积极进展的影响，风险偏好有所回升，除黄金以外的大宗商品价格略有反弹，但随着关税威胁再次浮现，大宗商品价格随后再次下跌。”China's producer price index, which gauges factory-gate prices, dropped by 3.3 percent year-on-year in May, widening from a 2.7 percent fall in April, the NBS said.国家统计局表示，衡量出厂价格的中国5月份生产者价格指数（PPI）同比下降3.3%，降幅较4月份2.7%的降幅有所扩大。Looking ahead, Wen said he expects CPI to rebound modestly but remain low in the near term, saying supportive macroeconomic policies would bolster core CPI growth.展望未来，温彬表示，他预计CPI将小幅反弹，但短期内仍将维持低位，并表示支持性的宏观经济政策将支撑核心CPI的增长。"A combination of incremental and existing policy measures are working in tandem to improve the supply-demand structure, which will support prices in relevant sectors. Increased travel demand during the summer will also drive up service prices."“增量与存量政策工具协同发力，将改善供需结构，对相关行业价格形成支撑。暑期出行需求上升也将带动服务类价格上涨。”As for PPI, Wen said conditions may gradually improve, though a return to positive territory will take time.关于PPI，温彬认为，尽管整体环境或将逐步改善，但短期内难以迅速转正。Considering base effects and current trends in consumer goods, energy, and industrial prices, Feng Lin, executive director of the research and development department at Golden Credit Rating International, said she expects consumer prices to remain flat in June, with the year-on-year drop in PPI likely staying around 3.3 percent.东方金诚国际信用评估有限公司研究发展部执行总监冯琳预计，考虑到基数效应以及当前消费品、能源和工业品价格走势，预计6月份CPI环比持平，PPI同比降幅仍将维持在3.3%左右。"With overall prices staying at low levels, promoting a reasonable rebound in prices will become an important macro policy goal in the second half of the year," she said. "This also opens up room for more proactive fiscal policies to boost consumption and investment, as well as further interest rate cuts by the central bank."她表示：“在物价总体处于低位运行的背景下，推动物价合理回升将成为下半年宏观政策的重要目标。这也为央行进一步采取更积极的财政政策刺激消费和投资，以及进一步降息提供了空间。”Yuan Haixia, dean of the research institute at rating agency CCXI, said that China continues to face a complex and challenging external environment while domestic cyclical and structural economic issues remain intertwined.中诚信国际研究院院长袁海霞表示，中国外部环境依然复杂严峻，国内经济周期性问题和结构性问题依然交织。While production remains relatively strong, domestic demand is only marginally improving and still weak overall as shown by subdued price levels, despite resilient external demand, Yuan said. "Policymakers should take advantage of the current policy window and intensify countercyclical measures in the short term."袁海霞表示，尽管生产保持相对强劲，但国内需求仅略有改善，整体来看仍然疲软，价格水平低迷是其主要表现，而外部需求保持韧性。“政策制定者应抓住当前政策窗口，短期内加大逆周期调节力度。”Yuan said that there is still scope for one to two more cuts in the reserve requirement ratio and interest rates during the remainder of the year, given the country's relatively high real interest rates amid low inflation and its ample policy space compared to economies like the United States and Japan.袁海霞表示，考虑到当前实际利率偏高、通胀较低，同时与美日等国相比，我国政策空间仍较为充裕，年内仍有1至2次降准降息的空间。On the fiscal front, stronger central government fiscal support is needed to expand domestic demand while around 1 trillion yuan ($139.22 billion) in additional fiscal funding could be introduced at a proper time to stabilize growth and improve expectations, she said.她表示，在财政方面，中央政府需要加大财政支持力度，扩大内需，同时可以适时新增约1万亿元人民币（约合1392.2亿美元）的财政资金，以稳定增长并改善预期。Yuan added that a balanced approach to encourage both consumption and investment is needed. Measures could include short-term cash subsidies, midterm tax reforms, and long-term improvements in income distribution to boost consumption. In parallel, investment priority should shift from physical infrastructure toward human capital, with a focus on raising investment efficiency.袁海霞补充说，需要采取均衡的政策措施，鼓励消费和投资。措施可能包括短期现金补贴、中期税制改革以及长期改善收入分配以刺激消费。同时，投资重点应从物质基础设施转向人力资本，并注重提高投资效率。stimulus/ˈstɪmjələs/n.刺激（措施）；促进因素resilience/rɪˈzɪliəns/n.韧性；恢复力countercyclical/ˌkaʊntərˈsɪklɪkəl/adj.逆周期的gauge/ɡeɪdʒ/n.指标；标准；衡量工具

Chinese exporters' accelerated shift toward higher-value manufacturing and their sustained focus on innovation will continue to anchor China's foreign trade growth this year, government officials, manufacturers and experts said on Monday.政府官员、制造商和专家周一表示，，中国出口企业加快向高附加值制造业转型，并持续聚焦创新，这将继续支撑今年中国外贸增长。As China works to consolidate its position in global industrial chains amid rising geopolitical tensions, Chinese companies' large-scale production capabilities, innovation strength, industrial upgrades and market diversification moves will keep driving export growth in the second half of the year, they said.他们表示，在地缘政治紧张局势加剧的背景下，中国正努力巩固其在全球产业链中的地位，中国企业的大规模生产能力、创新实力、产业升级和市场多元化举措将继续推动下半年出口增长。Liang Ming, director of the Institute of International Trade at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, said that China's robust industrial ecosystem, characterized by tight intersector partnerships and operational efficiencies, provides enormous stability for the nation's foreign trade supply networks.商务部国际贸易经济合作研究院对外贸易研究所所长梁明表示，中国外贸供应网络的稳定性源于其强大的工业生态体系，特点是行业间合作紧密、运行效率高。Data from the General Administration of Customs shows that China's foreign trade grew 2.5 percent year-on-year to reach 17.94 trillion yuan ($2.5 trillion) in the first five months of 2025.海关总署数据显示，2025年前5个月，中国对外贸易进出口总值17.94万亿元人民币（约合2.5万亿美元），同比增长2.5%。Lyu Daliang, director of the administration's department of statistics and analysis, said the Chinese economy has continued to recover steadily since the beginning of the year, with the trade in goods demonstrating strong resilience despite external pressures.海关总署统计分析司司长吕大良表示，今年以来，中国经济持续稳步复苏，货物贸易尽管面临外部压力，但仍展现出强劲韧性。China's imports and exports maintained a steady growth momentum last month, with a notable acceleration following high-level economic and trade talks between China and the United States in Geneva, Switzerland, in mid-May, Lyu said.吕大良表示，上月中国进出口保持平稳增长势头，尤其是在5月中旬中美在瑞士日内瓦举行高级别经贸会谈后，进出口增速明显加快。According to the GAC, China's total value of goods trade reached 3.81 trillion yuan last month, up 2.7 percent year-on-year.据海关总署统计，上月中国货物贸易进出口总值3.81万亿元人民币，同比增长2.7%。Xiao Lu, deputy director of the department of foreign trade at the Ministry of Commerce, said that amid global supply chain restructuring and de-risking trends, Chinese manufacturers have ramped up high-tech innovation, fostering innovation chains alongside industrial clusters.商务部对外贸易司副司长肖露表示，在全球供应链重构和去风险化趋势的背景下，中国制造企业正加大高技术创新投入，推动创新链与产业集群协同发展。Wang Qian, a researcher specializing in international trade at Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, said that China's export growth has been primarily driven by mechanical and electrical product exports in recent years.上海对外经贸大学国际贸易研究员王倩（音译）表示，近年来，机电产品出口是中国出口增长的主要动力。"A growing range of products is fueling export growth through increasingly innovative activities and integrated supply chain collaboration," Wang said.“通过不断增强的创新活动和一体化的供应链协作，越来越多的产品种类正在推动出口增长。”王倩说道。Latest data from the GAC shows that China's mechanical and electrical product exports increased 9.3 percent year-on-year to 6.4 trillion yuan between January and May, accounting for 60 percent of the country's total exports.海关总署最新数据显示，今年1月到5月，中国机电产品出口同比增长9.3%，达到6.4万亿元人民币，占全国出口总额的60%。Since the beginning of the year, leading contributors to export expansion have included integrated circuits, computers, electric vehicles and energy-efficient container ships.今年以来，集成电路、计算机、电动汽车和节能集装箱船等产品成为出口增长的主要推动力。Ningbo Healthmate Science and Technology Development, a fitness equipment manufacturer in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, saw its export value surge 23.85 percent year-on-year to 135 million yuan in the first five months, thanks to the soaring demand in the Middle East for its latest smart running machines, according to Ningbo Customs.宁波海关称，浙江省宁波市健身器材制造商宁波海斯曼科技发展有限公司前五个月出口额同比增长23.85%，达1.35亿元人民币，这得益于中东地区对其最新智能跑步机的需求激增。"Our innovative product combines smart connectivity, social fitness features and sleek design in a compact, versatile machine for homes and offices, offering both running and walking modes," said Wu Fengjie, the company's president.该公司总裁吴凤杰（音译）表示：“我们的创新产品将智能连接、社交健身功能和时尚设计融为一体，是一款紧凑、多功能的家用和办公设备，提供跑步和步行两种模式。”Hong Zhi, president of Dasqua Technology, a precision measuring equipment manufacturer in Chengdu, Sichuan province, said that since mid-May, the company's clients in the US states of California, New York and Michigan have been seeking expedited shipments.四川省成都精密测量设备制造商达时科技总裁洪治表示，自5月中旬以来，该公司在美国加利福尼亚州、纽约州和密歇根州的客户一直在寻求加急发货。The fastest batch has already been dispatched from Shanghai, with new orders increasing by around 10 percent last month, Hong said.洪治表示，发货速度最快的一批产品已经从上海发货，上个月新订单增长了约10%。From January to May, Dasqua exported measuring tools worth $4.5 million, up 10 percent year-on-year, with demands surging in emerging markets, according to Chengdu Customs.据成都海关统计，今年1至5月，达时科出口测量工具达450万美元，同比增长10%，其中新兴市场需求明显增长。anchor/ˈæŋkər/v.稳固；支撑；作为支柱resilience/rɪˈzɪliəns/n.韧性；适应力强的能力ecosystem/ˈiːkoʊˌsɪstəm/n.生态系统；产业生态diversification/daɪˌvɜːrsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/n.多元化；多样化发展

More than 1,000 protesters clashed and faced off with National Guard troops in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday during the latest demonstrations against immigration raids that swept across California over the weekend.超过一千名抗议者周日（6月7日）在洛杉矶市中心与国民警卫队爆发冲突并形成对峙。此次抗议活动是针对上周末席卷加州全境的移民突袭搜查行动的最新回应。Xinhua reporters at the scene observed National Guard soldiers, along with agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security, repeatedly firing tear gas and smoke grenades to disperse the crowd. Some protesters and journalists were hit during the confrontation.新华社记者在现场观察到，国民警卫队士兵协同联邦移民和海关执法局（ICE）以及国土安全部（DHS）探员，多次发射催泪瓦斯和烟雾弹以驱散人群。冲突中有部分抗议者和记者被击中。"We want to protest peacefully. However, the Trump administration just sent soldiers to fight against us. Is it necessary?" one protester told Xinhua outside the Metropolitan Detention Center.“我们想要和平抗议。然而，特朗普政府却派士兵来对付我们。有这个必要吗？”一名抗议者在市中心的大都会拘留中心外对新华社记者说。Protesters at the scene also chanted "shame on you" at National Guard soldiers who created a perimeter around the federal building. Meanwhile, many locations have been taken over by more and more demonstrators and a main freeway running through the city has been blocked.现场的抗议者还向在联邦大楼外围构筑警戒线的国民警卫队士兵高呼“可耻”。与此同时，市内多处地点已被越来越多的示威者占据，一条贯穿市区的主干道高速公路也遭阻断。Shortly after the clash, California Governor Gavin Newsom urged protesters to remain peaceful.冲突发生后不久，加州州长加文·纽森立即呼吁抗议者保持克制。"California -- Don't give Donald Trump what he wants. Speak up. Stay peaceful. Stay calm," Newsom wrote in an online post. "Do not use violence and respect the law enforcement officers that are trying their best to keep the peace."“加利福尼亚人——不要遂了唐纳德·特朗普的心愿。请大声疾呼，但务必保持和平与冷静，”纽森在一篇网络发文中写道。 “切勿使用暴力，并尊重那些竭力维护秩序的执法人员。”National Guard troops sent by the Trump administration arrived in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday morning, according to the US Northern Command. The 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from the California National Guard deployed approximately 300 soldiers to three separate locations in the greater Los Angeles area.根据美国北方司令部的消息，特朗普政府派遣的国民警卫队部队已于周日上午抵达洛杉矶市中心。来自加州国民警卫队第79步兵旅战斗队的约300名士兵被部署到大洛杉矶地区的三个不同地点。"They are conducting safety and protection of federal property & personnel," the Northern Command announced in an online post. 北方司令部在一篇网络发文中宣布：“他们正在执行保护联邦财产和人员安全的任务。”On Sunday afternoon, Newsom made a formal request to US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, asking the latter to rescind "unlawful" deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles and return them to California authority's command, calling the deployment "a serious breach of state sovereignty."周日下午，州长纽森向美国国防部长皮特·赫格塞思（Pete Hegseth）提出正式请求，要求后者撤销向洛杉矶“非法”部署国民警卫队的命令，并将部队的指挥权交还给加州当局。纽森称此次部署是“对州主权的严重侵犯”。"We didn't have a problem until Trump got involved," Newsom said in a post on X.“在特朗普插手之前，我们这里根本没有问题，”纽森在社交平台X上发文表示。"This is a serious breach of state sovereignty -- inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they're actually needed. Rescind the order. Return control to California," he added.他补充道：“这是对州主权的严重侵犯——在真正需要资源的地方抽调兵力，同时煽风点火加剧紧张局势。请撤销命令，将控制权交还给加州。”The clash came after agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal law enforcement agencies raided several locations in southern California on Friday, which sparked two-day mass protests.冲突事件始于上周五，美国移民和海关执法局（ICE）协同联邦执法机构突袭南加州多处场所，引发持续两日的大规模抗议。Washington vowed on Saturday to continue the raids despite opposition from local communities and officials. The raids resulted in more than 100 arrests, drawing angry protesters who confronted agents with tear gas, flash-bang grenades and rocks.尽管遭遇地方政府与民众反对，华盛顿方面上周六仍誓言继续突击行动。此次行动逮捕逾百人，愤怒的抗议者以催泪瓦斯、闪光弹和石块对抗执法人员。US President Donald Trump took extraordinary action on Saturday by calling up 2,000 National Guard troops to quell immigration protests in the Los Angeles region, making rare use of federal powers and bypassing the authority of Governor Newsom.特朗普总统上周六采取非常规举措，罕见动用联邦权力绕过纽瑟姆州长权限，紧急调遣2000名国民警卫队员镇压洛杉矶地区移民抗议活动。The governor is leading the opposition on Sunday against Trump's decision.纽瑟姆州长于周日公开反对特朗普决定。Newsom, who previously warned repeatedly that Trump's decision was for the sake of a spectacle, said the president was "not to meet an unmet need, but to manufacture a crisis."这位曾多次警告总统“意在政治作秀”的州长表示：“总统此举并非解决实际需求，而是蓄意制造危机。”"He's hoping for chaos so he can justify more crackdowns, more fear, more control. Stay calm. Never use violence. Stay peaceful," he wrote in a post.“他企图制造混乱以合理化后续镇压行动，散播恐惧强化控制。请民众保持冷静，切勿使用暴力，坚守和平抗议。”州长在社交媒体发文强调。clash/klæʃ/n. 冲突；矛盾sovereignty/ˈsɒvrənti/n.国家的主权rescind/rɪˈsɪnd/v.废除；撤销protester/prəˈtestə(r)/n. (公开)抗议者；反对者crackdown/ˈkrækdaʊn/n. 严厉的打击；镇压