☕️ Good morning, friends,

This week’s condolences go out to China’s largest cemetery operator, which has posted a loss for the first time since 2010.

Here are three suggestions to revive business: a bonus card (every tenth funeral free), a lifetime guarantee on everything, or last-minute specials.

P.S. Short video for your break: In China, you can rent a robot to prank your friends. This guy was definitely shocked…

P.P.S. We’re looking for a social media intern (m/f/whatever). Apply here.

BENCHMARKS

NUMBER OF THE DAY

31 Mrd. USD

Xiaohongshu erreicht diese Rekord-Bewertung, ein Plus von 19 Prozent in nur drei Monaten laut GSR Ventures Portfolio-Dokumenten.

📱 Chinas Instagram-Killer: Die Social-Media-App macht 92 Prozent des GSR-Fonds aus, neue Investoren wie LGT Capital Partners von der Fürstenfamilie Liechtenstein steigen ein, IPO-Gerüchte verdichten sich.

🎯 TikTok-Alternative: Als "RedNote" in den USA bekannt, profitiert Xiaohongshu von TikTok-Verbotsängsten und Pekings Unterstützung für Tech-Firmen nach Jahren der Regulierung.

Watch: Die Bewertungsexplosion zeigt das Aufblühen chinesischer Tech-Startups, während westliche Social-Media-Giganten mit Regulierung und Wachstumsgrenzen kämpfen.

TOP BIT

🎖️ Show of Force in Beijing

China showcased new weapons at a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Alongside hypersonic missiles and unmanned drones, laser weapons were displayed for the first time. President Xi appeared side by side with Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un — a signal to the world of Beijing’s ambitions in future air and high-tech warfare.

The Details

✈️ Unmanned Jets: “Loyal Wingman” drones are designed to …