Baidu

Baidu is a Chinese technology company that operates the country’s biggest search engine and video-streaming service iQiyi.

A line of men in suits waiting as a hand opens a red exit door labeled "EXIT" against a dark purple background.

Tech Giants 29 April 2026

The quiet layoffs sweeping China’s tech giants

Alibaba reduced its head count by a third in 2025, while Baidu’s workforce declined nearly 7%. “There’s constant churn,” a Chinese tech worker said.

A golden horse statue stands on coins, flanked by smartphones displaying icons and a red speech bubble.

Innovation 5 February 2026

Free boba and “red envelopes”: China’s AI giants launch marketing blitz for Lunar New Year

Alibaba, Tencent, and Baidu pledge millions and race to release new models before the holiday—fearing a new "DeepSeek shock" might steal the spotlight.

A colorful illustration featuring a young child sitting on a round pink rug, reaching out towards a large robotic arm that is extending towards him to pick up a block. In the background, there is a blue sofa, a small table, a lamp, and building blocks scattered on the floor, creating a playful indoor setting.

Innovation 1 October 2025

AI is reshaping childhood in China

Government support and tech companies’ drive for profit fuel a rush to integrate AI tools, from robot tutors to chatbots, in education and caretaking.

Three workers in hard hats and blue vests are handling a large microchip that displays the flag of China, set against a background of digital circuit patterns.

Innovation 1 September 2025

China’s chip startups are racing to replace Nvidia

Tapping investor interest and ex-Nvidia talent, China’s AI chipmakers are seizing openings created by U.S. export controls.

Labor 13 August 2025

Dubai’s robotaxi dreams are coming for human drivers

The UAE plans to become the world’s testing ground for autonomous vehicles and upend the lives of 30,000 cabbies in the process.

By Amar Diwakar

Aerial view of a busy urban intersection with vehicles on multiple roadways, overlaid with digital tracking outlines, suggesting a network analysis or smart city infrastructure.

Ideas 12 August 2025

China’s vision for a driverless future is miles ahead of everyone else’s

Strong government backing and strict regulatory oversight of the Chinese autonomous vehicle industry contrasts sharply with the piecemeal laws and slower adoption in the U.S.

A white vehicle equipped with sensors on its roof and a driver wearing a mask seated inside, accompanied by greenery and a blue sky in the background.

EV Revolution 9 June 2025

Silicon Valley led the quest for driverless cars. But Chinese robotaxis are catching up fast

Apollo Go challenges pioneer Waymo’s head start and leads country rivals in overseas push.

A magnifying glass focuses on a blue whale icon set against a colorful abstract background featuring shapes and patterns in blue and orange tones.

Innovation 14 April 2025

DeepSeek and chip bans have supercharged AI innovation in China

Investors believe practical AI applications will fuel the next wave of growth, with startups building on top of DeepSeek’s foundation.

By Kinling Lo and Tiffany Ap

A photo showing Chinese students seated in front of computer screens in a dimly lit room.

The Rise of AI 14 September 2023

China’s AI boom depends on an army of exploited student interns

As part of China’s digital underclass, vocational school students work as data annotators — for low pay and few future prospects.

By Viola Zhou and Caiwei Chen

Ideas 28 February 2023

China is bored of Baidu. Here’s how their AI chatbot will transform the company

"Ernie" will be much more than just a ChatGPT copycat.

Features 12 July 2022

The dream is over for China’s tech workers

A government crackdown and economic downturn have led to massive layoffs, but some are relieved to exit the grueling ‘996’ work life.