**Zhang Xue Responds to Rider Debise’s Second-Round Retirement at WSBK Hungary**
On May 3, the World Superbike Championship (WSBK) Hungarian round held its second main race. The previous day, Zhang Xue Racing’s rider Valentin Debise, riding the No. 53 bike, secured a dramatic last-lap win in the first race, overtaking two rivals. He also topped the second warm-up session. As the favorite for the second race, Debise started from fourth place but quickly dropped positions and decided to retire early in the race.
In a post-race video, Zhang Xue commented: “Unfortunately, we retired on the first lap. After communicating with the team, we identified a mechanical issue—likely a drop in engine oil pressure. Further analysis is needed to pinpoint the exact cause. Racing is pushing machinery to its limits, and every brand can face such problems. The key is to quickly identify the issue and determine if a solution or optimization is needed.” (Source: First Financial)
**Hongguo Short Drama Responds to VIP Pay Model for Movie Section**
Reports surfaced on May 3 that Hongguo Free Short Drama App had introduced VIP icons for some movie titles, sparking speculation about a dual-track strategy of short dramas driving traffic and movies generating revenue. A Hongguo representative explained to Red Star Capital Bureau that to enrich content and meet user needs, a very small number of titles require a VIP subscription as requested by copyright holders. This setting has existed since the app’s launch, not a recent addition. (Source: Red Star Capital Bureau)
**Host Mingming Goes Live for First Time After Leaving Oriental Selection**
On May 3, Mingming (real name Shi Ming), a former host of Oriental Selection, started his first live stream after leaving the company, broadcasting from his hometown in Shangluo, Shaanxi. He briefly interrupted the stream after a few minutes and then restarted, voluntarily disabling the tipping function, saying, “I’m doing fine, no need for tips.” He showed viewers his family’s firewood yard and vegetable patch, then picked up tools to head to a nearby hill for a more interactive session. Earlier on April 25, Mingming and three other hosts announced their departure from Oriental Selection, citing discomfort with recent company changes, while thanking founder Yu Minhong. (Source: Jimu News)
**Zhang Xue: Win Feels Great, Urges No Trolling of Other Brands**
On May 2, Debise’s victory in the first race at Hungary marked Zhang Xue Racing’s third WSBK win of the season. On May 3, Zhang Xue posted: “Winning again feels great. Everyone wants to win, but we also have our flaws. We welcome rational criticism and promise to keep improving. Lastly, I ask fans to respect all brands. It’s wrong to trash other brands just because we won.” (Source: First Financial)
**Porsche Sells Bugatti Stake, Maintains No Price Cuts or Local Production in China**
Porsche has sold its entire stake in Bugatti Rimac due to profitability pressures. The German automaker faces declining revenue and profit, with Bugatti’s high-cost, low-output model becoming a target. Despite rising global sales in 2025, its China market share continues to slip. Porsche stated it will not sacrifice brand value for volume or localize production. A “2035 Strategy” is being developed, but Q1 2026 global deliveries fell due to multiple factors. (Source: National Business Daily)
**Cyberspace Administration Cracks Down on Self-Media Failing to Properly Label Information Sources**
Recent cases show some self-media accounts posting content on current affairs, public policies, and social events without labeling sources, misleading the public and disrupting the online ecosystem. Unlabeled content includes international/domestic news, AI-generated material, and fictional stories. Authorities have urged platforms to conduct self-inspections and have penalized over 98,000 accounts. (Source: Xinhua)
**OpenAI’s Altman Extends Olive Branch to Musk, Welcomes Him to GPT-5.5 Celebration**
According to Business Insider, following their legal clash, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman made an unexpected gesture of goodwill. OpenAI plans a GPT-5.5 celebration on May 5, with Altman posting a registration form online. Author Andrew Curran joked Musk might show up uninvited like a witch from Sleeping Beauty, to which Altman replied, “He’s welcome if he wants to come. The world needs more love.” (Source: IT Home)
**Bubble Island Music Festival in Tianjin: Main Stage Collapses Due to Strong Wind, Show Resumes After Transfer**
On May 3, the main stage at Tianjin’s Bubble Island Music Festival suffered severe tilting and partial collapse due to a sudden strong wind, forcing an evacuation and triggering safety concerns and calls for action. Performers Zhang Chi and Li Angxing were on stage during the incident. Despite emergency repairs, some acts were canceled due to lingering risks. The festival organizer announced the BUZZ stage performances moved to the SOSO stage, and the show resumed at 18:00. (Source: New Yellow River)
**Xiaomi Auto Holds Global Core Supplier Conference**
Recently, Xiaomi Auto held its 2026 Global Core Supplier Conference at Beijing Tongming Lake Convention Center, gathering nearly 500 key suppliers. Over 600 people, including government officials and Xiaomi executives, attended. CEO Lei Jun delivered a keynote speech, and the company recognized suppliers for achievements in delivery, quality, innovation, and collaboration. (Source: Sina Tech)
**Costco Beijing Files for Dissolution**
Costco (Beijing) International Business Development Co., Ltd., which had announced plans to invest $1.5 billion in multiple Chinese cities, has applied for company dissolution. According to the National Enterprise Credit Information System, the company was registered on April 16, 2026, and its public announcement period for dissolution runs from April 29 to May 19, 2026. Its official WeChat account has been deleted along with all related posts. (Source: Blue Whale News)
**Rumor That Highways Will No Longer Accept ETC from May 1 Dismissed**
On May 3, rumors circulated that highways would no longer use ETC and would allow toll collection via license plate recognition starting May 1. Multiple sources
