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Tag: asia

  • California digital IDs to expand to Google Wallet and Apple Wallet

    California digital IDs to expand to Google Wallet and Apple Wallet

    These days, digital wallets are widely used for all sorts of transactions – from online shopping and in-store purchases to peer-to-peer payments and public transportation. But they are not just for payments anymore – they can also store IDs, and more states are starting to adopt this feature.

    While California already has its own app for digital driver’s licenses and ID cards, new reports suggest that the state will soon support ID cards in both Google Wallet on Android and Apple Wallet.

    California IDs in Google Wallet and Apple Wallet are currently being beta-tested with state DMV employees and aren’t available to the public yet. Information about the pilot program has also been taken down. However, as of July, the state has been developing consumer landing pages with visuals, including images like the one below.Although the images and text aren’t finalized, this strongly suggests that the state is gearing up for an official launch soon.

    To add a driver’s license to your iPhone, you just scan the front and back of the card in the Wallet app setup process and snap a photo of yourself for verification. Once approved, your ID will show up in the Wallet app. Once the license is added to the Wallet app, iPhone and Apple Watch users can just tap their device on an NFC contactless reader to use their digital ID at supported locations.

    On Android, you can set up your digital ID entirely within Google Wallet by following these steps:

    1. Open the Wallet app and tap the “Add to Wallet” button.
    2. Choose “ID Card” from the options.
    3. Follow the on-screen instructions to add your mDL to Wallet.

    While you still can’t ditch your physical ID just yet, I think the convenience of having a digital ID on your phone will appeal to many people, even if some are understandably nervous about linking their ID to their device.

  • Durian exports to top $3B in 2024

    Durian exports to top $3B in 2024

    Durian exports are forecast to surpass US$3 billion this year, according to the Vietnam Vegetable and Fruit Association (Vinafruit).

    Vietnam earned more than $1.3 billion from shipping durian abroad in the first six months of 2024, up 40% year-on-year.

    China has to date licensed over 700 growing area codes and nearly 200 packaging codes for Vietnamese businesses to export the fruit to this market.

    Vinafruit said a protocol on the official export of frozen durian to China is being promoted and likely to be announced soon.

    China spends about $1 billion on importing frozen durian every year. If Vietnam can export this type of product via the official channel to the neighboring market and hold a 30% market share, it can earn some $300 – 500 million in revenue, equivalent to about 10% of this year’s estimated durian export turnover.

    Vietnam harvests durian all year round, which gives the country’s businesses a competitive edge. This year, however, durian prices are likely to surge twice or thrice compared to current prices as traders rush to purchase the fruit for export.

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  • You could soon be able to listen to your Spotify music via Gemini

    You could soon be able to listen to your Spotify music via Gemini

    Spotify users may soon be able to control their music and podcasts directly through Google’s Gemini chatbot. An early look into the Google app’s code revealed a Spotify extension being developed for Gemini. This means you may be able to play music and podcasts from Spotify without leaving the Gemini interface.

    A test run of the feature was successful, playing a song via Spotify through Gemini. Interestingly, even though YouTube Music is Google’s own music platform, Gemini showed a YouTube Music card before the song actually played from Spotify. It seems the integration will even allow background playback, letting you enjoy your Spotify tunes without opening the Spotify app itself.

    This is good news for the many Spotify users. If you want a music streaming service that works seamlessly with Gemini, you may not have to switch to YouTube Music.

    This discovery is part of a larger trend. There are hints in the Google app’s code that suggest more Gemini extensions are in the pipeline. These include potential integrations with Google Home, the Phone app, and Utilities. This suggests Google is working on making Gemini more useful by connecting it with a wider range of apps and services.

    Here’s a summary of the potential Spotify extension’s features based on what has been observed so far:

    • Control Spotify music and podcasts through Gemini.
    • Play Spotify content without opening the Spotify app.
    • Background playback support.

    We don’t know yet if the integration will allow users to create playlists, search for specific songs or artists, or control playback speed. We also don’t know how the extension will handle offline listening, or whether it will be available on all Spotify plans.

    While these features are promising, it’s important to remember that they are still in development. We’ll have to wait for an official release to see exactly how the Spotify extension works and what features it will offer.

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  • Dollar weakens against dong

    Dollar weakens against dong

    The U.S. dollar fell slightly against the Vietnamese dong Thursday morning. Vietcombank sold the greenback at VND25,400, down 0.08% from Wednesday.

    The State Bank of Vietnam set its reference rate 0.04% lower at VND24,245. Unofficial exchange points sold the greenback at VND25,730, up 0.04%.

    Globally the U.S. dollar was soft on Thursday after the Federal Reserve opened the door for an interest rate cut in September, helping keep the yen pinned near its highest since March in the wake of a hawkish pivot from the Bank of Japan.

    The dollar index, which measures the U.S. currency against six peers, was little changed at 104.02, having dropped 0.38% on Wednesday. The index fell 1.7% in July, its weakest monthly performance this year.

    The euro last fetched $1.0825 after rising 1% in July, while sterling was at $1.2852 ahead of the policy decision from the Bank of England, where the central bank could cut rates but markets and economists remain far from certain.

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  • Gold prices rise as global rates hit 2-week high

    Gold prices rise as global rates hit 2-week high

    Saigon Jewelry Company gold price rose 1.01% to VND79.8 million ($3,166.35) per tael Thursday morning.

    Gold ring price went up 0.45% to VND77.65 million.

    Globally gold prices climbed to a two-week high on Thursday as U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell opened the door to cutting interest rates as early as September.

    Spot gold was steady at $2,448.38 per ounce, after hitting its highest level since July 18 earlier in the session. Prices were just about $35 shy of the record high of $2483.60 scaled on July 17.

    U.S. gold futures firmed 0.8% to $2,492.50.

    “Gold bulls couldn’t resist the urge to buy more gold after the Fed effectively signalled the beginning of its rate-cut cycle. But gold bugs may want to warrant some caution above $2,500, given gold’s reluctance to hold on to gains around these levels,” City Index senior analyst Matt Simpson said.

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  • Telegram enhances user experience with new browser

    Telegram enhances user experience with new browser

    In its latest update, Telegram has introduced a range of new features designed to elevate the user experience. These include a new in-app browser with support for multiple tabs, a mini app store, a novel type of mini apps, and the ability to gift Stars to friends.

    The in-app browser now allows users to collapse and reopen pages from the bottom bar, facilitating seamless movement between messages, websites, articles, and mini apps. Notably, the browser supports decentralized websites hosted on TON, extending Web3 access to Telegram’s vast user base. Moreover, users can now view notifications without losing their place in articles, web pages, or games, and they can bookmark pages for future reference.

    A new ‘Apps’ tab in Search simplifies access to frequently used and popular mini apps. Developers can now enhance their mini app previews with video demos and screenshots. Mini apps integrated with Telegram Stars may gain visibility in the ‘Popular Apps’ section. Additionally, mini apps can generate custom story content for users to share directly as Telegram Stories.

    Telegram has also added the option to gift Stars to contacts, facilitating the purchase of digital goods in mini apps or access to paid content in channels. Birthdays are highlighted for gifting, and gifted Stars are presented in an animated gift box in the chat.

    Video messages now offer the option to use the front flash for better lighting in low-light conditions. Stories can be augmented with an animated weather widget, automatically adapting to the viewer’s temperature unit preference and displaying the moon phase on clear nights. When sharing video stories on profiles, users can select a specific frame as the cover photo.

    Furthermore, Telegram for macOS now boasts a revamped browser with tabs supporting a variety of content, including games, mini apps, instant view pages, and Web3 ton-sites.

    By combining these multi-platform tools, this update positions Telegram as a leading platform for productivity and communication, catering to the evolving needs of its users. This update should begin rolling out to all users right away.

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  • Chinese mangoes sell for 20-30% cheaper than local varieties

    Chinese mangoes sell for 20-30% cheaper than local varieties

    Mangoes imported from China are selling fast in wet markets in HCMC for VND40,000-50,000 (US$1.58-1.98) per kilogram, 20-30% cheaper than local products.

    This year, traders are importing a new type of mango from China that resembles a crow’s beak, in addition to the usual varieties.

    Thanh, a fruit seller, said she has been selling up to 100 kilograms of the new product per day.

    Hang, who runs a fruit stall on Go Vap District’s Pham Van Chieu Street, noted that she procures about 30 kilograms of various Chinese mangoes daily, often sold out by noon.

    Nguyen Binh Phuong, the company’s sales director that runs the city’s Thu Duc Agricultural Product Market, said the wholesale market has imported 631 tons of Chinese mangoes.

    Thanh, a wholesaler in HCMC’s Thu Duc City, said that imported mangoes are attracting buyers due to their variety and competitive prices.

    “With low prices and good quality, Chinese mangoes are popular due to their eye-catching color and flavor. I wholesale dozens of tons every day,” she said.

    Loan, a mango farmer in Dong Thap Province, explained that Vietnamese varieties are more expensive this year due to lower output.

    Demand in export markets is rising, so businesses are also purchasing more local mangoes, driving up prices, she said. Prices are expected to stabilize in September when the new mango season begins.

    According to the General Department of Customs, Vietnam imported $400 million worth of fruits from China in the first half of 2024, up 28% year-on-year, with mangoes, plums, apples, and pears seeing a huge surge in imports.

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  • Microsoft makes Skype ad-free on all platforms, rolls out new features

    Microsoft makes Skype ad-free on all platforms, rolls out new features

    Microsoft is now rolling out a major Skype update that brings a bunch of new features and improvements. Hidden in the fairly long list of changes is a line that feels like it deserves its own paragraph: Skype is now ad-free.

    The Redmond-based company announced that the latest update removes all ads from Skype Channels and the entire Skype platform. Users can now finally focus on their chats without any ad distraction, as the app has now become cleaner and more user-friendly.

    Besides decluttering Skype, Microsoft also introduced a wide range of new features and design tweaks. Here are some of the most important changes included in this update:

    • Streamlined Access: Easily access the AI image creator from the chat window or the top bar.
    • Enhanced UI: Enjoy a more intuitive and visually appealing interface for creating AI images.
    • Improved Image Expansion: Images now expand on click, making it easier to view your creations.
    • Better Navigation: Navigate seamlessly with the new back button for the ideas page.
    • Optimized Menu Options: The image creator option is now more conveniently placed after the forward option in the message context menu.
    • Consistent Margins: Fixed margin inconsistencies in the image creator on macOS for a consistent design.

    In addition to the changes above, Microsoft confirmed that Skype for iOS is finally getting OneAuth introduction, a feature that was available on Android for quite some time. The OneAuth integration simplifies the sign-in process across all Microsoft apps.

    Obviously, OneAuth replaces the old sign-in system, as the former lets users sign in to Skype automatically if they’ve already signed into other Microsoft apps like Teams. Basically, if you’re signed into any Microsoft app, you’ll now be signed into Skype too.

    Finally, Microsoft fixed a couple issues on mobile platforms, including one that prevented some users from sending media when connected to a 5G network. Also, the bug where users could hear the ringtone but were unable to pick up the call on iOS has been addressed too.

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  • Google Maps and Search expand wildfire tracking to 15 countries

    Google Maps and Search expand wildfire tracking to 15 countries

    Google Maps and Search are expanding their wildfire tracking features to 15 new countries across Europe and Africa, bringing the total to 22 countries where users can access this potentially life-saving information. This update comes after the successful implementation of wildfire boundaries and information in regions like the US, Canada, Mexico, and Australia.

    The newly added countries include popular tourist destinations and regions prone to wildfires:

    • Andorra
    • Bosnia & Herzegovina
    • Croatia
    • Cyprus
    • France
    • Greece
    • Italy
    • Kenya
    • Monaco
    • Montenegro
    • Portugal
    • Rwanda
    • Slovenia
    • Spain
    • Turkey
    Google’s AI-powered wildfire tracking has already proven its worth by mapping over 40 wildfires in Southern Europe this summer. By providing wildfire boundaries and information in Search and Maps, as well as sending out notifications, Google aims to complement existing on-the-ground efforts to help people access crucial information and stay safe during wildfire events.
    In just the first week of July, an estimated 1.4 million people utilized Google’s wildfire information, demonstrating the significant impact this feature can have in regions experiencing wildfires. Users in affected areas can receive alerts through notifications on their phones, as well as while using driving directions in Google Maps.

    This expansion of Google’s wildfire tracking features is a welcome development, providing valuable information to a wider range of users and potentially contributing to greater safety and awareness during wildfire events. By leveraging AI and existing infrastructure, Google continues to demonstrate its commitment to utilizing technology for the greater good.

    The inclusion of Kenya and Rwanda in the list of countries with wildfire tracking is particularly noteworthy, as these regions often face unique challenges in terms of wildfire management and access to information. By expanding its wildfire tracking capabilities to these countries, Google is helping to address a critical need and potentially saving lives.

    Furthermore, the ability to access wildfire information through Google Maps and Search can be especially beneficial for travelers, as it allows them to stay informed and plan their routes accordingly. By providing real-time updates on wildfire locations and boundaries, Google can help travelers avoid dangerous areas and make informed decisions about their itineraries.

    Overall, Google’s expansion of wildfire tracking features is a significant step forward in the fight against wildfires. By providing accessible and up-to-date information to a wider audience, Google is empowering people to stay safe and protect their communities.

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  • Spotify restores free lyrics access

    Spotify restores free lyrics access

    Free Spotify users are now able to view song lyrics for all songs again, after being restricted earlier this year. The company previously limited free users to viewing lyrics for only three songs a month, pushing a paid subscription to access lyrics for any song. However, Spotify has now reversed this decision, allowing free users to enjoy unlimited access to lyrics once more.

    Spotify’s decision to limit lyric access for free users in May was met with negative feedback. It was viewed by some as an attempt to incentivize users to upgrade to their paid subscription tiers, which start at $11 per month. However, the company seems to have shifted its strategy, prioritizing improvements to the free user experience. This change aligns with CEO Daniel Ek’s recent statements about enhancing the free product pipeline based on performance in certain markets.

    While the exact reasons behind Spotify’s change of heart remain unclear, it’s evident that the company is constantly experimenting and iterating on its features. The spokesperson’s statement emphasizes this, stating that feature availability can vary across different tiers, markets, and devices.

    During a recent earnings call, CEO Daniel Ek mentioned ongoing plans to integrate additional enhancements into the free experience in the coming months. These improvements aim to make the free tier more appealing and valuable for users, potentially attracting a wider audience to the platform.

    It’s worth noting that Spotify’s commitment to enhancing the free experience goes beyond lyrics access. The company is likely exploring various avenues to make the free tier more attractive and engaging for users. This could involve introducing new features, improving the user interface, or even experimenting with different advertising formats.

    Although Spotify is still testing and refining its features, the company appears to be actively listening to user preferences and making necessary adjustments to cater to both free and paid users. The recent reversal of the lyrics restriction suggests that Spotify is open to adapting its strategies based on user response and market trends. It will be interesting to see how this change impacts user engagement and satisfaction on the platform in the long run.

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  • WhatsApp starts testing AR call effects and filters on Android

    WhatsApp starts testing AR call effects and filters on Android

    WhatsApp is rolling out new features to its Android beta users. If you’re enrolled in the Google Play Beta Program, you’ll be getting a new update that adds AR call effects and filters so that you can try them out before they go live for everyone.

    Spotted by WaBetaInfo, the new features are only rolling out to Android users. WhatsApp is working on so many new features and improvements that is rather hard to keep track of everything until they make it into the beta testing.

    We reported about WhatsApp’s plans to add AR effects and filters to its app last month, but at that time these weren’t available for users, not even those enrolled in the beta program and running WhatsApp beta on their phones.

    The latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.16.7 marks that addition of both these new features. Although AR call effects and filters might only be available to select users at first, WhatsApp usually expands availability over the coming days or weeks.

    The newly added AR effects allow users to enhance their video calling experience by personalizing their calls. Currently, it’s possible to enable dynamic facial filters like the ability to smooth skin appearance and a low-light mode that improves visibility in darker environments.

    Besides that, the updated beta version of WhatsApp features a background editing tool, which makes it easier to blur the background or customize it during group calls. It’s also possible to customize the background by simply choosing to use one of the default ones added by WhatsApp during calls.

    Although it didn’t take WhatsApp too long to roll out AR effects and filters to the beta program, we might have to wait quite a bit for the app to make these available to the general public. Stay tuned for more on this one.

  • FedEx expands International Connect Plus service to the U.S. and Europe, boosting growth opportunities for Asian SMEs

    FedEx expands International Connect Plus service to the U.S. and Europe, boosting growth opportunities for Asian SMEs

    Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, is expanding FedEx® International Connect Plus (FICP), its international, day-definite, e-commerce shipping service. Already available for e-tailers to send shipments within Asia Pacific markets, the expanded service will now connect to destinations in the U.S. and Europe. Initially, this service expansion will be available to e-tailers operating in China, Hong Kong SAR, and Japan, with other Asia Pacific markets being added later this year.

    The expanded coverage of FICP is the company’s latest effort to support the growth of cross-border e-commerce from Asia to the U.S. and Europe. E-commerce sales in Asia are projected to reach $13,209 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 17.6% from 2023 to 2030. China and Japan remain the largest Asian Pacific markets with robust cross-border e-commerce activity, providing extensive business opportunities for SMEs. With this expansion, e-commerce merchants in these markets can now offer their customers an international shipping solution with prices that offer greater value, while ensuring most shipments will be delivered between two to three business days to the U.S. and Europe.

    Greater value – The FICP allows businesses to enjoy greater savings at competitive day-definite transits and provide their customers greater value by matching attractive prices with their specific delivery needs.

    Flexibility and control – Besides home delivery, the FICP service enables e-tailers to give their end customers the flexibility to pick up their package from hundreds of available pick-up locations, and the option to change delivery date and location.

    Seamless Integration – Both online and offline shipping automation solutions are available for e-tailers to enjoy a paperless experience.

    Peace of mind – FedEx extensive parcel tracking capabilities gives e-tailers and customers visibility throughout the entire delivery journey.

    “FICP has been received enthusiastically by our e-commerce customers who value it as the optimal balance of expedited delivery and cost-effectiveness,” stated Salil Chari, senior vice president, Marketing & Customer Experience, Asia Pacific, FedEx. “At FedEx, we are focused on providing businesses with a comprehensive range of shipping solutions tailored to their specific requirements. The expansion of FICP, in conjunction with our other digital offerings, enhances our ability to support our customers and facilitate the continued growth of cross-border e-commerce from this dynamic region.”

    FedEx provides end-to-end e-commerce solutions that make order fulfillment easy and efficient for merchants while providing convenience and reliability for customers receiving deliveries. It recently launched cross-border e-commerce handbooks for merchants looking to expand in China and Japan. FedEx Picture Proof of Delivery was introduced to bolster e-commerce residential deliveries, in the company’s continued efforts to digitize its services and improve the customer experience while supporting e-commerce growth in the region.

    FICP also comes with the reliability of FedEx international, day-definite delivery service, coupled with its customs clearance expertise. It is further supported with capabilities including tracking, sending notifications to recipients, and flexible delivery options and visibility features via FedEx Delivery Manager® International.

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  • Spotify expands its library with audiobooks from over 100 publishers

    Spotify expands its library with audiobooks from over 100 publishers

    After introducing a tier specifically dedicated to audiobooks, Spotify is now expanding its library to offer potential customers a reason to pay the expensive subscription price. The world’s biggest music streaming service announced a huge deal to add audiobooks from over 100 Ingram-distributed publishers to its library. Spotify is bringing audiobooks from Europa Editions, Milkweed Editions, G&D Media, Bard Press, New Society Publishers, and more to its customers.

    Our partnership with Ingram Content Group is part of our goal to bring more independent authors to Spotify to get their books heard through our Audiobooks in Premium offering. As one of the biggest distributors for independent publishers around the world, we are excited to have Ingram to help grow the industry and create additional ways for their authors and publishers to reach new audiences.

    Spotify has already revealed some of the titles that audiobook fans will be able to listen to if they decide to join its service, such as The Hurting Kind, Mo Bunnell’s forthcoming Give to Grow, and bestselling author Bob Proctor’s Born Rich. Listeners in the United States can also dive into Damon Galgut’s Booker Prize-winning novel The Promise and Anne Berest’s international bestseller The Postcard.

    According to Spotify, since launching audiobooks in its Premium offering last year, more people have joined the service trying new and different books, with hundreds of thousands of unique titles streamed.

    The streaming service says that not only bestsellers are popular among listeners, but back catalog titles are also gaining popularity. Of the top 10 audiobooks on Spotify, nine are backlist titles, and six of those were released over five years ago.

    This is the second major audiobooks announcement from Spotify, after the streaming company revealed back in May a deal with Bonnier Books UK and Blackstone Publishing to have their libraries of audio titles added to its Audiobooks offer.

  • Microsoft launches new contact editor for Outlook on iOS and Android

    Microsoft launches new contact editor for Outlook on iOS and Android

    Microsoft is bringing Outlook Mobile users a brand-new contact editor, which includes a slew of features developed based on users’ feedback. The new contact editor was specifically designed to enhance the contact experience on both mobile platforms, iOS and Android.

    The contact editor allows users to easily add and edit contacts. It’s important to mention that the new contact editor will replace the use of the devices’ native editors in Outlook Mobile.

    After receiving feedback about compliance concerns in the previous native Android and iOS editors related to managing and enforcing Intune policies for contact editing in Outlook Mobile, Microsoft found a solution that brings multiple benefits to make the contact editing experience better.

    • Compliance: Users can now efficiently manage their contacts in Outlook Mobile using the editor, while ensuring compliance with their chosen Microsoft Intune policies.
    • Coherence: Enjoy a consistent contact-editing experience across iOS and Android, as well as with the editors on Outlook.com and the new Outlook app for Windows.
    • Easy to organize: Categories offer an easy, flexible way to sort your contacts. Think of categories as tags that you can apply to group your contacts into meaningful clusters.

    According to Microsoft, all contacts that were created through the earlier native editors will remain accessible for viewing and editing within the Outlook mobile and web platforms.

    In order to access the new contact editor, users must first update their Outlook Mobile app, click on Apps in the bottom panel to navigate to the Contact tab, and then click on “New Contacts.”

    Another way to access the new contact editor is to navigate to the Feeds tab from the bottom panel and then click on “Create+.” Finally, Outlook Mobile users can click on “Add to Contacts” or “Edit Contact” from a People Card to access the new contact editor.

    Besides that, Android users can also navigate to the Feeds tab from the bottom panel, click on “Create+” and choose “Scan Business Card.” The card details should automatically appear pre-filled in the editor. Once again, this feature is not available on iOS.

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  • Nike’s Olympics ad featuring athlete licking table tennis triggers controversy among Chinese netizens

    Nike’s Olympics ad featuring athlete licking table tennis triggers controversy among Chinese netizens

    Nike’s new ad for the 2024 Paris Olympics, featuring an Asian table tennis player licking her paddle, has sparked controversy among Chinese social media users.

    Though the nationality of the table tennis player has not been specified, many Chinese social media users have implied that the scene targeted China, as table tennis is the country’s national sport. They complained that the video, uploaded to Nike’s social media accounts on July 19 , was “smearing the image of the Chinese people.”

    “What’s the purpose of making this action? It’s disrespectful, incomprehensible and unacceptable,” one netizen wrote.

    The Global Times reported that by Tuesday, the hashtag “Nike promotional video licking table tennis paddle” had already garnered 81 million views on Weibo.

    Others suggest that the inclusion of the scene might have been a deliberate attempt to provoke and stir controversy, and comments expressing how they no longer buy Nike products racked up thousands of likes.

    One netizen commented: “Only people with dirty thoughts would think it’s a bad action. Licking the paddle obviously was to raise their fighting spirit and provoke the competitor.”

    The South China Morning Post reported that in response to the video, a Weibo user expressed confusion and criticism, asking: “What does licking a table tennis paddle even mean? What was the person who made this commercial even thinking, that the paddle is clean and sweet, like a lollipop?”

    It is reported that Nike’s customer service in China stated that it “will reflect the concerns to supervisors.”

    China will be represented by 405 athletes at the Paris Games starting on Friday.

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