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Global Survey from World Lupus Federation Finds Nearly Half of People with Lupus Report Kidney Involvement

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New data highlights urgent need for improved education and diagnosis of lupus nephritis (lupus-related kidney disease), a serious complication of lupus

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A global survey conducted by the World Lupus Federation reveals that 47% of people living with lupus report kidney involvement, which leads to a critical and under-recognized complication known as lupus nephritis (lupus-related kidney disease). More than 43% of respondents reported having little or no knowledge about lupus nephritis, however, 85% of respondents also reported experiencing one or more symptoms associated with lupus nephritis. The survey findings underscore significant gaps in the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of lupus nephritis, a potentially life-threatening condition that disproportionately affects people during their most active years of life.

World_Lupus_Federation_Logo_v2
World_Lupus_Federation_Logo_v2

Lupus nephritis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the kidneys, leading to inflammation and possibly to long-term organ damage, including kidney failure, if left untreated. Although most cases of lupus nephritis begin within five years of a lupus diagnosis, nearly one in five survey respondents who self-report having symptoms of kidney involvement have not been told by a doctor they have lupus nephritis.

In its early stages, the symptoms of lupus nephritis can go unnoticed. More than half of the respondents reported little or no knowledge of common symptoms of lupus nephritis (53%), when it is important to be screened (54%), and what tests are done to screen for lupus nephritis (57%). Symptoms of lupus nephritis include fluid retention leading to weight gain, swelling, an increase in urination (especially at night), blood in the urine, foamy appearance of the urine, and high blood pressure.

“These findings reveal a troubling reality—many people with lupus are living with kidney complications they don’t fully understand or even know they have,” said Louise Vetter, President & CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America. “Early diagnosis and access to appropriate treatment are essential for protecting kidney health and preventing long-term damage. We must act urgently to close these knowledge gaps and improve education of common symptoms and proper monitoring of the kidneys, in addition to improved care across the globe. As we recognize World Lupus Day on May 10, this is a moment to rally together, raise our voices, and fight for better outcomes for everyone living with lupus.”

Additional key findings include:

  • 74% of survey respondents who stated that their kidneys were not impacted by lupus reported one or more common symptoms of lupus nephritis, with an average of 1.5 symptoms.
  • 3 in 10 respondents with lupus nephritis reported little or no knowledge of the condition.
  • 59% of those with lupus nephritis reported having been hospitalized because of it.
  • More than one third (36%) of those reporting a lupus nephritis diagnosis have not had a kidney biopsy—the gold standard for diagnosing lupus nephritis.
  • Of those with lupus nephritis who have not had a kidney biopsy, 54% of them reported they were hesitant to have the procedure.

More than 3,260 people with lupus from 84 countries completed the 25-question survey administered in March 2025. The World Lupus Federation is releasing these survey results in the lead-up to World Lupus Day on May 10 to spotlight the urgent need for greater awareness, education, improved screening, and timely treatment of lupus and lupus nephritis.

The World Lupus Federation urges individuals, organizations, and healthcare providers worldwide to use this data to inform lupus education and awareness efforts, and to share facts about lupus, including from this survey, and raise awareness using the official World Lupus Day Toolkit.

For further survey details, view the topline visual summary and detailed survey results.

About the World Lupus Federation:

The World Lupus Federation (WLF) is a coalition of more than 200 lupus patient organizations, united to improve the quality of life for the approximately 5 million people around the world who are affected by lupus. Through coordinated efforts among its members, the Federation works to expand global initiatives that create greater awareness and understanding of lupus, provide education and services to people living with the disease and advocate on their behalf. The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) co-founded the WLF with Lupus Europe in 2015 and the LFA currently serves as the Secretariat of the Federation.

MEDIA CONTACT

Mike Donnelly
World Lupus Federation
donnelly@lupus.org

Gunfire Near Lao-Thai Border Leaves Two Lao Soldiers Dead, Bullet Strikes Thai Home

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Phontham Visapra
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Bokeo Province Authorities Seize 720 Packages of Methamphetamine Pills as Drug Traffickers Evade Capture
The confiscated drugs (photo: Bokeo Security News)

Tensions are rising along the Thai–Lao border following a deadly armed clash on 3 May that left two Lao soldiers dead and sent stray gunfire in Chiang Thong village, Paktha district, Bokeo Province around Phamon hill into northern Thailand,  just across from Wiang Kaen district in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. 

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137th Canton Fair Successfully Concludes in Guangzhou with Record Number of Overseas Attendance

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GUANGZHOU, China, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 137th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) concluded successfully on May 5, setting new records for international buyer attendance. As of May 4, this session had attracted 288,938 overseas buyers from 219 countries and regions, a 17.3% increase from the 135th session, with intended export deals reaching $25.44 billion, up by 3%.

Mr. Zhou Shanqing, Deputy Director General of China Foreign Trade Centre, stated that emerging markets remained the largest source of buyers with Belt and Road Initiative countries contributing to 187,450 attendees, a growth of 17.4%, accounting for 64.9% of the total. BRICS nations contributed another 72,417 buyers, up 24.1%, while those from RCEP member countries reached 64,808, marking a 6.9% increase. Additionally, the Fair welcomed substantial delegations from various business institutions, with 140 business organizations attending, reflecting a growth of 17.6%. Moreover, participation from top multinational sourcing corporations reached a historic high, with as many as 376 companies involved.

The Fair also witnessed steady growth in intended export deals, with transactions from Belt and Road countries taking up over 60% of the total. This significant contribution served as a key driver for growth, while traditional markets maintained stable performance.

Another notable highlight was the surge in new products featuring cutting-edge technologies and designs focused on green energy solutions and smart technology which drew considerable attention among attendees. Over 4.55 million products were displayed including 1.02 million new items alongside 880,000 green and low-carbon and 320,000 intelligent products. The newly established Service Robots Zone was particularly popular, showcasing over 500 types of robots from 46 China’s leading robot companies.

The Fair’s international pavilion was equally successful. Among 736 companies from 50 countries and regions, 67% of them were from Belt and Road countries. Having established intentions for cooperation with numerous Chinese buyers, exhibiting companies from Russia, Thailand, and Turkey reported successful outcomes, and their products are expected to enter the Chinese market swiftly.

In addition, a total of 1,206 trade promotion activities were held during this session addressing current trendy topics within international commerce. These included 438 Canton Fair New Collection activities, 734 “Trade Bridge” matchmaking events, 19 industry forums and more.

The 138th Canton Fair will be held from October 15 to November 4, 2025 in Guangzhou. 


Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/image_969985_30625252-1.jpg

137th Canton Fair Successfully Concludes in Guangzhou with Record Number of Overseas Attendance

By
Advertorial Desk
-

GUANGZHOU, China, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 137th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) concluded successfully on May 5, setting new records for international buyer attendance. As of May 4, this session had attracted 288,938 overseas buyers from 219 countries and regions, a 17.3% increase from the 135th session, with intended export deals reaching $25.44 billion, up by 3%.

Mr. Zhou Shanqing, Deputy Director General of China Foreign Trade Centre, stated that emerging markets remained the largest source of buyers with Belt and Road Initiative countries contributing to 187,450 attendees, a growth of 17.4%, accounting for 64.9% of the total. BRICS nations contributed another 72,417 buyers, up 24.1%, while those from RCEP member countries reached 64,808, marking a 6.9% increase. Additionally, the Fair welcomed substantial delegations from various business institutions, with 140 business organizations attending, reflecting a growth of 17.6%. Moreover, participation from top multinational sourcing corporations reached a historic high, with as many as 376 companies involved.

The Fair also witnessed steady growth in intended export deals, with transactions from Belt and Road countries taking up over 60% of the total. This significant contribution served as a key driver for growth, while traditional markets maintained stable performance.

Another notable highlight was the surge in new products featuring cutting-edge technologies and designs focused on green energy solutions and smart technology which drew considerable attention among attendees. Over 4.55 million products were displayed including 1.02 million new items alongside 880,000 green and low-carbon and 320,000 intelligent products. The newly established Service Robots Zone was particularly popular, showcasing over 500 types of robots from 46 China’s leading robot companies.

The Fair’s international pavilion was equally successful. Among 736 companies from 50 countries and regions, 67% of them were from Belt and Road countries. Having established intentions for cooperation with numerous Chinese buyers, exhibiting companies from Russia, Thailand, and Turkey reported successful outcomes, and their products are expected to enter the Chinese market swiftly.

In addition, a total of 1,206 trade promotion activities were held during this session addressing current trendy topics within international commerce. These included 438 Canton Fair New Collection activities, 734 “Trade Bridge” matchmaking events, 19 industry forums and more.

The 138th Canton Fair will be held from October 15 to November 4, 2025 in Guangzhou. 

 

DIGITIMES ASIA: Made in America, delayed by parts

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Advertorial Desk
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TAIPEI, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Taiwan’s electronics manufacturing services (EMS) providers are accelerating their North American production plans in response to tariff threats, but component shortages and capacity constraints at US chip plants could hamper the AI server market for years, according to industry sources.

Made in America, delayed by parts
Made in America, delayed by parts

“Since Trump’s election, Taiwanese manufacturers have been strategically expanding their US presence,” said Yen Chou, an analyst at DIGITIMES Research. “Most server manufacturers are concentrating in Texas, with Foxconn’s FII already operating there and planning expansions.”

Manufacturing Migration

The shift has gained momentum in recent months. Wistron announced plans for a new US facility in February 2025 after a capital increase, while Compal is expanding its automotive electronics plant in Indiana. Foxconn is enlarging its Houston operations to accommodate growing server demand.

Building times in the US present a significant challenge, Chou noted. “A typical EMS factory takes one year to build in Asia, but requires 1.5 to 2 years in the United States, with substantially higher labor costs forcing companies to prioritize higher-margin products.”

Pegatron, meanwhile, is proceeding with its planned Mexican facility despite potential risks. “If Trump seriously focuses on trade deficits, operations in Mexico could face future tariffs,” Chou warned. “What’s safe today might not be tomorrow.”

Global Manufacturing Footprint

Major EMS providers are establishing manufacturing footholds across all key markets: the United States (including Mexico), China, the European Union, Southeast Asia/India, and non-Mexican Latin America.

“Assembly lines can be relatively easily moved to populous regional markets, but the real challenge is whether critical components like PCBs, semiconductors, passive components, and mechanical parts can be similarly dispersed,” Chou said.

Singapore has emerged as a strategic hub for server assembly due to its relatively low 10% US tariff rate. Foxconn operates two factories there—Cloud Network Technology Singapore and ECMMS Precision Singapore, leveraging ASEAN’s internal free trade to import components from Vietnam, the Philippines, and even China before final assembly and export.

Component Constraints

The AI server market faces two critical bottlenecks over the next 2-3 years, according to Chou: TSMC’s Arizona fab capacity and domestic HBM production.

“TSMC’s Arizona facility has insufficient capacity to meet demand if everyone—Nvidia, AMD, Apple—shifts orders there to avoid tariffs,” Chou explained. “The monthly capacity is only 10,000 12-inch wafers, creating a severe imbalance where US plants are oversubscribed while Taiwan facilities potentially face overcapacity.”

The memory situation is similarly constrained. Of approximately 1.5 million HBM chips expected to be produced in 2025, Micron will manufacture about 340,000, with only about half of those made in the US. Samsung and SK Hynix, whose production is primarily in South Korea, account for the remainder.

“This is far from sufficient to meet Nvidia’s GPU requirements,” Chou said. “Companies seeking to reduce costs must use US-manufactured HBM, but that’s simply not possible in the short term.”

Market Impact

The component constraints could lead to a bifurcated market with different cost structures for the same products.

“We’ll likely see the same Nvidia AI accelerator cards with two different cost bases—those made with US components and those made overseas with tariffs applied,” Chou said. “Since vendors can’t sell the same product at two different prices, they’ll likely average the costs, pushing prices up overall.”

This could ultimately dampen AI server demand, particularly among small and medium-sized businesses with limited budgets.

“Unless there are specific exemptions, higher prices may force some potential AI server customers to delay or abandon purchases,” Chou concluded.

Which countries will escape Trump’s tariff trap—and which EMS players are most exposed? Read Yen Zhou’s full report for the strategic map.

https://www.digitimes.com/reports/server/2025_global_supply_chain/

Global Times: China’s stability and long-term planning make it a safe harbor from global tempest

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BEIJING, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — China is revving up efforts to fulfill the targets set in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) in the final year of its implementation and to formulate the next five-year plan. While presiding over a symposium on China’s economic and social development in the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30) on April 30, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for adapting to changing situations, grasping strategic priorities, and making sound plans. What are the highlights of China’s next five-year plan? What is the significance of China’s capacity to focus on long-term objectives in an era marked by unprecedented changes? The Global Times invites three experts to share their views.

Warwick Powell, an adjunct professor at the Queensland University of Technology, a senior fellow at Taihe Institute and a former advisor to Kevin Rudd, former Australian prime minister

In an era increasingly defined by geopolitical turbulence and short-termism, China’s capacity to focus on long-term objectives stands out. This capacity is not accidental and provides clarity for the nation as well as a safe harbor for nations in the current tempest. It emerges from a complex institutional architecture that enables systematic planning, sustained consultation, and the integration of broad societal input into policy. Central to this architecture are China’s five-year plans, strategic documents that reflect not only the will of the state but the contributions of a wide array of societal actors. These plans are not top-down edicts, but are the product of extensive deliberation and engagement across the entire polity.

The upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan is clearly within this tradition of structured and informed deliberation and planning. The plan emphasized the need to continue China’s process of “high-standard opening up” together with a commitment to fostering new quality productive forces, so as to address the uncertainty of drastic changes in the external environment with the certainty of the country’s high-quality development. 

The question of the economic development speaks directly to the contours of the global economy and the institutions that support stability internationally. These are under stress in multiple areas. The message from China, as emphasized in the 15th Five-Year Plan, is that in times of uncertainty and flux, China understands it has a responsibility both to itself and to the rest of the world to ensure its plans are stable and interactions with China at all levels remain dependable. This is what countries need to chart their own courses of action to find safe harbor and maintain sustainable economic and social development.

The ability to plan, consult and coordinate over the long term is not just a domestic virtue. Rather, it is increasingly a global asset. As other great powers struggle with internal polarization and short election cycles that encourage reactive rather than strategic policy, China’s institutional infrastructure allows it to plan long term, and to stay the course. This enables it to function as a fulcrum around which other nations can orient their own development strategies, trade relations, and diplomatic initiatives. In this sense, China can fulfil its role as a great enabling power.

China’s long-term focus is the result of institutional sophistication, rooted in both modern expertise and ancient traditions. The five-year plan system exemplifies an approach to governance that is dialogic, evidence-driven, and anchored in a deep ethic of responsibility. This system reflects a functional polity, where macro-level decision-making is grounded in ethical commitment and societal engagement. In an increasingly fractured world, China does not merely weather the storm; it provides a lighthouse by which others may navigate. That is a role of immense significance and growing global appreciation.

Keith Lamb, an independent international relations analyst who focuses on China’s socialist development and global inequality

China’s five-year plans function as comprehensive blueprints for national social and economic development. They outline goals, strategies, and priorities to address evolving historical challenges. In doing so, they align society toward the common good, chart a course for a better future and function as instruments for strengthening China’s democracy.

China’s five-year plans, when viewed as a continuous series, contribute to a broader national strategy. One such visionary goal is China’s aim to build itself into a great modern socialist country in all respects by 2049. Socialism that works for all is, by definition, democratic. Yet, the implications extend far beyond China, offering a model for humanity. Only through deliberate planning can we create a rational world that aligns humanity with nature, rather than perpetuating short-term profiteering at the expense of our planet.

Recognizing China’s long-term planning as a key instrument in building a democratic reality and a sustainable future, it comes as no surprise that China now leads the world in green technology, electric vehicles, high-speed rail, and desert reclamation.

Such achievements would not have been possible if capital, driven by short-term profit cycles, dominated the state at the cost of democracy and environmental well-being.

Living in China, I’ve witnessed remarkable changes over five years – transformations that might take generations elsewhere. The 14th Five-Year Plan has propelled China to the forefront of numerous technologies, particularly in green innovation.

By prioritizing the common good, China’s five-year plans are democratic, delivering material, social, and increasingly cultural improvements for the majority, not just a select elite.

Anthony Moretti, an associate professor at the Department of Communication and Organizational Leadership at Robert Morris University

We can anticipate that China will maintain its commitment to long-term thinking, ensuring, among other things, that high-quality development is fundamental to all decisions.

In effect, goals are set. Overarching everything is the requirement that the overall well-being of the Chinese people is central to every action.

The following words, uttered by President Xi in 2013, are as relevant now as they were then: “The Chinese Dream of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation means that we will make China prosperous and strong, rejuvenate the nation, and bring happiness to the Chinese people.”

Other nations and their citizens understand that China’s emphasis on peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and win-win cooperation is essential to how China positions itself on the global stage.

China is poised to embark on its 15th Five-Year Plan – and it should do so with confidence.

ShengShu Technology Partners with Lenovo to Bring Vidu’s Generative Video Solution to Lenovo PCs and Smart Hardware Ecosystem

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SINGAPORE, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Vidu, the flagship product of ShengShu Technology and a pioneer in generative AI video, is announcing a strategic partnership with Lenovo that will introduce Lenovo PCs bundled with Vidu’s industry-leading generative video solution that streamlines the production of high-end visual effects with text or image prompts.

The rising influence of content creators is driving a new wave of creative professionals (and influencers) fueling the digital content creation industry’s projected 13.9% annual growth between 2025 and 2030. This shift is accelerating the interest in lightweight but high-performance, AI-enabled PCs (AI-PCs) that are optimized for speed and the processing demands of a generative video platform.

Driven by its mission to lower the barrier to create professional video content, enabling users to focus more on their creative vision rather than being held back by a lack of technical expertise, Vidu recently introduced its latest groundbreaking generative video model, Vidu Q1:

  • First-to-Last-Frame – Vidu Q1 offers cinematic-quality transitions that rival those created by VFX artists. Upload two images or frames and type a text command, which generates a believable transition clip with minimal randomness.
  • 1080p Video Output – Vidu Q1 supports generating up to a five second clip in high definition 1080p, while reducing rendering wait times.
  • AI Sound Effects – Generate background music or sound effects in an industry-first 48 kHz, high-resolution, HD audio, which can also be prompted to match the mood and tone of any video clip. Vidu Q1 also offers precise controls including the ability to fix audio onto timestamps with text-prompts, and also layering multiple audio tracks for up to ten seconds per track.
  • Animated Character Transitions – Users will now enjoy a higher consistency and expressiveness for generated animated characters, including more cinematic and natural-looking transitions between frames.

By fully harnessing Lenovo’s high-performance hardware, users can bring their most ambitious ideas to life that were once considered out of reach without the resources of Hollywood studios. The result is the empowerment of a new generation of creatives, and the ability to lower the cost and time for creating visual effects, be it for film and television or advertising, gaming and even education.

“The future of generative video depends not only on breakthroughs in technology, but also hinges on powerful hardware. The cooperation with Lenovo is not only about offering a cutting-edge technical solution for producing video content, but also about perfecting the workflow of developing creatives in a way that lowers the barrier to entry,” said Wang Chuan, Vice President of Commercialization of ShengShu Technology. “By combining high-performance hardware with Vidu, users gain access to a portable creative engine that empowers creativity without restriction.”

“AI video is reshaping the content creation model, and PC devices are the key to unleashing the potential of AI,” said a Lenovo spokesperson. “The cooperation with ShengShu Technology will promote the in-depth application of AI video generation technology on PCs and other devices, providing more powerful productivity tools for creators around the world.”

But this partnership is only the beginning for both ShengShu Technology and Lenovo. As AI-powered solutions become increasingly integrated into hardware, users can expect even more powerful, personalized explorations of generative video solutions optimized not only by AI-PCs, but also other devices.

To learn more about Vidu, please visit https://www.vidu.com
To learn more about Vidu API platform, please visit https://platform.vidu.com/

About ShengShu Technology

Founded in March 2023, ShengShu Technology is a world-leading artificial intelligence company, specializing in the development of Multimodal Large Language Models. Driven by innovation, the company delivers cutting-edge MaaS and SaaS products that revolutionize creative production by enabling smarter, faster, and more scalable content creation. With its flagship video generation platform Vidu, ShengShu Technology’s solutions have reached more than 200 countries and regions around the world, spanning fields including interactive entertainment, advertising, film, animation, cultural tourism, and more.

China Automotive Systems to Announce Unaudited 2025 First Quarter Financial Results on May 14, 2025

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Advertorial Desk
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WUHAN, China, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — China Automotive Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CAAS) (“CAAS” or the “Company”), a leading power steering components and systems supplier in China, today announced that it will issue unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, before the market opens.  Management will conduct a conference call on May 14th at 8:00 A.M. EDT/8:00 P.M. Beijing Time to discuss these results.  A question and answer session will follow management’s presentation.

To participate, please call the following numbers 10 minutes before the call start time and ask to be connected to the “China Automotive Systems” conference call with pin 714212:

Toll Free: 877-545-0523
International: 973-528-0016
China Toll Free: 86 400 120 3199

A replay of the call will be available on the Company’s website in the investor relations section.

About China Automotive Systems, Inc. 

Based in Hubei Province, the People’s Republic of China, China Automotive Systems, Inc. is a leading supplier of power steering components and systems to the Chinese automotive industry, operating through its sixteen Sino-foreign joint ventures and wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company offers a full range of steering system parts for passenger automobiles and commercial vehicles. The Company currently offers four separate series of power steering with an annual production capacity of over 8 million sets of steering gears, columns and steering hoses.  Its customer base is comprised of leading auto manufacturers, such as China FAW Group, Corp., Dongfeng Auto Group Co., Ltd., BYD Auto Company Limited, Beiqi Foton Motor Co., Ltd. and Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. in China, and Stellantis N.V. and Ford Motor Company in North America. For more information, please visit: http://www.caasauto.com. 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that are “forward-looking statements” as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. Our actual results may differ materially from the results described in or anticipated by our forward-looking statements due to certain risks and uncertainties. As a result, the Company’s actual results could differ materially from those contained in these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2025, and in documents subsequently filed by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any of these factors and other factors beyond our control, could have an adverse effect on the overall business environment, cause uncertainties in the regions where we conduct business, cause our business to suffer in ways that we cannot predict, and materially and adversely impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. A prolonged disruption or any further unforeseen delay in our operations of the manufacturing, delivery and assembly process within any of our production facilities could continue to result in delays in the shipment of products to our customers, increased costs and reduced revenue. We expressly disclaim any duty to provide updates to any forward-looking statements made in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact:

Jie Li
Chief Financial Officer
China Automotive Systems, Inc.
jieli@chl.com.cn 

Kevin Theiss
Awaken Advisors
+1-212-521-4050
Kevin@awakenlab.com

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