New York Times:
Chinese state media: AI-generated Chinese microdramas to be worth $3B+ in 2026, out of a $14B+ total microdrama market, boosted by tools like Seedance 2.0  —  This actor was just hitting his stride when A.I.-generated dramas took off and roles disappeared.  —  This director is thrilled …

Financial Times:
Sources: some lenders are exploring private deals to sell their data center debt, and some banks are seeking to offload their Oracle-linked loans at a discount  —  Global lenders explore private deals and risk transfers to cut exposure to AI boom  —  Banks are hunting for new ways …

Natsuki Yamamoto / Nikkei Asia:
Sources: SoftBank plans to make lithium- and cobalt-free data center batteries in Japan as soon as FY2027, as Japan tries to cut its reliance on Chinese metals  —  TOKYO — Japan's SoftBank Group will seek to make batteries that do not require expensive lithium and cobalt in Japan …

Laurie Chen / Reuters:
China's Linkerbot, which holds 80%+ of global dexterous robotic hands market, raised a Series B+ at a $3B valuation and seeks a $6B valuation in its next round  —  Chinese robotics startup Linkerbot, the global market leader in highly dexterous robotic hands for humanoids …

Wall Street Journal:
Sources: Anthropic is finalizing a deal for a $1.5B JV with Blackstone, Goldman Sachs, Hellman & Friedman, and others to sell AI tools to PE-backed companies  —  Anthropic, Blackstone and Hellman & Friedman each expected to invest around $300 million; Goldman Sachs also an investor