Alibaba Unveils Qwen3.6-Plus AI Model as Digital Yuan Adds 12 Banks
Alibaba launched its AI coding model Qwen3.6-Plus for agentic coding across front-end to large-scale problems, adding multimodal capabilities and cloud API integration with tools like OpenClaw, Claude Code and Qwen Code, boosting its AI service portfolio. Meanwhile, China's central bank added 12 banks to its digital yuan programme, bringing total operators to 22 and potentially intensifying competition to Alibaba's Alipay platform as the digital currency expands use.
1. Alibaba Launches Qwen3.6-Plus AI Model
Alibaba has rolled out its Qwen3.6-Plus model to accelerate agentic coding, enabling the platform to handle tasks from basic front-end work to large-scale software projects. The model integrates with Alibaba Cloud’s API and supports development tools like OpenClaw, Claude Code and Qwen Code, while new multimodal functions enhance understanding of text, visuals and video for more robust AI-driven solutions.
2. China Expands Digital Yuan Programme
The People’s Bank of China has authorized 12 additional banks to operate the digital yuan, increasing the total number of operators to 22. This expansion aims to broaden access to the central bank’s digital currency and could intensify competition for Alibaba’s Alipay platform as more consumers adopt state-backed payment options.