Dancing robots and K-pop diplomacy: China’s economic and social gambits
Unitree plans to file for an IPO by year end. And China has quietly lifted a nearly decade-old ban on K-Pop.
China’s state-driven stocks, and its corporate wars abroad
China's stock market rally is fast approaching its one-year mark, with the benchmark Hang Seng and Shanghai composite indexes both up around 40%. How much longer can it last, especially given the weak state of China's economy? And internet giants Meituan and DiDi have sued each other in Brazil, where they are competing in the takeout dining market. How is this case likely to end up?
China moves to end solar bloodbath, as East Buy chases warehouse club crown
China is floating yet another plan to rescue its oversupplied solar sector, including a mass shuttering of excess capacity. Will the government-led effort work this time? And a former online educator says it wants to become the new online Sam's Club of China. Does East Buy have what it takes to succeed?
China plays defense on EV batteries, offense on hydrogen
China rolls out new rules restricting the export of cutting-edge technology for EV battery manufacturing. How will this affect Chinese battery makers setting up factories abroad? And hydrogen fuel cell maker Refire reports its revenue fell 10% in the first half of the year. What does this say about a Chinese sector that's getting huge government support, but has yet to find a mass audience?
China’s changing tastes buffet western brands as Ant Group faces old headwinds
Burger King withdraws from Hong Kong and Ant Group's purchase of a Hong Kong brokerage is getting extra scrutiny.
JD.com flees China’s brutal retail wars for Europe, as Beijing fails to tame price-cutting at home
JD.com has purchased brick-and-mortar retail chains in Germany and Hong Kong. Why is the company taking this route instead of sticking to e-commerce? And car trader Autohome has reported a fourth consecutive quarter of revenue contraction, as its ad revenue plunged. When will price wars hobbling China's oversaturated car market finally end?
Apple’s China puzzle and an African phone pioneer’s peril
Apple returns to revenue growth in China, as it also closes its first store in the city of Dalian. What's next for the company in the world's largest smartphone market? And Transsion considers a Hong Kong IPO. Should investors buy into this biggest smartphone maker you've never heard of, banking on its status as Africa's top cellphone brand?
From Delhi risks to a domestic dairy bust
Some Chinese companies are navigating geopolitical headwinds that are pushing them out of India, and others are adapting to a maturing domestic consumer market where even staples like infant formula…
China’s new investment playbook: VCs chase crypto as a travel upstart eyes New York
Chinese venture capital firms are embracing cryptocurrencies. And up-and-coming online travel agent Klook is eying a major New York IPO.
Private healthcare’s unclear road, and a surging cosmetic surgeon
Private clinic operators for medical treatments like eye and dental care are facing a difficult path as Chinese consumers rein in their spending. What's ahead for this group? And cosmetic surgery services provider So-Young's shares have soared in recent weeks as investors embrace its shifting business model. Why are they suddenly so confident?
Hong Kong: China’s IPO pipeline and crypto lab
Companies raised $13.6 billion through Hong Kong IPOs in the first half of the year, giving the city the global fundraising title for that period. What's behind the sudden boom? And a growing number of Chinese companies are experimenting with cryptocurrencies in Hong Kong, even as such currencies are banned on the Mainland. What's driving such different approaches on the Mainland and in Hong Kong?
Macao’s end of an era, and a ghost ship in search of a business
An era has ended in Macao with the planned closure of the city's remaining "satellite casinos" by the end of the year. Does this represent the latest step in the corporatization of Macao? And former financier-turned-educator-turned -food seller Qudian has announced it's pulling out of its latest foray into last-mile delivery. What value for investors is there in this kind of ever-changing company?