The entire financial arm of the Alibaba Group will be regulated like a financial house in the future. Not without reason: Ant Financial already originates more than a fifth of consumer loans in China. With Ant's classification as a financial holding company, the company must also adjust its capitalization. A measure to mitigate credit risks.
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Chinese video app Tiktok's biggest competitor is going public in Hong Kong on Friday. The company is expected to reach a market valuation of $60 billion at the start of trading. Although Kuaishou's business is growing rapidly, the startup is struggling with several problems. International expansion has been slow. Recent tighter laws in China are also slowing Kuaishou down.
By Redaktion Table
Bloomberg's ranking of "green billionaires" is dominated by the Chinese. The shareholders of EV, battery and solar manufacturers are benefiting from the boom in sustainable investments. But caution is advised: Large parts of the "green fortune" are based on massively increased stock market prices.
By Nico Beckert
China wants to demonstrate technological superiority with the presentation of the new quantum computer "Jiuzhang". The competition in quantum computing will become tougher because the technology is the great hope in battery research, drug development and autonomous driving.
By Ning Wang
Beijing's master plan: The southern Chinese island paradise of Hainan is to be transformed into a high-tech location with an attached free trade zone. Tax breaks, special permits for the use of medicines, and high-tech settlements are intended to attract investors. However, the island is still sparsely populated and is financed through tourism. Bankruptcies and corruption scandals have accompanied the development of the region.
By Frank Sieren
Next week, the virtual 17+1 summit between China and 17 Central and Eastern European countries will take place. Beijing must polish its image in the region. After all, disillusionment with cooperation with China is increasing due to unfulfilled promises in the course of the New Silk Road.
By Amelie Richter
The number of flying hours of Chinese drones increased by more than 30 percent in the past year. They are increasingly used in agriculture, environmental protection and parcel delivery. However, unclear legislation is still holding back development. Demand for combat drones made in China is also growing, especially in non-democratic states.
By Frank Sieren
The National Security Law for Hong Kong is unprecedented in its global reach. Lawyers speak of a "seed of fear" that is sowed abroad. Among those targeted is former Danish Culture Minister Uffe Elbaek, who helped a democracy activist flee Hong Kong.
By Marcel Grzanna
The market value of EV maker Nio grew by more than 1000 percent in 2020. A sedan with a solid-state battery, a novel battery swap concept and the development of a community are expected to boost sales further. The company plans to enter the European market in the second half of 2021.
By Redaktion Table
The New Silk Road leads to new debts for developing and emerging countries. But there is no Chinese master plan behind it. China is also taking high financial and reputational risks.
By Nico Beckert
