China Insights Weekly has provided an overview of China's major steps in technology, trade and innovation. Here are this week's key points:

  • Baidu deploys autonomous vehicles via Uber in global markets
  • TCab signs record $1 billion air taxi contract to UAE
  • BMW to open Asia's largest AI IT centre in China
  • China replaces US exports with trade with ASEAN, EU and Africa
  • Chinese battery lasts 350 cycles without losing capacity
  • 130 countries now have free visas - the visa-free regime is growing rapidly
  • Chinese indie game Sultan's Game is a new hit on Steam

Main News

Baidu and Uber: China's autonomous cars are going global

US-based Uber and Chinese tech giant Baidu have entered into a multi-year partnership that will see Baidu's autonomous vehicles deployed on the Uber platform outside of China and the US. The fleet of self-driving Apollo Go taxis will thus arrive in the United Arab Emirates and other cities in Asia, for example. Baidu already operates over 1,000 robotaxis in 15 Chinese cities and is estimated to have surpassed 11 million rides. With this collaboration, Uber is strengthening its global network without having to develop its own autonomous technology, which it sold in 2021.

China to supply flying taxis to Emirates

Shanghai-based startup TCab signs record deal for 1 miliardu USD with Autocraft of Abu Dhabi for the delivery of 100 eVTOL aircraft. This is the largest deal to date for Chinese flying taxis abroad. The first units are due to be delivered between 2025 and 2028 and used in cities such as Dubai and Riyadh. TCab is one of China's pioneers in urban air mobility and the deal is expected to open the door to further international contracts.

BMW to open Asia's largest IT centre in China

German car giant announces construction of new IT R&D centre in Nanjingwhich will become the largest in Asia and will focus on the development of artificial intelligence. The centre is intended to support the development of autonomous driving and smart transport systems for the Chinese and international markets. The move confirms China's strategic importance to global automakers and in software development. BMW has already invested over US$4 billion in China and plans to significantly strengthen its digital innovation capabilities.

Venture capital returns: $2 billion heading back to China

Chinese venture capital funds are reporting a recovery and are actively reaching out to global investors. Interest is mainly focused on AI startups, semiconductors, new energy technologies and healthcare. More than $2 billion is expected to return to Chinese VC structures - the first significant sign of recovery after two years of slowdown. Funds such as Qiming, Sequoia China and GGV Capital are already preparing new investment rounds.

China offsets US shortfall with exports to ASEAN, EU and Africa

China is compensating for the loss of trade flows with the US by boosting exports to regions such as Southeast Asia, the European Union and Africa.
According to customs data, Chinese exports to ASEAN increased by 13 %, to the EU by 7 % and to Africa by 15 %. This change confirms China's foreign policy orientation towards developing and partner markets. At the same time, it reduces the vulnerability of the Chinese economy to US sanctions and trade restrictions.

Beijing Stock Exchange grows: new IPOs flow into Beijing

The Beijing Stock Exchange became the country's strongest exchange in terms of the number of new public offerings (IPOs) in July.
While stock markets in Shanghai and Shenzhen are slowing down, Beijing is attracting small and medium-sized technology firms. This development is supported by the government, which sees the exchange as a tool for capital market diversification. As a result, the Beijing Stock Exchange is becoming a leader for rapid entry of startups into the stock market.

Chinese battery holds 100 % capacity even after 350 cycles

A new type of battery developed by Chinese researchers can maintain full capacity after 350 charging cycles.
Thanks to the 15x more powerful electrolyte, the lifetime is significantly extended without a drop in performance. The battery is suitable for electric vehicles and industrial energy storage and could be the key to a new generation of batteries. It is still in laboratory development, but tests promise a rapid transition to commercial deployment.

Clean fabric factory fights pollution

China's first pure textile factory with an annual capacity of 1,000 tonnes is opened. Production uses waste-free and chemical-free processes and significantly reduces water and energy consumption. The garment industry is one of the biggest polluters and this project is a pilot solution for sustainable production. The aim is to expand the technology to other provinces and export the know-how abroad.

130 countries now have visa-free access to China

With the addition of Azerbaijan, China has expanded its list of visa-free countries to 130. The number of visa-free entries increased by nearly 54 % year-on-year, boosting tourism and foreign trade. The move is part of a broader strategy of opening up and improving China's global image. According to statistics, interest in travel to China has increased, especially from ASEAN and Central Asian countries.

Sultan's Game: indie hit from China conquers Steam

Chinese indie game Sultan's Game has become an unexpected hit on the Steam gaming platform. The game quickly gained hundreds of thousands of downloads thanks to its unconventional mix of cultural aesthetics and strategic elements. The success shows that Chinese developers can succeed not only in mobile games, but also on the global PC scene. The developers are already preparing English and Arabic localisations - the goal is to conquer the global market.

Tomáš Kučera & Yereth Jansen

China-insights.com/gnews.cz – GH