China Inc by BBW

Two Autonomous Driving IPOs, and Alibaba Sheds a 'New Retail' Asset

Horizon Robotics and WeRide have raised more than $1 billion combined in their IPOs in Hong Kong and New York. Does this mark the start of a new listing wave? And Alibaba looks to sell Sun Art, owner of the RT-Mart hypermarket chain. Does this mean Alibaba's "new retail" vision is dead?

A Reprieve for Car Sales, and New US-China Flights

China's car sales returned to growth in September, finally reversing six months of declines. Is this the start of a turnaround for the sputtering industry? And Delta will resume its L.A.-to-Shanghai flights after more than a three years suspension. Why are the US-to-China routes taking so long to come back?

China Talks with EU on EV Tariffs, and Indonesia Eyes Temu Ban

China and the EU are trying to reach a deal to avoid EU tariffs on Chinese EVs. But is there too much distance between the two sides? And Indonesia asks Apple and Google to evict China's popular Temu e-commerce app from their local app stores. Will the two app store giants comply?

A Bubble Tea IPO Freeze, and a Revenue-less Drug Maker

China's securities regulator puts the brakes on new bubble tea IPOs in Hong Kong. Is this China's latest step to assert its authority over the former British colony? And former drug making highflyer Ascletis has become revenue-less after its earlier drugs fizzled. Now the company is hoping to revive its fortunes with a new weight-loss drug from the same class as Ozempic.

WeRide's Spin with Uber, and Starbucks' New China CEO

Uber will offer WeRide robotaxi services starting in the UAE. Is this a big deal, or mostly symbolic? And Starbucks names a new China CEO to revive its flagging local operation. Will that be enough to tackle the challenge from low-price companies like Luckin and Cotti?

PwC Takes China Hit, and EV Battery Firm Finds New Life in India

PwC has received a record fine in China for lapses in its audits of failed developer Evergrande. Is this the end of the road for PwC in China? And EV battery system maker Octillion finds new life in India after its biggest China customer hits the skids. Is this the road to the future for Chinese EV component makers?

Tax on Temu, and EVs Outpower Gas Cars

The US closes a loophole that allowed Temu and Shein to import goods duty-free. How will this impact their sales? And sales of Chinese EVs passed gas-powered cars for a second straight month in August. Has the EV era finally arrived?

China's Homegrown Jet Advances, and a Growing Market for Adult Diapers

Commercial planemaker Comac has delivered its first C919 jets to China Southern and Air China. When will foreign airlines start to consider buying these challengers to Boeing and Airbus? And sanitary products maker Hengan sees a big future in adult disposable diapers as China's population ages. But will consumers really consider such a product?

Solar Red Ink, and a 'Blind Box' Crackdown

A growing number of Chinese solar panel makers are falling into the red due to huge overcapacity and resulting price wars. What's needed to bring the industry back to health? And the Xinhua news agency warns against the addictive nature of 'blind box' collectible toys. Does this signal a new government crackdown ahead?

Sino-Ocean's Bondholder Revolt, and Alibaba's Homecoming

Bondholders of struggling developer Sino-Ocean have flatly rejected its debt restructuring proposal. Does that spell the end for the company? And Alibaba's shares could become available to Mainland investors as soon as the end of this month. What kind of upside could that bring to the sagging stock?