China Inc by BBW

China's Burgeoning Debt, and a New Type of China IPO

China's debt-to-GDP ratio swelled to 288% last year, up 13.5 basis points and a huge level by any standard. Is this kind of debt level sustainable, or will something have to give? And a company called Arrivent has just listed in New York, banking on its licensing deal for a made-in-China cancer drug to make its own big money by selling the drug in the U.S. What's the China risk behind this kind of company?

Evergrande Ordered to Liquidate, and a Tale of Two Airline Types

A Hong Kong judge has ordered embattled developer Evergrande to liquidate after it failed to reach a debt restructuring deal with its foreign creditors. But will Beijing play ball? And China's private airlines flew into the black last year with big profits on a wave of "revenge travel," but big state carriers continued to post massive losses. What's behind this "Tale of Two Airline Types"?

China Embraces GMO Crops, and Anta Eyes NY IPO for Amer

After years of hesitation, China is finally embracing genetically GMO crops with its approval of some genetically modified types of soybeans and corn. What's leading Beijing to change its mind? And sportswear sensation Anta has applied to spin off and list its foreign Amer unit in New York, just five years after purchasing the company. Will investors want a bite of this company whose brands include Wilson and Salomon and Acrteryx?

China's Premier in Davos, and Shein IPO Hits a Speedbump

Chinese premier Li Qiang told the World Economic Forum that China's economy grew 5.2% in 2023. But will it be able to maintain that growth this year? And China's internet regulator is probing fast fashion sensation Shein for its data handling practices. Will that derail the company's plans for a mega-IPO in New York?

A Biotech Buyout, and an Influencer Uprising

AstraZeneca has offered to buy money-losing Gracell Biotech for up to $1.2 billion, in a first-of-its kind M&A for a Chinese drug startup. Will China approve the deal? And e-commerce company East Buy's CEO gets sacked under pressure from its top online salesman. How much power do such influencers wield at Chinese internet companies?

Shaky Regional Banks, and Bubble Tea IPOs

China's big national banks are growing wary of their smaller regional counterparts. Will this put further pressure on the smaller lenders, many of which are already struggling? And two leading bubble tea makers file for Hong Kong IPOs. Will investors scoop up their shares, or shun them over concerns about China's slowing economy?

China’s Private Equity Clampdown, and a Tech Hotshot Drives Out of America

China is raising the bar for its vast field of venture capital and private equity companies, a move that looks aimed at avoiding a repeat of the P2P crisis a few years back. What's the implication for Chinese startups? And former autonomous trucking highflier TuSimple is retreating from the U.S. to focus on its China business. What's driving this abrupt turnaround for a company that was once so promising?

China Sets Goals for 2024, and a French Snub for Chinese EVs

Chinese leaders said they'll prioritize progress and stability in 2024 at their annual Central Economic Work Conference. Does that mean they'll put greater emphasis on the economy? And France and Turkey take new steps that could limit Chinese EV imports. What's behind this growing bias against Chinese electric cars that are flooding the global market?

An EV Newbie Goes to Wall Street, and a Bubble Tea Giant to Hong Kong

EV maker Zeekr, owned by car giant Geely, has filed for a New York IPO to raise as much as $1 billion. But with only two years of history, will investors embrace the company? And  bubble tea giant Mixue Bingcheng eyes its own listing in Hong Kong. But will investors worry that China's premium tea market is overheated and about to burst?

The rebounding yuan, and China approves a chip mega-merger

After falling to multiyear lows, China's yuan has come roaring back in recent weeks. But what has changed, and are the gains for real? And China approves the $69 billion merger of VMWare with global chip giant Broadcom after more than a year. Does this signal a friendlier new approach by China to global chip M&A?