China Inc by BBW

Cango to build on bitcoin mining foundation with HPC pivot

Cango's public relations and investor relations director Juliet Ye details the company's strategic pivot to transform from a pure-play crypto miner into an integrated energy and high-performance computing (HPC) platform. The multi-phase strategy leverages Cango's existing energy and computing infrastructure as a foundation to build a more diverse business model with revenues from mining, AI client services, and energy trading.

China tech: virtualizing debt, AI for daters

Linklogis has jumped on the crypto bandwagon in a new blockchain alliance with XRP Ledger, owner of the ripple cryptocurrency. What's the significance of this tie-up? And leading dating app operator Hello Group has added an AI function that suggests ice-breakers for young men to say to their dates. Will this help to get young people spending again?
Read at: https://thebambooworks.com/china-tech-virtualizing-debt-ai-for-daters-linklogis-momo

Dancing robots and K-pop diplomacy: China's economic and social gambits

Unitree plans to file for an IPO by year end, capitalizing on the recent popularity of its dancing humanoid robots. But are these products really ready for market? And China has quietly lifted a nearly decade-old ban on K-Pop. What's behind the sudden change of heart?

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? Read at: https://thebambooworks.com/chinas-state-driven-stocks-and-its-corporate-wars-abroad/

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?  
Read at: https://thebambooworks.com/china-plays-defense-on-ev-batteries-offense-on-hydrogen-fuel-cell-catl/

China's changing tastes buffet western brands as Ant Group faces old headwinds

Burger King withdraws from Hong Kong, after facing similar issues on the Chinese Mainland. Why is life so difficult in China for this fast food giant? And Ant Group's purchase of a Hong Kong brokerage is getting extra scrutiny from Chinese regulators. Why is China so wary of this company?Text version: https://thebambooworks.com/chinas-fast-food-western-brands-ant-group-faces-headwinds-alibaba/

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? Read more: https://thebambooworks.com/jd-com-flees-chinas-retail-wars-europe-beijing-fails-to-tame-price-cutting/ 

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

Smartphone glass maker Biel is building up an Indian production base, while appliance giant Haier is selling half of its Indian business. What's driving these two very different moves by Chinese companies in the fast-evolving Indian market? And two dairy companies are reporting stagnating sales. Is China's dairy sector past its high-growth glory days, and what's behind the slowdown?