China Inc by BBW

A China Bull Market, and Bottled Water Under Fire

After two years of suffering, Chinese stocks are showing some new signs of life. But is this fledgling bull market for real? And China's leading bottled water brand, Nongfu, has come under attack from nationalists for its red bottle caps said to look like the Japanese flag. How big a risk are such attacks, and is the problem worsening?

US Targets China EVs, and the Passing of a Beverage Tycoon

President Joe Biden has launched an investigation into whether Chinese new energy vehicles could pose a national security threat. Does that mean the end of the road is near for Chinese NEVs in the world's largest economy? And beverage tycoon Zong Qinghou is dead at the age of 79. Why was he so controversial, and why does China no longer churn out this of colorful, outspoken entrepreneur?

Foreign Investor Flight, and Coffee Is King

Foreigners are putting a pause on their China investments, as a new AmCham survey shows a record 40% of respondents won't make any new investment in the next three years. Has the bloom finally come off the China investment rose? And Bamboo Works' 2023 annual review shows that new energy and e-commerce were the hottest topics for China stock buyers last year, while coffee was the keyword of the year. Are these areas investors should consider when putting their money into China stocks?

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?