https://www.scmp.com/rss/10/feed Corporate business news on companies from Hong Kong and overseas. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Iris Deng Iris Deng Tencent Holdings has launched a new OpenClaw tool for enterprises that promises easy deployment of the artificial intelligence agent as part of the Chinese internet giant’s efforts to capitalise on the “lobster” frenzy in the country. ClawPro, launched in public beta by Tencent’s cloud unit on Thursday, works as an AI agent management platform for enterprises, allowing them to deploy OpenClaw templates, select models and agents, track token consumption and manage security settings. Tencent said... https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3348942/tencent-expands-openclaw-suite-enterprise-tool-amid-chinas-lobster-craze?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3348942/tencent-expands-openclaw-suite-enterprise-tool-amid-chinas-lobster-craze?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:00:09 +0000 Enoch Yiu Enoch Yiu Manulife, HSBC Holdings and Barclays are among the big financial firms that have announced plans to boost their adoption of artificial intelligence, in line with the Hong Kong government’s efforts to promote the use of the technology. Manulife last week said it had relocated Mark Czajkowski, chief AI officer for Asia, to Hong Kong from Singapore, and had appointed Liu Hongjuan as chief AI and data officer of Manulife Hong Kong and Macau, a newly created post, on March 9. HSBC Holdings, the... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3348897/manulife-hsbc-barclays-among-big-finance-firms-pushing-ai-adoption-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3348897/manulife-hsbc-barclays-among-big-finance-firms-pushing-ai-adoption-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Apr 2026 09:00:08 +0000 Daniel Ren Daniel Ren Tesla has regained the global pure electric vehicle (EV) crown for the first time since the fourth quarter of 2024, after its deliveries rose 6.5 per cent year on year in the three months ending March. The modest increase was enough for the US carmaker to beat China’s EV king BYD, which posted a 25.5 per cent drop in sales during the first quarter of 2026. Tesla’s deliveries worldwide between January and March hit 358,023 units, it said in a statement on Thursday. Tesla builds only pure electric... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348898/tesla-outraces-chinas-byd-pure-electric-car-sales-regain-worlds-top-spot?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348898/tesla-outraces-chinas-byd-pure-electric-car-sales-regain-worlds-top-spot?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Apr 2026 06:00:12 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao Chinese toymaker Pop Mart remains under pressure despite carrying out six share buy-backs over the past few days following a sell-off after its results, raising questions over whether the weakness reflects concerns about its Labubu-led growth and valuation. The Beijing-based company has stepped up efforts to support its share price through market purchases. Pop Mart bought back 700,000 shares on Thursday at prices ranging from HK$140.90 to HK$142.30, for a total of HK$99.2 million (US$12.6... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348876/chinas-pop-mart-struggles-stem-slide-despite-buy-backs-amid-labubu-reliance-concerns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348876/chinas-pop-mart-struggles-stem-slide-despite-buy-backs-amid-labubu-reliance-concerns?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Apr 2026 04:03:57 +0000 Daniel Ren Daniel Ren Leapmotor, one of China’s strongest-performing electric vehicle (EV) makers this year, is accelerating its global push with a new innovation centre in Europe and plans for potential local assembly in Canada, as it looks to entrench production of its low-cost smart cars overseas. The Hangzhou-based carmaker, backed by Fiat owner Stellantis, has also raised its overseas sales target by 50 per cent, betting that higher fuel costs and easing trade barriers will bolster demand for Chinese-made... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348847/leapmotor-targets-global-growth-europe-rd-hub-eyes-canada-assembly?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348847/leapmotor-targets-global-growth-europe-rd-hub-eyes-canada-assembly?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Apr 2026 02:00:14 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong’s New World Development (NWD) has shelved plans to acquire the remaining stakes in three commercial sites in Causeway Bay, signalling continued caution among developers despite signs of improving demand in the core office market. The company, which has been selling assets to reduce debt, said it would “exercise prudence as appropriate, having regard to cost and efficiency, as well as overall market supply and demand, with a view to delivering reasonable returns”. NWD, which reported... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348834/new-world-pulls-back-causeway-bay-acquisition-amid-uneven-recovery?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348834/new-world-pulls-back-causeway-bay-acquisition-amid-uneven-recovery?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:34:41 +0000 Daniel Ren Daniel Ren Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers posted a strong rebound in sales last month, shaking off the weak start to the year as local government subsidies and aggressive financing incentives drew in first-time buyers. Momentum is expected to carry through the coming months, with dozens of new models set to debut at the Auto China show in Beijing, likely to stimulate fresh demand. “The sweeping improvement in deliveries revived hopes for a steady [EV] market after a woeful performance in January and... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348799/china-ev-makers-surge-back-march-subsidies-and-financing-spur-demand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348799/china-ev-makers-surge-back-march-subsidies-and-financing-spur-demand?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:00:12 +0000 Vincent Chow Vincent Chow Chinese artificial intelligence start-ups Zhipu AI and MiniMax have shown early signs of sustainable commercialisation of their AI models, analysts said, as investors continue to pump up their Hong Kong stocks despite widening losses. That assessment comes as the companies reported their first earnings since their respective initial public offerings in early January, providing a glimpse into the business models of an industry still in its infancy globally. The South China Morning Post takes a... https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3348699/what-zhipu-and-minimaxs-first-post-ipo-earnings-say-about-2-chinese-ai-start-ups?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3348699/what-zhipu-and-minimaxs-first-post-ipo-earnings-say-about-2-chinese-ai-start-ups?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Apr 2026 02:00:09 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao A burst of 16 new and refiled initial public offering (IPO) applications on Tuesday – including Miniso-backed toy retailer Top Toy – signals a renewed push by companies to tap Hong Kong’s capital markets, as the city looks to cement its standing as a leading global listing venue despite intensifying competition and lingering headwinds. The filings, disclosed by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) on March 31, span a range of sectors, though hard-tech firms dominate the pipeline. Companies... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348674/ipo-rush-returns-hong-kong-cements-its-position-top-global-listings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348674/ipo-rush-returns-hong-kong-cements-its-position-top-global-listings?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Apr 2026 10:00:32 +0000 Daniel Ren Daniel Ren China’s Ganfeng Lithium, the world’s largest producer of lithium metal, is envisioning an “explosive growth” in the global energy storage system (ESS) market in 2026, spurred by higher prices of the key battery material and buoyant demand for renewable energy infrastructure. Executives including president Wang Xiaoshen told an investors’ conference on Tuesday that the global decarbonisation drive had created a strong and sustainable trajectory for Ganfeng, which swung from loss to profit last... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348628/ganfeng-lithium-forecasts-strong-battery-demand-amid-china-us-rivalry-renewable-energy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348628/ganfeng-lithium-forecasts-strong-battery-demand-amid-china-us-rivalry-renewable-energy?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:00:21 +0000 Zhang Shidong Zhang Shidong Optimism that the month-long US-Israel war against Iran was nearing a conclusion lifted Hong Kong stocks and other markets in Asia on Wednesday, as investors shifted into risk-on mode after US President Donald Trump said Middle East hostilities could end in two or three weeks. The Hang Seng Index rose 2 per cent to 25,294.03 at the close, its biggest gain in a week. The Hang Seng Tech Index rallied 2.3 per cent. The mainland’s CSI 300 Index climbed 1.7 per cent and the Shanghai Composite Index... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348597/hong-kong-stocks-surge-hopes-rise-end-iran-conflict?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348597/hong-kong-stocks-surge-hopes-rise-end-iran-conflict?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Apr 2026 02:00:30 +0000 Zhu Wenqian Zhu Wenqian Major Chinese property developers reported operating losses in 2025 as a recovery in the world’s second-largest economy remained elusive after five years of decline, with some headline profits driven mainly by non-cash gains from debt restructuring. China Vanke posted a record 88.56 billion yuan (US$12.9 billion) loss last year in the latest sign that mainland developers continued to struggle under debt pressure and slowing residential sales. The developer said its annual revenue fell 32 per... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348596/vanke-posts-record-8856-billion-yuan-loss-china-property-market-woes-linger?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348596/vanke-posts-record-8856-billion-yuan-loss-china-property-market-woes-linger?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Apr 2026 01:58:21 +0000 Julie Zhang,Enoch Yiu Julie Zhang,Enoch Yiu Hong Kong’s highly anticipated first batch of stablecoin licences did not materialise as expected by the end of March. Industry players said the delay may be caused by a slower-than-expected review process, adding that it could also be due to the regulators’ cautious stance towards launching the first batch of regulated stablecoin licences as the city seeks to cement its status as a digital-asset hub. “I don’t think [the delay] is caused by the market,” said Jack Poon, a member of the task force... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3348492/hong-kongs-anticipated-stablecoin-licence-end-march-does-not-materialise?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3348492/hong-kongs-anticipated-stablecoin-licence-end-march-does-not-materialise?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:30:08 +0000 Themis Qi Themis Qi The energy shock stemming from the Middle Eastern conflict may help Chinese electric-vehicle (EV) makers exceed their overseas expansion goals this year, according to analysts. “High oil prices – and even gasoline shortages in some countries – will accelerate the pace of China’s EV exports,” said Yale Zhang, managing director at the consultancy Automotive Foresight in Shanghai. “This oil crisis presents a historic opportunity for China’s EV industry, just as the oil crisis of the 1970s paved the... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-evs/article/3348561/middle-east-oil-shock-jolts-ev-demand-putting-chinese-exports-fast-lane?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-evs/article/3348561/middle-east-oil-shock-jolts-ev-demand-putting-chinese-exports-fast-lane?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Mar 2026 23:30:08 +0000 Iris Deng Iris Deng Huawei Technologies maintained “steady” recovery momentum in 2025, with its profit rising 8.6 per cent, as the Chinese telecommunications gear maker doubled down on chip development and smartphones in defiance of US sanctions. Net profit came in at 68 billion yuan (US$9.8 billion) last year, compared with 62.6 billion yuan a year earlier, according to the Shenzhen-based company’s annual report released on Tuesday. Total revenue in 2025 reached 880.9 billion yuan, up 2.2 per cent from 862.1... https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3348558/huaweis-profit-rises-86-2025-overall-performance-remains-steady?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3348558/huaweis-profit-rises-86-2025-overall-performance-remains-steady?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:00:10 +0000 Enoch Yiu Enoch Yiu Hong Kong has retained its top position in terms of initial public offering (IPO) funds raised in the first quarter of this year but industry experts said the city could lose its lead to the US over the full year given the number of mega IPOs expected there, from OpenAI to Elon Musk’s SpaceX. A total of 37 companies raised about US$13.26 billion on the Hong Kong stock exchange’s main board in the three months ended March 31, according to data released on Tuesday by LSEG Data and Analytics. That... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3348536/hong-kong-retains-global-ipo-crown-first-quarter-faces-us-mega-listings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3348536/hong-kong-retains-global-ipo-crown-first-quarter-faces-us-mega-listings?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:30:12 +0000 Ben Jiang Ben Jiang Apple’s accidental roll-out on Tuesday of its highly anticipated Apple Intelligence feature in mainland China – which has yet to receive regulatory approval – before swiftly pulling it could raise the ire of regulators and expose the US tech giant to potential penalties, an industry expert warned. The brief release could have violated local rules on artificial intelligence security evaluations, algorithm filings and data protection, according to You Yunting, a Shanghai-based intellectual... https://www.scmp.com/tech/policy/article/3348527/apples-accidental-ai-feature-roll-out-china-risks-regulatory-backlash-expert-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/policy/article/3348527/apples-accidental-ai-feature-roll-out-china-risks-regulatory-backlash-expert-says?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:00:39 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong homebuyers snapped up new launches on Tuesday as developers accelerated sales amid concerns over slower rate cuts and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. By about 3.50pm, all 254 flats released at the La Mirabelle project in Tseung Kwan O had been sold, according to market agents. “Today’s positive sales results at La Mirabelle is a vote of confidence for the Hong Kong residential market,” said Daryl Ng, chairman of Sino Group. “The Hong Kong residential market fundamentals are... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348547/hong-kong-homebuyers-pile-new-launches-despite-rate-jitters-and-middle-east-tensions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348547/hong-kong-homebuyers-pile-new-launches-despite-rate-jitters-and-middle-east-tensions?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:49:52 +0000 Themis Qi,Eunice Xu Themis Qi,Eunice Xu South Korea has become a focal point of Asia’s petrochemical crisis, a frontline economy suddenly forced to navigate the fallout from the Middle East turmoil while scrambling for alternatives. Its semiconductor and industrial sectors, already heavily dependent on imported naphtha, are now exposed to geopolitical shocks that are rippling across the region. South Korea relies on imports for about 45 per cent of its naphtha demand. About 77 per cent of those come from the Middle East. On Monday,... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348503/asias-chip-industry-faces-naphtha-squeeze-and-south-korea-feels-it-most?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348503/asias-chip-industry-faces-naphtha-squeeze-and-south-korea-feels-it-most?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:30:13 +0000 Daniel Ren Daniel Ren EnerVenue – a rechargeable battery start-up co-founded by Full Vision Capital, the family office of Hong Kong tycoon Peter Lee Ka-kit – has raised US$300 million in its latest round of financing and appointed a new CEO to accelerate the large-scale industrial deployment of its cutting-edge energy storage technology. The California-based company – which also counts government-backed Hong Kong Investment Corporation (HKIC) as an investor – said it would set up a regional headquarters in the city... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3348514/enervenue-plugs-us300-million-scale-next-gen-batteries-it-eyes-hong-kong-hub?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3348514/enervenue-plugs-us300-million-scale-next-gen-batteries-it-eyes-hong-kong-hub?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:39:41 +0000 Zhu Wenqian Zhu Wenqian With Chinese coffee brands eyeing overseas expansion, analysts said those seeking to succeed as global players must move beyond low-price strategies and a narrow focus on operational efficiency. “Overseas consumers have long associated Chinese brands mainly with cost performance,” said Fu Yifu, a special research fellow at Su Merchants Bank in Nanjing, in the eastern Jiangsu province. “To succeed globally, the core is to build a presence rooted in China’s operational efficiency while blending... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348412/chinese-coffee-brands-need-more-low-prices-compete-global-players-analysts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348412/chinese-coffee-brands-need-more-low-prices-compete-global-players-analysts?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2026 23:30:09 +0000 Cao Li Cao Li Hong Kong stocks dropped on Monday as escalating tensions in the Middle East sent oil prices to recent highs. Over the weekend, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched attacks directly on Israel, which intensified strikes on Tehran. The US has also deployed additional military forces to the Middle East. The escalation pushed up oil prices, with Brent crude jumping as much as 3.7 per cent to US$116.80 a barrel, its highest in more than a week, while West Texas Intermediate rose to US$101 a... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348360/hong-kong-stocks-fall-asia-iran-conflict-drives-oil-prices-higher?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348360/hong-kong-stocks-fall-asia-iran-conflict-drives-oil-prices-higher?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2026 06:10:13 +0000 Ben Jiang Ben Jiang Chinese artificial intelligence start-up DeepSeek suffered a prolonged outage overnight that extended into early Monday morning, disrupting service for hundreds of millions of users, according to a company notice and user feedback. The Hangzhou-based AI lab’s namesake chatbot website and app were offline from Sunday evening, with the company continuing to investigate while issuing fixes from between 1am and 9am on Monday, according to service maintenance records the company published online. The... https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3348345/deepseek-outage-leaves-millions-cut-and-sparks-complaints-rivals-gain-ground?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3348345/deepseek-outage-leaves-millions-cut-and-sparks-complaints-rivals-gain-ground?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2026 03:41:43 +0000 Julie Zhang,Daniel Ren Julie Zhang,Daniel Ren Biotech firm Hangzhou Diagens Biotechnology is banking on artificial intelligence-powered chromosome testing to drive profit growth following its Hong Kong listing, as China’s falling fertility rate spurs demand for assisted reproduction. “In China, many young people do not want to marry or have children, and by the time they decide to start a family, they need medical help to do so,” said Diagens’ founder and executive director Song Ning. “We are meeting an increasing number of couples every... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3348335/chinese-company-use-ai-powered-chromosome-testing-boost-profits-and-fast-track-ivf?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3348335/chinese-company-use-ai-powered-chromosome-testing-boost-profits-and-fast-track-ivf?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2026 02:45:34 +0000 Wency Chen Wency Chen Yuanjie Semiconductor Technology, a Chinese maker of laser chips for optical communications, has emerged as one of the mainland exchanges’ biggest beneficiaries of the artificial intelligence infrastructure boom – with its shares rising nearly ninefold over the past year as it pursues a Hong Kong listing. The Shaanxi-based integrated device manufacturer, whose shares closed at 1,100 yuan on Friday, now ranks second by share price among mainland-listed companies, trailing only Kweichow Moutai at... https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3348311/what-makes-yuanjie-chinese-optical-chip-star-and-hong-kong-ipo-candidate-stand-out?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3348311/what-makes-yuanjie-chinese-optical-chip-star-and-hong-kong-ipo-candidate-stand-out?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2026 02:00:06 +0000 Julie Zhang Julie Zhang Insilico Medicine has signed a potential multibillion-dollar deal with Eli Lilly to license out an early-stage drug pipeline and provide its artificial intelligence platform services in research and development collaborations. Under the agreement announced on Monday, US-headquartered, Hong Kong-listed Insilico will receive an upfront payment of US$115 million. The deal could have a total value of around US$2.75 billion tied to development, regulatory and commercial milestones, plus tiered... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348333/hong-kong-listed-insilico-medicine-signs-ai-drug-development-deal-eli-lilly?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348333/hong-kong-listed-insilico-medicine-signs-ai-drug-development-deal-eli-lilly?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2026 01:24:48 +0000 Julie Zhang Julie Zhang CK Life Sciences, a unit of Li Ka-shing-backed CK Group, plans to bring its cancer vaccine candidates to mainland China through a “fast track” channel as Beijing moves to accelerate early-stage drug development. “We are planning to run investigator-initiated trials [IITs], hopefully, in the next year,” CK Life Sciences’ vice-president and chief scientific officer Dr Melvin Toh Kean-meng said in a recent interview. His comments came as CK Life Sciences set up Sequencio Therapeutics in Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348317/li-ka-shings-ck-life-unit-eyes-china-fast-track-cancer-vaccine-pipeline?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348317/li-ka-shings-ck-life-unit-eyes-china-fast-track-cancer-vaccine-pipeline?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2026 23:00:32 +0000 Daniel Ren Daniel Ren The cross-border outlicensing activities of Chinese biotech firms reached a record transaction value of US$60 billion in the first quarter of 2026, driven by multinational pharmaceutical companies’ growing appetite for the country’s promising drug candidates. The deal value represented a 73 per cent jump from the same period a year earlier, and accounted for nearly half of the total US$135.7 billion worth of agreements signed throughout 2025, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA)... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348295/china-biotech-deals-hit-record-innovative-drugs-draw-interest-multinationals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348295/china-biotech-deals-hit-record-innovative-drugs-draw-interest-multinationals?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2026 11:26:21 +0000 Wency Chen Wency Chen A string of Chinese analogue chipmakers have announced price increases in step with their international peers, as a broader pricing wave sweeps across the semiconductor supply chain – a shift that analysts say could hand China’s mature-node producers a rare window to gain ground. Novosense Microelectronics, SG Micro, Fortior Technology, Halo Microelectronics, Silan Micro and Kiwi Instruments are among the domestic firms recently raising prices, in line with global leaders including Texas... https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3348284/chinese-analogue-chipmakers-join-wave-global-price-rises-mature-node-firms-eye-gains?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3348284/chinese-analogue-chipmakers-join-wave-global-price-rises-mature-node-firms-eye-gains?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2026 10:00:13 +0000 Vincent Chow Vincent Chow ByteDance has bolstered its controversial video-generation model Seedance 2.0 with “advanced” watermarking and intellectual property (IP) protection guardrails ahead of its global roll-out, the TikTok owner has said. The much-anticipated international release comes amid intense scrutiny from Hollywood studios over alleged IP theft after numerous Seedance-generated videos featuring famous Hollywood actors and characters went viral in February. On Wednesday, ByteDance said its global safety and... https://www.scmp.com/tech/policy/article/3348290/bytedance-bolsters-seedance-20-watermarking-ip-safeguards-ahead-global-roll-out?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/policy/article/3348290/bytedance-bolsters-seedance-20-watermarking-ip-safeguards-ahead-global-roll-out?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2026 09:00:13 +0000 Daniel Ren Daniel Ren Transactions of pre-owned homes in major Chinese cities led by Shanghai surged in March, fuelling expectations that the country’s embattled property sector may be stabilising. Analysts and brokers said a more active resale market pointed to a gradual return of confidence among homebuyers after a three-year downturn. In Shanghai, about 22,000 second-hand homes changed hands between March 1 and 23, up 170 per cent from the same period a month earlier, according to data from local financial outlet... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3348255/rising-second-hand-home-sales-offer-tentative-signs-floor-chinas-property-slump?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3348255/rising-second-hand-home-sales-offer-tentative-signs-floor-chinas-property-slump?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2026 06:00:34 +0000 Julie Zhang Julie Zhang Homebuyers continued to signal confidence in Hong Kong’s residential market on Saturday, brushing off global economic risks tied to the Middle East conflict and expectations of slower interest rate cuts, as a new project by Henderson Land Development sold out within hours. All 123 units at Chester, the fifth phase of the Midtown South redevelopment in Hung Hom, were snapped up, according to property agents. “About 60 per cent of buyers are end users while about 40 per cent are investors and... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3348249/hung-hom-flats-sell-out-hong-kong-homebuyers-brush-aside-middle-east-risks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3348249/hung-hom-flats-sell-out-hong-kong-homebuyers-brush-aside-middle-east-risks?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2026 09:40:15 +0000 Julie Zhang Julie Zhang Investment opportunities in cutting-edge technologies are increasingly concentrated in mainland China and Hong Kong, according to Clara Chan Ka-chai, CEO of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation (HKIC). As the Hong Kong government’s investment arm, the HKIC aimed to play a stronger role in attracting capital into high-potential projects and scaling investments through broader funding participation, Chan said during a panel session at the Boao Forum for Asia on Friday. Founded in 2022, the HKIC... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3348227/hkic-chief-sees-growing-opportunities-cutting-edge-tech-across-china-and-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3348227/hkic-chief-sees-growing-opportunities-cutting-edge-tech-across-china-and-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2026 03:29:52 +0000 Themis Qi Themis Qi The era of price wars in China’s electric vehicle (EV) market is giving way to a new contest: who can deliver better technology at the same price. On a cloudy evening in March, Shenzhen-based BYD put forward its answer with the unveiling of a battery capable of charging from 10 to 70 per cent in just five minutes – and to 97 per cent in nine minutes. The company said it would apply the technology to models priced as low as 155,000 yuan (US$22,500) while building 20,000 charging stations this... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-evs/article/3348131/how-chinas-ev-makers-think-they-can-outrun-disastrous-price-wars?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-evs/article/3348131/how-chinas-ev-makers-think-they-can-outrun-disastrous-price-wars?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2026 02:00:13 +0000 Daniel Ren,Cheryl Arcibal Daniel Ren,Cheryl Arcibal China’s electric vehicle (EV) king BYD posted its first annual profit drop in four years as it faced intensifying competition from domestic rivals in a cutthroat market. The Shenzhen-based company reported a net profit of 32.6 billion yuan (US$4.72 billion) for 2025, down 18.97 per cent from a year earlier, according to a filing to the Hong Kong and Shenzhen stock exchanges. That missed a consensus forecast of 35.4 billion yuan in a Bloomberg survey of analysts. Revenue grew 3.46 per cent to... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348207/byds-four-year-profit-run-ends-eyes-global-markets-next-engine-growth?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348207/byds-four-year-profit-run-ends-eyes-global-markets-next-engine-growth?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2026 14:00:12 +0000 Daniel Ren Daniel Ren Rising fuel costs triggered by the Middle East crisis are emerging as an unexpected tailwind for China’s electric vehicle (EV) makers, as consumers increasingly pivot towards battery-powered cars to avoid surging petrol bills. With Brent crude climbing past the psychologically significant US$100-a-barrel mark – and now trading above US$110 – mainland buyers are turning away from petrol vehicles, according to dealers and analysts. “It’s a no-brainer for me now,” said Wang Wenbo, a 25-year-old... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3348200/pain-pump-fuels-ev-rush-china-driving-timely-boost-carmakers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3348200/pain-pump-fuels-ev-rush-china-driving-timely-boost-carmakers?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:00:18 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong developers on Friday released 222 new flats in Kowloon, the city’s largest batch of units on a single day since buyers were warned about the uncertain direction of interest rates. K&K Property launched 122 one-bedroom units at foto+, a single residential tower in Mong Kok close to Olympic station, while Wang On Properties put 100 units up for sale at the Connext project in Wong Tai Sin. By 7pm Friday, 103 of the foto+ units had found buyers. Sales at Connext, meanwhile, kicked off at... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348175/hong-kong-developers-test-market-222-units-released-amid-interest-rate-uncertainty?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348175/hong-kong-developers-test-market-222-units-released-amid-interest-rate-uncertainty?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2026 11:30:11 +0000 Julie Zhang Julie Zhang Beijing Tong Ren Tang Healthcare Investment, a provider of healthcare services based on traditional Chinese medicine, postponed its Hong Kong initial public offering (IPO) on Friday amid tepid investor demand for its shares. The delay is the first of its kind during the current IPO boom. New share offerings in the city raised about US$11.64 billion as of March 18 this year, up 385 per cent from about US$2.4 billion a year earlier, according to LSEG Data & Analytics. Tong Ren Tang was one of six... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3348101/tong-ren-tang-healthcare-unit-pulls-hong-kong-ipo-scheduled-monday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3348101/tong-ren-tang-healthcare-unit-pulls-hong-kong-ipo-scheduled-monday?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2026 06:30:18 +0000 Ann Cao Ann Cao Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) launched an action plan to enhance its current businesses and seek new growth in 2026, as the largest contract chipmaker in China aims to solidify its role as the backbone of the country’s self-sufficiency drive. Released alongside its annual report for 2025, the plan outlined a commitment to “optimising existing stock and digging for new increments”, the company said in a stock exchange filing on Thursday. The company said two trends would... https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3348044/chinas-top-chip-foundry-smic-unveils-action-plan-seizing-new-growth-opportunities?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3348044/chinas-top-chip-foundry-smic-unveils-action-plan-seizing-new-growth-opportunities?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2026 03:00:08 +0000 Mia Nurmamat Mia Nurmamat The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA) is lagging behind China’s national average in basic research, despite showing strong potential in sectors such as semiconductors and smart manufacturing, according to Deloitte. The cluster of cities in southern China, which included Shenzhen, spent about 28.9 billion yuan (US$4.2 billion) on basic research in 2024, accounting for just 5.67 per cent of total spending in research and development (R&D), the consulting firm said in a report... https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3347992/greater-bay-area-trails-peers-basic-research-despite-strong-tech-potential-deloitte?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3347992/greater-bay-area-trails-peers-basic-research-despite-strong-tech-potential-deloitte?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Mar 2026 23:00:08 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal,Themis Qi Cheryl Arcibal,Themis Qi China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), the country’s largest producer of offshore crude oil and natural gas, aims to further boost production this year amid geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices. The plan came after the state-backed company reported an 11.5 per cent drop in net profit to 122.08 billion yuan (US$17.7 billion) in 2025, owing to low oil prices during the year, even though it produced record-high volumes of the commodities. Its revenue in the period also dipped by... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348035/chinas-cnooc-boost-oil-and-gas-output-amid-middle-east-strife?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3348035/chinas-cnooc-boost-oil-and-gas-output-amid-middle-east-strife?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:36:39 +0000 Daniel Ren Daniel Ren Chinese self-driving technology firm Pony AI plans to launch robotaxi services with partners Uber Technologies and Verne in Zagreb, Croatia, spearheading commercialisation of autonomous cabs in Europe amid an accelerated go-global drive. The three companies aimed to operate a fleet of thousands of robotaxis in various European cities over the next few years after achieving consistent performance and safety, Guangzhou-based Pony said on Thursday. Neither the starting date for the service nor the... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348026/chinas-pony-ai-launch-robotaxi-service-europe-uber-local-start?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348026/chinas-pony-ai-launch-robotaxi-service-europe-uber-local-start?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:31:20 +0000 Themis Qi Themis Qi Volkswagen will withdraw its mass-market car brand Skoda from mainland China after years of lacklustre sales, as international marques continue to lose their appeal in the world’s largest automotive market. “Skoda Auto has realigned its global strategy to focus on growth markets such as India and the Asean region,” a Volkswagen spokesperson said on Thursday in a written response to the South China Morning Post, without denying earlier reports that the Czech brand would cease selling new vehicles... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-evs/article/3348007/vw-pulls-skoda-brand-china-after-years-falling-sales?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-evs/article/3348007/vw-pulls-skoda-brand-china-after-years-falling-sales?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Mar 2026 10:30:08 +0000 Daniel Ren Daniel Ren China’s two biggest makers of lidar sensors for cars, Hesai Group and RoboSense Technology, have ramped up investments in robotics products as the country consolidates its leading position in building a global supply chain for the fast-growing sector. Shanghai-based Hesai, the world’s largest producer of lidar sensors that help cars map terrain, planned to spend 200 million yuan (US$28.9 million) this year to design and manufacture “eyes and muscles” for robots, creating a new growth engine... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3347995/chinas-lidar-giants-pivot-robotics-jensen-huang-praises-chinese-supply-chain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3347995/chinas-lidar-giants-pivot-robotics-jensen-huang-praises-chinese-supply-chain?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:12:13 +0000 Ben Jiang Ben Jiang Shares of Chinese short-video platform Kuaishou fell more than 13 per cent to HK$45.96 by midday in Hong Kong on Thursday, a day after reporting strong sales growth, as analysts warned that its core advertising and live-streaming businesses could face mounting pressure this year. The sharp decline reflected investor concerns over a cautious growth outlook for the Beijing-based firm, compounded by its heavy spending on artificial intelligence, according to Zhang Xueru, an analyst at investment... https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3347951/chinas-kuaishou-slumps-analysts-flag-growth-pressure-despite-strong-results?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3347951/chinas-kuaishou-slumps-analysts-flag-growth-pressure-despite-strong-results?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Mar 2026 05:28:50 +0000 Kandy Wong Kandy Wong Jiangsu Aidea Pharmaceutical, which develops anti-HIV and Aids treatments, plans to tap Hong Kong’s initial public offering (IPO) market as it sets its sights on expansion into the US and Europe in the coming years, an executive said. The company, listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange’s Star Market, described Hong Kong as a “good window” for going global, citing the city’s “flexible” fundraising environment. Many Chinese corporations – including those in the pharmaceutical sector – would... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3347933/chinas-jiangsu-aidea-eyes-hong-kong-listing-gateway-us-and-european-aids-markets?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3347933/chinas-jiangsu-aidea-eyes-hong-kong-listing-gateway-us-and-european-aids-markets?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:00:19 +0000 Julie Zhang Julie Zhang At least 10 weight-loss injections and oral pills are lining up for regulatory approval in China, in a market projected to reach about US$14 billion by 2030. Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster semaglutide, which generated about US$35 billion in global revenue last year, lost patent protection in China on March 20, clearing the way for rivals. The rush comes as China’s drug regulator accelerates approvals of innovative therapies, helped by a surge in out-licensing deals with global pharmaceutical... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3347869/chinas-weight-loss-drug-makers-take-global-giants-novo-nordisk-patent-expires?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3347869/chinas-weight-loss-drug-makers-take-global-giants-novo-nordisk-patent-expires?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Mar 2026 03:00:08 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong’s biggest free-to-air broadcaster swung to a profit of HK$59 million (US$7.5 million) in 2025 from a loss of HK$491 million a year earlier, as threefold growth in revenue from the Greater Bay Area helped shake off a streak of annual losses that began in 2018. Television Broadcasts (TVB) said in a stock exchange filing on Wednesday that 2025 revenue fell 2 per cent from a year earlier to HK$3.19 billion, while it trimmed total costs, excluding depreciation and amortisation, by 4.9 per... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3347895/hong-kongs-tvb-logs-us75-million-profit-shaking-seven-years-losses?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3347895/hong-kongs-tvb-logs-us75-million-profit-shaking-seven-years-losses?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:15:42 +0000 Wency Chen Wency Chen PDD Holdings, the Chinese e-commerce group behind Pinduoduo and global budget marketplace Temu, on Wednesday reported an 11 per cent drop in quarterly profit amid higher sales as the company continued a pivot towards greater reinvestment. Net profit for the quarter fell to 24.5 billion yuan (US$3.6 billion), missing a consensus analyst estimate of 29.1 billion yuan. Meanwhile, revenue rose 12 per cent from a year earlier to 123.9 billion yuan, aligning with a consensus analyst estimate of 123.7... https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3347894/pinduoduo-operator-pdds-profit-slides-chinese-firm-cites-higher-reinvestment?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3347894/pinduoduo-operator-pdds-profit-slides-chinese-firm-cites-higher-reinvestment?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:45:50 +0000 Mia Nurmamat Mia Nurmamat China Mobile has invested nearly HK$10 billion (US$1.28 billion) over five years to help turn Hong Kong into a global computing hub, integrating the city into China’s national network. The world’s largest telecoms operator by subscribers on Wednesday opened a new data centre in northern Hong Kong and said it would step up investment in next-generation submarine cables. The state-owned group aims to bring Hong Kong into China’s national computing network, which has the world’s second-largest... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3347877/china-mobile-bets-hong-kong-gateway-global-computing-flows?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3347877/china-mobile-bets-hong-kong-gateway-global-computing-flows?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:30:08 +0000