China Recap is a weekly roundup tracking Chinese companies expanding abroad, covering market entries, funding rounds, product launches, and global partnerships.
China’s corporate globalization strategy is evolving fast. Industry giants are rewriting the global playbook, while a new generation of companies charts fresh paths overseas.
China Recap tracks both—focusing on strategic expansion, brand building, and localized operations—to help readers make sense of shifting trends and understand how Chinese firms are reshaping their global approach.
Here’s what made headlines last week:
Policy blueprints chart China’s evolving tech priorities
- At the Embodied Intelligence Developer Conference in Zhangjiang, Shanghai’s Pudong New Area unveiled a 16-point support package for the embodied artificial intelligence sector. The plan includes RMB 10 billion (USD 1.4 billion) in initial funding, backing for core components like dexterous hands and sensors, and subsidies for high-potential firms to advance China’s humanoid robot market.—The Paper
- Zhuhai launched a state-backed tech firm and RMB 600 million (USD 84 million) in subsidies to boost its AI and robotics sectors. The package includes vouchers covering up to 50% of computing costs and 30% of large model usage fees. Two new initiatives were also introduced to support startups and integrate industrial resources. —SCMP
- Beijing released a 2025 action plan to drive AI-powered upgrades in manufacturing. The 16-point strategy supports the development of datasets, foundation models, simulation tools, and embodied intelligence, with up to RMB 50 million (USD 7 million) in funding for key initiatives. —Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology
- China will deepen reforms in 232 national development zones, which collectively generated RMB 16.9 trillion (USD 2.4 trillion) in GDP and attracted USD 27.2 billion in FDI in 2024. A new plan prioritizes foreign-led projects in semiconductors, biomedicine, and advanced manufacturing, aiming to strengthen global investor engagement and promote higher-quality market access. —CGTN
- China is planning a successor to “Made in China 2025” focused on advanced technologies such as chipmaking tools, signaling continued industrial self-reliance as uncertainty over US tariffs persists. The blueprint may be released alongside the nation’s next five-year plan, emphasizing reduced foreign dependence and a stable manufacturing share of GDP. —Bloomberg
China steps up regional diplomacy to strengthen trade and supply chains
- Between May 27–28, leaders from ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China met in Kuala Lumpur for a first-of-its-kind summit aimed at strengthening economic cooperation to hedge against US trade policies. While no major deals were signed, the trilateral talks signaled plans to deepen collaboration in trade, digital infrastructure and green tech, despite competing interests and pressure to maintain US ties. —CNA
- Malaysia and China agreed to deepen cooperation across key areas including AI, trade, and green energy. Leaders from both countries met ahead of the ASEAN-GCC-China summit in Kuala Lumpur. China also pledged support for Malaysia’s ASEAN 2025 chairmanship, as both sides emphasized shared growth through regional integration. —Bernama
- China and ASEAN completed talks on their upgraded Free Trade Area (FTA) 3.0 agreement, which adds digital and green economy chapters and aims to deepen production and supply chain ties. At a May 29 press briefing, China also launched a smart supply chain initiative, citing global trade uncertainty and expanding ties with blocs like the GCC.—Ministry of Commerce (China)
- On May 25, Chinese premier Li Qiang met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta to promote trade and investment amid growing global protectionism. Li brought a delegation of 60 Chinese business leaders on his three-day visit and called for deeper China-Indonesia cooperation within the G20 and BRICS frameworks. —AP News
TikTok Shop cuts jobs in Indonesia
Layoffs of several hundred staff are underway across TikTok Shop in Indonesia, cutting its local e-commerce workforce to about 2,500. The move follows its USD 1.5 billion merger with Tokopedia, as the company navigates fierce competition and antitrust scrutiny over its growing market share.—Bloomberg
Huawei backs Thailand as ASEAN AI hub
Huawei and Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society co-hosted a summit in Bangkok on May 30 to promote AI adoption and digital growth. With over 2,000 attendees, the event unveiled partnerships with Chulalongkorn University and plans to train 20,000 AI developers by 2025, reinforcing Thailand’s bid to become ASEAN’s digital and AI hub.
Didi launches overseas charter service
Didi launched its overseas charter service in 26 cities across 11 countries, including Singapore, Thailand, Japan, and South Korea. Designed for Chinese travelers, the service features Chinese-speaking drivers, ride packages, and RMB payments via Alipay and WeChat Pay. —IT Zhijia
BYD to bring smart driving tech to Singapore
Chinese EV maker BYD plans to roll out its DiPilot smart driving system (also known as “God’s Eye”) to overseas markets, starting with Singapore. The launch, expected by 2026, will comprise features like adaptive cruise, automated parking, and remote control, with deployment staggered based on each market’s regulatory and technical readiness. —CNA
Trip.com launches travel innovation fund
Trip.com Group announced a RMB 1 billion (USD 140 million) fund at its May 26 summit in Shanghai to invest in travel innovation. It also unveiled new hotel partnerships across Southeast Asia to elevate service standards, along with a dual-hub initiative to boost inbound tourism. —36Kr
That wraps up this edition of China Recap. If your company is expanding internationally, we’d love to hear about your latest milestones. Get in touch to share your story.