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Chinese direct investment in Europe rose 47% to EUR 10 billion in 2024, ending a seven-year decline, according to MERICS and Rhodium Group. Greenfield…

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Chinese direct investment in Europe rose 47% to EUR 10 billion in 2024, ending a seven-year decline, according to MERICS and Rhodium Group. Greenfield projects drove the rebound, led by <a href="/industry/ev">EV</a> and <a href="/industry/batteries">battery</a> investments in Hungary. <a href="/company/catl">CATL</a>, <a href="/company/tencent">Tencent</a>, and <a href="/company/byd">BYD</a> accounted for a large share. Hungary drew 31% of Chinese FDI, outpacing Germany, France, and the UK combined.

<a href="/company/shein">Shein</a> warned that French shoppers could face price hikes of up to EUR 12 per order by 2030 if the EU enacts a EUR 2 handling fee on direct e-commerce shipments and France enacts a bill penalizing <a href="/industry/fashion">fast fashion</a>. A Shein spokesperson criticized the proposals, which target low-cost platforms like Shein and <a href="/company/temu">Temu</a>, and called for dialogue with public officials.

Chinese quant fund Goku Technologies has submitted a paper to NeurIPS detailing SASR, a new <a href="/industry/ai">AI</a> training framework it says outperforms mainstream methods like supervised fine-tuning and reinforcement learning. Co-developed with Shanghai Jiao Tong University and new AI unit AllMind, the work mirrors <a href="/company/deepseek">DeepSeek’s</a> model and underscores China’s AI progress despite US tech curbs.

<a href="/company/xpeng">Xpeng</a> has named Modus Group its exclusive partner for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, marking its entry into the Baltic market. Sales will begin in Q3 2025 with the G6 and G9 SUVs. The move expands Xpeng's European footprint as it targets presence in over 60 countries by year-end, supported by local showrooms and after-sales networks.

At a May 22 event, <a href="/company/alibaba">Alibaba</a> CEO Eddie Wu clarified that Alibaba Cloud’s planned RMB 380 billion investment over three years will include partnerships with firms such as Midea, GAC, and China Eastern Airlines. The initiative aims to build unified global <a href="/industry/ai">AI</a> and cloud infrastructure, expand deployment of products like Qwen, and support Chinese firms going global with stronger compliance and services.

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon said the bank remains committed to long-term growth in China despite rising political pressure. Speaking in Shanghai, Dimon defended its role in <a href="/company/catl">CATL’s</a> listing, citing thorough due diligence and client demand. JPMorgan continues to invest in the market, where it holds full control of key operations and sees renewed momentum in cross-border business.

At the inaugural HKIC forum, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said Hong Kong is well-positioned to become a global hub for “patient capital,” citing its legal system, market openness, and innovation strengths. The event drew 400 delegates managing over USD 20 trillion. State-owned HKIC has co-invested in more than 100 projects and plans deeper engagement in AI and deep tech.

<p data-start="229" data-end="523">Meinian OneHealth and <a href="/company/alibaba">Alibaba’s</a> Damo Academy have partnered to bring <a href="/industry/ai">AI</a> screening to health exams, targeting early detection of cancer and chronic diseases. The CT-based model, recently designated a breakthrough device by the FDA, has reportedly shown high accuracy in identifying pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancers and will now be piloted in routine checkups.</p>

Ant International and HSBC have launched a blockchain-based tokenized deposit service in Hong Kong, enabling round-the-clock HKD and USD transfers between corporate wallets. Ant is reportedly the first client to complete an instant intra-group transaction using its Whale platform, part of a broader push to digitize treasury operations with AI, encryption, and cross-chain tools.

<a href="/company/alibaba">Alibaba</a> announced its first AliExpress <a href="/industry/e-commerce">cross-border e-commerce</a> industrial park in Northeast China on May 19, located in Dalian’s Hi-tech Zone. The 10,000-square-meter site is set to open in July and will serve as a logistics and export hub, offering full-cycle services to help local firms access global markets through Alibaba’s international network.

<a href="/company/meituan">Meituan</a> has reportedly launched Keemart, the overseas brand of Xiaoxiang Supermarket, in Riyadh, marking its first retail venture abroad. Former senior executive Liu Wei is leading the rollout. While Meituan has yet to confirm the move, hiring is underway for procurement, operations, and business roles.

How does finance become frictionless? Examine digital banking, payment innovation, and lending platforms redefining financial access.

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The fintech firm is betting on global expansion and AI-driven financial infrastructure to anchor its next phase of growth.

Airwallex raises USD 300 million, eyes IPO readiness and AI-led finance

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How do we store tomorrow’s power? Evaluate battery R&amp;D, manufacturing progress, and recycling strategies fueling energy independence.

Batteries

How is power evolving? Review renewable sources, grid innovations, and efficiency measures driving cleaner, more resilient energy systems.

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As China grapples with a surge in retired EV batteries, Eagoal is leaning on predictive tools and clean chemistry to lead the way.

As EV batteries retire, recyclers like Eagoal race to scale and standardize

The tariff rollback shows Washington's constraints and offers exporters reprieve.

US-China trade war truce: 5 things to know

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China’s EU investment rebounds in 2024

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