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Explainers

In-depth guides that explain China’s technology, policy, and business landscape — from chipmaking and AI to space, energy, and geopolitics. Built for readers who want context, not just headlines.

China's AI Cloud Wars: How Tencent, Alibaba, and Baidu Are Adapting Their Strategies

What is happening in China's cloud computing market? China's cloud computing industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation as artificial intelligence becomes the primary competitive battleground. The three major players—Tencent Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, and Baidu Intelligent Cloud—are pursuing distinctly different strategies, each facing unique challenges

What Is the Tau (τ) Scaling Law? Understanding Huawei's Alternative to Moore's Law

On May 25, 2026, Huawei introduced the "Tau (τ) Scaling Law," a proposed framework for advancing semiconductor performance as traditional transistor miniaturization approaches fundamental physical limits. But what exactly does this mean, and why does it matter? What Is the Tau (τ) Scaling Law? The Tau Scaling Law

China's Humanoid Robot Dominance: What It Means for the Global Economy

An inflection point in automation is here — and China controls the supply chain This article is based on research from Barclays Research’s May 19, 2026 report, “AI gets physical: The decade of the robot belongs to China.” What Is Happening with Humanoid Robots? Humanoid robots — AI-powered machines designed

How China Built 22% of the World's Chip Capacity

Between 2014 and 2026, China's share of global semiconductor wafer production capacity grew from less than 10% to a projected 22.3%, enough to rank first globally ahead of South Korea and Taiwan. That rise represents one of the fastest industrial expansions in modern technology history. But the

China's AI "Four Dragons": The Startups Behind a $140 Billion Boom

In less than two years, China has produced four AI startups with a combined valuation exceeding 1 trillion yuan (roughly $140 billion). Their rise has become one of the most closely watched developments in the global AI race, especially as China pushes to build domestic alternatives to U.S.-dominated

China's Humanoid Robot "Seven Dragons": Who's Selling, Who's Storytelling?

What Are Humanoid Robot Companies, and Why Does China Have Seven Major Players? Humanoid robots—machines designed to replicate human form and movement—have become one of China's hottest deep-tech sectors. In Q1 2026 alone, Chinese embodied intelligence companies raised between RMB 20-30 billion ($2.8-

China's AI Model Race: Five Key Debates Shaping the Future

Understanding the rapidly evolving landscape of Chinese artificial intelligence models and their global implications Based on Goldman Sachs equity research report "Navigating China Internet/AI Models" published May 4, 2026 What Is Happening in China's AI Industry? China's artificial intelligence sector is experiencing explosive

Unitree G1 Teardown: Decoding the Economics and Engineering of the World's Best-Selling Humanoid Robot

The humanoid robot market is experiencing explosive growth. According to IDC, global humanoid robot shipments are expected to reach nearly 18,000 units in 2025, a 508% year-over-year increase, creating a market size of approximately $440 million. At the forefront of this surge is Unitree Robotics, whose G1

Token Exports: How China Is Selling AI Compute Power to the World

A new form of digital trade is emerging where electricity stays within borders, but computational value flows across them—and it's reshaping the global AI industry. What Is Token, and Why Does It Matter? To understand how Chinese AI companies are exporting computational power, you first need to

CATL: The Battery Giant Redefining Energy Storage

What Is CATL? Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), known in Chinese as 宁德时代 (Ningde Shidai), is the world's largest manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Ningde, Fujian Province, China, the company has transformed from a