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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 "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

The Great Cost Divide in Humanoid Robotics: China vs. the US

A deep dive into the structural factors, supply chain dynamics, and technological strategies explaining why a humanoid robot from China can cost less than 10% of its American counterpart. The humanoid robotics industry is witnessing a dramatic price polarization. On one end, American pioneers like Agility Robotics price their industrial

Explainer: The Strategic Push Behind China's Tech IPO Wave

A wave of Chinese technology companies, from AI chip designers to humanoid robot makers, are rushing to go public. This is not a typical market boom, but a calculated and state-supported push to build a self-reliant technology ecosystem amid escalating global competition. The recent IPO application by robotics

China’s AI Large Models Lead Global Token Usage: Industry Shifts and Implications

China’s AI large models have claimed the top spot in global weekly token usage, a pivotal shift that signals the industry’s move from technical parameter competition to large-scale commercial application, and marks China’s transition from an AI technology follower to a market leader in the global

China’s "Lobster Craze": How OpenClaw Turned AI Agents Into a National Obsession

China’s adoption of open-source AI agent software OpenClaw has sparked a nationwide "lobster-raising" craze, driving a historic rally in domestic AI stocks and drawing global attention. Chinese AI startups have seen explosive gains: MiniMax soared 740% post-2026 IPO, while ZhiPu AI jumped 560%, per