Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has captured global attention in recent weeks with its R1 inference model, which the company claims matches OpenAI's o1 model in performance while requiring significantly lower development costs. This breakthrough has resonated throughout the AI industry, particularly for its potential to reduce both development and operational expenses for businesses

Since February 1, 2025, 16 Chinese AI chip manufacturers have announced support for or launched services based on the DeepSeek model. This development raises questions about the impact on the Chinese market and the evolving competition between Nvidia and local AI chip manufacturers

China faces mounting economic challenges as unpaid wages emerge as a significant social issue, particularly affecting workers in the construction and manufacturing sectors. These industries, once pillars of China's economic growth, now struggle with delayed salary payments due to a broader economic downturn and industrial overcapacity. The situation threatens to intensify labor disputes, especially during holiday periods

Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics face mounting challenges from former US President Donald Trump's tariff policies. South Korean industry insiders warn that if the US imposes a 25% tariff on products manufactured in Mexico, Samsung and LG—both with production bases in the country—will inevitably suffer impacts. Meanwhile, Chinese TV manufacturers may maintain competitive pricing through government subsidies, potentially creating a market advantage over South Korean firms

China's automakers are turning to DeepSeek's large language model (LLM) to power next-generation smart cockpits, signaling a new era of AI-driven vehicle intelligence, according to industry sources

Japanese silicon wafer manufacturer Sumco has announced plans to cease silicon wafer production at its Miyazaki plant in Japan by the end of 2026, as part of its strategy to improve profitability by optimizing its product mix

Under pressure from the Trump administration, Panama has exited China's Belt and Road Initiative, even as Southeast Asian nations move to deepen their supply chain ties with China in a bid to strengthen their US negotiating position

The sales performance of the new iPhone series in the Greater China region has not shown improvement from 2024, seemingly confirming many market forecasts that suggest iPhone growth has hit a bottleneck in this region. The overall slowdown in China's consumer market and intensified competition from local brands are key factors contributing to this outcome

Luxshare Precision has signed a CNY120 billion (approx. US$16.43 billion) industrial project agreement in Kunshan, the city's largest investment in three years. When fully operational, the project is expected to generate CNY80 billion in annual output, significantly driving regional economic growth, according to Jiemian

Tesla has expanded its energy storage capabilities with the inauguration of a new gigafactory in Shanghai, marking a significant milestone in the company's global expansion strategy

Industry players in China express mounting concerns as TSMC implements stricter controls on advanced chip production for Chinese customers. According to recent reports from Jiwei, Chinese IC design firms have confirmed receiving notifications from TSMC regarding a new BIS whitelist policy that significantly impacts their supply chain options

Chinese automotive manufacturers Changan Automobile and Dongfeng Automobile are reportedly planning to merge, aiming to enhance their global competitiveness by combining resources and technology. This merger is expected to significantly influence the Chinese automotive market, especially in the electric vehicle sector, creating stronger competition for major players like BYD

The rumored collapse of merger talks between Honda and Nissan amidst the EV industry's transformation has thrust Foxconn into the spotlight as it continues to explore partnerships with Nissan and Renault. This strategic move, influenced by market shifts and US policies, could reshape global automotive dynamics, highlighting Foxconn's cautious yet proactive approach to leveraging its industry knowledge

TSMC is reportedly enforcing US chip export restrictions by requiring Chinese IC design houses to use BIS-whitelisted OSAT facilities for back-end processing of sub-16nm chips. The company may suspend shipments to non-compliant customers, reinforcing US efforts to tighten semiconductor supply chain controls

Huawei Technologies Co. has found an unlikely way to boost sales of its latest smartwatches in the face of sluggish consumer spending in China: by registering them as medical devices