Caixin

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 248: China’s clean car exports surge

The China Project — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 16:20:03 +0000

Four are arrested in India on alleged links to a Vivo money-laundering investigation, Golden Week tourism revenues top pre-pandemic levels, but just barely, and China is set to sell a record amount of offshore yuan sovereign debt. In addition, Kelsey Cheng talks about NIO's challenges in China's competitive EV market.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 247: Corporate America’s optimism about China is fading

The China Project — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 15:51:12 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: U.S. firms reported falling optimism for their China operations amid concerns over Sino-U.S. tensions, but many are still planning to boost investment in the country; Chinese steelmakers come out strong despite a property slump; and a troubled Zhongzhi-linked financial institution asks two state-owned companies to help manage its business. Plus, Yukun Zhang joins to talk about local government debt and the proposals being floated to address this potentially dangerous issue.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 246: The EU announces a probe into Chinese EV subsidies, and the Chinese gov denies reports of an iPhone ban

The China Project — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 15:17:07 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: The EU says it will launch an investigation into Chinese subsidies for electric vehicles in a bid to ward off cheap imports, a move Beijing says could negatively impact trade ties. Beijing denies that it has banned Apple iPhones in government agencies. And the PBOC lowers reserve requirement ratios to juice lending. In addition, Kelsey Cheng explains what's happening with China's offshore wind sector.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 245: China’s appetite for luxury is back

The China Project — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 14:20:36 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China’s retail sales growth may have been weak in the first half of the year, but spending on expensive handbags, clothing, and accessories boomed, earnings reports show. China’s trade data improved in August but economic worries still linger, and Apple stock drops on reports of a Chinese government iPhone ban. Plus, Jonathan Breen provides a glimpse into the tiny world of organoids on microscopic chips — and its big potential future.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, ep. 244: China’s sweeping property rescue

The China Project — Sat, 02 Sep 2023 01:02:26 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Beijing launches a sweeping policy package to rescue the property market, China extends income tax breaks for foreigners, AI specialist SenseTime is laying off more workers after another year of red ink, and Evergrande delays offshore debt restructuring votes at last minute. Plus, Zhang Yukun joins for a deep-dive into the woes of property giant Country Garden.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief episode 243: Senate targets U.S. Investments in China, and first U.S. IPO under new listing rules moves a step closer

The China Project — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 15:01:20 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: The U.S. Senate targets American investments in China, Beijing plans to relax rules on foreign firms investing in bad-debt managers, and Alibaba makes Meta's Llama AI platform available to Chinese developers. In addition, Yukun Zhang of Caixin Global unpacks the implications as China’s first U.S. IPO under new listing rules moves a step closer,

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief episode 242: Climate talks resume, Tencent allows foreign banks for mobile payments, and Beijing pledges a bigger, better, and stronger private sector

The China Project — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 18:46:02 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business brief: WeChat lets users link overseas cards for everyday payments in China, U.S. climate envoy John Kerry visits China Rio Tinto warns of slowing iron ore shipments as China recovery falters, and China vows to create a bigger, better, and stronger private sector. In addition, Kelly Wang gives the latest on China's efforts to lower drug prices and the impact it's having on big pharma.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 241: Truce in EV price war, commerce minister courts foreign drugmakers

The China Project — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 13:12:26 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Tesla and Chinese rivals signal a truce in the EV price war, top property developers see June’s new sales take a dive, and China's commerce minister encourages investment by foreign drugmakers In addition, Yukun Zhang discusses the reasons behind China's lackluster credit demand.

Information The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief episode 240: More AI investment from Chinese firms, LVMH’s CEO begins a China tour, and the Alibaba restructuring

The China Project — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 13:57:45 +0000

On this week’s episode, Chinese entrepreneurs mobilize for an AI race with the U.S., food-delivery giant Meituan buys an AI startup for more than $200 million, and LVMH’s billionaire CEO kicks off his China tour to woo local consumers. In addition, Kelsey Cheng explains the restructuring of Alibaba.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief episode 239: Sequoia spins off China unit, national AI regs coming, and ed-tech firms rush to follow ChatGPT

The China Project — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 15:57:08 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: VC giant Sequoia reorganizes and spins off its China unit under geopolitical concerns, China puts drafting a national AI law on its legislative agenda, and Chinese education companies race to develop ChatGPT-like products, In addition, we speak with Kelsey Cheng about Huawei's struggling automotive business.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief ep. 238: China’s first homegrown jet sets sights on Airbus and Boeing

The China Project — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 15:13:39 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: The Comac C919 takes its maiden commercial flight, Beijing-based ChatGPT rival files for Hong Kong IPO, and China moves ahead with a Shanghai international reinsurance market plan. In addition, Yukun Zhang talks about how the UBS acquisition of Credit Suisse is playing out in China.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief ep. 237: HK allows retail crypto trade, Meituan launches food delivery in HK, Wanda unit’s IPO in question

The China Project — Fri, 26 May 2023 15:41:13 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Hong Kong greenlights retail cryptocurrency trading, Meituan launches a food delivery app in Hong Kong, Dalian Wanda bonds sink amid concerns on repayment and unit’s IPO plan, and China approves Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard acquisition deal In addition, Jonathan Breen talks about Hong Kong's efforts to revive its position as Asia's business hub in the wake of the COVID pandemic.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief Episode 236: Oppo shuts its chip design arm, PLA pun costs comedian cash

The China Project — Fri, 19 May 2023 15:29:45 +0000

On this week's episode, Oppo shuts down its chip-designing business, Baidu’s quarterly revenue exceeds market expectations, and a Chinese comedy producer takes $2 million hit for a military pun. In addition, Yukun Zhang tells how a Shandong-based steel cord maker faked its numbers and defaulted on bond repayments — and why the court's ruling on compensation may have an impact beyond this specific case.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief episode 235: China expels Canadian diplomat, LinkedIn quits China, U.S. auditors find fault in first China inspection

The China Project — Fri, 12 May 2023 16:05:18 +0000

On this week’s episode of the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, a Softbank-backed Chinese robot startup has filed for a multimillion-dollar IPO in Shanghai, LinkedIn will scale back its China presence amid market headwinds, U.S. auditors have found unacceptable rates of deficiencies in its China inspections, and a banking veteran is set to lead China’s new financial regulator. In addition, Kelsey Cheng explains why so many Chinese businesses are headed to Saudi Arabia.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief ep. 234: Evergrande debt restructuring hits snag, holiday travel rebounds in China, new CATL battery takes flight, Xi calls Zelenskyy

The China Project — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 15:24:08 +0000

In this week’s episode: Evergrande's offshore debt restructuring hits another roadblock, CATL's revolutionary battery has its eye on electric flight, a Chinese city is paying civil servants in digital yuan, and China’s president affirms the country’s commitment to peace in Ukraine. In addition, Kaiser speaks with Jonathan Breen about chipmaking equipment export restrictions and how Dutch and Japanese companies might still manage to sell into China.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief episode 232 China’s energy giants expand in the Middle East and LatAm, lithium prices plummet

The China Project — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 15:12:04 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China's SINOPEC inks a deal to take a share in a major Qatar LNG producer, while China Southern Power Grid expands its presence in South America, and prices for lithium continue to fall amid weak demand for electric vehicles. Plus, we talk to Zhang Yukun about a major corruption scandal in the shipping industry.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief episode 231: A new ChatGPT contender in China, airline losses, and auto price wars

The China Project — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 23:47:14 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, China’s ‘big three’ airlines post huge losses in 2022, table tennis superstar caught up in extortion scandal, and Huolala operator sets Hong Kong IPO in motion. In addition, Kelsey Cheng talks about the ongoing price war among Chinese automakers.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief episode 230: TikTok in the hot seat, Huarong warns of big losses, and the Guangzhou government is moving markets

The China Project — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 16:57:05 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: TikTok chief defends the app’s independence in U.S. Congressional hearing, Tron founder faces U.S. lawsuit for crypto misconduct, and China Huarong warns of $4 billion loss for 2022. In addition, Kelsey Cheng joins to talk about the controversy surrounding the plan to relocate the enormous Zhongda textile market in Guangzhou.

Episode 229: New leaders, old visas, Chinese solar in Ohio, and scandals at the Big Fund

The China Project — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 16:35:54 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: A reshuffle in the central government’s top brass, Chinese solar wafer giant to build a multimillion-dollar factory in the U.S., and scandal-rocked chip investment ‘Big Fund’ gets a new boss. In addition, Yukun Zhang tells us about insurers selling retirement community living bundled with insurance products.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief episode 228

The China Project — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 15:53:48 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China will create a vast new financial regulator, TikTok unveils a new data security program in Europe, BYD enters the U.K. passenger car market, and Chinese local governments offer sweeteners to potential buyers to boost car sales. In addition, Kelsey Cheng joins to talk about ByteDance's Douyin — TikTok's Chinese cousin — and its aggressive moves into e-commerce and food delivery, areas dominated by giants Alibaba and Meituan.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief episode 227

The China Project — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 15:53:46 +0000

In this week’s episode: Huawei spinoff Honor looks to challenge Apple and Samsung in Europe, and TikTok tries to make itself less addictive to teens. Plus, Mercedes pivots to EV battery recycling in China, and, the country’s richest woman succeeds her father as chairperson of property developer giant Country Garden. In addition, Yukun Zhang joins to discuss how an averted public bus shutdown in the Shangqiu, Henan, illustrates the difficulties that local governments are experiencing with their finances.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief episode 226

The China Project — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 02:20:11 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Alibaba posts better-than-expected quarterly profits, GAC seeks more China-made chips to ease foreign dependence, and at least six killed in Inner Mongolia mine collapse. In addition, Caixin Global reporter Zhang Yukun tells us what we know about the disappearance of well-known deal-maker Bao Fan, the founder and CEO of China Renaissance.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 225

The China Project — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 17:07:47 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Breif: Warren Buffet cashes in on BYD as his sell-down continues, Hua Hong Semiconductor reports its 10th straight quarter of record revenue, and ByteDance takes on Meituan by venturing into food delivery. In addition, we speak with Denise Jia of Caixin-Global about China's huge appetite for minerals, which is only increasing as the electric vehicle industry continues to expand.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief episode 224

The China Project — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 17:40:59 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: A spat over a wandering balloon upsets U.S.-China relations, Baidu promises its own AI chatbot in March, and Beijing officials warn against NFT and metaverse scams. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global's Kelsey Cheng about Ant Financial's progress toward getting back in the good graces of Beijing regulators.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 223

The China Project — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 17:01:04 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Top securities regulator rolls out registration-based IPO system for Shenzhen and Shanghai main boards, IMF upgrades China’s GDP forecast, and trucking startup TuSimple denies report of potential U.S. spying probe. In addition, we speak with Kelly Wang of Caixin Global about China's efforts to develop a new generation of soccer talent.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief episode 222

The China Project — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 16:53:51 +0000

On this week's episode: Roughly two dozen countries put curbs on travelers from China, Alibaba signs deal with Hangzhou government, and Shenzhen plans cash handouts to boost the birthrate. In addition, Zhang Yukun, finance reporter at Caixin Global, explains how scammers bilked PFM firms in China for millions of yuan.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief episode 221

The China Project — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 16:42:18 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Pharmacies told to give out free meds, China to boost the supply of Pfizer’s Paxlovid, Xiaomi slashes staff after a third consecutive down quarter, and ‘Avatar 2’ breathes some life into the tepid Chinese box office. In addition, Kelsey Cheng joins to discuss China's weakening exports — and why export growth is weak despite favorable exchange rates.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief episode 220

The China Project — Sun, 18 Dec 2022 20:35:12 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Mainlanders rush to Macao for mRNA shot, exit from ‘zero Covid’ spurs air travel revival, and U.S. and Chinese regulators make major progress in audit dispute. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global finance reporter Yukun Zhang about the challenges that the Big Four accounting firms face in China even after the apparent resolution of the longstanding audit dispute.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 219

The China Project — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 17:50:21 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Guangzhou eases Covid curbs, UBS economist predicts China to fully reopen in the third quarter of 2023, housing sales slump persists despite rescue efforts. Plus, Kelsey Cheng of Caixin Global discusses new options for retirement savings as households look to diversify from real estate.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 218

The China Project — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 18:24:12 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China’s property sales remain sluggish despite government efforts, Tencent wins new game license after 17-month drought, and Alibaba posts surprise loss amid crisis in consumer confidence In addition, Caixin Global finance reporter Yukun Zhang talks about the downfall of Tian Huiyu, the once high-0flying banker and former president of China Merchants Bank who has been investigated for corruption charges and expelled from the Communist Party.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 217

The China Project — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 17:11:11 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China cuts quarantine time for international travelers, China’s home-grown GPS rival is fitted in almost every new smartphone shipped in the country; and carmaker BYD launches its first luxury EV brand in a challenge to high-end foreign brands. In addition, Jonathan Breen talks about how Beijing is addressing abuse of the cough medicine DMX.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 216

The China Project — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 17:12:41 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Chinese mining companies have been ordered to divest from Canadian lithium projects. Plus, Chinese bank moves to recoup billions of unpaid Evergrande loans, and how Apple supplier Foxconn is trying to stop workers from fleeing Covid lockdown. We also speak with Caixin Global editor Josh Drummer about the success— and the challenges — of EV battery giant CATL as it seeks to expand into international markets.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 215

The China Project — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 16:48:10 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Wildfires rage in Sichuan and Chongqing as a heatwave and drought turn forests into tinderboxes and reservoirs evaporate; Huawei's Ren Zhengfei warns of dire difficulties ahead for the telecoms equipment giant; a labor scam in Hong Kong fleecing people lured to Southeast Asia with the promise of high-paying jobs is uncovered; and SMIC announces plans for a massive new wafer fab in Tianjin. In addition, we speak with Nandini Venkata about the fallout from a leaked high school entrance exam in Shanghai.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 214

The China Project — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 16:05:33 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China’s central bank lowers two key interest rates by 10 basis points; China’s Foreign Ministry releases a white paper on Taiwan; Beijing defends its controversial decision to suspend climate cooperation with the U.S.; Hainan continues to wrestle with a COVID outbreak; fast-fashion giant Shein overtakes Amazon in app downloads; and ByteDance shells out $1.5 billion to acquire a private hospital through subsidiaries. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global’s Nandini Venkata about the new virus that’s been discovered in China.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 213

The China Project — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 16:44:06 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Sino-U.S. relations continue to suffer in the aftermath of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s controversial trip to Taiwan; the U.S. expands its ban on the sale of semiconductor design equipment to China; Chinese electric vehicle battery maker CATL sues a rival over alleged IP infringement; troubled property developer Evergrande abandons plans to build a massive soccer stadium in Southern China; and China’s two largest online game publishers see zero new titles approved in the latest government list. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global’s Nandini Venkata about Alibaba’s turbulent ride in the U.S. as it faces a potential delisting over the ongoing audit controversy.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 212

The China Project — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 15:56:32 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping hold a call lasting over two hours ahead of a possible visit to Taiwan by U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and a congressional delegation; Beijing will stick with its “zero-COVID” strategy despite the economic hit; and China’s digital currency gets some new measures to combat privacy violations and prevent laundering. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global’s Nandini Venkata about why Chinese company Miniso is under attack by short-sellers.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 211

The China Project — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 15:30:06 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Beijing backs down over the use of "quarantine bracelets" after online backlash; Didi served with large fines for violations of data and personal security laws; Hong Kong cops bust a fake marriage ring, arresting over 100 individuals; and U.S.-China tensions flare over Nancy Pelosi's plans to visit Taiwan next month. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global financial news reporter Yukun Zhang about the scandal involving village banks in Henan province.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 210

The China Project — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 16:13:55 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: A senior executive has left ByteDance, the company behind TikTok after his hardware initiatives were unsuccessful; a knife attack in a Shanghai hospital results in multiple injuries to hospital staff; Hong Kong eases some COVID control measures; an iron ore mining project in Guinea is once again on hold after the Chinese and Guinean sides fail to come to an agreement; and a major Chinese contract manufacturer for smartphones plans a public listing. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global podcast producer Nandini Venkata about a worrying outbreak of the flu — yes, the flu, not COVID — in South China.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 209

The China Project — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 16:12:23 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Xi Jinping swears in Hong Kong's new chief executive, John Lee, and says that Hong Kong must be governed by "patriots;" a Hong Kong investor sues to have embattled developer Evergrande liquidated; China is on track to increase coal production by 200 million tons in 2022; and Chinese cities reduce spending for the second half of the year amid economic slowdowns and fiscal shortfalls. In addition, we speak with Manyun Zou about China's green energy trading market.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 208

The China Project — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 16:46:07 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: The USTR is still wavering on easing tariffs as Katherine Tai sees tariffs as "leverage" against China; Xi Jinping calls economic sanctions a "double-edged sword" in his opening speech at the BRICS Summit; TikTok's Chinese sister company Douyin wins rights for digital broadcast of the World Cup; and EV maker NIO responds after two people are killed when one of its pilot cars crashes through a wall at a parking garage and plummets three stories. In addition, Nandini Venkata, Caixin Global's podcast producer, joins Kaiser to discuss the scandal in Henan over abuse of the COVID health code app.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 207

The China Project — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 16:07:28 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China’s top regulator quashes rumors of a revived Ant Group IPO; the debate over IVF for single women in China heats up; China’s defense minister Wei Fenghe spits some fire at the Shangri-La Dialogue; and new COVID outbreaks threaten openings in Shanghai and Beijing. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global financial reporter Yukun Zhang about mass COVID testing, one of the main weapons in China’s anti-COVID arsenal.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 206

The China Project — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 15:37:08 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: A kerfuffle in China over images in textbooks; the chairman and CEO of a financial services company faces a two-year ban on securities trading; the numbers are down again this month as Shanghai and other Chinese cities emerge from lockdown; EU says that China will take advantage of Russia’s energy woes; and a bit reshuffle at Ant Financial. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global podcast producer Nandini Venkata about Amazon’s decision to pull one of its most popular products — the Kindle, and the Kindle bookstore — out of China.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 205

The China Project — Tue, 31 May 2022 15:56:54 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: USTR Katherine Tai is still not saying whether the Biden administration will lift some tariffs on Chinese goods; Chinese companies listed in the U.S. face a November deadline to resolve the longstanding audit issues; Luckin Coffee reports its first-ever operating profit; Airbnb checks out of China; and Beijing targets stimulus at airlines and consumers in hopes of reviving an economy clobbered by COVID lockdowns.

We also speak with Nandini Venkata, Caixin Global's podcast producer, about the difficulties of traveling out of Shanghai as lockdowns appear to come to an end.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 204

The China Project — Mon, 16 May 2022 16:19:50 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Ridesharing giant Didi Global says it will not complete a cybersecurity review before its pending delisting from the NYSE; Hong Kong authorities bust a money-laundering scheme; and Joe Biden dangles the possibility of dropping Trump-era tariffs, even as Beijing bridles at changes to the language on a State Department “fact sheet” on Taiwan. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global podcast producer Nandini Venkata for an update on China’s COVID-19 outbreak and unpopular lockdowns, as well as the latest on mRNA vaccines.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 203

The China Project — Mon, 09 May 2022 16:33:29 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: The Beijing leadership doubles down on its controversial “Dynamic Zero-Covid Strategy”; foreign companies feel the pinch from the Covid lockdowns, especially in logistics, according to a new European Union Chamber of Commerce survey; China’s regulators appear to back off a bit from their ongoing crackdown on China’s fintech sector; the Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, have been postponed; and China’s central bank extends a $15 billion credit line to fire up the coal sector. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global podcast producer Nandini Venkata about the horrifying story now making the rounds on the internet of an elderly woman mistakenly believed to be dead and zipped into a body bag at an elderly care facility.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 202

The China Project — Mon, 02 May 2022 13:33:59 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Beijing scrambles to control a COVID-19 outbreak in the capital, undertaking mass testing; leading commercial drone maker DJI suspends operations in both Russia and Ukraine; asset management companies report soaring profits — as do makers of COVID test kits; and three Chinese nationals are dead after an apparent suicide attack at a Confucius Institute in Karachi. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global podcast producer Nandini Venkata for the latest in the case of Richard Liu, the founder of e-commerce giant JD.com, who was acquitted of rape charges but is being sued for damages by the original plaintiff, who claims that Liu assaulted her in September of 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 201

The China Project — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 16:07:46 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: The lockdown in Shanghai continues as residents scramble to find sources of food and officials move against price gouging; the intercity logistics sector feels the pinch of the lockdowns, according to new research; TSMC sees revenues and profits growing healthily amidst huge demand for chips; the head of a joint ICBC-Goldman Sachs fund steps aside amidst speculation that he may be implicated in the investigation of two of his employees; and China — the world’s largest importer of crude oil — will be paying through the nose as energy prices soar. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global financial reporter Yukun Zhang about the fate of NFTs in China.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 200

The China Project — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 16:51:51 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China’s ambassador to the United Nations calls for an investigation into the killings of civilians in Bucha, in the Kyiv suburbs; more grim allegations of human trafficking emerge in China; China’s top securities watchdog says new rules governing overseas IPOs will be fast-tracked; Bain reports declining private equity activity in China as exits decline; and JD.com founder Richard Liu steps down as CEO — the latest high-profile tech leader to relinquish day-to-day operational control as regulations tighten. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global deputy copy desk chief Joshua Dummer about the COVID-19 situation in Shanghai.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 199

The China Project — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 15:39:19 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China’s ambassador to the United States says that China’s relationship with Russia does have a bottom line; Chinese consumer drone powerhouse DJI is upbraided over its inability to ground drones used by Russian forces in Ukraine; Shanghai battles an outbreak of the Omicron variant; ZTE shares jump as the company is released from probation by the U.S.; Weibo is added to the list of noncompliant U.S.-listed Chinese companies, and is threatened with potential delisting; and Chinese real estate developer Sunac files for an extension on payments on a $630 million onshore bond. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global podcast producer Nandini Venkata for the latest on the tragic crash of a China Eastern plane — a Boeing 737 — a week ago.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 198

The China Project — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 16:35:42 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: A Boeing 737 flying from Kunming to Guangzhou plummeted suddenly in mountainous Guangxi with 132 aboard; Biden and Xi speak by video conference about Ukraine; Chinese ambassador to the U.S. Qin Gang denies that China had any foreknowledge of the Russian invasion and calls claim that Russia asked for military assistance “disinformation;” China’s economy performs well in the first two months of 2022 — but the reasons for that aren’t cause for optimism; China’s top securities regulator moves to keep foreign listings open; HNA is in hot water again as its aviation group chairman, Bao Qifa, is taken away by police; more restrictions on online fandoms in China; and social media and gaming giant Tencent plans to downsize. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global podcast producer Nandini Venkata about China’s battle with a new subvariant of Omicron.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 197

The China Project — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 15:53:25 +0000

Chinese ADRs tumble on American bourses after the SEC announces possible delistings targets over accounting kerfuffle; nickel prices soar after China’s Tsingshan makes a bad bet on the metal’s futures; disgraced Luckin Coffee survives a bid to pull the plug and liquidate assets; as the Two Meetings comes to an end, Premier Li Keqiang announces that he will step down after finishing his second term this year; China reports 3300 domestic COVID cases as Shenzhen goes into lockdown and Shanghai edges closer to it; and Xi Jinping joins France’s Macron and Germany’s Scholz in a call for a negotiated end to the Russian war in Ukraine. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global financial news reporter Kelsey Cheng, who discusses how Western sanctions on Russia may impact China.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 196

The China Project — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 16:57:56 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China sets its lowest GDP growth target yet, at around 5.5%; the renminbi surges against the ruble as sanctions bite against Russia; an AmCham survey finds fewer U.S. firms in China making a profit; Huawei’s tax troubles in India deepen; a new American ambassador takes up his post in Beijing; Hong Kong continues to battle an Omicron wave; and China is hinting that it is reconsidering its dynamic zero-COVID strategy. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global finance reporter Yukun Zhang about the huge penalties levied against livestreaming e-commerce celebs.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 195

The China Project — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 17:23:14 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: A private lender could lose 10 million yuan in Ethereum following a court ruling on crypto loans; Huawei encounters difficulties in India; China cracks down on counterfeit Olympic mascots after “Bing Dwen Dwen” surges in popularity; Hong Kong battles an Omicron wave; and China’s oil imports decline for the first time in two decades. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global’s Joshua Dummer about the disturbing case of the woman shown chained to a wall in a Douyin video.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 194

The China Project — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 16:33:51 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Beijing plans to announce sweeping standards on fintech and the digital yuan; Hong Kong steps up the fight against COVID-19; Beijing pushes back its target for peaking steel industry carbon emissions by five years; and three people are suspected of human trafficking after a disturbing video of a woman in shackles goes viral. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global financial news reporter Guo Yingzhe about the speculative bubble now forming around the Beijing Winter Games mascot Bing Dwen Dwen.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 193

The China Project — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 17:10:18 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Over 300 positive cases so far within the Olympic closed-loop; the Winter Games fuel a rise in interest in winter sports in China, with travel and spending on the rise; NASDAQ-listed electric vehicle maker Faraday Future is in trouble over misleading vehicle pre-sales figures; the IMF pushes Beijing to address slowing growth with more aggressive fiscal policy; and China’s vaccine makers are looking likely to enjoy significant profit growth for 2022. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global podcast producer Nandini Venkata about Beijing’s efforts to stamp out illegal after-school tutoring companies.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 192

The China Project — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 17:07:00 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: The hardships faced by a migrant worker who tested positive for the Delta variant have sparked widespread sympathy after his movements, and his backstory, were published online; Huawei’s venture capital investment arm, Hubble, looks to bolster Huawei’s chipmaking capabilities; and China’s real estate developers face continuing problems as bills come due. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global podcast producer Nandini Venkata about the results of an investigation into how Zhengzhou mishandled last summer’s deadly flooding.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief episode 191

The China Project — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 15:50:12 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China’s GDP grew 8.1% in 2021 on low comparisons; flight cancellations continue as several Chinese cities experience Omicron variant cases; Beijing further tightens rules on after-school tutoring companies; China’s big mobile payment providers come one step closer to enforced interoperability; and embattled developer Evergrande’s automotive unit produces its first car, but the market isn’t impressed. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global podcast producer Nandini Venkata about the controversial explanations offered by authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong for COVID-19 cases in the respective cities.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 190

The China Project — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 16:22:09 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Major layoffs at short video company Kuaishou; India orders Chinese mobile phone giant Xiaomi to pay $90 million in import taxes; China overtakes Japan to become the world’s largest importer of LNG, or Liquified Natural Gas; and China Mobile makes its debut in a “homecoming listing” on the Shanghai Stock Exchange after being kicked off an American bourse. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global podcast producer Nandini Venkata about the COVID-19 situation in China — in Xi’an, where some pregnant women have been turned away from hospitals for failing to produce valid COVID tests; in Hong Kong, where public anger over a birthday party attended by many officials has boiled over; and in Tianjin, where the first community transmissions of the Omicron variant were reported late last week.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 189

The China Project — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 17:06:03 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: electric vehicle startup Xpeng gets in trouble for abusing facial recognition tech in its showrooms; the stridently nationalistic editor-in-chief of the Global Times steps down; the U.S. Treasury Department expands its list of Chinese companies on its blacklist to include drone maker DJI and dozens of other companies over Xinjiang surveillance and alleged Iran exports; Hong Kong's bourse weighs allowing SPACs — special-purpose acquisition companies — to sell shares; and the top Chinese planning body unveils its big priorities for 2022. We also talk with June Deng, research analyst at Caixin Insight, about ride-sharing giant Didi's intention to list in Hong Kong after its abrupt announcement that it would de-list from the New York Stock Exchange.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 188

The China Project — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 16:27:53 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: A possible end to the chip shortage that has crippled auto manufacturing in China; downgrades of a dozen Chinese real estate developers from the three major credit rating agencies; Beijing launches a new free online tutoring platform in the wake of its crackdown on cram schools; British businesses in China report difficulty in attracting and retaining foreign talent due to China’s COVID restrictions; and once again, Hong Kong is the region with the world’s highest life expectancy. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global podcast producer Nandini Venkata about a promising new type of stainless steel developed in Hong Kong — a material that may significantly help in the fight against COVID-19.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 187

The China Project — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 20:16:49 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Investors get the jitters over the Omicron variant, rattling aviation stocks; Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi announces its impending delisting from the NYSE; China’s Vice Premier Liú Hè 刘鹤 says China is on target to hit its 6% GDP growth target for 2021; Evergrande looks increasingly dire and desperate; and the possible on-screen poisoning of a cat has Chinese audiences in an uproar over alleged animal cruelty. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global podcast editor Nandini Venkata about a woman whose efforts to secure drugs to treat her child’s epilepsy have landed her in legal trouble.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 186

The China Project — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 17:25:29 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Two Chinese nationals have been killed, with 10 held for ransom and two still missing, after an attack in the Democratic Republic of the Congo just a few days after the kidnapping of five in a separate incident also in the DRC; Chinese ties with Lithuania near the breaking point over Taiwan; the U.S. Commerce Department adds more Chinese companies to its “entities list;” Beijing orders Alibaba and Baidu to clean up their cloud services in a bid to prevent on telecommunications fraud; Meituan incurs its biggest quarterly loss since Q3 2018; leading Chinese AI company SenseTime looks set to list in Hong Kong without a cybersecurity review from Beijing; and China’s birthrate drops to its lowest in over 40 years. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global financial news reporter Tang Ziyi about the trials and tribulations of foreign financial services companies operating in China.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 185

The China Project — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 17:55:42 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Henry Kissinger weighs in on the Xi-Biden virtual summit; China and the U.S. will ease visa restrictions on each others’ journalists; Beijing is set to go after carbon-intensive industrial crypto mining operations; China pledges $30 billion toward reducing carbon emissions from burning coal; Alibaba shares fall 11% as the e-commerce giant lowers its full-year forecast; and six people are jailed after trying to cover up the escape of three leopards from a wild animal park in Hangzhou. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global company news editor Kelsey Cheng about how Chinese companies — and regulators — are responding to Facebook’s “Metaverse.”

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 184

The China Project — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 16:57:50 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China’s Ministry of Commerce assures people that its suggestion that people stock up on staples for the winter was just a routine seasonal reminder; China’s exports climb year-over-year for the 13th straight month; Beijing prepares to introduce punitive measures aimed at “separatists” calling for Taiwan independence; quarantine requirements may soon be dropped for travel between the mainland and Hong Kong; and Merck looks to introduce its new COVID-19 therapeutic to the Chinese market. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global company news editor Kelsey Cheng about what’s different with this year’s Double 11 — November 11 — online shopping extravaganza.

The Caixin Sinica Business Brief, episode 183

The China Project — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 17:08:33 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Boeing’s 737 Max planes look likely to be cleared for landing again in the lucrative China market; China’s Foreign Ministry tells U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to stop playing the “Taiwan Card;” Beijing reminds its government agencies not to discriminate against foreign-invested enterprises in procurement; steel output shrinks again in keeping with Beijing’s efforts to curb overcapacity and reduce CO2 emissions; and three of China’s leading power generation companies see huge losses on rising coal prices. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global deputy multimedia editor Heather Mowbray about the plight of uninsured gig economy workers in China.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 182

The China Project — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 15:19:39 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Beijing moves to stabilize coal prices in hopes of addressing shortages that have resulted in power outages and rationing; a Hong Kong real estate billionaire takes a $13 million loss in sell-off of bonds from embattled developer Kaisa; under pressure from regulators, Tencent and Alibaba begin tearing down some of the walls in their respective walled gardens; Huawei wins a big energy storage contract in Saudi Arabia; 13 people have been arrested in connection with the falsification of emissions data in Hebei; and Beijing denies reports that it has tested a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global companies reporter Manyun Zou about the crackdown on online gaming and its impact on game companies.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, ep 181

The China Project — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 16:23:38 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China’s central bank rebukes Evergrande but tries to allay concerns over contagion from its massive debt crisis; prices soar in China for lithium, a key component of batteries for electric vehicles; European businesses ask for clarity in power policy amid shortfalls and rationing; the U.N. Biodiversity Conference wraps up in Kunming, Yunnan, with a pledge by over 100 nations to commit to protecting biodiversity; and Microsoft shutters LinkedIn in China. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global podcast producer Nandini Venkata about the end of after-school tutoring in China as experienced by parents.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 180

The China Project — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 15:19:35 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Food delivery giant Meituan has been fined over half a billion dollars by China’s antitrust regulator; Beijing dangles unprecedented access to its enormous domestic market if it’s allowed to join the CPTPP; concerns over contagion from the Evergrande crisis loom; box office rebounds dramatically over Golden Week with the release of a big-budget war epic; and China’s Vice Premier Liú Hè 刘鹤 meets virtually with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai in what could signal a truce in the ongoing trade war. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global financial news reporter Yukun Zhang about the causes of China’s current power shortages.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 179

The China Project — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 15:01:12 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou returns to China; Huawei budget smartphone brand Honor recovers market share; Beijing cracks down hard on cryptocurrencies, effectively banning all crypto activity; embattled conglomerate HNA’s chairman and CEO both detained in China; questions emerge over banks with exposure to Evergrande; and multiple Chinese provinces suffer power shortfalls, including blackouts, and may face rationing. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global podcast producer Nandini Venkata about exploding lithium batteries, back in the news in China after two e-bike batteries caught fire — one causing a deadly apartment fire.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 178

The China Project — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 16:11:11 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: U.S.-China tensions rise over Taipei’s move to change the name of its representative office in the U.S.; Apple offers its latest smartphone at a price it hopes will grow its share in China; Stanford faculty call for an end to the U.S. Department of Justice’s controversial “China Initiative” over ethnic and racial profiling; the chairman of embattled Evergrande puts an expensive Hong Kong home up for sale; and Chinese internet companies fall in line when ordered by Beijing to promote “positive content.” In addition, we speak with Caixin Global financial news reporter Lin Jinbing about a bad land deal in Korea by Huarong, one of China’s four major distressed debt management companies.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 177

The China Project — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 15:11:40 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Major Chinese tech companies are ordered to do more to protect gig workers; Xi Jinping and Joe Biden speak by phone for the second time since Biden’s inauguration; Germany’s ambassador to China, Jan Hecker, dies tragically after just two weeks on the job; Fujian health authorities mobilize after new COVID-19 cases emerge in the South China province; and a court rules that China’s search engines cannot bury negative search results. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global podcast producer Nandini Venkata about real estate behemoth Evergrande Group’s struggle to deal with its mountain of debt.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 176

The China Project — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 18:14:16 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Chinese online game companies wonder whether new rules may mean it’s game over soon; the entertainment sector is ordered to rid itself of unethical or unpatriotic celebs, and take “sissy men” off the air; ride-hailing companies are ordered to clean up their act; global warming pow-wow between John Kerry and Xie Zhenhua in Tianjin; and President Xi Jinping wants to establish a Beijing-based stock exchange for small- and mid-size companies. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global podcast producer Nandini Venkata about ByteDance’s decision to end the practice of six-day work weeks every other week — and what this may mean for the tech sector.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 175

The China Project — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 14:20:00 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China’s UN ambassador calls on the WHO to investigate Fort Detrick and the University of North Carolina for alleged “lab leaks,” apparently in reaction to U.S. allegations of a leak at the Wuhan Institute of Virology; the epidemiologist known as “China’s Dr. Fauci” has been cleared of academic fraud allegations; China’s infamous “996” work hours are declared illegal by a Chinese court; AI facial recognition giant SenseTime applies for an IPO that could weigh in at $2 billion; and Beijing seeks to allay fears of massive income redistribution. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global financial news reporter Guo Yingzhe about “Special-purpose acquisition companies,” or SPACs, and why they may be targeted by Hong Kong securities regulators.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 174

The China Project — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 15:34:00 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: The White House announced retired career diplomat Nicholas Burns as President Biden’s latest nomination for U.S. ambassador to China; China’s top transport authority called on ride-hailing firms to cap the commissions they take from drivers and disclose them publicly; and according to Xinhua, China’s top leaders have pledged to better control “reasonably adjusting excessive” income and encouraged high-earning groups and enterprises to give back to society. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global company news reporter Kelsey Cheng about how a photo taken by a Caixin photographer launched a debate about non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 173

The China Project — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 15:34:00 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Beijing banned primary and middle schools in the capital from using overseas textbooks; the Cyberspace Administration of China launched a national crackdown on illegal surveillance, resulting in tracking down 25,000 illegal webcams' access permissions and confiscating 1,500 sets of covert listening devices; and China’s medical beauty industry is subjected to regulatory scrutiny on financial and medical risks. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global financial reporter Tang Ziyi about China’s carbon market.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 172

The China Project — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 15:34:00 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: After Beijing announced strict new rules, China’s biggest private education companies said they are no longer offering Chinese students tutoring services led by staff who are not in China; Chinese gaming companies’ shares plunged due to a looming clampdown on the gaming sector after another state media report condemned gaming addiction; and Foxconn will buy a semiconductor factory from Taiwanese memory chip supplier Macronix International for $91 million. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global podcast producer Nandini Venkata about the shocking allegations against an Alibaba manager.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 171

The China Project — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 16:34:00 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission will now require additional disclosures from Chinese companies seeking to sell stock in the United States; Tesla lowered the price of its Model 3 electric cars in China by 15,000 yuan ($2,320) because of reductions in production costs; China’s former Commerce Minister said that Beijing needs to make progress on intellectual property protection, predictability of government policy, and favorable talent policies if it wants to keep foreign companies in the country. In addition, we speak with Caixin company reporter Matthew Walsh about the massive regulatory crackdown on the education sector in China.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 170

The China Project — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 16:34:00 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China unveiled its self-developed maglev train capable of traveling up to 600 kilometers per hour; shares of Chinese education firms collapsed in New York after the Chinese government issued sweeping new regulations to restrict after-school tutoring services; and the State Council released supportive measures for the newly announced three-child policy. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global general news reporter Wang Xintong about the flooding last week in central China’s Henan Province.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 169

The China Project — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 15:34:00 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China Southern Airlines will be the first Chinese airline to test a COVID-19 vaccine “passport” in the form of a mobile app; EHang’s flagship autonomous passenger drone has won approval for firefighting; and U.S.-based company Beyond Meat is launching an online store on one of China’s largest ecommerce platforms, JD.com. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global financial reporter Tang Ziyi about China’s first official nationwide emissions trading system.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 168

The China Project — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 15:13:00 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Huawei CFO Mèng Wǎnzhōu 孟晚舟 is denied a request to admit bank records as evidence in her legal battle against extradition to the United States; Tencent adopts a facial recognition system to prevent minors from playing its online games during the night; and Meituan plans to trial food deliveries by drones in Shanghai. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young about the Cyberspace Administration of China’s punitive actions against ride-sharing app Didi Chuxing.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 167

The China Project — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 14:39:00 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: American brokerage Morgan Stanley downgraded China’s real estate sector; the Caixin China General Services Business Activity Index falls to the lowest rate since April 2020; and the Sinovac Biotech COVID-19 vaccine has been found to be safe and effective for children as young as three years old. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global podcast producer Nandini Venkata about the slowdowns facing the U.S. IPO of Chinese ridesharing app Didi Chuxing.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 166

The China Project — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 20:13:52 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: A new report shows that companies from China are growing in global esteem; Chinese short-video company Kuaishou wins broadcasting rights for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics; and Apple Daily, one of Hong Kong’s most popular newspapers, printed its final edition last week. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global podcast producer Nandini Venkata about the recent crackdown on cryptocurrency markets in China.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 165

The China Project — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 19:41:37 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Reports show that China’s Sichuan Province plans to shutter all bitcoin mining operations in the region; Huawei Technologies has extended a recent move into the high-tech microchip sector with a new investment in high-powered lasers; and the Australian trade minister has announced he will refer China to the World Trade Organization for dispute resolution over 200% tariffs on Australian wine. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young about the company Aìhuíshōu (爱回收) and its recent IPO in New York.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 164

The China Project — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 19:59:17 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: The Chinese embassy in the United Kingdom has criticized a statement made by leaders of the G-7; Tech giant ByteDance is now aspiring to become a technology supplier for companies hoping to digitize; and a Hong Kong-based tech startup has created a robot that uses artificial intelligence to diagnose patients. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global company editor Matthew Walsh about the increasingly popular fast fashion app SheIn.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 163

The China Project — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 19:22:31 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China adjusts its family planning policy to allow people to have up to three children; Tencent’s cloud computing arm adds four new internet data centers in Thailand, Germany, Japan, and Hong Kong; and 11 Chinese tutoring companies are fined by the country’s marketing regulator for false advertising and pricing fraud. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global financial news reporter Tang Ziyi about the yuan’s recent surge against the U.S. dollar.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 162

The China Project — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 18:10:14 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: In an effort to reduce energy consumption, China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region prepares to crack down on bitcoin mining; a new study analyzes the potential environmental impact of 5G technologies; and China’s yuan surges to a three-year high against the U.S. dollar. In addition, we speak with Nandini Venkata about an ultramarathon in Gansu province where extreme weather claimed the lives of 21 contestants.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 161

The China Project — Mon, 24 May 2021 19:37:22 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Twenty-one marathon runners die in a storm in northwestern China; ByteDance co-founder Zhāng Yīmíng 张一鸣 announces that he will step down as CEO of the company; and Yuán Lóngpíng 袁隆平, the “father of hybrid rice,” passes away at age 90. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global financial news reporter Timmy Shen about the recent crash in cryptocurrency prices and what this means for the future of the market.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 160

The China Project — Mon, 10 May 2021 19:49:19 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China purchases a record 1.36 million metric tons of corn from the United States; according to China’s General Administration of Customs, exports rose by 32.3% year-on-year in April; and the Sinopharm vaccine receives approval for emergency use by the World Health Organization. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global podcast producer Nandini Venkata about the potential delisting of Chinese telecommunications companies from American stock exchanges.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 159

The China Project — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 20:44:11 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Tesla finds itself under pressure from Chinese regulators to share vehicle data with a passenger; China’s top health authority launches an investigation into medical malpractice after a whistleblower reveals widespread misconduct in the treatment of cancer patients; and ByteDance turns away from a near-term initial public offering. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young about proposed “trial guidelines” to regulate the livestreaming industry in China.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 158

The China Project — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 19:31:43 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: First-quarter profits from China’s centrally administered state-owned enterprises are up 31% from the same period in 2019; an industry report shows that China became the world’s largest buyer of chip equipment in 2020; and the Hong Kong government announces that Chinese mainland residents can begin to travel to the island without a 14-day quarantine starting in mid-May of 2021. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global new media producer and editor Heather Mowbray to discuss the latest on the Chinese vaccine rollout and efficacy on the Chinese mainland.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 157

The China Project — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 19:25:18 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: The U.S. Senate directs the U.S. government to adopt a policy of “strategic competition” with China; ecommerce giant JD.com and Visa have agreed to jointly launch an online merchant subsidies program; and Inner Mongolia sets the stage to decrease the region’s production capacity of steel, coking coal, and ferro-alloys. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young about the $2.8 billion fine that Alibaba recently received from China’s anti-monopoly regulator.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 156

The China Project — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 15:55:08 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Semiconductor prices continue to rise; the fintech arm of Chinese ecommerce giant JD.com withdrew its application for an IPO in Shanghai; and China’s central bank begins cross-border tests of the virtual yuan. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global podcast producer Nandini Venkata, who tells us about doctors and researchers who are turning to paper mills and ghostwriting companies to help write fraudulent research papers.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 155

The China Project — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 20:51:57 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China imposes sanctions on nine British individuals for “spreading lies and misinformation” about labor conditions in Xinjiang; Foreign residents aged 18 and above will be able to receive China-made COVID-19 vaccinations in Beijing; and a state-owned offshore oil and gas producer reports a 59% decrease in profits last year. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young about a crackdown on the industry that has cropped up around extracurricular courses offered in China.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 154

The China Project — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 21:17:30 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China and the new U.S. administration under Biden finish their first face-to-face meetings in Alaska; Pinduoduo’s chairman announces his departure from the company; and Beijing and Shenzhen begin a trial program to manage multinationals’ cross-border use of funds. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global financial news reporter Tang Ziyi about Vanguard, one of the world’s largest asset managers, and its decision to begin a joint venture with Ant Group.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 153

The China Project — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 21:35:34 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Foreign nationals are slowly being allowed to return to China, provided they’ve been inoculated with a Chinese-made COVID-19 vaccine first; Huawei and Hikvision are added to a new blacklist by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission; and a massive dust storm blankets huge swathes of northern China, causing business slowdowns and traffic jams. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global’s economic and finance news chief, Lin Jinbing, to discuss policy developments emerging from this year’s Two Sessions meeting in Beijing.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 152

The China Project — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 20:41:10 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China sets a target for economic growth above six percent as the country’s economy continues to rebound from the coronavirus; China formally ratifies the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in the Asia-Pacific region; and data reveals that Chinese exports jumped 60.6% in dollar terms in the first two months of 2021 compared to last year. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young, who tells us about a Wuhan semiconductor manufacturer which has now been shuttered.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 151

The China Project — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 21:12:12 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: The reigning champions of China’s premier soccer league cease operations; Chinese President Xí Jìnpíng 习近平 declares “total victory” in the government’s mission to eradicate poverty; and expansion in China’s manufacturing sector continues to slow. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global reporter Tang Ziyi about a public relations disaster at one of China’s biggest ecommerce platforms, Pinduoduo.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 150

The China Project — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 20:40:45 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: The China-Laos railway is set to open for use in December of 2021, with plans to extend to Thailand and beyond; China considers easing capital controls to allow citizens to invest in overseas securities and insurance products; and Beijing increases its rare earth mining quotas, up 27.6% from the previous year. In addition, we speak with Flynn Murphy of Caixin Global, who tells us about how design flaws in China’s statin drug trials led to tragic results.

Correction: The drug trials that had design flaws were for statin drugs, not COVID-19 drugs, as originally stated.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 149

The China Project — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 21:03:22 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Joe Biden and Chinese President Xí Jìnpíng 习近平 speak over the phone for the first time since Biden has taken office; the BBC is taken off the air in China after actions by China’s National Radio and Television Administration; and Lunar New Year rail travel plunges 70% from last year. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global podcast producer Nandini Venkata about yet another fraud scandal at a private men’s health clinic in China’s northwestern Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 148

The China Project — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 14:35:27 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: A former Beijing deputy mayor has been arrested for accepting roughly $20 million in bribes; short-video app Kuaishou saw its shares nearly triple on its first day of trading in Hong Kong; and the expansion of China’s services sector continues to slow. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young about Huawei’s involvement in a domestic scandal in China.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 147

The China Project — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 20:36:53 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: The Indian government permanently bans several apps owned by China’s largest internet companies, with WeChat, Taobao, and TikTok among them; growth in China’s manufacturing sector slows slightly while the debt-to-GDP ratio surges; and German insurance company Allianz is given the go-ahead to set up China’s first wholly foreign-owned insurance asset management firm. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global podcast producer Nandini Venkata, who tells us about a story making the rounds recently regarding a nursing home accused of scamming its elderly residents.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 146

The China Project — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 21:34:15 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Hong Kong imposes its first COVID-19 lockdown; Shenzhen will hand out roughly $3.1 million to migrant workers, provided they stay in the city they are currently based in to discourage traveling during the upcoming Lunar New Year; and new data from China’s National Energy Administration reveals that a record-setting 72 million kilowatts of wind power capacity was installed in 2020. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young, who shares with us the story of Lín Qí 林奇, the head of a popular Chinese game studio, who was poisoned and tragically died on Christmas Day last year.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 145

The China Project — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 20:56:47 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: The U.S. adds nine Chinese companies to a Department of Defense blacklist for alleged ties to Chinese military organizations; President-elect Joe Biden appoints two senior National Security Council officials to Asia-Pacific and China positions; and stronger-than-anticipated demand for personal protective equipment drives China’s trade surplus to a record-high level. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young about two brewing workplace crises at two Chinese companies.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 144

The China Project — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 21:17:19 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: COVID-19 reemerges in the city of Shijiazhuang, a former top financial official is sentenced to death, and the death of a young employee has many questioning the effects of China’s incredibly demanding work culture. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young about China’s leading chipmaker, SMIC, and how internal clashes have spurred resignations from the executive suite.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 143

The China Project — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 21:10:28 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Tensions continue to rise with three Chinese companies being delisted from the New York Stock Exchange; latest figures show China’s manufacturing continues to recover and concerns persist over a possible property bubble; and China’s top legislative body confirms it will begin its annual session on March 5. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global’s podcast producer, Nandini Venkata, who discusses the recently signed EU-China investment treaty.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 142

The China Project — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 20:30:58 +0000

China’s Chang’e-5 space capsule returns to Earth carrying lunar samples; bilateral investment treaty talks between China and the EU have entered the “final phase”; and the Chinese government is strongly considering setting up a new disease control agency in the wake of COVID-19. In addition, we speak with Caixin business and technology reporter Anniek Bao about Sweden’s courts upholding the ban on Huawei’s 5G equipment in the country.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 141

The China Project — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 20:34:42 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Solar power is forecasted to become China’s third-largest energy source, overtaking wind energy; Standard & Poor’s has joined other major index providers in dropping Chinese stocks with ties to the military; and China’s top decision-making body vows to strengthen anti-monopoly efforts in the country. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global reporter Tang Ziyi to discuss the second-order effects of the suspension of Ant Group’s IPO.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 140

The China Project — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 20:36:04 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China allocates more than $9 billion to encourage domestic institutions to invest in foreign capital markets; European global credit rating giant Experian reverses its month-old plan to exit the Chinese mainland; COVID-19 cases surge in Hong Kong, prompting strict social distancing measures; and a shortage of 40-foot containers in Shanghai demonstrates China’s export dominance during the pandemic. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young about the removal of several Chinese stocks from British stock index compiler FTSE Russell.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 139

The China Project — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 21:04:24 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China delists the final 832 counties in Guizhou Province from its national poverty list; India’s government bans 43 more popular Chinese apps from domestic app stores, with AliExpress and DingTalk among them; and Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam pledges carbon neutrality for the territory by 2050. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young about problems ailing Chinese rental realty company Danke as well as the untimely fate of Fosun’s investment in Cirque du Soleil in China.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 138

The China Project — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 22:24:10 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Chinese President Xi Jinping announces that China will “actively consider” joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership; China’s national legislature approves an amended copyright law that increases maximum penalties for copyright infringement tenfold; and the Malaysian state government of Melaka terminates a major $10.5 billion Belt and Road Initiative project in the country. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global’s podcast producer, Nandini Venkata, about recent fraud allegations against JOYY Inc.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 137

The China Project — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 20:30:06 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: In a sign that may signal warming business relations between China and the U.S., China’s Foran Energy Group has signed a first-term, five-year deal with an American liquefied natural gas producer; continuing a six-month expansion, China’s domestic manufacturing rises to the highest levels since January 2011; and China bans visitors from six countries due to rising COVID-19 cases. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young about the now-stalled Ant Group IPO and what may come next.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 136

The China Project — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 20:28:30 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China unveils its 14th Five-Year Plan, which details a goal of GDP per capita levels similar to those of Spain, South Korea, and Italy; a Caixin exclusive reveals that China may be getting ready to scrap a key element of the way it sets the daily reference rate for the yuan; and China signs more debt-freeze deals with poorer nations as they continue to wrestle with the coronavirus. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global reporter Tang Ziyi about the upcoming IPO of Ant Financial and how investors and the market are reacting to the listing.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 135

The China Project — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 19:52:43 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Sweden bans Chinese telecommunications giants Huawei and ZTE Corp. from its 5G network; China’s central bank announces its digital currency will be able to be used without an internet connection; and one of China’s largest fast-food chains rolls out artificial meat options made from seaweed proteins. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global’s general news reporter, Matthew Walsh, about Xí Jìnpíng’s 习近平 pledge for China to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 134

The China Project — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 22:18:39 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China reports 4.9% economic growth in the third quarter; President Xí Jìnpíng 习近平 made remarks on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone; the Shenzhen Stock Exchange admits to a 32-minute technical error in its trading system; and budget household goods retailer Miniso raises $608 million in a New York IPO. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young about Lenovo reclaiming its spot as China’s top PC maker, as well as a viral social media post about a case of smartphone identity theft. CORRECTION: The story on Chinese retail outlet Miniso incorrectly states the amount raised at $6.08 billion, when the correct number is $608 million. We apologize for the mistake.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 133

The China Project — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 19:28:24 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Shenzhen will provide approximately $1.5 million of coupons to residents to test the digital yuan, China’s virtual currency; coverage of the 2020 NBA finals returns to television in China; and SMIC, China’s largest chipmaker, finds itself caught in the U.S.-China tech war with new export restrictions. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young about Meituan and Pinduoduo and how the two companies could be gaining ground on Alibaba’s dominance in China’s internet and technology industry.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 132

The China Project — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 20:35:38 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: The proposed ban on TikTok downloads has been blocked by a U.S. judge, revenues for Chinese travel agency Trip.com fall 64 percent year-on-year as international travel remains low due to pandemic concerns, and Xi Jinping says China aims to be carbon neutral by 2060. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global general news reporter Matthew Walsh, about the death of a nurse in Wuhan who was on the front lines of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 131

The China Project — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 22:20:05 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: The fate of WeChat in the United States remains in limbo, Washington further tightens the screws on Huawei, and Trump approves a TikTok-Oracle deal. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young, about the makeup of the board of TikTok Global.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 130

The China Project — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 20:00:58 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: The American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai releases its latest survey, China allows increased foreign ownership of virtual private network (VPN) services, China Electronics Corp. launches cloud services, Tokyo-based SBI Group considers leaving Hong Kong, and a six-month investigation into the harsh working conditions of delivery drivers. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young about Huawei’s push to develop and launch its own smartphone operating system, HarmonyOS.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 129

The China Project — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 21:38:58 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: New technology export controls from Beijing now threaten the sale of TikTok, financial analysts predict that the Chinese yuan could remain strong against the U.S. dollar into 2021, and China’s banking regulator approves the first foreign-owned money broker to operate in the country. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global managing editor Doung Young, about the consumer electronics company Oppo and its opportunity to gain ground on Huawei through increased smartphone sales in 2020.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 128

The China Project — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 20:06:49 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China’s rare earth exports plummet to a five-year low, down 20.2% in the first seven months of 2020; the deputy CEO of French telecom operator Bouygues announces it will dismantle 3,000 Huawei mobile antennas by 2028; and Chinese smartphone company Xiaomi posts higher-than-expected profits by finding new markets in Europe and Latin America. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global journalist Flynn Murphy, who shares the story of a man in Hong Kong who had been reinfected with COVID-19 after already contracting the virus, and provides an update on China’s efforts to roll out a vaccine outside the Phase 3 medical trials already underway in the country.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 127

The China Project — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 20:39:31 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Despite the Trump administration’s threat to ban WeChat, Apple and other companies have been given assurances by the White House that they will continue to be able to offer, and to use, the wildly popular app. A vaccine candidate for African swine fever enters a new stage of trials. Chinese electric-vehicle maker Nio Inc. launches a battery rental service to decrease the upfront cost of purchasing a cleaner vehicle. This and more in top business and finance news this week. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young about China’s wheat imports, which have more than doubled in the first seven months of 2020 compared with the same period last year — signaling the possibility of a food shortage due to China’s severe summer flooding.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 126

The China Project — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 19:53:14 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: President Trump orders ByteDance to sell the U.S.-based assets of its popular short-video app, TikTok; the share of trade conducted in U.S. dollars between Russia and China falls below 50% for the first time; China expands a pilot program for its state-backed digital currency; former financial big shot Lai Xiaomin is accused of taking a record 1.79 billion yuan ($258 million) in bribes; and more. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young about Luxshare, the little-known mainland Chinese company that now makes iPhones.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 125

The China Project — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 19:53:14 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Microsoft has confirmed it is in ongoing discussions with ByteDance to acquire the U.S.-based operation of TikTok; Samsung and Apple (among others) pledge $1.5 billion to invest in mobile phone manufacturing in India; and Ant Group hopes to raise a record-breaking $30 billion in its concurrent IPO in Hong Kong and Shanghai. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global general news reporter Matthew Walsh about his recently published piece on the growing anxieties and classroom disruptions faced by Chinese international students in the U.S.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 124

The China Project — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 20:03:48 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China reports 3.2% YOY growth in the second quarter of 2020; the United Kingdom, reversing course on a previous decision, will not install more Huawei equipment in telecommunications infrastructure and will remove existing installed equipment by 2027; and the U.S. government reverses a policy that could have affected up to 1.1 million foreign students. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young about two prominent Chinese chipmakers' decisions to file for an IPO.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 123

The China Project — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 20:01:54 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: TikTok revealed that it has deleted 50 million videos from its platform in the latest transparency report published by the company, the People’s Bank of China is considering extending a grace period for companies to comply with new asset management rules to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, and Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing is set to experiment with digital currency on its platform in partnership with China’s central bank. In addition, we speak with Doug Young, Caixin Global managing editor, about the ongoing feud between the cofounders of former major ecommerce company Dangdang.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 122

The China Project — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 19:43:43 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Urban unemployment rates in China rise to 5.9% despite lower numbers of daily coronavirus cases in the country, TikTok’s fate in the United States hangs precariously in the wake of an announcement by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and the French government hedges its bets on the future of Huawei in its domestic telecommunications infrastructure.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 120

The China Project — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 04:00:00 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Yum China Holdings, Inc., operator of large fast-food chains such as Pizza Hut and Kentucky Fried Chicken, has filed confidentially for a Hong Kong listing, U.S. companies will be allowed to work with Huawei on setting global 5G standards, and local governments begin to provide incentives for up-and-coming livestreamers in an effort to revitalize the Chinese economy through e-commerce.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 121

The China Project — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 04:00:00 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: A Chinese jewelry company promises gold bars as collateral for loans — but something else is below the surface. Profits are up for industrial enterprises, but it’s still been a rough first half of 2020. Beijing changes the rules for Apple’s App Store for games that charge money. China’s regulators look like they’ll be allowing commercial banks to offer securities services to compete with foreign financial services companies as the sector opens up. And Didi Chuxing introduces driverless cabs in Shanghai. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global Managing Editor Doug Young about a dustup between the CEO and the board of directors at chipmaker ARM’s Chinese joint venture company.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 119

The China Project — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 04:00:00 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Seventy-nine newfound COVID-19 cases in Beijing threaten to send the city back into lockdown, American Express receives approval to start bank card clearing services in China, and a 24-hour hostage situation involving one of China’s richest men ends with five arrests. In addition, we speak with Doug Young, Caixin Global’s managing editor, about Chinese internet giant NetEase and its secondary IPO in Hong Kong as China-U.S. tensions continue to rise.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 118

The China Project — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 04:00:00 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: The Trump administration calls for tighter controls on U.S.-listed Chinese companies that engage in fraud, Beijing city authorities criminalize “slander” against traditional Chinese medicine, and the resumption of this year’s Chinese Basketball Association season on June 20, without spectators. In addition, we speak with Doug Young, Caixin Global managing editor, about the ongoing border dispute between China and India.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 117

The China Project — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 04:00:00 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China’s Premier Lǐ Kēqiáng 李克强 sent out a powerful signal that the country could join Asia-Pacific’s largest free-trade pact, China’s national legislature has approved the nation’s first civil code, and Chinese drone operator EHang gets state approval to have its drones used for air logistics in China. In addition, we speak with Doug Young, Caixin Global managing editor, about the dwindling number of international flights that are entering and exiting China due to the pandemic.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 116

The China Project — Tue, 26 May 2020 04:00:00 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Premier Li Keqiang announces that Beijing won’t be setting a numerical GDP growth target for 2020, Nestlé invests $100 million into a plant-based food factory in China, and the United States Department of Commerce Entity List expands to include several research firms, as well as Chinese national security, surveillance, and cybersecurity companies. In addition, we speak with Doug Young, Caixin Global managing editor, who tells us about the changing conditions for Chinese companies that want to list publicly on United States stock exchanges.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 115

The China Project — Mon, 18 May 2020 04:00:00 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Pinduoduo overtakes JD.com as China’s second-most-valuable online retailer, automaker BYD announces that it will reapply for U.S. regulatory approval to ship N95 face masks to California, and American soybean exporters could reclaim some of the export market lost to Brazil under the U.S.-China trade deal. In addition, we speak with Doug Young, managing editor of Caixin Global, about Luckin Coffee’s meteoric rise and fall and some corporate restructuring in an effort to salvage the business.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 114

The China Project — Tue, 12 May 2020 04:00:00 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: the United States Department of Homeland Security clamps down on Chinese journalists working in the U.S., the director of Shanghai’s COVID-19 clinical expert team says there is “no chance” that the coronavirus pandemic will end this summer, and online education companies in China see massive spikes in net revenues. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young about China’s tech sector and which companies could be making a move toward an initial public offering in the coming months.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 113

The China Project — Mon, 04 May 2020 04:00:00 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Automaker BYD swaps car production for face masks, ByteDance-owned short-video app TikTok’s downloads soar to over 2 billion, and Australia joins China and the European Union in calling for a new trade dispute system within the WTO. We also speak with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young about plummeting smartphone shipments from China at a time when global supply chains and demand are being severely impacted by the coronavirus. Like the podcasts at The China Project? Help us out by taking this brief survey.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 112

The China Project — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 05:00:00 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Companies struggle to cope with the coronavirus-induced economic slowdown, top Hubei officials get ousted, and the government takeover of private charity donations causes a stir. In addition, we speak with Tanner Brown, head of breaking news at Caixin Global, about the impact of local debt on small- and medium-sized enterprises in China.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 111

The China Project — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 05:00:00 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Trump and Xi reaffirm their commitment to implementing the phase one trade deal, a number of manufacturers overhaul production lines in China, and financial regulators lower interest rates in an attempt to alleviate pressure on small businesses. In addition, we speak with Doug Young, managing editor of Caixin Global, about some of the industries that have been hit the hardest by the coronavirus outbreak.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 110

The China Project — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 05:00:00 +0000

This week’s episode of the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief covers the Wuhan coronavirus, which has now spread globally, including to the United States. Kaiser and Ada Shen answer questions about how far the virus has spread, how governments are responding to the outbreak, and the impact on markets in China and around the world. In addition, we speak with Tanner Brown, head of breaking news at Caixin Global, about the challenges that healthcare providers and medical staff are facing in China as the spread of the virus continues within the country.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 109

The China Project — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 05:00:00 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: A phase one trade deal between the United States and China is met with skepticism, the yet-to-be-contained coronavirus continues to spread from its origin in Wuhan, and central authorities dip into the national pork reserve in an attempt to prevent greater increases in pricing before the Lunar New Year. In addition, we speak with Tanner Brown, head of breaking news at Caixin Global, about the trade deal between the United States and China last week and what to expect moving forward.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 108

The China Project — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 05:00:00 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China’s trade boss heads to Washington to ink the start of a trade truce, Tesla serves up its first cars in China, and video app Douyin reveals it isn’t just millennials who are fueling its rapid growth. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young about how African swine fever is continuing to impact the pork industry in the country.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 107

The China Project — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 05:00:00 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: The groundwork is laid between Chinese and U.S. trade negotiators on a deal, Huawei wins a major stake in Germany’s 5G network, and car sales in China sputter, down 5.4 percent in November from a year earlier. In addition, we speak with Doug Young, Caixin Global’s managing editor, about Ucommune and its plans to IPO on the New York Stock Exchange.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 106

The China Project — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 05:00:00 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Chinese and U.S. trade negotiators scramble to strike a deal before tariffs ratchet up once again on December 15, economic forecasts say China’s real GDP could slow for the third year in a row, and a former anti-corruption official is placed on the naughty list. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young about Huawei’s continued woes. The company’s access to U.S. banking systems could be eliminated, and it has sued the Federal Communications Commission over a ban on its equipment being used in rural networks in the United States.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 105

The China Project — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 05:00:00 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China’s state-owned telecommunications operators begin to eye 6G; Y Combinator’s YC China shutters its China operations; and the Chinese pork industry shows signs of life after the outbreak of African swine fever last year. In addition, we speak with the head of breaking news at Caixin Global, Tanner Brown, about corruption at two state-owned banks in China.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 104

The China Project — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 05:00:00 +0000

This week on the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: military technology, gene editing, and quantum computing enter China’s primary school curriculum, China lifts a four-year ban on U.S. poultry, and Singapore becomes a prime destination for investors looking away from Hong Kong. In addition, we speak with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young about Didi’s IPO plans and Alibaba’s attempts to raise $13 billion in a second listing in Hong Kong.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 103

The China Project — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 05:00:00 +0000

This week, on episode 103 of the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: Beijing’s former vice mayor pleads guilty to taking $19 million in bribes, Alibaba inches toward a second IPO in Hong Kong, and an update on the tepid and tentative trade agreement being hashed out between Beijing and Washington. In addition, we talk with Caixin-Global managing editor Doug Young on the travails of Didi’s carpooling service, Hitch.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 102

The China Project — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 05:00:00 +0000

This week on episode 101 of the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: China rolls out 5G service, Switzerland gives Huawei the green light, and Alibaba eyes a second IPO after a glowing earnings report. In addition, we talk with Tanner Brown, head of breaking news at Caixin Global about the findings of a climate change report and the potentially catastrophic effects on southeastern China.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 101

The China Project — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 04:00:00 +0000

This week on episode 101 of the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: sluggish third-quarter GDP growth in China, African swine fever ravages the domestic pork supply in China, and with the help of a Tencent-backed company, Star Wars novels will be translated into Chinese for mainland audiences. In addition, we talk with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young about the rising concerns in Congress surrounding TikTok and censorship on the platform.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, Episode 100

The China Project — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 04:00:00 +0000

On this 100th episode of the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief: The trade deal that will pause the U.S.-China trade war, the Hong Kong protests and the NBA, the backlash against Blizzard Entertainment, and more. In addition, we talk with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young on Apple’s pulling of the app HKmap.live and the fallout of a tweet supporting Hong Kong sent by Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 99

The China Project — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 04:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the 99th installment of the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, a weekly podcast that brings you the most important business stories of the week from China’s top source for business and financial news. Produced by Kaiser Kuo of our Sinica Podcast, it features a business news roundup, plus conversations with Caixin reporters and editors. This week:

We find out that China’s large oil refiners are facing uncertainties after a drone attack in Saudi Arabia halved the country’s supply of crude oil.
We note that a FedEx pilot was temporarily detained in southeastern China after authorities found hundreds of air-gun pellets in his luggage prior to boarding a commercial flight to Hong Kong, marking the delivery firm’s latest setback in the country.
We report that aircraft manufacturer Airbus plans to launch on-demand helicopter services in China's Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area for short-distance urban trips.
We discuss the sudden death of a male panda in Thailand, which has provoked nationalistic outrage on Chinese social media.
We hear that China’s mobile game developers have steadily restored revenue growth this year from a sharp slowdown last year during a government suspension of new-title approvals.
We chat about Chinese tech giant NetEase, which will build its third pig farm as the government vows to boost domestic pork production in response to the African swine fever epidemic.

In addition, we talk with Caixin Global managing editor Doug Young about Japanese lifestyle brand MUJI, which apologized for calling parts of Shanghai the “French Concession,” and Shanghai Disneyland’s lifting its ban on bringing in food from outside the park after customers’ complaints.

The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 98

The China Project — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 04:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the 98th installment of the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, a weekly podcast that brings you the most important business stories of the week from China’s top source for business and financial news. Produced by Kaiser Kuo of our Sinica Podcast, it features a business news roundup, plus conversations with Caixin reporters and editors. This week:

We report that stock markets reacted positively after U.S. President Donald Trump said last week he’d consider an interim trade deal with China despite preferring a permanent one.
We note that Chinese auto sales fell for the 14th time in 15 months, extending what’s already been a historically prolonged slump in the world’s largest car market.
We chat about European brewer AB InBev, which said it had resuscitated its application to list its Asia unit in Hong Kong, two months after pulling out of its previous plan.
We hear that the London Stock Exchange Group has rejected a takeover proposal from Asian rival Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing, saying the bid has fundamental flaws.
We find out that China’s central bank has appointed Mu Changchun 穆长春, a deputy director of its payment and settlement department, as the new head of its digital currency research institute.
We analyze premium liquor brand Kweichow Moutai’s pivot to gene-sequenced microbes in its pursuit of the next lip-smacking tipple.
We discuss how the weakening yuan has put a boom in Chinese outbound travel in recent years in reverse gear.
We dive into Shanghai Disney Resort’s new policy of letting visitors bring their own food into the park.

In addition, we talk with partner producer Tanner Brown, head of the breaking news team at Caixin Global, about a mosquito factory in Guangzhou, where scientists are trying to control mosquito populations and combat the diseases they carry, such as dengue fever and Zika.