China Inc by BBW

China exempts most foreign firms from worrisome data requirements. But will it change its mind later? And a leading fintech lender offers a massive dividend. But shareholders worry more about its rapidly shrinking size.

Nissan and Honda weigh major cuts of up to 30% in their China car production. What's driving the trend, and is it likely to speed consolidation in the over supplied industry? And shares of drugmaker CStone fell 40% after it was booted from the Hang Seng Index and China stock connect program due to drops in its stock price. Was the selloff the result of technical issues, loss of investor confidence, or both?

After two years of suffering, Chinese stocks are showing some new signs of life. But is this fledgling bull market for real? And China's leading bottled water brand, Nongfu, has come under attack from nationalists for its red bottle caps said to look like the Japanese flag. How big a risk are such attacks, and is the problem worsening?

President Joe Biden has launched an investigation into whether Chinese new energy vehicles could pose a national security threat. Does that mean the end of the road is near for Chinese NEVs in the world's largest economy? And beverage tycoon Zong Qinghou is dead at the age of 79. Why was he so controversial, and why does China no longer churn out this of colorful, outspoken entrepreneur?

Foreigners are putting a pause on their China investments, as a new AmCham survey shows a record 40% of respondents won't make any new investment in the next three years. Has the bloom finally come off the China investment rose? And Bamboo Works' 2023 annual review shows that new energy and e-commerce were the hottest topics for China stock buyers last year, while coffee was the keyword of the year. Are these areas investors should consider when putting their money into China stocks?

China's debt-to-GDP ratio swelled to 288% last year, up 13.5 basis points and a huge level by any standard. Is this kind of debt level sustainable, or will something have to give? And a company called Arrivent has just listed in New York, banking on its licensing deal for a made-in-China cancer drug to make its own big money by selling the drug in the U.S. What's the China risk behind this kind of company?

A Hong Kong judge has ordered embattled developer Evergrande to liquidate after it failed to reach a debt restructuring deal with its foreign creditors. But will Beijing play ball? And China's private airlines flew into the black last year with big profits on a wave of "revenge travel," but big state carriers continued to post massive losses. What's behind this "Tale of Two Airline Types"?

After years of hesitation, China is finally embracing genetically GMO crops with its approval of some genetically modified types of soybeans and corn. What's leading Beijing to change its mind? And sportswear sensation Anta has applied to spin off and list its foreign Amer unit in New York, just five years after purchasing the company. Will investors want a bite of this company whose brands include Wilson and Salomon and Acrteryx?

Chinese premier Li Qiang told the World Economic Forum that China's economy grew 5.2% in 2023. But will it be able to maintain that growth this year? And China's internet regulator is probing fast fashion sensation Shein for its data handling practices. Will that derail the company's plans for a mega-IPO in New York?

AstraZeneca has offered to buy money-losing Gracell Biotech for up to $1.2 billion, in a first-of-its kind M&A for a Chinese drug startup. Will China approve the deal? And e-commerce company East Buy's CEO gets sacked under pressure from its top online salesman. How much power do such influencers wield at Chinese internet companies?