The latest technology developments in China and Asia are showcased on the Daily Tech Roundup. While Chinese policymakers are excited about the potential of the “low-altitude economy,” progress in airworthiness certifications and drone delivery trials has been slow due to safety concerns related to autonomous technologies. On the international front, tensions between China and the U.S. have escalated after the Commerce Department added 37 Chinese entities to its trade restriction list. This includes eight companies involved in a high-altitude balloon incident over the U.S., raising national security concerns, and 22 firms listed for trying to acquire American technology to enhance China’s quantum technology capabilities, possibly for military purposes.
During President Xi Jinping’s visit to Hungary, Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. was agreed upon a partnership with Hungarian telecom company 4iG Nyrt., despite potential tensions with Western allies. This collaboration aims to develop a cloud services platform serving Chinese operations in Hungary and local businesses. In corporate news, Baidu Inc.’s head of communications resigned after facing criticism for promoting a harsh management style on social media, sparking discussions about extreme working conditions in some Chinese tech companies.
Southeast Asia is emerging as a major destination for global tech investments, moving away from its reputation as a tech backwater. Companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia have made significant investments in the region, recognizing its growing importance due to a young demographic increasingly using digital services. Lastly, Zeekr Intelligent Technology Holding Ltd., an upscale electric vehicle brand under Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., successfully expanded its U.S. IPO to raise $441 million, marking the largest U.S listing by a China-based company since 2021 and indicating rising investor interest in innovative automotive technologies.
Overall, these developments highlight both opportunities and challenges for technology companies operating in China and Asia today.
In terms of international relations
