China is transitioning from a construction-driven economy to one focused on innovation and high-value industries, with global leaders emerging in sectors like EVs, robotics, and renewables. While the property market adjustment has been challenging, signs of economic recovery and sustainable growth are becoming evident.

While US equities stumble under the threat of tariffs and a record budget deficit, and the ASX pulls away from its highs, the Hang Seng has quietly staged returns of more than 25% year to date. So is the era of Chinese weakness over?

Joseph Lai says China has taken a ‘steady as she goes’ approach with its latest stimulus announcement aimed at boosting consumer spending and investment in innovation. He says at this stage it appears that China and the United States are still willing to sit down at the negotiating table to de-escalate the trade war.

Joseph Lai highlights China’s targeted tariffs on US farm goods, aiming to sway political outcomes in agricultural regions. He notes ongoing talks between the US and China, mentioning Trump’s history of collaboration.

The rise of Chinese innovation, exemplified by platforms like DeepSeek, TikTok, and Temu, highlights the country’s rapid technological advancements driven by intense domestic competition and a shift toward high-quality, sophisticated products. With a strong foundation in robotics, renewable energy, and AI, China is poised to extend its cost and quality advantages globally, reshaping industries and challenging traditional leaders in the tech and manufacturing sectors.

Fleeing a potential TikTok ban, millions of American users joined RedNote, skyrocketing its downloads worldwide. This unexpected migration fostered cross-cultural exchanges, breaking stereotypes and sparking newfound interest in Chinese culture.

DeepSeek’s latest open-source AI model has stunned the industry by matching top-tier performance at a fraction of the cost, challenging closed-source giants like ChatGPT. Its success highlights the potential for cost-efficient AI development and raises questions about the future of open-source innovation in a rapidly evolving field.

In the 2025 outlook, Dr. Joseph Lai explores investment opportunities within emerging markets. With attractive valuations, robust economic growth, and high-potential regions like China, Vietnam, and Indonesia, these markets present a strategic advantage. He also highlights the transformative impact of AI advancements, positioning these markets as key drivers of global innovation.

A rising Chinese video app is being touted as a potential competitor to TikTok, thanks to its innovative features and rapidly growing user base. The app’s success underscores the fast-paced and highly competitive nature of China’s tech industry, where new platforms frequently disrupt the market.

Chinese AI company DeepSeek could be a major disruptor despite uncertainties around its cost claims, as AI computing costs fall and Chinese firms optimise training due to US chip restrictions. This may shift focus from chipmakers like Nvidia to companies leveraging AI for cost savings and growth, signalling a broader industry transformation.