A new generation of Chinese tech companies is taking the world by storm, leveraging cutting-edge technology, smart manufacturing, and digital innovation to compete on a global scale.
Under the guidance of China’s high-level opening-up policies and the Belt and Road Initiative, these companies are moving beyond traditional advantages like cost and scale. They’re making a qualitative leap in their globalization journey, focusing on technological prowess and innovation.
Robotics Revolution
Take Unitree Robotics, a Hangzhou-based company specializing in humanoid and quadruped robots. In recent years, their overseas sales have soared, with their quadruped robots capturing about 60 percent of the global market share.
“When our quadruped robots are sold overseas, we often need to provide remote upgrades and support if customers run into problems. China Mobile’s global coverage and stable data transmission make that possible,” said Li Pengfei from Unitree Robotics.
Automotive Advancement
In the automotive sector, Chinese automakers like BYD, SAIC, and Chery are accelerating their global expansion. They’ve been ramping up their fleets with low-carbon emission LNG vessels to ship cars worldwide.
BYD, in particular, has made significant strides. The company not only delivers electric vehicles and hybrids globally but also exports its entire energy ecosystem—including batteries, storage systems, and charging solutions—positioning itself as a global clean energy solutions provider.
Energy and AI Integration
Chinese energy firms are also making their mark internationally by introducing digitalized infrastructure. From smart grids in Southeast Asia to solar software platforms in Latin America, they’re integrating data and artificial intelligence to address real-time energy management and maintenance challenges in diverse markets.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite their successes, these companies face challenges in localized operations, regulatory compliance, and smart connectivity abroad. Carmakers encounter hurdles in vehicle-to-everything communication, over-the-air updates, and cross-border cloud data compliance. Robotics companies must adapt their AI models and data pipelines to suit overseas use cases, languages, and customer behaviors.
Chinese telecom companies play a crucial role in empowering these enterprises as they enter overseas markets. “We are building a low-latency, high-reliability global AI computing network and creating a one-stop digital platform for Chinese enterprises going abroad,” said Li Huidi, vice president of China Mobile.
The Power of AI
Infrastructure companies are leveraging artificial intelligence to transition from basic cloud service providers to integrated AI-powered platforms. They’re offering industry-specific AI solutions to foster a global AI ecosystem.
“AI is not only reshaping industries. It is redefining the innovation position of Chinese companies in the global value chain,” added Li Huidi.
The application of AI is proving to be a powerful catalyst. Chinese energy tech firms are using AI for real-time power load balancing in African mini-grids. Chinese automakers are exploring global navigation and autonomous driving optimization using edge computing and AI inference in overseas markets.
Building Global Competitiveness
Investments in AI infrastructure, edge nodes, and cross-border data compliance by Chinese telecom carriers are becoming essential not just for connectivity but also for building global digital competitiveness for Chinese enterprises.
As these next-generation companies continue to innovate and expand, they’re not only transforming themselves but also reshaping industries worldwide. Their journey highlights the evolving landscape of global technology and the increasing importance of digital connectivity and artificial intelligence.
