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Chinese firms face stumbling blocks abroad: old competitive mindsets may be their undoing

Apple forms Shanghai data-processing venture as AI push in China still in limbo

China hit record trade barriers in 2024 as overcapacity fears spread to developing world

China will rein in vicious competition at the root of its overcapacity

China manufacturing

Chinese companies exit comfort zone

Economy

China EV giant BYD hits the skids in Brazil as ‘slavery-like’ claims run over labour force

Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

China’s labour practices are driving a wedge between the world’s biggest EV maker and efforts to expand globally in areas where employee protections are paramount.


Chinese firms ‘going global’ learn important lesson: integrate, or die

William Hong traveled the world last year in search of overseas venues for his water equipment business. Photo: Handout

As China’s companies move to emerging markets, they find clients wanting infrastructure and pathways to local development as well as products.


Overseas scandals, setbacks shine light on problematic nature of deeply ingrained business mentality. And the less they notice your Chinese identity, the better, some say.


This three-part series looks at efforts by Chinese companies to step out of their comfort zone and expand abroad amid mounting domestic competition, and how this has resulted in learning curves, labour scandals and more diverse supply chains.


Series