China

Noah Holdings Limited (NYSE: NOAH and HKEX: 6686) will release its Q3 2025 unaudited financial results on November 25th and host an earnings call to discuss performance and strategic initiatives. Analysts will scrutinize AUM growth, responses to regulatory changes, and adaptation to shifting investor preferences. Key areas of interest include alternative investment demand, geopolitical impacts on cross-border investments, and fintech investments. Noah faces competition and evolving investor expectations. In H1 2025, Noah distributed RMB33.1 billion of investment products, with AUM totaling RMB145.1 billion as of June 30, 2025.

Apple removed gay dating apps Blued and Finka from its Chinese iOS App Store following directives from China’s Cyberspace Administration (CAC). Apple cited compliance with local laws, stating the apps were already unavailable elsewhere. A lighter version of Blued remains. This follows the 2022 removal of Grindr and stricter app regulations in China, including mandatory registration and licensing. The CAC also requested the removal of WhatsApp and Threads in April 2024. This action reflects increased scrutiny of LGBTQ content and the challenges multinational corporations face in navigating diverse regulatory landscapes.

China has eased export restrictions on critical minerals and rare earth elements, a move seen as a result of recent US-China talks. The one-year suspension, effective after October 9th, impacts materials used in military hardware, semiconductors, and advanced technology. This includes gallium, germanium, antimony, graphite and synthetic diamonds. The US has reciprocated by reducing tariffs and postponing the blacklisting of Chinese subsidiaries. Analysts believe China aims to stabilize its economy and project reliability in the global trading system.

Nvidia is caught between US and China’s AI chip restrictions, its market share in China plummeting from 95% to zero. Both countries are leveraging AI chips in a tech standoff. Despite lobbying efforts, Nvidia faces exclusion, as Beijing favors domestic chips and Washington restricts exports. This situation highlights the increasing difficulty for tech companies to remain neutral amidst geopolitical tensions, forcing them to choose sides and navigate complex regulations. Nvidia now anticipates zero revenue from China, signaling a potential permanent market separation.

Pony.ai and WeRide, Chinese autonomous driving firms, experienced stock declines in Hong Kong after raising a combined $1.17 billion in IPOs. The companies aim to use the capital to advance Level 4 autonomy, expand globally, and compete with Baidu’s Apollo Go and Alphabet’s Waymo. Regulatory hurdles in the U.S. and allegations between the companies add to the challenges. They also aim to partner with Uber and expand in China, the Middle East, Europe and Asia.

Jensen Huang’s remarks on China’s potential AI dominance have sparked debate. He initially cited lower energy costs and less stringent regulations in China as advantages, prompting concerns about the U.S. losing its AI leadership. Nvidia later clarified that the U.S. is currently ahead, emphasizing the need to maintain developer reliance on Nvidia chips. Restricted access to the Chinese market, coupled with China’s focus on domestic AI chips, has seemingly shifted Huang’s focus to factors hindering Western AI development, like regulation and energy costs.

Baidu’s Apollo Go robotaxi service is rapidly expanding, achieving over 250,000 weekly driverless rides as of October 31st, rivaling Google’s Waymo. Operating primarily in China, Apollo Go also plans international deployments. The company has fulfilled 17 million ride orders and driven 240 million kilometers, including 140 million driverless kilometers. Baidu emphasizes safety, reporting a low airbag deployment rate. Investors await Q3 earnings to assess Apollo Go’s financial impact and long-term strategy, amid intense competition in China’s autonomous driving sector.

The Dutch government seized control of Nexperia, a Netherlands-based chipmaker owned by China’s Wingtech, citing national security concerns, escalating geopolitical tensions. China responded with export controls on Nexperia products, threatening global automotive production due to reliance on these essential chips. Automakers warned of potential production cuts. Diplomatic efforts are underway, with possible exemptions to China’s export ban being considered, offering a glimmer of hope. The situation highlights the vulnerability of the semiconductor supply chain and growing scrutiny of Chinese-linked tech firms.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang defends selling advanced semiconductors to China, citing mutual benefits despite national security concerns and U.S. export controls. He acknowledges China’s AI leadership and significant market potential, estimating it at $50 billion this year. Huang also highlights Huawei’s technological prowess, emphasizing that underestimating China’s capabilities would be “foolish”. He believes collaboration serves both countries’ interests amid rising tensions.

Zeekr Intelligent Technology Holding Limited (ZK) announced October 2025 deliveries of 61,636 vehicles across Zeekr and Lynk & Co brands, a 9.8% year-over-year increase and a 20.5% month-over-month jump. Zeekr-branded EVs accounted for 21,423 units. The growth is attributed to customer trust, with over 2.15 million cumulative users. Zeekr focuses on differentiation through vehicle design, ADAS, OTA updates, and charging infrastructure. Analysts emphasize the importance of software, e-powertrain technology, and EV supply chain development for Zeekr’s long-term competitiveness.