China Market

GreenTree Hospitality Group reported its unaudited H1 2025 financial results, revealing a mixed performance. Total revenues decreased 14.2% year-over-year to RMB 585.1 million, while net income increased to RMB 198.8 million due to strategic investments. Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 22.2%. The company operated 4,509 hotels as of June 30, 2025, and opened 138 hotels during the period. Hotel RevPAR declined while restaurant ADS also decreased significantly.

Apple’s stock rebounded after the iPhone 17 launch, overcoming earlier 2025 losses. Strong demand, indicated by extended iPhone 17 delivery times (18 days vs. iPhone 16’s 10 days), and a rebound in China fuel the surge. While Apple’s 2025 stock performance lagged due to lower AI investment, new products integrate AI features like real-time translation in AirPods Pro 3 and proactive health alerts in Apple Watch. Investors await further AI announcements to assess Apple’s competitiveness in the AI landscape.

Apple has delayed the launch of its new, ultra-thin iPhone Air in China due to regulatory hurdles surrounding eSIM technology. Chinese wireless carriers require government licenses for devices with eSIM functionality, which are currently pending. The iPhone Air, boasting a radical redesign and a focus on eSIM, was slated for pre-orders this Friday with retail availability on September 19th. Apple is actively working with regulators to expedite the approval process. The delay highlights the increasing scrutiny of foreign technology and China’s emphasis on cybersecurity.

Otis Worldwide reported mixed second-quarter 2025 results, with service driving growth amid new equipment headwinds, particularly in China. Service net sales rose 6%, with organic sales up 4%, and the service operating profit margin expanded. Modernization orders surged 22%. While overall net sales were flat, excluding China, new equipment orders climbed 11%. The company reaffirms its 2025 EPS outlook.

Chinese men, particularly those born in the mid-90s, are increasingly driving the medical aesthetics market. Motivated by dating prospects and career advancement, this demographic seeks discreet treatments for acne, aging, and general appearance enhancement. While domestic options grow, men often prefer natural-looking results and prioritize professional expertise. The market is expanding, with focused strategies targeting this male segment, though education and trust remain key challenges.

China’s automotive market is witnessing public spats between executives amid intense competition. Analysts suggest this shift reflects unsustainable price wars and squeezed margins. Car manufacturers are publicly criticizing rivals to shape perception, protect brand image, and maintain consumer interest. An industry expert underscores the importance of maintaining at least 20% gross profit margins for ethical and long-term business viability, crucial in the current cutthroat environment.

In China’s booming food delivery market, JD.com has emerged as a significant competitor, joining Meituan and Ele.me. With over 25 million daily orders as of June 2025, JD holds over 31% market share and leads premium restaurant delivery with 45%. JD’s strategy focuses on high-quality restaurants, employing commission reductions, promotional traffic, and enhanced delivery features to improve the customer experience.

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang reaffirmed the company’s strong commitment to the Chinese market in a recent interview. He emphasized China’s significance, highlighting its rapid growth and the long-standing relationships NVIDIA has cultivated there. Huang stated the market is irreplaceable and acknowledged the current limitations on product offerings, while expressing a commitment to explore future strategies.