China Recap is a weekly roundup tracking Chinese companies expanding abroad, covering market entries, funding rounds, product launches, and global partnerships.
China’s corporate globalization strategy is evolving fast. Industry giants are rewriting the global playbook, while a new generation of companies charts fresh paths overseas.
China Recap tracks both—focusing on strategic expansion, brand building, and localized operations—to help readers make sense of shifting trends and understand how Chinese firms are reshaping their global approach.
Here’s what made headlines last week:
Chinese brands scale up global play
- JD.com is in talks to acquire German electronics retailer Ceconomy for EUR 4.6 (USD 5.4) per share, valuing the company at about EUR 2.2 billion (USD 2.6 billion). The offer represents a 23% premium, but no binding deal has been signed. While the deal could give JD an entry point into Europe, reluctance from major shareholders poses a potential hurdle. —Bloomberg
- Alibaba’s Taobao has seen a 60% year-on-year increase in new users in Thailand following the launch of a localized app featuring artificial intelligence-powered translation and local currency payment support. The move is part of a broader push into Southeast Asia as Alibaba seeks growth beyond its slowing domestic market. —SCMP
- Chinese brands are gaining ground in the global foldable phone market, according to TrendForce. Huawei is projected to reach a 34.3% share in 2025, placing it just behind Samsung. Honor, Lenovo, and Xiaomi are also expected to gain momentum as they expand their lineups ahead of a potential demand surge in 2026.
- BYD topped Hong Kong’s electric vehicle market in the first half of 2025 with 4,902 new registrations, edging out Tesla and BMW. Led by its Sealion 07 SUV, BYD’s growth reflects a broader push by Chinese carmakers to use the city as a springboard for global expansion. Mainland brands accounted for two-thirds of total EV registrations during the period. —SCMP
- Chinese beauty brand Joocyee launched its first international flagship store in Singapore’s Wisma Atria on July 21. After entering the market in October 2024, the brand has since expanded to 24 retail locations. The new store features region-specific product lines as Joocyee scales global operations. —Sina
China sets rules for self-driving tech
China’s science ministry issued ethical guidelines for autonomous driving on July 23, requiring developers to prioritize safety, restrict data collection to driving functions, and document relevant algorithms. The rules clarify liability based on system capability and prohibit false research claims. —Reuters
Pop Mart sues 7-Eleven over Labubu knockoffs
Pop Mart filed a lawsuit against 7-Eleven in the US, accusing the retailer of selling counterfeit Labubu toys under the name “Lafufu.” The alleged knockoffs, priced similarly to official products, drew online criticism for their poor quality. Pop Mart confirmed the legal action on July 23. —Jiemian News
JD.com denies Kai Bo acquisition report
JD.com denied a media report that it acquired 70% of Hong Kong grocer Kai Bo Food Supermarket for HKD 4 billion (USD 509.6 million). The report claimed the deal included store and property assets, with founder Lam Hiu-ngai staying on for three years. JD called the report inaccurate and misleading. —SCMP
Douyin holds back on food delivery growth
ByteDance’s Douyin said it has no plans to build its own delivery network, as its food delivery efforts under Suixintuan focus on group buying deliveries for lifestyle merchants. The company has cut GMV (gross merchandise value) targets and slowed expansion, citing challenges competing with Meituan and Alibaba’s Ele.me. —36Kr
China warns delivery giants on price war
China’s top market watchdog summoned Ele.me, Meituan, and JD on July 18, urging “rational” competition and compliance with e-commerce, food safety, and anti-unfair competition laws. The move follows a fierce price war and a surge in transactions as platforms fight for market share through subsidies and flash sales. —SCMP
That wraps up this edition of China Recap. If your company is expanding internationally, we’d love to hear about your latest milestones. Get in touch to share your story.