Business
Chinese Tech Conglomerate Restructure Could Leave Foreign Investors out to Dry
News Analysis
International investors who own Chinese dollar-denominated bonds are on high alert.
The bankruptcy and restructure of Peking University’s Founder Group, a Chinese state-backed technology conglomerate, currently playing out in Chinese court could upend the entire offshore dollar bond market.
At the heart of the issue are so-called “keepwell” deeds, a quasi-guarantee issued by Founder Group designed to protect foreign investors who invested in bonds issued by Founder’s offshore subsidiaries. But this structure is being challenged in court as part of Founder Group’s restructuring proceedings. The company’s administrators overseeing its bankruptcy are looking to tear up such “keepwell” bonds.
If the Beijing court deems the provision—akin to a “gentlemen’s agreement”—as non-enforceable, more than $100 billion of offshore dollar-denominated Chinese bonds would suddenly be worth a lot less than before.
And foreign investors could stand to lose most if not all of their investments.
High Profile Bankruptcy
Founder Group is owned by Peking University and engages in technology services, healthcare, real estate, and securities trading. It’s one of a handful of conglomerates owned by China’s high-profile research universities.
It began having financial difficulties late last year when it missed payment on a 2 billion yuan ($280 million) onshore bond. Founder’s default on its onshore bonds initially shocked investors, since it was rated AAA (the highest possible credit rating) by domestic Chinese credit rating agencies. Ostensibly, Founder’s lapsed payment was part of a larger trend of Chinese bond defaults during 2019.
Creditors of the company then extended the deadline for payment until February 2020. In February, as the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus began to ravage much of China, creditors had asked a Beijing court to restructure Founder Group through bankruptcy proceedings. According to a report by Chinese business magazine Caixin, as of February, Founder Group had 34.5 billion yuan ($4.8 billion) in outstanding onshore…
Business
China Limits Apple Operations as BYD Manufacturing Moves to India and Southeast Asia Amid Trade Frictions | International Business News – The Times of India
China is restricting the export of high-tech manufacturing equipment and personnel to India and Southeast Asia, aiming to maintain domestic production amid potential US tariffs, impacting companies like Foxconn and BYD.
China Curbs on High-Tech Manufacturing
China is intensifying restrictions on the movement of employees and specialized equipment essential for high-tech manufacturing in India and Southeast Asia. This measure aims to prevent companies from relocating production due to potential tariffs under the incoming US administration. Beijing has urged local governments to restrict technology transfers and export of manufacturing tools as part of this strategy.
Impact on Foxconn and Apple’s Strategy
Foxconn, Apple’s primary assembly partner, is facing challenges in sending staff and receiving equipment in India, which could impact production. Despite these hurdles, current manufacturing operations remain unaffected. The Chinese government insists it treats all nations equally while reinforcing its domestic production to mitigate job losses and retain foreign investments.
Broader Implications for India
Additionally, these restrictions affect electric vehicle and solar panel manufacturers in India, notably BYD and Waaree Energies. Although the measures are not explicitly targeting India, they complicate the business landscape. As foreign companies seek alternatives to China, these developments are likely to reshape manufacturing strategies amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Business
EFIS Maroc and China Eastern Airlines Set to Launch Service Between Morocco and China
China Eastern Airlines and EFIS Maroc will launch three weekly flights between Casablanca and Shanghai via Marseille starting January 19, 2025, enhancing cargo logistics for Morocco-China trade, particularly in the automotive sector.
New Flight Route Launch
China Eastern Airlines has partnered with EFIS Maroc to introduce three weekly flights between Casablanca (CMN) and Shanghai (PVG) via Marseille (MRS). This service is set to commence on January 19, 2025, operating on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, using Boeing 787-900 aircraft with a capacity of 18 tonnes for cargo.
Supporting the Automotive Industry
The service aims to enhance logistical support for the automotive sector, facilitating the secure and timely transport of high-value components between Morocco and China. This new route will not only strengthen local supply chains but also promote economic growth and trade relations between Africa and Asia.
Innovative Cargo Solutions
Jean Ceccaldi, CEO of ECS Group, emphasized that this collaboration marks a significant achievement for EFIS Maroc. Leveraging advanced digital tools like Squair for customs optimization and CargoAi for booking, EFIS Maroc will enhance operational efficiency, ensuring a superior cargo management solution tailored for China Eastern Airlines.
Source : EFIS Maroc and China Eastern Airlines to launch Morocco-China service
Business
China Considers Selling TikTok US Operations to Musk as a Viable Option – Bloomberg
China is considering the sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations to Elon Musk as a potential option, according to a report by Bloomberg.
Potential Sale of TikTok to Elon Musk
Reports suggest that China is considering the sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations to Elon Musk as a viable option. This development follows ongoing scrutiny over the app’s data privacy practices and its links to the Chinese government. Officials believe that a sale could alleviate international concerns and preserve the platform’s presence in the U.S. market.
Strategic Implications
The potential transaction raises numerous strategic implications, not only for TikTok but also for Musk’s other ventures. If Musk were to acquire TikTok, it could enhance his digital footprint and provide new avenues for advertising and user engagement. Conversely, it could pose challenges in managing regulatory compliance and addressing data security issues.
Regulatory Hurdles Ahead
Despite the intriguing prospect of a sale, significant regulatory hurdles remain. Any acquisition would require approval from U.S. authorities, who continue to assess the risks associated with foreign ownership of tech companies. The outcome of these discussions could have widespread ramifications for both TikTok and the broader social media landscape.
Source : China Weighs Sale of TikTok US to Musk as a Possible Option – Bloomberg
- China Limits Apple Operations as BYD Manufacturing Moves to India and Southeast Asia Amid Trade Frictions | International Business News – The Times of India
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- China Lures Indonesia to Ease Its Position on the South China Sea
- EFIS Maroc and China Eastern Airlines Set to Launch Service Between Morocco and China
- China Considers Selling TikTok US Operations to Musk as a Viable Option – Bloomberg
