China
Making Chinese IPOs a bit more private
Author: Juan Du, University of Sydney
The responses of Chinese regulators to initial public offerings (IPOs) by the country’s homegrown tech companies have made headlines beyond financial markets. With memories of the paused IPO and anti-trust investigations into Jack Ma’s Ant Group still fresh, regulators launched a series of investigations into Didi Global, China’s biggest ride-hailing company, within days of its IPO in New York on 30 June 2021.
Some media reports about the regulatory actions are skewed towards speculation about the Chinese Communist Party’s tightened grip over the tech giants. But based on public information, the accumulation of user data is a common theme in the investigations into Ant Group and Didi Global.
Like oil giants last century, big tech companies are facing growing challenges from states over their monopoly on user data. Super platforms act as basic infrastructure for the digital economy, enabling everything from the production to the distribution and consumption of digital services. Empowered by data, these platforms offer innovative solutions to digitalising traditional sectors. But they also enjoy higher pricing and bargaining power, hampering market competition, innovation and consumer interests.
In April 2021, Alibaba took a hefty penalty from Chinese regulators in the wake of anti-trust investigations. According to regulators, the company controlled over half of China’s online retail between 2015 and 2019. Since 2015, Alibaba has required merchants to choose between its platform and competitors’, using data and algorithms to implement this ‘pick one from two’ strategy — a violation of Chinese anti-trust law.
Alibaba was also accused of other data-related monopolistic behaviour. Its data-driven solutions, such as tailored search results for customers, make it difficult for merchants to switch platforms without losing their customer base, transaction records and review histories.
National security is also a concern when examining firm behaviour in cross-border exchanges of data. The probe into Didi Global was grounded in China’s National Security and Cybersecurity Laws, under which IPO-related cross-border activities require critical infrastructure operators to first seek evaluation from ad hoc Chinese regulators to pre-empt national security risks.
Two more companies came under scrutiny on the same grounds. Both control the personal data of millions of Chinese users and were recently listed in the US stock market. One of the companies, like Didi, manages large amounts of data on user identification and contact information, flow of vehicles and people and China’s transportation infrastructure.
Chinese regulators made revisions to the Cybersecurity Review Measures days after investigations into Didi. These made it compulsory for operators handling the data of over one million users to register with the cyberspace regulator for safety-related reviews before listing overseas. The cyber security examination will be undertaken by 14 Chinese regulators, and the securities regulator is the latest addition to this mechanism. The revisions referred to the Data Security Law, which will come into effect in September 2021.
The revisions are a typical case of policymaking lagging behind developments in industry. But when it comes to national security, countries often decide that it is better safe than sorry, as evidenced by the escalating screening of foreign investment in critical infrastructure by the United States, Japan, Australia and the European Union.
Didi’s treatment sent a ripple through the tech industry. Some tech companies like Meicai chose to delay their planned overseas IPOs to adjust to the new compliance requirements. Venture capitalists may have second thoughts over regulatory risks when investing in Chinese tech start-ups and see it as a hurdle for cashing in on their initial investments through IPOs. Chinese tech companies may be less favoured after foreign investors were spooked by the consecutive drops of Didi’s share price. Some firms may choose to instead list on the Hong Kong stock exchange.
Despite the chaos, there are some positives. The regulations restrain tech companies from illegal collection and use of data. Since 1 May 2021, companies have been prohibited from collecting data without consent beyond defined basic personal information. Big firms are more careful about monopolistic practices. The rival Chinese super platforms, WeChat and Alipay, are reported to be considering opening their ecosystems to each other and ending some…
Business
China Telecom Gulf Officially Launches Operations in Saudi Arabia for Business Expansion
China Telecom Gulf was launched in Riyadh, enhancing digital cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia under the “Belt and Road Initiative,” with a focus on technological innovation and infrastructure development.
China Telecom Gulf Launches in Riyadh
On November 21, 2024, China Telecom Gulf was officially inaugurated in Riyadh, symbolizing a significant advancement in China Telecom’s internationalization efforts and commitment to the "Belt and Road Initiative." The event was attended by over 100 dignitaries, including Mr. Liu Guiqing, Executive Director of China Telecom Corporation, and Mr. Fawaz from the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Riyadh Branch, marking a milestone in fostering a shared future between China and Arab nations.
Commitment to Digital Transformation
In his speech, Mr. Liu highlighted China Telecom’s dedication to collaborating with Saudi enterprises and local governments to enhance digital infrastructure. By leveraging its expertise in technologies like 5G and artificial intelligence, the company aims to provide high-quality communication services, thereby driving socio-economic growth in the region.
Strategic Partnerships for Growth
During the launch, China Telecom Gulf signed strategic agreements with several prominent companies, including Saudi Telecom Company and Huawei. These collaborations are geared towards optimizing digital experiences for Saudi customers and contributing to the broader Sino-Saudi cooperation in technology and economic development, solidifying China Telecom’s role in the Middle Eastern telecom landscape.
Source : China Telecom Gulf Officially Launches in Saudi Arabia for Business
China
India Initiates a Shift in Security Focus Regarding China Amid Economic Ambitions
Since 2014, India’s Modi government aimed to boost manufacturing through the Make-in-India campaign. However, tensions with China led to increased scrutiny of Chinese investments post-COVID-19, limiting their influence.
Modi’s Manufacturing Push
Since Narendra Modi took office in 2014, his administration has focused on boosting the manufacturing sector’s contribution to India’s GDP. The launch of the Make-in-India campaign aimed to enhance manufacturing capabilities and attract foreign direct investment (FDI), even in sensitive sectors such as defense and railways, thereby fostering economic growth.
Shift in Economic Relations
During this period, Chinese companies like Oppo and ZTE sought to capitalize on India’s manufacturing potential. However, the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for safeguard measures against potential foreign takeovers. In response, India revised its FDI policy to increase scrutiny on investments from neighboring countries, particularly targeting Chinese investments, which now require governmental approval.
Geopolitical Tensions and FDI Impact
Tensions escalated after the June 2020 Galwan clash, severely straining Indo-China relations. This ongoing border standoff has posed challenges to the evolving dynamics between the two nations. As a result of these geopolitical tensions and pandemic-era policies, Chinese capital inflow to India constituted merely 0.43% of the total FDI from April 2000 to December 2021, highlighting a significant downturn in bilateral economic ties.
Source : India begins a rebalance of security concerns over China and economic aspirations
Business
BRICS: China Classifies Crypto as Property and Prohibits Business Ownership
China’s Shanghai court ruled cryptocurrencies are property, boosting optimism in the crypto industry while maintaining a ban on business transactions. This may signal a shift in future regulations.
China’s Ruling on Cryptocurrency
In a pivotal decision for the nation and its BRICS alliance, China has officially classified cryptocurrency as property while maintaining prohibitions against business transactions involving digital assets. A notable ruling from the Shanghai Songjiant People’s Court affirmed cryptocurrencies as property, sparking optimism within the crypto industry regarding future regulations.
Implications for the Crypto Industry
As cryptocurrencies gain significance globally, the Chinese ruling is viewed as a potential-positive shift amidst ongoing restrictions. While individuals can hold virtual currency, businesses remain barred from engaging in investment transactions or issuing tokens independently. This decision has generated anticipation for more accommodating regulations in the future.
Future Prospects for Cryptocurrency in China
Experts like Max Keiser believe this ruling indicates China’s growing acknowledgment of Bitcoin’s influence. As BRICS nations explore increased cryptocurrency utilization in trade, this legal shift could enhance market demand and lead to greater acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate asset class, setting the stage for potential developments in 2025.
Source : BRICS: China Rules Crypto as Property, Bars Business Holdings
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