Technology

China’s latest rules on facial recognition technology introduce mandatory registration for companies handling significant volumes of personal data, alongside a practical guide to compliance In an era where facial recognition technology is increasingly embedded in daily life, from unlocking smartphones to streamlining payments, China has introduced robust regulations to ensure its responsible use. On March 21, 2025, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) and the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) …

Elinor Greenhouse, Senior Adviser, Tech and Innovation at the China-Britain Business Council, explains why UK Innovators should enter the 10th Design Intelligence Award A few days ago, Unitree Robotics captivated audiences with the world’s first robot boxing tournament, a spectacle that showcased the fusion of engineering precision and creative design. This event exemplifies the dynamic innovation landscape in China, where design and technology converge to push boundaries. It also underscores the opportunities …

China’s semiconductor industry is rapidly advancing, driven by state-backed initiatives and domestic innovation China’s semiconductor sector has emerged as a cornerstone of its technological ambition, propelled by significant government investment and a strategic push for self-sufficiency. In 2024, the industry was valued at £134.2 billion, with projections indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% from 2025 to 2034, potentially reaching £283.7 billion by 2034. This growth reflects China’s …

China’s technology and electronics industry is a dynamo of innovation, manufacturing, and digital transformation that shapes markets and economies worldwide For British businesses eyeing opportunities in this vibrant sector, understanding its scale, key players, and strategic undercurrents is not just useful, it’s essential. From the sprawling factories of Shenzhen to the R&D labs of Beijing, this industry is a complex tapestry of ambition, policy, and relentless growth. Here, we unpack …

Following a deadly crash, China’s autonomous driving crackdown, characterised by strict new rules, signals a shift in the world’s largest automotive market On 1 April 2025, a tragic accident involving Xiaomi’s SU7 sedan, operating in semi-autonomous mode, claimed three lives in Tongling, Anhui province, when the vehicle crashed into a concrete barrier and caught fire. The incident, which occurred seconds after the driver took manual control from the advanced driver …

As China continues to grow as a significant global economic force, the country’s cybersecurity and data privacy laws mean that UK businesses exploring opportunities in this expansive market face an increasingly complex regulatory environment surrounding cybersecurity and data protection. Recent legislative developments have introduced stringent requirements, making it crucial for businesses to understand and proactively comply with these evolving regulations. For tech companies, especially, where a strong digital foundation is …

From its Guangzhou origins to a bold UK launch, XPeng has global ambitions to steer the future of smart mobility In Guangzhou in 2014, a company emerged with a vision to redefine the driving experience. XPeng Motors, or Xiaopeng to its Chinese audience, set out not just to craft electric vehicles, but to embed artificial intelligence at their core, creating cars that anticipate and adapt to their drivers. Founded by …

In January 2025, the emergence of Chinese AI DeepSeek shook the global tech landscape and caused many US tech stocks to plummet, with US President Donald Trump dubbing it a “wakeup call” for US tech companies Founded in 2023 by Liang Wenfeng and headquartered in Hangzhou, DeepSeek specialises in developing open-source large language models (LLMs) – advanced AI models trained on vast amounts of data to understand and generate everything …

As a potential US ban on TikTok looms, users have been flocking to download Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, pushing the app to number one on US app stores. But what is Xiaohongshu, and is it even like TikTok? With the US Supreme Court seeming increasingly likely to uphold a law banning TikTok over national security concerns unless parent company ByteDance sells the platform to a non China based company …

Social commerce, a blend of social media and e-commerce, has become a key part of the retail landscape in the country – so what are the top social commerce platforms in China, and the trends that British businesses need to know? Social commerce combines social interaction with online shopping, leveraging platforms where users can share, discuss, and directly purchase products. This seamless integration has created an engaging and influential ecosystem …