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Entertainment

Secret sauce behind Alibaba’s animation studio

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

Alibaba and the New Battleground for Global Entertainment: Data, AI, and the China Factor

Alibaba is increasingly focused on understanding what global audiences *seek* to watch, not just what its creators *want* to build. This data-driven approach, coupled with advancements in AI, is reshaping the entertainment landscape, both within China, and internationally.

The Power of User Data in Content Creation

Alibaba’s Youku platform, with roughly 170 million users, is at the forefront of this shift. Huiyu Xu, an executive producer for Youku’s popular animated series “Cang Yuan Tu,” emphasized that content decisions are now heavily influenced by user data. Rather than relying on creative intuition alone, the platform analyzes what resonates with its audience to guide production.

This contrasts with traditional Hollywood approaches, where a director’s vision often takes precedence. The success of “Cang Yuan Tu,” which originated as an online novel garnering 5 million reader recommendations, demonstrates the potential of tapping into existing audience demand.

The team behind Youku’s “Cang Yuan Tu” animated series kick off the third season in Beijing on March 12, 2026.

CNBC | Evelyn Cheng

“Cang Yuan Tu”: A Case Study in Data-Driven Success

Since its debut in 2023, “Cang Yuan Tu” has amassed over 9.9 million followers in China, making it Youku’s most popular show. The series, a fantasy martial arts story, is available on Youku’s streaming platform for 25 yuan ($3.62) a month. A movie adaptation is planned for summer 2027.

Youku is continually raising the production quality of “Cang Yuan Tu” to meet increasing viewer expectations, investing in more detailed animation and skilled artists. Xu noted the improvements are significant, nearing the quality of Disney animated films.

Hollywood’s Continued Interest in the Chinese Market

Despite challenges like censorship and import restrictions, China remains a crucial market for Hollywood. Disney’s “Zootopia 2” generated approximately one-third of its $1.87 billion global box office revenue from China, becoming the top-grossing Hollywood film in the country.

A24, known for its auteur-driven films, is similarly testing the waters with “Marty Supreme,” bringing its highest-grossing movie to China this month. Actor Timothee Chalamet’s promotional efforts, including a ping-pong match and street food service documented on Xiaohongshu, highlight the lengths studios are going to engage Chinese audiences. However, initial box office takings were just over 3 million yuan ($440,000).

Actor Timothee Chalamet, right and American filmmaker Joshua Safdie attend the premiere of film “Marty Supreme” on March 10, 2026 in Beijing, China.

Visual China Group | Getty Images

Expanding Beyond China: A Global Ambition

Youku isn’t alone in its global ambitions. Other Chinese animation and entertainment companies are also looking to expand internationally. “Cang Yuan Tu” is gaining traction in Thailand and Vietnam, and Youku operates an international streaming platform and a YouTube channel with 1.27 million subscribers for animation content, offering full episodes with subtitles for $3.99 a month.

Youku is planning future animated content with urban and futuristic settings, aiming for broader international appeal. The company anticipates the impact of artificial intelligence, particularly on special effects teams, within the next year or two.

A24 has reportedly launched an AI lab, and quietly opened its first movie merchandise store in mainland China – inside Alibaba’s new Beijing offices.

The Broader Context: U.S.-China Tech Dynamics

Recent developments highlight the ongoing complexities of the U.S.-China relationship. Both sides reached “new consensus” in Paris, according to China’s Commerce Ministry, despite a delay in a planned trip to Beijing by former President Trump. Alibaba recently disclosed a 34% drop in headcount, reflecting a shift towards AI, while Tencent saw a modest increase in its workforce.

U.S. Prosecutors have charged Super Micro Computer employees with smuggling Nvidia chips to China.

Key Dates to Watch

March 24 – 27: China’s Bo’ao Forum for Asia

March 25: PDD Holdings to release earnings

March 25 – 29: China’s Zhongguancun state-organized tech forum in Beijing

March 27: China industrial profits for January and February

FAQ

Q: What is the significance of Alibaba’s focus on user data?

A: It represents a shift from creator-driven content to audience-driven content, increasing the likelihood of success by catering to existing demand.

Q: Is Hollywood losing ground to Chinese entertainment companies?

A: Not necessarily, but Chinese companies are becoming increasingly competitive, leveraging data and technology to create high-quality content with global appeal.

Q: What role does AI play in this evolving landscape?

A: AI is expected to impact production processes, particularly in areas like special effects, and is being explored by companies like A24 for potential creative applications.

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Tech

Tencent FY Q4 revenue beats estimates amid ramp up in AI investments

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

Tencent’s AI and Gaming Surge: A Look at Future Trends

Tencent Holdings is solidifying its position as a tech giant, fueled by a potent combination of gaming prowess and rapidly expanding artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. Recent earnings reports reveal a 13% increase in fourth-quarter revenue, surpassing analyst expectations and signaling a strong trajectory for the company.

The Gaming Engine Continues to Roar

Gaming remains the cornerstone of Tencent’s success. Domestic game revenues climbed 18% year-on-year to 164.2 billion Chinese yuan, driven by popular titles like “Delta Force” and established hits. Internationally, gaming revenue exceeded $10 billion for the first time, reaching 77.4 billion Chinese yuan. This demonstrates Tencent’s growing global reach and ability to capture diverse gaming markets.

The success isn’t limited to existing franchises. Newer titles are contributing significantly, alongside established hits like “Honor of Kings” and “Peacekeeper Elite”. This blend of innovation and proven performance positions Tencent well for continued growth in the competitive gaming landscape.

AI: The Recent Growth Driver

While gaming provides a robust foundation, Tencent is strategically investing heavily in AI to unlock new revenue streams and enhance existing services. The company spent 18 billion Chinese yuan on AI products in 2025 and plans to double that investment this year. This commitment underscores the importance of AI in Tencent’s future strategy.

AI is being integrated across Tencent’s ecosystem, including its WeChat messaging and payment app, cloud services and gaming experiences. AI-enhanced ad targeting is already boosting online advertising revenue, which rose 17% to 41.1 billion yuan. The hiring of former OpenAI researcher Yao Shunyu to lead the development of its Hunyuan large language model further demonstrates this commitment.

Cloud Expansion and Fintech Growth

Beyond gaming and AI, Tencent is actively diversifying its portfolio. Fintech and business services revenues increased by 8% year-on-year to 229.4 billion Chinese yuan. The company is as well pursuing expansion in cloud computing, with plans to grow its presence in Europe and the Middle East.

Although Tencent doesn’t break out cloud revenue separately, the overall growth in the Fintech and Business Services segment indicates a positive trend. This diversification strategy aims to reduce reliance on gaming and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the digital economy.

What’s Next for Tencent?

Tencent’s future appears bright, but navigating the evolving tech landscape will be crucial. Several key trends are likely to shape the company’s trajectory:

  • Continued AI Integration: Expect to see AI become even more deeply embedded in Tencent’s products and services, driving personalization, efficiency, and innovation.
  • Global Gaming Expansion: Tencent will likely continue to expand its international gaming footprint, targeting new markets and developing games tailored to local preferences.
  • Cloud Computing Growth: The cloud business is poised for significant growth as more businesses adopt cloud-based solutions.
  • Fintech Innovation: Tencent will likely leverage its fintech capabilities to develop new financial products and services, catering to the evolving needs of its users.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Tencent’s AI chatbot, Yuanbao. Its performance and user adoption will be a key indicator of the company’s AI strategy.

FAQ

Q: What is Tencent’s primary source of revenue?
A: Gaming remains Tencent’s primary source of revenue, but the company is actively diversifying into areas like AI and cloud computing.

Q: How much is Tencent investing in AI?
A: Tencent spent 18 billion Chinese yuan on AI in 2025 and plans to double that investment this year.

Q: Is Tencent expanding its cloud business internationally?
A: Yes, Tencent is planning to expand its cloud computing presence in Europe and the Middle East.

Q: What are some of Tencent’s popular games?
A: Popular games include “Delta Force”, “Valorant Mobile”, “Honor of Kings”, and “Peacekeeper Elite”.

Seek to learn more about the evolving tech landscape in China? Explore our other articles on emerging technologies and digital market trends.

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Business

AI startups go global from day one

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

China’s AI Startups Are Building to Win Globally

A shift is underway in China’s artificial intelligence landscape. Increasingly, Chinese AI startups aren’t prioritizing their domestic market, but rather setting their sights on global expansion from day one. This strategy is fueled by a combination of factors, including a willingness among overseas businesses to experiment with new AI tools and a desire to tap into larger, more diverse revenue streams.

The Global Focus: Why Now?

For many Chinese AI companies, the path to rapid growth lies outside of China. Tripo AI, an image-to-3D model generation company, exemplifies this trend. A remarkable 90% of its user base is located outside of China, and the company is actively pursuing strategic partnerships with corporations in Europe and the United States. Since launching its 3D model generation platform in June 2025, Tripo AI has seen monthly revenue exceed $1 million.

This isn’t an isolated case. ISales, another Chinese startup, is focused on helping Chinese manufacturers sell products internationally, generating over $1 million in revenue since June by serving more than 300 businesses. They’ve identified an underserved market, offering products comparable to those from Japan or Germany at a significantly lower price point.

A Different Appetite for Innovation

Tripo AI’s CEO, Simon Song, notes a key difference in the approach to AI adoption between Chinese and Western businesses. While Chinese companies often prioritize immediate returns on investment, businesses in Europe and the U.S. Are more open to exploring new AI tools even without a guaranteed immediate revenue boost. This willingness to experiment creates a more fertile ground for innovation and adoption.

Funding and Future Ambitions

Chinese AI startups are strategically positioning themselves for global success by prioritizing fundraising from U.S. Dollar-based investors and considering listings on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. ISales recently secured a $1 million angel investment from Singapore-based Impa Ventures. Tripo AI’s founder, Simon Song, has prior experience with successful public offerings, having co-founded MiniMax, which listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in January.

iSales’ founder, Pan Yiming, has even bolder ambitions, hinting at a future challenge to American software giant Salesforce. The company is also planning to launch AI-powered social media marketing tools for businesses outside of China.

Nvidia and the Broader AI Landscape

The rise of these Chinese AI startups comes as Nvidia warns of potential disruption from Chinese rivals. Despite U.S. Government approvals for sales of the H200 chip to China, Nvidia has yet to generate revenue from these sales. The company also acknowledges the progress made by Chinese AI firms, bolstered by recent IPOs and lower-cost technology.

Several Chinese AI companies are scheduled to participate virtually at Nvidia’s GTC conference in San Jose, California, including Moonshot and engineers from ByteDance Seed, demonstrating the growing collaboration and competition within the global AI ecosystem.

Key Economic Indicators and Upcoming Events

Several key economic events are on the horizon that will provide further insight into China’s economic trajectory. The National People’s Congress begins on March 5, with the release of GDP and other economic targets. China’s CPI and PPI data for February will be released on March 9, followed by trade data for the first two months of the year on March 10.

FAQ

Q: What is driving the global focus of Chinese AI startups?

A: A combination of factors, including a greater willingness among overseas businesses to experiment with new AI tools and a desire to tap into larger, more diverse revenue streams.

Q: Is Nvidia facing competition from Chinese AI companies?

A: Yes, Nvidia has warned of potential disruption from Chinese rivals, who are making progress with the help of recent IPOs and lower-cost technology.

Q: What is Tripo AI?

A: Tripo AI is an image-to-3D model generation company with 90% of its users outside of China.

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Business

Forget DeepSeek. Of China’s 5 new AI models, UBS prefers this one

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

China’s AI Revolution: MiniMax Challenges DeepSeek and Reshapes the Global Landscape

The artificial intelligence landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, and China is rapidly emerging as a central force. While DeepSeek initially stunned the world with its cost-effective and powerful AI models, a new contender, MiniMax, is quickly gaining ground. This isn’t just a domestic competition; it’s a challenge to the established AI order, with implications for global markets and technological advancement.

The Rise of MiniMax: A Disruptive Force

MiniMax, a relatively new player that went public in Hong Kong in January 2026, is making waves with its M2.5 model. Data from OpenRouter indicates that developers are increasingly choosing MiniMax M2.5 over both DeepSeek’s V3.2 and offerings from U.S. Companies. UBS analysts report that MiniMax’s AI usage has already reached one-third of Anthropic’s Claude, and at a staggering one-tenth of the price.

This price-performance ratio has caught the attention of investors. UBS initiated coverage of MiniMax with a buy rating and a price target of 1000 Hong Kong dollars ($127.83 as of March 1, 2026), representing a potential upside of over 30% from its recent trading price. The company’s diverse portfolio, extending beyond text generation to include video, audio, and AI companionship tools, further distinguishes it from competitors like Zhipu, which focuses on coding, and Moonshot, which prioritizes coding and agentic task completion.

Beyond Models: China’s AI Ecosystem Evolves

The competition extends beyond individual models. Chinese tech giants – Alibaba, Tencent, Baidu, and ByteDance – are integrating AI into existing applications and services, driving adoption, particularly in lower-tier Chinese cities. These companies invested heavily in promotions during the Lunar New Year holiday to encourage AI usage, focusing on features like image and video generation, quick commerce, and transactional bookings.

This shift towards user applications signals a broader evolution in China’s AI strategy. The initial shockwave from DeepSeek’s advancements highlighted China’s potential, and now the focus is on translating that potential into tangible benefits for consumers and businesses.

The Global Impact: A $41 Billion Opportunity

The implications of China’s AI advancements are global. UBS estimates that MiniMax could capture 3% of the global enterprise services market, representing a segment revenue of $41 billion. Specifically, video generation presents a $5 billion revenue opportunity, while AI companionship could generate around $4 billion.

The speed at which new AI models disrupt existing rankings is remarkable. Users are quick to adopt tools that offer superior performance at lower costs. If MiniMax’s growth trajectory continues, UBS analysts suggest the stock could climb even higher, potentially reaching 1380 HKD.

Distillation Concerns and National Security

The rapid progress of Chinese AI companies has also raised concerns in the United States. Anthropic has accused DeepSeek, MiniMax, and Moonshot AI of illegally extracting capabilities from its Claude model through a process called distillation. This involves creating over 24,000 fraudulent accounts and using over 16 million exchanges with Claude to train their own models. OpenAI has made similar allegations regarding DeepSeek and ChatGPT. This practice, while common in the industry, is explicitly banned by many leading AI model providers and raises national security concerns.

FAQ

Q: What is AI distillation?
A: AI distillation is a technique where a smaller, more efficient model is trained to mimic the behavior of a larger, more complex model.

Q: Which companies are currently leading the AI race in China?
A: DeepSeek, MiniMax, Moonshot AI, Alibaba, Tencent, Baidu, and ByteDance are all key players.

Q: What is the potential market size for MiniMax?
A: UBS estimates MiniMax could achieve $41 billion in segment revenue by capturing 3% of the global enterprise services market.

Q: Are there concerns about the methods used by Chinese AI companies?
A: Yes, Anthropic and OpenAI have accused some Chinese companies of using illicit methods, such as distillation via fraudulent accounts, to accelerate their AI development.

Did you know? DeepSeek shocked the industry in early 2025 by launching a powerful model requiring fewer computing resources than its competitors.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on MiniMax’s development, as its focus on diverse AI tools – including video and audio generation – sets it apart from many competitors.

Stay informed about the latest developments in the AI revolution. Explore our other articles on artificial intelligence and technology trends. Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive insights and updates.

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