Thailand Privilege Introduces New Era of Luxury With New Privilege Visa

new thai elite visa

Thailand Privilege Card Co. Ltd. recently hosted a momentous event that unveiled an exhilarating new direction for the company. As you immersed yourself in the sleek interior of the Conrad Bangkok Hotel, the energy was palpable. Something special was in the air.

In this iconic setting, Thailand Privilege proudly introduced four meticulously designed Elite packages to replace their current offerings. These packages will take effect on October 1, spearheading a new era of luxury and privilege.

Humble Beginnings to Globally Renowned

It’s incredible to reflect on Thailand Privilege’s journey from welcoming 1,056 members between 2003-2005 to an astounding 31,500 members in 2023. Their tremendous growth shows no signs of slowing down.

Initially catering predominantly to affluent investors, the newly transformed Thailand Privilege aims to attract an even more diverse group of elites. From digital nomads and workcation enthusiasts to retirees and expats calling Thailand home, all will find a package tailored to their lifestyle.

Unlocking a World of Exclusive Benefits

As Thailand Privilege enters this new chapter, they are enhancing experiences for members through exclusive lifestyle privileges and signature touches. Allow yourself to be transported into the lap of luxury:

  • Personal assistants adorned in elegant gold uniforms assist with your every need
  • Let world-class Thai chefs tantalize your taste buds with customizable private dinners
  • Luxury car airport transfers ensure maximum comfort and exclusivity
  • Concierge services grant privileged access to government amenities
  • Wealth management advisory provides insider perspectives into lucrative investments
  • Premium healthcare package takes care of your wellbeing
  • Complimentary stays at 5-star hotels let you experience Thailand in style

This is just a small taste of what’s to come. Thailand Privilege is leaving no stone unturned in curating once-in-a-lifetime privilege experiences.

thai privilege visa cards compared

Four Elite Tiers Offer Bespoke Benefits

While these four tiers – Gold, Platinum, Diamond and Reserve – have their own personality, all providing pampering worthy of royalty.

As the presenter unveiled the specifics of each bespoke package, you could visualize the elevated lifestyle that would soon be within reach. Just imagine appreciating picturesque Thai sunsets as your private yacht cut through gentle turquoise waters. Bliss.

While every tier had its own flair, the Elite Reserve Membership’s air of prestige and exclusivity was unmatched. With only 100 spots available annually and a $142,000 price tag, this top-tier package grants insider access to the Reserve Club and other jaw-dropping benefits tailored specially for you.

Read more on these new Thailand Privilege cards available:

https://medium.com/@seoamjid/thailand-privilege-visa-thailand-elite-visa-gets-a-makeover-bf22703dc7e7

Privilege Takes on a Whole New Meaning

The grandeur of these new offerings shows that Thailand Privilege is entering an unprecedented golden era. By introducing privilege points and opportunities to redeem perks, they are enhancing membership flexibility like never before.

As the event drew to an inspiring close, the energy was electric. Attendees mingled with fervor, abuzz with visions of the privileged possibilities now laid before them in this new chapter for Thailand Privilege.

You glanced around, a smile creeping onto your face. This was just the beginning, both for Thailand Privilege and yourself.

Bridging the Divide: China and the U.S. Seek Economic Reconciliation

china us relationship

In the wake of a Chinese spy balloon incident over American skies, the tenuous dialogue between Beijing and Washington was shattered. However, throughout the summer, these two global superpowers have engaged in a series of high-level meetings, striving to maintain a connection despite numerous points of contention. Gina Raimondo, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, arrived in Beijing on Sunday, embarking on a series of critical discussions. She met with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Wentao, as well as Hu Heping, the Minister of Tourism, He Lifeng, the economic czar, and Premier Li Qiang.

Remarkably, Gina Raimondo is the fourth senior American official to visit China in just three months. Prior to her, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, and Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, visited Beijing in July, following the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. While none of these visits has resulted in major breakthroughs, President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden agreed last autumn in Bali to enhance communication between their administrations, especially in the realms of economics and defense.

A New Bilateral Forum

During her stay in China, Gina Raimondo announced that both countries have agreed to establish new channels of communication on economic and trade issues. Notably, they are setting up a new bilateral forum to discuss the export controls imposed by the United States. Termed the “Export Control Application Information Exchange,” Washington emphasized that this forum is not a negotiation platform.

Matthew Axelrod, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement, presided over its inaugural meeting, which took place on Tuesday in Beijing.

Consistent with the approach of former President Donald Trump, the Biden administration has taken various measures against China and Chinese companies. Tensions escalated last October when Washington decided to restrict the export of semiconductors and advanced equipment to China in the interest of national security. More recently, President Biden issued an executive order banning certain U.S. investments in Chinese sectors such as quantum computing, advanced chips, and artificial intelligence to prevent the Chinese military from accessing American technology and capital.

No Compromises on National Security

Addressing the press from the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Gina Raimondo reassured, “We will never seek to decouple or hinder the Chinese economy.” She added firmly, “We do not compromise or negotiate on matters of national security. Period.”

Beijing has decried the U.S. for adopting a Cold War mentality. Wang Wentao, the Minister of Commerce, voiced “serious concerns” about trade restrictions imposed on Chinese companies, stating, “Excessive generalization of national security is not conducive to normal trade and economic exchanges.”

In the complex landscape of international relations, China and the United States continue their dance of diplomacy, navigating a challenging path that requires both cooperation and strategic assertiveness.

FAQs

Q: What prompted Gina Raimondo’s visit to China? A: Gina Raimondo, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, visited China to engage in high-level discussions on economic and trade matters between the two countries.

Q: What is the significance of the “Export Control Application Information Exchange” forum? A: The forum serves as a platform for discussing U.S. export controls. It aims to facilitate communication between China and the United States on this issue.

Q: How has the Biden administration’s approach to China been different from the Trump administration’s? A: While both administrations have taken measures against China, the Biden administration has continued to implement restrictions and policies on various Chinese sectors and investments, particularly

China Strengthens Control Over Artificial Intelligence

china and AI

China is intensifying its efforts to oversee artificial intelligence (AI) as it strives to become a global leader in the sector within the next decade. In a recent meeting of top Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping, there was a unanimous agreement on the necessity of enhancing control over AI.

State media reported that they have committed to “improve data network surveillance and artificial intelligence.” Following the meeting, officials emphasized the need to be prepared for various challenges, emphasizing their determination to withstand adverse circumstances.

President Xi Jinping underscored the exponential growth in the complexity and gravity of national security issues facing China. In April, Chinese authorities had already announced plans for a “security inspection” of AI tools developed in China, including systems like ChatGPT.

Striving for AI Leadership by 2030

China has set ambitious goals, aiming to become a global AI leader by 2030. To this end, regulatory initiatives have been introduced to ensure the healthy development and standardized implementation of generative AI technology such as the one presented on Inteligencia AI website.

The Chinese Cyberspace Administration has solicited public feedback on these regulations, which, given China’s centralized political system, are likely to become law.

These developments coincide with numerous Chinese tech companies, including Baidu, Alibaba, JD.com, Netease, and ByteDance (TikTok’s parent company), announcing their work on conversational AI models, hoping to capitalize on the success of the American pioneer, ChatGPT.

According to McKinsey, the AI sector could contribute approximately $600 billion annually to China’s GDP by 2030.

As China advances its AI aspirations, it is also vigilant about addressing potential risks and ensuring that the technology aligns with its national objectives.

FAQs

Q: Why is China increasing its control over artificial intelligence? A: China aims to become a global leader in AI within the next decade and believes that enhanced control is necessary to achieve this goal and manage potential risks.

Q: What measures has China taken to regulate AI development? A: China has introduced regulatory initiatives to ensure the healthy development and standardized implementation of generative AI technology. These initiatives include security inspections and public feedback solicitation on regulations.

Q: How much could the AI sector contribute to China’s GDP by 2030? A: McKinsey estimates that the AI sector could contribute approximately $600 billion annually to China’s GDP by 2030, as China strives to lead in AI innovation.

The UN’s Inaction in Xinjiang Draws Criticism from All Quarters

The UN's Inaction in Xinjiang Draws Criticism from All Quarters

The UN remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that human rights violations in China’s Xinjiang province do not go unpunished, despite facing criticism from NGOs for its perceived inaction. A recent on-site visit by the International Labour Organization has sparked debate.

Ongoing Concerns

The economic world’s indices may fluctuate, but concerns about human rights persist. In late August, a delegation from the International Labour Organization (ILO), a UN-affiliated body, quietly journeyed to China’s Xinjiang province. This region has faced allegations of severe repression against the Uighur minority by the Chinese government. According to “Nikkei Asia,” this marked the first known visit by the ILO since allegations of widespread labor rights violations surfaced, with millions of Muslim Uighurs reportedly subjected to arbitrary detention and forced labor.

An ILO spokesperson stated that the visit aimed to engage in “technical discussions on the implementation of international conventions against workplace discrimination and forced labor within China’s laws and practices.” These conventions, ratified by Beijing in 2006, came into effect in early August.

Controversial Visit

The UN agency declined to divulge further details about the visit, which was viewed with skepticism by advocates for the Uighur cause, who lamented not being informed beforehand. Dolkun Isa, President of the World Uighur Congress, told “Nikkei Asia” that even if the intentions were good, such missions provided the Chinese Communist Party with opportunities to whitewash its crimes and promote propaganda.

Ma Xingrui, the Xinjiang party secretary, used the occasion to denounce “reckless accusations” of human rights violations by “certain anti-Chinese forces” in the local newspaper “Xinjiang Daily.” He also expressed hope that the ILO delegation would maintain a “fair and objective attitude.”

Xi Jinping’s Visit

Coincidentally, Xi Jinping himself paid a brief visit to Xinjiang, where he celebrated the “hard-won social stability” in the region. In 2014, the government launched a campaign to regain control, citing attacks attributed to Uighur separatist militants. However, it consistently denies the existence of repression against this Muslim minority or the existence of labor camps where nearly a million people are said to have been held. Beijing refers to these facilities as “vocational training centers” designed to combat extremism.

Dolkun Isa argues, “Visits like the one by the ILO won’t eliminate forced labor programs. What’s needed are creative and tangible measures from the international community, including the ILO, to end this system of oppression and exploitation.”

Criticism from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch

Criticism isn’t limited to the ILO visit. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch (HRW) have also censured the United Nations for its perceived inaction. Just a year ago, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet published a report, against Beijing’s objections, suggesting possible crimes against humanity. Her successor, Volker Türk, pledged to follow up, but both NGOs accuse him of not doing enough. His office responded, affirming that the High Commissioner “engaged in a longer-term process with Chinese authorities,” including implementing the report’s recommendations.

Amnesty and HRW continue to call for an international on-site investigation and appeal to the member states of the Human Rights Council, which will convene from September 11 to October 13 in Geneva. However, this mechanism seems unlikely given Beijing’s political influence within the UN body. In October 2022, China secured a victory at the UN when a slim majority of the 47 Human Rights Council member states rejected a proposal by several Western countries to hold a debate on Xinjiang.

In the realm of human rights, the path ahead remains fraught with challenges, while international organizations grapple with their roles and responses in the face of ongoing global concerns.

FAQs

Q: Why is the UN criticized for its inaction in Xinjiang? A: The UN has faced criticism for its perceived inaction in addressing human rights violations in China’s Xinjiang province, particularly concerning the Uighur minority.

Q: What was the purpose of the recent visit by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to Xinjiang? A: The ILO’s visit aimed to engage in technical discussions regarding the implementation of international conventions against workplace discrimination and forced labor within China’s laws and practices.

Q: What are the main concerns regarding human rights violations in Xinjiang? A: Allegations include arbitrary detention, forced labor, and widespread human rights abuses against the Uighur minority in Xinjiang. These allegations have drawn international scrutiny and condemnation.

China’s Foreign Trade Takes Another Hit in August

China's Foreign Trade Takes Another Hit in August

In a challenging economic landscape, China’s external trade has faced yet another setback in August. The latest figures, driven primarily by sluggish foreign and domestic demand, mark the latest in a series of worrying indicators pointing to a concerning slowdown in the country’s economic activity.

Export Woes

Historically, China’s exports have been a pivotal driver of its growth, but the trend is taking a worrisome turn. Year-on-year, exports have dropped by 8.8% in August, following a contraction of 14.5% in July.

Aside from a brief uptick in March and April, China’s overseas sales have been consistently declining since October 2022.

The international demand for Chinese products remains lackluster, coupled with a sluggish economic recovery within the country. The looming threat of recession in Europe, combined with soaring inflation, contributes to the dampened international appetite for Chinese goods.

Geopolitical tensions with the United States and Western countries’ efforts to reduce their reliance on China and diversify their supply chains also play roles in the decline of Chinese exports.

Import Conundrum

On the flip side, China’s imports have faced their tenth consecutive month of decline in August, down by 7.3% year-on-year. This reflects weak domestic demand, though it’s a milder contraction compared to the 12.4% drop in July. Consequently, the trade surplus for the world’s second-largest economy narrowed to $68.3 billion (€63.6 billion) last month, down from $80.6 billion a month earlier.

The Broader Picture

The dip in external trade adds to a slew of negative figures reported over the summer. Besides the plunge in exports, Beijing has announced a slowdown in production, negative territory in the price index, and a spike in youth unemployment, reaching a record level of over 20% in June, according to official data that has been suspended since.

China’s economic growth is further hampered by its troubled real estate sector, with an increase of only 0.8% between the first and second quarters of 2023. In July, Chinese authorities introduced stimulus measures, yet investors have remained disappointed. There’s a desire to see Beijing take more substantial actions, a move the government hesitates to make to avoid worsening debt levels.

In summary, China’s external trade continues to grapple with challenges, reflecting broader concerns about its economic performance. With a subdued international demand and domestic recovery, coupled with global uncertainties and geopolitical dynamics, the road to economic stability remains uncertain for the world’s second-largest economy.

FAQs

Q: What’s the reason behind China’s declining exports? A: China’s exports have been declining due to sluggish foreign demand, a slow domestic economic recovery, European recession threats, high inflation, geopolitical tensions, and efforts by Western countries to reduce dependence on Chinese goods.

Q: Why are China’s imports also falling? A: China’s imports have been declining primarily due to weak domestic demand, though the rate of contraction in August was less severe compared to July.

Q: How is China’s economic growth affected by these trade issues? A: China’s economic growth is challenged by a range of issues, including declining exports, a troubled real estate sector, and reluctance to increase stimulus measures to avoid exacerbating debt levels.

How to Make Business in China

How to make business in China

There are many important factors to consider when starting a business in China. For instance, you need a marketable idea and access to the local talent pool. You also need a good location with easy access to materials, transportation, and business partners. China is a dynamic and developing country. Although some areas of China may have less established business ecosystems than others, there are many developed cities that are attractive for investors. Many of them feature cosmopolitan cultures and ample industrial and office space.

YK Law

For those considering establishing a business in China, YK Law offers comprehensive services in the legal and business aspects of cross-border transactions. Their attorneys specialize in business development, risk management, mergers and acquisitions, government relations, and quality assurance. The firm also offers investment advisors who can help you bolster existing investments in China. Their comprehensive legal services and guidance will help you minimize risks and ensure a profitable future in China.

China offers numerous advantages for foreign companies, including cheap labor compared to the United States, advanced infrastructure, and attractive tax incentives. There are several ways to do business in China, and YK Law outlines eight steps to take.

Minimum registered capital

In order to operate a business in China, you must have a certain minimum amount of registered capital. Listed capital is an important tool for credit in China, and a lower amount will make doing business difficult. The government will monitor your accounts to make sure you’re meeting your minimum requirements.

The minimum registered capital to make business in China depends on the nature of your business. Whether it is a small or large business, it is important to comply with China’s laws and regulations. A registered capital of at least RMB 10 million is required for most types of businesses in China.

Scope of business

It is very important to have a clear idea of your business scope when doing business in China. This is because a license is required for certain types of business. It is important to check the scope of business of a company on the public registration record before engaging in any activities. The administration bureau of industrial and commercial, or AIC, in each area of China keeps the records of companies registered in the region, and makes them available online for the public to view.

China offers many benefits to foreign investors, but you need to be aware of the regulations surrounding foreign investment. You will need to follow the Foreign Investment Catalogue, which is updated every four years. This document spells out the areas that require special permission, as well as the circumstances surrounding these restrictions.

Human resource management

In order to be successful in China, a company must understand how to effectively manage human resources. There are many aspects to consider when managing Human resources. For example, how big your company is and what type of business you’re in can impact how you manage human resources in China. The following are some of the key things to keep in mind when deciding how to manage your Human resources in China.

First, understand the differences between the Chinese government’s policies and practices. The government’s role in China is different from that of the Western or Asian governments. Therefore, foreign companies must be flexible and understand the Chinese culture in order to succeed in the Chinese market.

Mobile accessibility

If you want to expand your business in China, you should make sure that your website and mobile applications are fully accessible to people with disabilities. In order to make your website and mobile applications accessible, you should follow the accessibility standards set by W3C. This organization develops resources for the implementation of web accessibility standards, including authoring tools, evaluation tools, and training materials.

Online reviews

To understand how Chinese consumers use online reviews to make purchasing decisions, researchers need to know how reviews are written and interpreted. The quality of the review has a significant impact on a consumer’s purchase decision. Therefore, vendors on OGB platforms should provide incentives and rewards to encourage high quality reviews. They also need to improve their own service, such as listing reviews by quality instead of date or making a fixed format for high quality reviews.

Although Amazon has banned incentivized reviews in 2016, they still exist in a variety of forms. The companies responsible for creating these fake accounts often use a scheme where they pay the reviewer a percentage of the purchase price to encourage them to leave positive reviews. Amazon has taken steps to stop the practice, however, by blocking new reviews if a seller experiences an influx of suspiciously positive reviews. The next malicious tactic used by Chinese sellers to boost their rankings is the sale of counterfeit products.

Best Business Cards to Travel to China

Best business cards to travel to China

When planning your business trip to China, it is essential to have the right credit and debit cards. You can use ATMs in China that accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover cards, and you can use Prepaid GSM SIM cards to use a local phone with a new number. Chinese business cards should be presented in Mandarin, with two hands. It is also important to present the cards in a business card holder. In China, your business cards are considered extensions of you and should be treated as such.

Credit cards and debit cards are the best business cards to travel to China

Besides a credit card, you should also consider using a debit card. A debit card will save you the hassle of carrying cash when you travel to China. It can also be used as a money belt to keep your funds out of sight. It’s also a good idea to combine a debit card and credit card to make purchases and withdraw cash at ATMs. However, you should keep in mind that not all establishments in China accept plastic.

ATMs in China accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover cards

If you’re traveling to China, you should have a little extra cash in your wallet. It’s recommended to exchange 20,000 CNY or about 5,000 USD before you arrive. Also, you should make sure you know how to write your personal information in Chinese before you visit a bank in the country. You can also use an ATM to withdraw cash, but you should remember to keep your receipts.

Credit cards are accepted at most places, but you should consult your home bank or credit card company before you use your card in China. Some banks will flag your transaction as “unusual” and block your card. Make sure you are aware of any fees that may apply before using your card in China.

If you plan on using a credit card, keep in mind that most ATMs in China accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover cards. If you don’t plan on using a credit card in China, you can always use your debit card to make withdrawals. Many big cities will have 24-hour ATMs, but they won’t be available in rural areas. Most ATMs will have English interfaces, but not all cards are supported.

If you’re traveling with a credit card, make sure to know the language of the machines. Chinese ATMs will require your PIN number before they will give you cash. You can also research the language of the machine to make sure it’s not in English.

Prepaid GSM SIM card allows you to use a local phone with a new number

While you’re in China, don’t let a lack of connectivity keep you from staying in touch. You can use a prepaid GSM SIM card to make and receive calls using a local phone. These cards also come with local phone numbers. If you don’t want to switch your current phone number, you can port it to a local number before you go.

If you’re going to use a GSM phone in China, make sure it’s unlocked before you leave the country. Most US and Canadian phones are locked to a specific network. You should contact your local GSM provider at least seven days before your trip. In addition, make sure your phone’s GSM frequency is 900 and 1800 Mhz or quad band. Also, make sure your number is still working after you get to China.

You can buy a local SIM card from a local store or online. However, you should avoid roaming outside your primary coverage area. Roaming charges can run as high as $20 per megabyte for data usage. To avoid paying excessive roaming charges, make sure you have the proper carrier settings on your phone before traveling. A customer service representative can help you enter these settings when installing your SIM card.

Unlike prepaid land line phone cards, prepaid GSM SIM cards allow you to use a local phone with cellular data while in China. Besides saving on cellular voice and data connections, these cards allow you to use a local phone number and make local calls for local rates. In addition, you can use your local SIM card as a hotspot while traveling.https://www.youtube.com/embed/PkNmdWiHITw

China Real Estate Crisis Explained

china real estate crisis

China’s real estate crisis can be explained in several ways. First of all, cash-flow problems plagued many developers. As a result, banks in the country lowered interest rates to make mortgage payments more affordable. Second, the government has not abandoned developers. Third, the Evergrande case was only a symptom of a larger problem.

Chinese developers are facing cash-flow problems

Several Chinese developers are facing cash-flow problems due to rising debt levels and falling property prices. The latest developer to experience trouble is Evergrande. The Chinese developer is having difficulty covering short-term debts, despite selling equity shares. As a result, local governments have bought $4.6 billion of its equity, but it may not be enough to resolve the deeper issues underlying the developer’s ballooning debt.

The problem has spread to dozens of cities, with wildcat boycotts affecting more than 300 housing projects. Some homebuyers have even halted mortgage payments to protest construction delays. Banks already have a difficult time meeting repayments due to developer defaults, and unfinished collateral could make their loans even more difficult to service. A full-blown crisis could leave millions of homebuyers stranded.

The problem is so severe that the People’s Bank of China has cut interest rates for Chinese developers. The bank hopes the lower rates will ease the burden on homebuyers and help developers obtain loans. However, the problem is not limited to funding and developers need to find ways to raise cash so that they can continue building.

Chinese banks have lowered interest rates to make mortgage payments more affordable

China’s central bank has compiled data from banks and lowered the key interest rate by 10 basis points in a bid to boost the economy. In the meantime, the government is also working to rein in the soaring price of real estate. With property prices continuing to rise, the government is under pressure to curb prices and maintain social stability. This has caused many banks to tighten their lending standards. The PBOC also announced that it would cut the amount of reserves that lenders must set aside. Whether these measures will curb prices in the near future remains to be seen.

The move is aimed at helping some home buyers afford mortgage payments. However, it will not stabilize the housing market, and will only drive the mortgage rates lower. This move could actually make property prices worse as households are hesitant to buy property for fear the projects will not be completed on time and prices will fall in the future. Furthermore, it could cost up to 6% of China’s GDP to shore up the balance sheets of property developers.

Chinese government isn’t abandoning developers

Although many developers are facing financial crisis, the Chinese government has proven to be more willing to bail out these companies than in the past. The three-red-line policy restricts developers from taking additional loans, which has cut into their cash. These new regulations also have made access to foreign markets much more difficult for developers.

The Chinese government is trying to contain the current crisis while at the same time keeping the property market on track. The government initially wanted to reduce debt in the property sector, but the current crisis has forced it to step in. Developers have also been facing difficulties in buying land. A slowdown in the construction sector is likely to worsen the problem.

The property boom in China has been a major driver of the country’s economy, accounting for nearly one-quarter of the country’s GDP. However, the Chinese government is now trying to rein in the real estate industry due to its stringent “zero-covid” policy. This has forced developers to sell off parts of their empire. At the same time, China’s real estate market is cooling off, with less demand for new apartments.

Evergrande case is a symptom of a bigger problem

The Evergrande case in China has put global investors on edge. The second largest property developer in China is deeply indebted. Its failure to meet its debt obligations could spark a credit crunch and threaten to undermine the confidence of investors in Chinese investments. The company’s failure could also affect the Chinese economy in general, affecting markets across the globe.

The company’s problems are closely linked to a structural problem that is affecting the real estate industry in China. The real estate sector is undergoing a slowdown and overinvestment. This could cause Evergrande to incur higher liabilities during its restructuring process.

While the Chinese government is concerned, the case is unlikely to spark a systemic financial crisis. Evergrande is not a bank, and it is unlikely that it will be rescued by the Chinese government. But the Chinese government is trying to help. It has told its major lenders to extend the interest payments on Evergrande’s loans. However, some analysts believe a direct government bailout is unlikely.

Beidou, the Chinese GPS

China, through the Information Office of the State Council, announced on Friday 27 December that its GPS-equivalent system, Beidou, will be fully operational with two satellites in geostationary orbit before June 2020.

The Chinese satellite geolocation system, Beidou, should cover the entire planet by June 2020.

The Chinese strike force to impose its system

The authorities did not hesitate first to impose it on their citizens and the country’s public services to convince users to prefer the Chinese system to Uncle Sam’s GPS history. According to Les Echos, in 2018, six million private cars were using Beidou in China, as were domestic airplanes, buses, postal services, and a large number of ships.

Also, based on this strategy, China has used its long-standing Silk Road project to encourage countries such as Pakistan, Laos, and Thailand to use Chinese technology. Today Beidou is present in 90 countries.

Enough to scare off American and European competitors. Especially since in the same conference, Ran Chengqi confirmed the project of an even more precise geolocation system planned for 2035.

A project launched in 2020

With this announcement, China has become a real competitor to the American geolocation system. For its part, the European Galileo project is experiencing multiple delays and breakdowns and its completion is not expected until 2023 with a 10-year delay.

Beidou, the name is a reference to the Chinese word for the Big Dipper, was launched in 2000, the year it began to be used in China. By 2012, the entire Asia-Pacific region was covered. Last year the project managers announced that they would be able to cover the planet in 2020, and the press conference held on 27 December confirms this forecast.

The director of the project, Ran Chengqi, announced, relayed by ABC, that the core of the system was completed with the launch of satellites in December. This launch brings the number of Beidou-3 satellites dedicated to the positioning service to 24. In all, some 30 satellites are being mobilized.

For some, the satellites sent into orbit will relay others that have become obsolete. In 2012, Beidou’s first satellite was put into service to set up an increasingly sophisticated system. ” We plan the launch of two more satellites into geostationary orbit before June 2020, and the Beidou-3 system will be completed,” said Ran Chengqi.

The project director was keen to highlight China’s space technology success story, describing “high-performance” indicators, new technology systems, accurate location, a mass production network, and a wide range of users.

Connected speakers: will Chinese technology giants be the new leaders?

In the connected speaker market, two giants have been competing for first place for a long time: Google and Amazon. But this situation could well be disrupted by the Chinese giant Baidu. According to the research firm Canalys, by being only present on its national market, managed to overtake Google in the second quarter of 2019.

China: conquering the connected speaker market

Already, in a previous report, Canalys revealed that, overall, China would outperform the United States in 2019 in the connected assistant market, ranking first. In the first quarter of 2019, China grew by almost 500% in the smart speaker market, with some 10.6 million products shipped.

Connected speakers: a market amid a metamorphosis

Has the US domination of the technology market come to an end? A new report from Canalys with edifying results confirms that we are at the turn of a new era, at least on the home automation side. With more than 200 million connected speakers sold in 2019 according to the specialist’s estimates, everyone naturally wants their share of the cake.

Amazon remains the leader, with a 25.4% market share for connected speakers. But the most exciting thing is not the confirmation of Amazon’s place at the top of the top, but the incredible breakthrough of the Chinese manufacturer Baidu. The latter is expected to grow by an estimated 3,700%, replacing Google, its Google Home, and other Google Home Mini.

Google and connected speakers: should the American web giant be worried?

Thus, according to Canalys’ latest report, Baidu, based in Beijing, is taking over the connected speaker market. In all, it would be some 4.5 million products shipped, and this only in the second quarter of 2019, representing 17.3% of the market share.

Baidu’s exceptional growth is the result of a precise and efficient economic strategy, driven by low-cost product launches. It was the case with the Xiaodu connected speaker launched at only 249 yuan, just under 32 euros, then offered at 89 yuan or about 11 euros. We will see if if this will be sustainable in the long term.

Baidu has developed an aggressive commercial strategy to conquer the connected speaker market. But is it designed for the long term?

Nevertheless, for Google, this observation is a poor consolation. The home automation sector being in constant movement. It is not impossible that Baidu, strengthened by its national results, will decide to try its luck on the international market. There is no doubt that the reign of the Web giants in the field of connected speakers would take a hit.

Faced with GAFAM – Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, and Microsoft, the threat of the Chinese giants called BATX – Baidu, Alibaba, Tencent, and Xiaomi – is genuine. The Canalys report published at the end of August 2019 confirms the Chinese interest in home automation. Sales in this market are twice as high as those in the US market – 12.6 million units shipped compared to 6.1 million. Finally, in China alone, sales of connected speakers doubled in the second quarter of 2019.

Why China wants to ban Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies

Created in 2009 by the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin had its first successes in 2017, after having passed the $1,000 mark and then by reaching the $20,000 mark at the end of the same year. After a good year and half of bear market, at the beginning of April 2019, it once again created the buzz online, with a value of more than $5,000.

Only five countries have banned bitcoin mining worldwide.

Bangladesh, Bolivia, Ecuador, Kyrgyzstan, and Nepal. According to a report published on 9 April 2019, China is preparing to join this short list. Mining is part of a list of 450 industrial activities banned published by the National Development and Reform Commission (CNDR). All would have the same thing in common, the waste of resources or pollution caused by these activities considered unsafe by the Chinese authorities.

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies consume a large amount of electricity.

Because of the complex calculations it requires, each Bitcoin transaction requires about 215 kWh of energy, more than the consumption of a the average Chinese household for two weeks. In China, the public consultation on this subject remains open until 7 May. The country had already taken measures to this end in 2017, banning virtual currency swaps as well as ICOs (Initial Coin Offering), fundraising that can be exchanged for cryptocurrencies.

The kilowatt-hour is the miner’s obsession

These are surprising decisions, considering that 58% of the world’s mining farms are located in China. It is difficult to believe China’s environmentalist ambitions in this area since the majority of the energy used in China for Bitcoin already comes from renewable energy sources.

Ghost towns, located near such dams, were even repopulated by miners, seizing the opportunity to mine at a lower cost.

A way to protect the Yuan?

This move allows the country to protect and to preserve the exchange rate of its national currency, the Yuan. According to experts, other states that have chosen to ban cryptocurrencies are most concerned about capital flight.

In China, the chosen decline in leadership has already begun. Recently, the authorities have raised its electricity prices, which has forced many miners to flee. It was too expensive, and they could no longer make their business profitable. Many have moved elsewhere, to Kazakhstan, Canada or Ukraine, where they have been able to set up near hydraulic dams. In any case, it is all great news for cryptocurrencies, which will be able to decentralize. The Chinese government will have less control over Bitcoin.

War between China and the USA for the electronic chip market

War between China and the USA for the electronic chip market

The tariff war raging between the United States and China was the main focus of the meeting between Xi Jinping and Donal Trump at the G20 in Buenos Aires.

This trade war affects traditional economic markets such as automobiles and steel. It also concerns a much more sensitive and vital sector for the future: technology (computer networks, artificial intelligence) and semiconductors.

Supremacy and dependence

Silicon Valley takes its name from Silicon, one of the most important chemical elements that make up electronic chips. The Pentagon strongly supported the California region because one of the first applications of electronic chips emerging from Silicon Valley was the guidance systems for nuclear missiles. These chips are now the foundation of the digital economy and national security. Cars have become rolling computers.

Banks are computers that manage the flow of money. American companies dominate the most advanced sectors of the industry. China, on the other hand, remains dependent on the outside world for its supply of quality electronic chips. And China intends to do the right thing.

The tariff war

Long before Donald Trump started his tariff war, China announced its intention to catch up. In 2014, Beijing announced the creation of an investment fund of one billion yuan (126 billion euros) to improve its national industry. China’s ambitions to create a high-tech industry worried Barack Obama and his administration, a wave of Chinese tenders for semiconductor companies confronted his administration during his last mandate. In particular, Barack Obama prevented Intel from selling some of its most potent chips to China in 2015. Other countries are also concerned, including Taiwan and South Korea, which have regulations in place to stop Chinese purchases of semiconductor companies and to stop the looting of intellectual property.

The limits of the Chinese offensive

Today, America has the advantage over China in the design and manufacture of high-end chips. With this war, the US can probably slow China down, but progress will be difficult to stop.

The attacks will even make China even more determined. Just as the emergence of Silicon Valley was based on the support of the American government, China combines the resources of the state and companies in the pursuit of its objectives. It has set up support and incentive programs to attract engineers from other countries, including Taiwan.

Companies like Huawei have proven their ability to innovate; the blocking of Intel chips in 2015 only encouraged China to develop its domestic supercomputer industry, such as the “Taihu-Light,” which is Chinese made. Also, China’s ambition to become a world power in the semiconductor field comes at the right time.

Hosting Your Site in China, Key to SEO Success

windows servers running

In China, the display speed of a page hosted out of Chinese mainland territory is much higher than 30 seconds! Yes I know this sounds insane but trust me this is the truth.

The variable quality of the internal network and the weakness of the network between European and Chinese operators partly explains this issue. On the other hand, the Chinese government has set up a firewall that filters foreign content. The rules of censorship are complex, and it is difficult to make a comeback after blocking a website.

You must not miss your first submission to the engines. For a good search engine optimization campaign on Baidu, your site must be imperatively hosted in China, with a Chinese IP address, and a domain name in “.cn” or a.com in Chinese alphabet. Baidu awards, according to Chinese government guidelines, a bonus to local sites and gives a negative point to sites hosted outside its territory.

The ICP license: The holy grail to host a site in China

opportunites digitales comparateur hebergement en ligneThe ICP license is a permit issued by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, which allows a publisher to publish a site in China. The ICP license distinguishes between merchant and non-dealer sites.

For a non-commercial site, a form in Chinese is to be filled on this site www.miibeian.gov.cn. The response time can vary from a few days to several weeks. It is possible to resubmit a file in case of refusal, which is not final. The submission of the PKI file must be written in Chinese.

A site that offers online sales must obtain a commercial PKI license. The company wishing to obtain the ICP license must be located in China.

Do I need a host in Shanghai or Hong Kong?

To avoid obtaining the ICP license, some hosting companies are operating from Hong Kong. This solution does not address Chinese firewall filtering and the lower quality of Baidu SEO. A hosting service located in Shanghai helps to avoid censorship in this vast country.

The Chinese market specificities?

In the Chinese market, it is essential to protect your trademarks and domain names and to monitor their use on the Internet. An online risk monitoring platform: cybersquatting of domain names, brand abuse, risks are numerous.

It is essential to be accompanied by a law firm specialised in international law, as well as by lawyers in China for any local intervention.

For Foreign investors such as Opportunités Digitales, we highly advise you book a consultation with a business consulting and law firm operating locally!

Google Invests $550 Million in Chinese E-Merchant JD.com

google investing in jd.com

Google is multiplying its investments in Asia to take advantage of the development of the middle class. The Mountain View firm is this time placing 550 million dollars (about 475 million euros) in the Chinese e-merchant JD.com.

Google is strengthening its presence in Asia. Mountain View has just invested 550 million dollars (about 475 million euros) in Chinese e-merchant JD.com, Alibaba’s number one competitor.

In return for this capital increase, Google would now hold a little less than 1% of the company’s capital.

In a joint press release, the two companies explain their desire to collaborate on a series of strategic initiatives, including the development of new retail solutions in Europe, the United States and Southeast Asia.

GOOGLE INTERESTED IN THE INDIAN FLIPKART?

The goal is to combine JD.com’s supply chain experience (the e-merchant recently unveiled a highly automated warehouse in Shanghai that employs only four people) with Google’s expertise in data, marketing, and customer knowledge to develop new products online. This merger should, therefore, result, in the first place, in the promotion of JD.com’s products on the Google Shopping platform around the world.

Listed on the Nasdaq, JD.com is now valued at approximately $60 billion. Among the principal shareholders of JD.com is the American Walmart but also the Chinese Tencent, at the origin of the Wechat application and Alibaba’s great rival and its Alipay application.

In recent months, Google has accelerated its investments on the Asian continent to take advantage of the development of the middle class and the lack of infrastructure in retail and finance, in particular. Besides, Google recently acquired a stake in Indonesian Go-Jek, a specialist in tourism with chauffeur vehicles services, and according to Reuters sources could invest in the Indian e-merchant Flipkart.

Automobile: China ready to conquer the world

While the Chinese automobile market has entered a phase of slowdown, the government wants to liberalize its highly-regulated market by a persnickety bureaucracy. It believes that the local brands have acquired enough maturity to conquer the world. For foreign brands, this liberalization is a real relief, but they could nevertheless continue their activity under the format of joint ventures.

It’s a big bang waiting for the Chinese car industry! Xi Jinping announced his intention to liberalize the sector, one of the most regulated in the world. The Chinese President made this announcement in response to the protectionist bidding of US President Donald Trump. In reality, it would seem that China is mainly preparing to change its industrial strategy in the automotive sector.

Strong slowdown

The world’s largest automobile market, with 27 million registrations in 2017, is experiencing a sharp slowdown in its market. In 2017, sales increased by only 2.1%, according to PwC. This slowdown is very brutal since, in 2016, growth was still at double digits (+14%).

Except that production capacity has not stopped increasing. New outlets must, therefore, be found to avoid the crisis of overproduction. All the more so as the Chinese are turning more and more to the second-hand market, an emerging market but one that will divert a large proportion of consumers away from the new market.

The end of the bureaucracy stage?

Until now, there were only two ways to sell cars in China: either by importing them, for 25% customs duties or by obligatorily building them on the spot through a joint venture with a local manufacturer. This last option is authorized after a careful and sometimes long study (up to one year) of the file by the Chinese administration which will issue a license. This license can be as restrictive as it is binding.

The license obtained by Renault prevented it, for example, from selling cars that were too small, such as its big success, the Captur, or too large. The diamond brand has thus launched itself on the Chinese market with the Kadjar and the new generation Koleos. Another constraint, the French manufacturer had the obligation to launch a specific local brand, as well as 100% electric cars. These are all very costly and complex constraints from an operational point of view.

Also, Renault is in charge of all operations, although it is a 50-50 joint venture with the Chinese group DongFeng. Here again, there is a source of difficulty since Renault is forced to form alliances with a group that has more than ten joint ventures, including with directly competing groups such as PSA or Honda. Not to mention technology transfers, and the impossibility of consolidating accounts.

Tesla, first beneficiary?

All these regulatory constraints could therefore soon disappear, including a sharp reduction in customs duties. Except Xi Jinping didn’t say anything more. According to the Wall Street Journal, regulation on electric car joint ventures could disappear this year, which could be a real boon for Tesla.

But according to experts, these measures may not lead to the expected big bang. Firstly, because what is true at central government level will not necessarily be true at a local government level, which would continue to be a lock on the deployment of concessions or car quotas for large conurbations.

“The real opportunity will lie on the margins, i.e. on the building rules, which will be relaxed. Foreign manufacturers will certainly benefit,” confirms Guy Burney of Deloitte.

General Motors wants to keep its 10 JVs

In addition, foreign car manufacturers have been working in China for too long in this format, some since the 1990s. And the largest have constituted real constellations of joint ventures (JV). General Motors is thus at the head of 10 JVs which enable it to hold 14% of the Chinese market (more than 4 million cars sold). According to the Wall Street Journal, the first American automotive group would have no intention of changing anything of this configuration even if the regulatory constraints are lifted. According to the American economic daily, the manufacturers fear to start a war without mercy with their former partners if they did not have any more common interests.

Because if Xi Jinping takes such an initiative, it is not only because its domestic market has reached maturity, it is also because local players have themselves acquired an industrial and technological maturity, as Guy Burney explains :

“China has not only been making cars for 30 years, but it has also learned a lot. And beyond that, it now can reproduce the convergence between Detroit and Silicon Valley, in other words between car manufacturing and new technologies. China has not only large and mature manufacturers, but also an ecosystem of digital and technological players with global reach.

Xi Jinping, therefore, wants to push its brands to advance their pawns towards foreign markets. In the first half of 2017, barely 3% of national production was destined for export, but this figure was up by 26%.

 

China unveils stealth fighter FC-31 at Dubai Air Show

For the first time, the state conglomerate Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) presents its stealth fighter, the J-31 or FC-31 in its export version. The Chinese military industry wants to show the world that it is capable of developing a stealth aircraft of the same level as the American Lockheed-Martin’s F-35.

 

Even if it is only a model, the presence for the first time in an air show outside China of the twin-engine FC-31, developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of AVIC, caused a sensation at the Dubai Air Show, which opened its doors on November 8. A prototype of this combat aircraft made its first flight in 2012 and was presented in public in November 2017 at the Zhuhai Air Show in southern China. The presence in Dubai of Lin Peng, the FC-31 project manager at AVIC was symbolic because the Chinese want to offer this versatile and furtive hunter to foreign customers. To compete with the Lockheed-Martin F-35 in this particular market segment. Pakistan is reported to have expressed interest in some 30 aircraft.

The technical characteristics presented by the FC-31 position the apparatus in the category of the planes with low radar signature: angular and flat forms of the fuselage, armaments integrated in two holds (2 tons available), air inlets which disperse and cool the jet of gas to reduce the thermal signature, special coating on the fuselage to absorb the radar waves. The Chinese multi-purpose fighter also offers great similarities in its general appearance with the F-35. So much so that strong suspicions of technological looting were advanced by the Americans when the AVIC hunter appeared in 2016.

According to AVIC, the structure of the FC-31 can support between +9g and -3g, to carry four missiles of average range in its two holds, for a useful range of action with the combat of approximately 1 200 to 1 250 km. It does, however, have six external take-away points, both for weapons and spare fuel drums. We know little about the radar and the means of detection of the FC-31, except that it is equipped with a multi-spectrum radar and a new sensor located under the nose of the plane.

On the engine side, Lin Peng revealed that the FC-31 is now equipped with two Chinese engines, the Guizhou WS-13A 100 kilo-newtons thrust engine (with afterburner), offering the aircraft a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 (about 2,200 km/h). The prototype which was flying until now was equipped with Russian Klimov RD-93 engines of 84 kilo-newtons.

According to AVIC, the first flight of a production model should intervene in 2019, while the plane would obtain its initial operational capacity around 2022, for an entry in operational service in 2024. But according to many experts, this timetable is considered very optimistic. Chinese industry does not yet fully master complex stealth technologies. The quality of the coating applied to the fuselage, in particular, is essential to guarantee a low radar signature. Indeed, during the November 2017 introductory flights, international observers publicly expressed doubts about the aircraft’s handling.

Shanghai became the most attractive real estate market in Asia in 2016

Overlook of Shanghai Real Estate

Shanghai replaced Tokyo as the first destination for real estate investment in Asia in the fourth quarter of 2016, according to statistics from JLL, a professional investment management firm specializing in real estate services.

Globally, Shanghai was last year the fifth destination of property investment, after New York, London, Los Angeles and Paris.

According to JLL, the strong performance of Shanghai real estate market was pulled up by strong transactions, such as the $ 2.91 billion investment by ARA Asset Management in the Century Link complex last October. It was the largest real estate transaction in a single location in the Asia-Pacific region in 2016.

In the real estate sales sector, the largest transaction in 2016 was the $ 825 million purchase by Chongbang Real Estate Development of 80% stake in Jinqiao Life Hub in Shanghai.

“Chinese capital was the main driver of real estate volumes in 2016, with domestic investors often outnumbering foreign investors. We believe that China, especially in first-tier cities, remains attractive to foreign investors as the market matures, “said Zhou Zhifeng, China’s director of research at JLL.

According to JLL data, the total volume of real estate transactions in the Asia-Pacific region in the fourth quarter increased 21% year-on-year and 5% year-on-year. The total volume of real estate transactions in the fourth quarter was $ 15.5 billion in China, exceeding $ 7.4 billion in South Korea and $ 7.2 billion in Japan.

Shanghai's famous Nanjing Road

 Will Shanghai real estate be as expensive as London and Paris?

For the past five years, Shanghai apartment prices have been soaring. Between November 2015 and November 2016, prices rose in 12 major cities in the country to 12.6%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. And in some cities, this figure can be multiplied by two. In Beijing, the increase was 26.4% in 12 months, in Shanghai it was 29%, and in Shenzhen 27.9%. In the center of Shanghai, apartments easily exceeds 100,000 yuan per square meter, about 13,600 euros. In comparison, according to figures published by the NBS last November, a house or flat in London costs approximately 10,500 euros per square meter (15,000 in the upper-class districts of Kensington and Chelsea), when Paris runs around 8 500 euros per square meter. In the end, property prices in Shanghai exceed those of the most expensive borough of the French capital, the 6th district with an average price per square meter of 12,000 euros.

The gap is widening

However, if real estate prices can be similar to these European cities and Shanghai, the average monthly income remains well below those in the UK or France: 8,664 yuan, roughly 1,150 euros. The surge in prices is, therefore, a major concern not only for the population but also for economists.

The gap between rural and urban areas is widening. More and more employees working in large cities have to move out of the city to afford a home. Real estate prices are only amplifying wealth gaps. According to Li Shi, a professor of economics at the Normal University of Beijing, this gap has multiplied by four during the last decade due to the fast growth of the property sector.

China has come to this point because of the government’s policy of transferring ownership of apartments held by labour units to tenants in the late 1990s at very low prices. A wave of urban residents thus became owners, leading to a gradual increase in prices, while in the countryside local governments still own most of the lands.

Find more information about Shanghai real estate here.

Donald Trump, Debt, Real Estate: What Could Slow Down the Chinese Economy in 2017

As the Chinese economy continues its structural slowdown, it will face significant challenges in 2017.

China’s economic slowdown

For the past 3 years, China has been experiencing a gradual drop of its GDP growth rate. According to experts, the economic slowdown is the result of the gradual slowdown in labor force growth (reinforced by the impact of the one-child policy) and the inevitable decline in productivity gains, as the economy is becoming more mature.

The credit boom and its consequences

While credit has steadily increased in recent years, much faster than the economic growth, corporate debt already reached 168% of the GDP in the third quarter of 2016, or nearly $ 18.5 trillion. With such a strong and rapid increase in credit, many unprofitable firms may find it difficult to finance in the event of tighter monetary policy in China. Credit is already getting stricter as the government decided in December to focus on risk reduction and financial stability, to the detriment of economic growth, implying measures to curb the credit. As a result, the amount of doubtful loans (loans with little chance of being repaid) may prove to be higher than what the official figures suggest. A phenomenon that could cause trouble…

The appreciation of the dollar against the yuan

Yuan weakened against US Dollar
Chinese Yuan Keeps Depreciating Against US Dollar

While the yuan (or renminbi, “currency of the people”) has already lost nearly 6% against the dollar in 2016, the upward trajectory of the US currency is a major challenge for Beijing. As China massively bought yuan currency to support its exchange rate, its foreign exchange reserves have melted by nearly $ 1 trillion, to $ 3 trillion in just two years. Beijing could also defend the yuan by implementing monetary tightening policy, but the room for maneuver of the PBOC (the country’s central bank) is limited, because of the size of the credit. The situation could be very worrying for the PBOC if the Federal Reserve (the US central bank) keep raising its exchange rate in 2017 as it has already been initiated by new Donald Trump government.

The real estate industry could slow down

One of the major pillar of China’s economic growth has been the development of the real estate sector over the past 10 years. In 2016, Chinese real estate grew strong, both in terms of construction and price increases. To cool down the overheated property market, local authorities have increased the share of minimum input required to purchase a property in order to lighten the use of mortgages. Consequently, the growth of the housing sector should slow down in the coming year.

Donald Trump threaten Chinese exports

donald trumpDonald Trump claimed during the election campaign that he would declare China a country manipulating his currency once he has become president and would impose heavy duties (up to 45%!) on US imports of Chinese goods.

In the end, China’s growth should continue to slow down in 2017 and the country will likely go through hard times in the coming months.

Will Real Estate Crash the Chinese Macro Economy?

There have been a lot of concerns about the Chinese debt which is mostly the consequence of a real estate crisis. The real estate industry is largely responsible for the financial crisis that has hit the financial sector in summer 2015 in China.

Here is an interesting analysis from McKinsey about what are experts call the “Chinese real estate bubble” in most tier-1 and -2 cities. 80% of these cities have experienced a continuous increase in housing prices for at least five years. East and Southern China are the regions where prices have reached the highest level. According to a recent report from McKinsey, prices should keep rising for the coming year.

China Invents Elevated Bus to Beat Traffic Jams

anti-traffic bus

Many countries have probably dreamed of it, China did it: an anti-traffic bus. The project was presented during a test performed at the high-tech fair in Beijing.
In order to avoid traffic jams, this mega bus forms a two-meter high bridge above the road and is wide enough to let two lines of cars pass underneath. It is also very long – 22 meters – and can carry about 1,400 passengers. The bus would require special elevated stations for people to get in and out. It is also equipped with emergency slides like those in aircraft in case of an accident. With its futuristic and minimal design, the bus can reach a maximum speed of 60 km/h and runs exclusively on electric power.

Criticism from Chinese government

The project was mostly ignored by international media, but many criticisms came from the official Chinese press. The first concern brought up is the length of the bus that would be a problem when turning. It would also be unable to go under bridges.
Another problem is the cost: this project is very expensive. The company that designed it said they need more than 500 million dollars to make it happen. They would need partners in local governments and investors as well, and that is the real problem. Indeed, the government does not seem to support the project for the reasons above and also because the company didn’t advise the local authority about the project.

Support from the people

On Weibo – the Chinese Twitter – Internet users were more supportive. Firstly because China is facing a major pollution problem and this environment-friendly bus appears as an attempt to solve this problem. Secondly, there are already too many cars on the roads and traffic jams are a recurring issue in China. In 2010, one traffic jam even lasted for 10 days!
This anti-cap bus would be a great solution; this is probably why the prestigious American magazine Time chose the Chinese mega bus as one of the best inventions of 2010, year of its creation.

New Home Prices: Moderate Increase in June

Impressive construction site in Tianjin, northern China
Impressive construction site in Tianjin, northern China

The recovery of the housing sector is still ongoing in China but at a slower pace in June, with fewer cities showing an increase in new home prices compared with the previous month, according to figures released on Monday by the National Bureau of Statistics.

Out of the 70 medium and large cities, 55 recorded a rise in new home prices last month, compare to 60 in May, said the NBS. In addition, 10 cities showed a decline in prices, against 4 in May.

New home prices surged 48.4% year on year in the southern city of Shenzhen last month, the most significant increase among all major cities but lower than the 54% rise recorded in May. Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou home prices are respectively up 33.8%, 22.4% and 19.5% year on year. Jinzhou, a second-tier city located in northeastern China, experienced the largest decrease year on year with 3.5%.

Regarding the existing homes, prices rose in 48 cities fell in 14 cities in June compare to the previous month, against 49 and 13 in May.

After over a year of price cooling, the Chinese real estate market began to recover in the second half of 2015, thanks to government support measures, including a decrease in the interest rate and the deposit.

However, cities are not equal before the recovery: in developed regions, the rise in prices was very noticeable while a considerable amount of properties are still unsold in less developed areas. This contrast has prompted local authorities to use different methods: Shenzhen and Shanghai have stepped up measures to curb speculation and contain the risks of bubbles, while smaller cities are exploring new ways to boost house sales.

The First Seven Stars Hotel Opened in Shanghai

A super luxury hotel opened its door last week on the Bund, the renowned European-style waterfront in Shanghai. Wanda Reign is the first seven stars hotel to open in China and one of the few of its kind in the world.

Wanda Reign bar offering a great view on Shanghai financial center Lujiazui
Wanda Reign lounge bar offers a great view on Shanghai financial center Lujiazui

The owner is none other than Wang Sicong, son of the real estate tycoon and China’s wealthiest man Wang Jianlin, founder of Dalian Wanda Group, the biggest real estate company in China.

The hotel looks like an art and antique museum due to the numerous unique pieces created by contemporary Chinese artists. The staff outfits have been designed by Laurence Xu, the first Chinese designer to integrate Paris Fashion Week.

Each of the 193 rooms features an iPad, and the decoration is very much inspired by an Art Deco aesthetic offering a choice of two styles: modern glamour beige and dark mahogany brown with Magnolia patterns. Besides, bathrooms come with Hermes and L’Occitane items.

For the wealthiest, we recommend the 288sqm Chairman suite which comprises a lounge, a dining room, a cellar, a bar, an office, a huge bedroom, a sauna and a Jacuzzi.

To top it all, the rooftop terrace features a restaurant led by the French chef Marc Meneau. For those seeking more local flavours, Wanda Reign also boasts a traditional Chinese and a Japanese restaurants.

To celebrate the launch of the hotel, some rooms are currently available at $453 per night.

wanda-reign-hotel-shanghai

China’s Drone Consumer Market Clogging; Expected Boom in 2017

Chinese Company Unveils World’s First Passenger Drone
Chinese Company Unveils World’s First Passenger Drone

In 2015, Dajiang Innovation owned about seventy percent of the consumer market for drones. The seventy percent share of the market has however been dwindling as time passes by with many startups trying to challenge Dajiang’s dominance.

A Low Cost Strategy

The startups strategy has been to release low-cost products to try to swivel the market their way. Despite their relentless efforts, experts have predicted that the startups will never have the capability of gaining a significant share of the market.

Zero Zero Robotics, one of the many startups clogging the market, is in the process of making a model of a drone that will be different from DJI’s four propeller drones. The company hails from Beijing and has a funding of approximately twenty-five million dollars. Zero Zero Robotics also released a Hover Camera in the recent past whose price prediction was below six hundred dollars. Weighing at about half a pound, the drone can fit in a trouser pocket. More on drones pour les débutants!

Many replicas and Mini Drones Hitting the Market

 

the phantom 3 version pro from DJI
The phantom 3 version pro from DJI

This drone is an addition to many other low-cost drones from other startups like Xiro and Ehang in the Chinese market. The three companies are not the least of Daijang’s worries as Xiaomi has filed twenty drone technology patents to date and plans to release a drone model this current year. The model is rumoured to retail at two hundred dollars upon its release to the market. DJI’s most affordable product retails at 499 dollars. The 200-dollar model will cause a stir in the market.

Chip Manufacturing Companies

Chip manufacturing companies have turned their attention to the lucrative drone market in China and are combining with the start-ups to come up with more advanced drones. The latest DJI’s Phantom model that boasts of having the ability to navigate around obstacles in flight paths will face stiff competition from the Xero Ying’s model and Hover camera that are using chips that allow them to have the same feature.

The chip manufacturing companies are a huge force not to be ignored.
The increased competition for the drone market has forced DJI to delve into commercial models. The IDC estimates that the commercial models market will get to thirty percent by the year 2019. Expectations are that in future, the media, real estate, law enforcement and mapping companies will provide a market for the drones.

Innovation Will Prevail

With an aim to be above the rest in the commercial market, Ehang launched a drone-powered by electricity and had the ability to carry a human being for short flights. The product is still a work in progress, and the company is working hard to turn it into a finished product.

Despite the increased competition, the Chinese drone market is expected to boom in 2017. With the coming up of many drone manufacturing companies and improved technology, it is anticipated that the prices will drop consequently attracting low-end consumers. The increased technology will enable the drones to handle more functions and consequently attract consumers from all sectors of the economy.

incredible aerial shots from Reunion Island
Incredible aerial shots from Reunion Island

Despite the clogging, the Chinese drone market will continue to increase. Drone technology is still at an infant stage and with its growth will come more selling opportunities. As of now, Daijang will continue holding the bigger share of the market until the day that the startups will have a solid foundation to keep with the increasingly complex business.
Visit https://www.amateursdedrones.fr/achat-drone/ for the latest drone and quadcopter news on the French market!

Didi Chuxing raised $7.3 billion in last funding round

The Chinese taxicab company Didi Chuxing Technology raised $7.3 billion last week in its latest investment round, said the firm in an official announcement.

Didi Chuxing, the direct competitor of the American company Uber in the Chinese market, raised $4.5 billion from investors including Apple for $1 billion and China Life Insurance. Tencent and Alibaba also took part in the funding of the Chinese firm now valued at $28 billion, according to Bloomberg.

Beside, Didi Chuxing sealed a deal with China Merchant Bank to obtain a syndicated loan of up to $2.5 billion.

According to Cheng Wei, co-founder and CEO of Didi Chuxing, efforts will focus on R&D, Big data and user experience.

The Beijing-based company is aiming to go public next year in New York stock exchange, said Bloomberg.

Brexit to increase foreign real estate investment in UK

On Thursday 23 June, many Britons voted for Brexit to protect their economy from non-British investors. The fall of the pound following the referendum, however, appears as a great opportunity for many foreign investors.

The decision of the British to leave the EU last week has triggered a political and financial earthquake with the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron and the collapse of the stock market after the pound sterling lost 8.8% against the US dollar.

Many analysts predict a decline in property prices while potential buyers postpone transactions due to the general uncertainty of stock market. For foreign investors, however, it seems to be the right time to find some great deals.

“Anyone who does not use the pound will see an opportunity” said N. Brooke, chairman of Professional Property Services, a consulting firm specialized I real estate investment based in Shanghai.

asian property buyer

Interest from China, Hong Kong and Singapore

Former President of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, a British organization that promotes the real estate industry, Brooke said that some of its wealthy customers from Hong Kong and China are already seeking new investment opportunities in the UK.

For international real estate company Knight Frank, even if it is too early to assess the impact of the British referendum, the drop of the pound will definitely lead to a significant gain in purchasing power of foreign investors.

People from China, Hong Kong and Singapore already have a solid experience in real estate investments in UK, particularly in London. The Chinese international property portal Juwai.com expects a 30% increase in queries for properties in UK in June compared to May.

Property prices in London are among the highest in the world. With the referendum, the residential market should fall by 5% across the UK, and even in London, according to KPMG consulting group.

Retail: China’s Suning to Expand, America’s Best Buy to Slow Down

China is now the world’s largest market for electronics with 1.29 billion phone users and 200 million computer users in 2016. As a consequence, domestic and foreign electronics retailers such as Suning and Best buy are focusing their effort in expanding their network in key locations to gain market shares.

Suning Appliance Co, the Nanjing-based retailer, said in a statement that it had raised CNY2.43 billion (US$350 million) by issuing 54 million shares to six institutions for outlet expansion. With this money, Suning will open 250 outlets nationwide in China, set up a logistics center in Shenyang of Liaoning Province and buy facilities for two flagship stores in Shanghai and Wuhan.

According to Suning, new outlets are expected to generate CNY18.63 billion in revenue annually. It has started construction work of five logistics centers and is choosing locations for the other four more. Currently, the company runs large logistics hubs in Beijing, Hangzhou and Nanjing.

American consumer electronics retailer Best Buy released a statement recently announcing best buy china that it would cut back spending by about 50 percent in 2015, including a “substantial reduction in new store openings in China, the United States and Canada.” Thus it is expected that Best Buy’s expansion plan in China would be slowed down.

On the other hand, according to the president of Best Buy Asia, the company is not gearing down its expansion but rather planning to increase its store number in the next six year.

Best Buy entered Chinese market by opening its first store in China in 2006 and started to expand in this October. Four stores and one store have been opened in Shanghai and Beijing, respectively.

Gome Electrical Appliance Holdings Ltd, China’s biggest electrical retailer, has spent CNY541 million (USD75 million) for a 10.7% stake in Sanlian Commerce Co Ltd, a major appliance retailer in the province, becoming new owner of Sanlian.

After Sanlian Commerce originally sold the stake to Shandong Longjidao Construction Co at an auction on February 2016, Gome then acquired all of Longjidao several days later to become the real owner of the Sanlian stake.

With the acquisition, Gome could enhance its sales in Shandong while Sanlian could share Gome’s market resources with independent operation. According to a statement, Gome won’t open franchise stores in the province to avoid competition with Sanlian.