24-01-2026

China's AI Chip Market Heats Up with IPOs

Date: 24-01-2026
Sources: scmp.com: 3
Image for cluster 1
Image Source:

Source: scmp.com

Image content: The image depicts a graphic representation of computer microchips and stock market data. The main subject or scene shown is a collection of microchips arranged in rows, with stock market data displayed in the background. People, objects, locations, or events visible in the image include: * Multiple rows of microchips with yellow squares on top * Stock market data displayed in a grid format behind the microchips * The data includes various numbers and symbols, such as red and green text, indicating positive and negative changes in stock prices News-worthy elements or context that can be identified from the image itself include: * The image appears to be related to the technology or semiconductor industry, given the presence of microchips * The stock market data suggests that the image may be related to financial news or market trends A concise 2-3 sentence description of the image is: The image shows multiple rows of microchips with yellow squares on top, set against a background of stock

Summary

Alibaba and Baidu plan to list their AI chip design units through IPOs, intensifying competition in China's AI chip market and reducing reliance on US technology, amid a broader US-China tech rivalry playing out in capital markets.

Key Points

  • Alibaba and Baidu's AI chip design units, T-Head and Kunlunxin, are planning IPOs.
  • The move reflects China's drive for self-reliance in AI technology.
  • The US-China tech rivalry is expanding into capital markets, with IPOs becoming a key battleground.

Articles in this Cluster

Alibaba, Baidu’s IPO plans for AI chip design units heighten China’s self-reliance drive | South China Morning Post

Alibaba and Baidu are planning to list their AI chip design units, T-Head and Kunlunxin, through initial public offerings (IPOs), which could intensify competition in China's AI chip market and reduce the country's reliance on US technology. The move is seen as a response to US tech sanctions and reflects growing investor appetite for AI chip firms. Nvidia currently dominates the Chinese market for high-performance AI chips, but the IPO plans could help Chinese companies unseat the US firm.
Entities: Alibaba, Baidu, Nvidia, T-Head, KunlunxinTone: neutralSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

From labs to listings: US-China AI race makes capital markets the new battleground | South China Morning Post

The US-China tech rivalry has expanded into the capital markets, with initial public offerings (IPOs) and listings becoming a high-stakes referendum on who gets funding, credibility, and the runway to scale. The contest is swelling the pipeline of technology floats, setting the stage for a potentially record-breaking year for tech listings. In the US, investors are watching for potential debuts from closely followed private companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and SpaceX, while in China, AI developers, chipmakers, and 'hard tech' firms are moving towards listings in Hong Kong and on the mainland.
Entities: US, China, Washington, Beijing, OpenAITone: neutralSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Nvidia CEO tours Shanghai amid fresh signs of China thaw | South China Morning Post

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang visited Shanghai's Nvidia office and a local grocery market amid signs of improved US-China relations, particularly regarding the export of Nvidia's H200 AI chip to China. The visit comes as the chip faces US export rules and an uncertain China import stance. Huang met with Shanghai-based staff to review Nvidia's 2025 milestones and product pipeline, and is expected to visit Beijing and Shenzhen for Lunar New Year celebrations.
Entities: Nvidia, Jensen Huang, China, Shanghai, BeijingTone: neutralSentiment: neutralIntent: inform