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The Latest Trends in Chinese Enterprises Going Global

Oct 27-2025   



*This article is adapted from a piece in the Enterprise Management Journal, authored by Deng Ziliang, Full Professor with Tenure at Peking University's National School of Development.

 

Location Selection: From Direct Access to Europe and America to Leveraging “Connectors”

Against the backdrop of the reshaping of global trade rules, the strategic importance of large Chinese enterprises and their supply-chain partners investing in "connector" nations (i.e., developing countries bordering European and American markets) is becoming ever more apparent. 

Few nations qualify as such "connectors", and their scarcity determines their unique strategic-hub value. However, the risks for Chinese enterprises entering the U.S. market via these "connector" nations have multiplied. Consequently, companies that have not yet invested in these countries should conduct precise calculations and carefully assess whether the final destination market will remain profitable after tariff impositions. Those already established should mitigate risks by deepening localization and optimizing global supply chains.

 

Supply-Chain Construction: From Efficiency-First to Balancing Security and Resilience 

When navigating geopolitical risks and constructing supply chains, Chinese enterprises expanding overseas must re-evaluate their traditional efficiency-first deployment strategies. The focus must shift toward ensuring supply-chain security and resilience to enable steady progress and sustainable development within a complex and volatile global landscape. Simultaneously, advancing geographic-diversification strategies by spreading investments across multiple politically stable and policy-friendly nations and regions can mitigate the impact of political risks in any single region. Furthermore, as global buyers impose increasingly stringent ESG requirements, enterprises must leverage advanced traceability technologies to enhance supply-chain transparency.

 

Overseas Expansion Approaches: From Independent Operations to Full Industrial-Chain Collaboration 

China's approach of collaborating across the entire industrial chain for overseas expansion will become increasingly prevalent, offering Chinese-style solutions for upgrading the global industrial sector. Throughout this process, enterprises must safeguard their core technologies. During approval procedures, regulatory authorities should prioritize monitoring the relocation of high-tech segments. 

Full-chain collaboration will drive industrial restructuring while fostering ecosystem empowerment. State-owned and private enterprises can complement each other's strengths in overseas infrastructure cooperation, achieving synergistic development with local counterparts.

 

Brand Development: From National Identity to Global Brand Matrix 

As Chinese enterprises expand overseas, they will increasingly delve into and promote the cultural values and innovative spirit behind their brands. This will distance them from the traditional product image focused solely on cost-effectiveness. Leading Chinese companies have already set an example by acquiring overseas brands to create second-growth curves when building global brand matrices.

 

Digital and Intelligent Services: The Shift from Technology Export to Ecosystem Co-Creation 

From a market-demand perspective, global expenditure on digital-transformation technologies is projected to exceed US$3.9 trillion by 2027, with an annual growth rate of around 16 %. Given the substantial capital investment required for these technologies, Chinese enterprises must establish a robust domestic presence and expand their global reach. This allows them to upgrade applications within larger markets and achieve economies of scale. From a supply perspective, the technological expertise developed within China's extensive digital economy is creating a distinctive impetus for overseas expansion. From an evolutionary perspective, AI-driven innovation in business models is reshaping global value chains.

 

New-Energy Industry: Transitioning from Product Exports to Capability Output 

In this green revolution, China's new-energy sector will evolve beyond product exports to encompass systematic outputs of technical standards and industrial norms. Confronted with phased or prolonged trade barriers and national-security reviews, integrating technology patents with overseas manufacturing facilities is emerging as a flexible model for global expansion in this sector.

 

Self-Indulgent Consumption: From Solitary Pleasures to Cultural Resonance 

Emerging brands in the area of self-indulgent consumption, as represented by cultural entertainment, digital IP, and tea beverages, will gain greater appeal among overseas Chinese and young consumers. China's brand-localization model, enabled by its supply chain, will continue to foster cross-regional emotional resonance.

 

Healthcare: From Contract Manufacturing to Overseas Dual Expansion 

Historically, China's innovative pharmaceutical and medical-device enterprises have participated primarily in global industrial chains through contract manufacturing. However, sustained cultivation of the vast domestic market, coupled with technological advancement and comprehensive industrial capabilities, has enabled leading Chinese firms to establish a robust foundation for exporting brands and technology. Emerging markets within the Belt and Road Initiative have emerged as pivotal destinations for the global expansion of Chinese healthcare enterprises.

The Latest Trends in Chinese Enterprises Going Global

Oct 27-2025   



*This article is adapted from a piece in the Enterprise Management Journal, authored by Deng Ziliang, Full Professor with Tenure at Peking University's National School of Development.

 

Location Selection: From Direct Access to Europe and America to Leveraging “Connectors”

Against the backdrop of the reshaping of global trade rules, the strategic importance of large Chinese enterprises and their supply-chain partners investing in "connector" nations (i.e., developing countries bordering European and American markets) is becoming ever more apparent. 

Few nations qualify as such "connectors", and their scarcity determines their unique strategic-hub value. However, the risks for Chinese enterprises entering the U.S. market via these "connector" nations have multiplied. Consequently, companies that have not yet invested in these countries should conduct precise calculations and carefully assess whether the final destination market will remain profitable after tariff impositions. Those already established should mitigate risks by deepening localization and optimizing global supply chains.

 

Supply-Chain Construction: From Efficiency-First to Balancing Security and Resilience 

When navigating geopolitical risks and constructing supply chains, Chinese enterprises expanding overseas must re-evaluate their traditional efficiency-first deployment strategies. The focus must shift toward ensuring supply-chain security and resilience to enable steady progress and sustainable development within a complex and volatile global landscape. Simultaneously, advancing geographic-diversification strategies by spreading investments across multiple politically stable and policy-friendly nations and regions can mitigate the impact of political risks in any single region. Furthermore, as global buyers impose increasingly stringent ESG requirements, enterprises must leverage advanced traceability technologies to enhance supply-chain transparency.

 

Overseas Expansion Approaches: From Independent Operations to Full Industrial-Chain Collaboration 

China's approach of collaborating across the entire industrial chain for overseas expansion will become increasingly prevalent, offering Chinese-style solutions for upgrading the global industrial sector. Throughout this process, enterprises must safeguard their core technologies. During approval procedures, regulatory authorities should prioritize monitoring the relocation of high-tech segments. 

Full-chain collaboration will drive industrial restructuring while fostering ecosystem empowerment. State-owned and private enterprises can complement each other's strengths in overseas infrastructure cooperation, achieving synergistic development with local counterparts.

 

Brand Development: From National Identity to Global Brand Matrix 

As Chinese enterprises expand overseas, they will increasingly delve into and promote the cultural values and innovative spirit behind their brands. This will distance them from the traditional product image focused solely on cost-effectiveness. Leading Chinese companies have already set an example by acquiring overseas brands to create second-growth curves when building global brand matrices.

 

Digital and Intelligent Services: The Shift from Technology Export to Ecosystem Co-Creation 

From a market-demand perspective, global expenditure on digital-transformation technologies is projected to exceed US$3.9 trillion by 2027, with an annual growth rate of around 16 %. Given the substantial capital investment required for these technologies, Chinese enterprises must establish a robust domestic presence and expand their global reach. This allows them to upgrade applications within larger markets and achieve economies of scale. From a supply perspective, the technological expertise developed within China's extensive digital economy is creating a distinctive impetus for overseas expansion. From an evolutionary perspective, AI-driven innovation in business models is reshaping global value chains.

 

New-Energy Industry: Transitioning from Product Exports to Capability Output 

In this green revolution, China's new-energy sector will evolve beyond product exports to encompass systematic outputs of technical standards and industrial norms. Confronted with phased or prolonged trade barriers and national-security reviews, integrating technology patents with overseas manufacturing facilities is emerging as a flexible model for global expansion in this sector.

 

Self-Indulgent Consumption: From Solitary Pleasures to Cultural Resonance 

Emerging brands in the area of self-indulgent consumption, as represented by cultural entertainment, digital IP, and tea beverages, will gain greater appeal among overseas Chinese and young consumers. China's brand-localization model, enabled by its supply chain, will continue to foster cross-regional emotional resonance.

 

Healthcare: From Contract Manufacturing to Overseas Dual Expansion 

Historically, China's innovative pharmaceutical and medical-device enterprises have participated primarily in global industrial chains through contract manufacturing. However, sustained cultivation of the vast domestic market, coupled with technological advancement and comprehensive industrial capabilities, has enabled leading Chinese firms to establish a robust foundation for exporting brands and technology. Emerging markets within the Belt and Road Initiative have emerged as pivotal destinations for the global expansion of Chinese healthcare enterprises.