● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportMedium impact1 neutral
Global Companies Increase Reliance on Chinese Technology Despite US Curbs
Key points
- Apple uses Alibaba and Baidu for AI in China.
- Ford partners with CATL for EV battery technology.
- Chinese companies are now technology sources for global firms.
- China holds significant market share in EVs and batteries.
Growing Integration of Chinese Technology
Despite Washington's efforts to curb Beijing's technological ambitions, Chinese technology is increasingly embedded in the operations of major global companies. Examples include Apple utilizing Alibaba and Baidu for AI in China, and Ford collaborating with CATL for battery technology. Volkswagen has partnered with Xpeng for smart EV development in China, and Stellantis is expanding its partnership with Leapmotor for EV production and joint purchasing.
Shift from Market to Technology Source
Analysts indicate a broad shift where Chinese companies are evolving from being primarily a market for global sales to becoming crucial sources of technology and innovation. Kitty Fok, managing director at IDC China, noted that five years ago, China was mainly a sales destination, but today, in certain sectors, it is where global companies source capabilities. This development occurs concurrently with expanded US efforts to restrain Chinese technology, including blacklisting firms and imposing curbs on advanced chips and investments.
Dominance in Key Tech Sectors
China has established strong positions across various technology industries. In 2025, Chinese automakers like BYD, Changan, and Chery are projected to account for nearly 63% of the global electric vehicle market. Additionally, Chinese battery manufacturers such as CATL, BYD, CALB, and Gotion held close to 70% of the market. These figures highlight China's significant influence in critical technological areas.
Reasons for Continued Engagement
Soumen Mandal, principal analyst at Counterpoint Research, identified cost, scale, manufacturing depth, supply-chain integration, and speed of innovation as key reasons for global companies to continue engaging with Chinese firms. He stated that China's technological rise is shifting from low-cost manufacturing to scale, supply-chain depth, and innovation speed. Global companies are balancing geopolitical risks with commercial realities in their decisions.
EV Battery Technology Integration
The integration of Chinese technology is particularly advanced in electric vehicle batteries. CATL, for instance, has become deeply integrated into the global automotive industry. Ford is working with CATL to use its lithium-iron phosphate battery technology at a $3.5 billion battery plant in Michigan, illustrating the extent of this integration into global supply chains.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Major global companies like Apple and Ford are integrating Chinese technology into their products and operations, including AI and EV batteries, even as the US government attempts to restrict China's technological growth. This shift indicates China is becoming a primary source of technology and innovation for international businesses, rather than just a market for sales. The trend is driven by factors such as cost, scale, manufacturing depth, and speed of innovation in Chinese tech sectors.