China Recap is a weekly roundup tracking Chinese companies expanding abroad, covering market entries, funding rounds, product launches, and global partnerships.
China’s corporate globalization strategy is evolving fast. Industry giants are rewriting the global playbook, while a new generation of companies charts fresh paths overseas.
China Recap tracks both—focusing on strategic expansion, brand building, and localized operations—to help readers make sense of shifting trends and understand how Chinese firms are reshaping their global approach.
Here’s what made headlines last week:
Chinese device makers juggle innovation amid scrutiny
- Romoss is facing a deepening crisis after recalling about 491,700 power banks. The company has suspended production, shut down online stores, and undergone multiple leadership changes. Employees have reported wage issues and absent management, while Shenzhen regulators have launched round-the-clock oversight to ensure refunds and trace defective products. —The Paper
- Vivo launched the X200 FE, its first compact flagship smartphone in the X series. Weighing just 186 grams, the device features a 50-megapixel Zeiss telephoto lens, a Dimensity 9300+ chip, and a 6,500-milliampere-hour battery in a one-handed form factor.
- Xiaomi refuted reports that it is ending its partnership with German optics firm Leica. Public relations chief Wang Hua dismissed the claims on July 6, stating that the two companies continue to co-develop mobile imaging systems used in Xiaomi’s smartphones. Rumors had surfaced in May after Leica’s watermark briefly disappeared from some Xiaomi camera apps. —Jiemian News
- Anker Innovations traced its global power bank recall to unauthorized changes in battery cell materials, uncovered through internal testing and supplier audits. In an interview, vice president Xiong Kang said shifts in cathode composition and separator performance raised thermal risks, despite initial denials from the supplier. The case exposes key gaps in upstream quality control. —36Kr
- Xiaomi filed a broad range of “Xiaomi Life” trademarks across categories including transport, apparel, and convenience foods, with several already approved. This year, the company also registered copyrights for SU7-branded lifestyle products, including mugs, blankets, and fridge magnets, signaling a wider IP strategy tied to its automotive line. —36Kr
Nothing launches Phone (3) in China
British tech brand Nothing launched its Phone (3) in China at USD 799, alongside its first over-ear headphones, the Headphone (1). The midrange phone prioritizes design over performance, featuring a customizable LED subdisplay and software suite aimed at younger users.
J&T delivers over seven billion parcels in Q2
For the second quarter of 2025, J&T Express reported a 23.5% year-on-year rise in parcel volume to 7.39 billion. Southeast Asia led with a record 65.9% growth, driven by e-commerce partnerships and infrastructure expansion. China and new markets also posted double-digit gains as the company scaled its global logistics network.
Electric vehicle maker Neta falters in Thailand
Neta Auto, one of the first Chinese electric vehicle brands to operate in Thailand, is struggling to meet local production targets under a government subsidy scheme, with sales plunging 48.5% and dealers filing complaints over unpaid debts. Its parent company has entered bankruptcy in China. —Reuters
That wraps up this edition of China Recap. If your company is expanding internationally, we’d love to hear about your latest milestones. Get in touch to share your story.