As Apple is using Chinese technology in its search for innovation[P1 - Introduction], China has become an increasingly dominant force in the tech industry, with total investments of billions of dollars over the years. This trend has caught the attention of analysts who have noted how global players are adopting innovative strategies to better integrate their technical capabilities with those of Chinese firms.[P2 - Analysis of Impact on Global Scene] Through the eyes of professionals in the sector, we analyze this phenomenon. According to Kitty Fok, managing director at market research firm IDC China, "Five years ago, China was primarily where global companies went to sell".

Today, instead, it's where they go to find new opportunities for growth. And that's why many operators globally are looking to shift their direction towards China.[P3 - Strategy of Apple] For example, Apple decided to use Alibaba and Baidu to develop its AI in China. Another case to consider is Ford, which partnered with CATL (China Automotive Technology) to improve battery quality produced by the company.

Analyst Soumen Mandal, principal analyst at Counterpoint Research, says costs, scale, manufacturing depth, and integration are all key factors contributing to a tighter integration between global companies and Chinese-made technology.[P4 - Geopolitical Effects on Market Globally] However, despite these progressions, the US government is increasing its actions against China in advanced-tech fields. Since blacklisting Huawei in 2019, Washington imposed restrictions on some investments in Chinese semiconductors. This move mainly targeted limiting influence both domestically and internationally.[P5 - Analysis of Automotive Industry Impact] In this context, car builders found a new partner: China.

According to data from 2025, BYD, Changan, and Chery occupied nearly 63% of sales worldwide for electric vehicles. Meanwhile, battery manufacturers like CATL, BYD, CALB, and Gotion held around 70%. That's why many operators globally are shifting their direction towards China.[P6 - Strategy of Volkswagen] For instance, Volkswagen partnered with Xpeng to develop intelligent cars in China.

Other cases include Stellantis expanding collaboration with Leapmotor or where both societies approached the products-electric vehicle sector. Kitty Fok said "switching suppliers" can be difficult to reverse. Specifically, in the case of batteries, where structure has already been completed.