China’s Strategic Moves: From Mining in Congo to AI Collaborations
The announcement of a significant investment deal between China and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) might have seemed conventional, with major Chinese state-owned companies like China Railway Group and Sinohydro participating. However, the entry of Huayou Cobalt, a private firm led by Chen Xuehua, has brought an unexpected twist to the narrative. Chen’s journey from a bean-sprout vendor to a mining magnate is discussed in Nicolas Niarchos’s new book, The Elements of Power. His ventures now span continents, including Africa, Indonesia, and Korea, focusing on extracting nickel and cobalt oxide.
Strategic Partnerships and Geopolitical Implications
In 2008, when China and the DRC agreed on an infrastructure-for-commodities exchange, the U.S. ambassador in Kinshasa expressed strong disapproval, as narrated by a former advisor to DRC’s then-president Joseph Kabila. According to Nicolas Niarchos’s book excerpt, the advisor justified the deal by stating, “so it’s a holistic thing,” emphasizing the broader economic cycle where the U.S. ends up purchasing products manufactured with the resources extracted by China.
Emerging AI Alliances: Manus and Meta
Recently, a $2 billion collaboration between Meta and Manus AI, a company founded in China but now headquartered in Singapore, has caught the attention of the Chinese commerce ministry. Noah Berman, Eliot Chen, and Rachel Cheung explain how Manus’s strategic relocation facilitated its global expansion, leading to this partnership with Meta, while raising concerns in Beijing about maintaining influence over its AI sector.
BYD’s Challenges in the Competitive EV Market
Despite surpassing Tesla as the top electric vehicle seller worldwide, BYD is facing hurdles in its home market. Savannah Billman reports that BYD’s profits dipped by 33% in the third quarter, despite a 30% price reduction. The company’s main competitor, Geely, which also owns Volvo, is closing the sales gap, posing a significant threat to BYD’s dominance.
Taiwan’s Future: Insights from J. Michael Cole
J. Michael Cole, in an interview with Brent Crane, discusses Taiwan’s precarious position in global politics. His book, The Taiwan Tinderbox: The Island-Nation at the Centre of the New Cold War, outlines potential scenarios for Taiwan’s fate amidst tensions with China. Cole argues for U.S. intervention if China attempts to seize Taiwan, asserting that abandoning the island could embolden regional aggression.
Security Concerns Over China’s Energy Systems
As China becomes a leading supplier of electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy technologies, Francesca Ghiretti and Conlan Ellis urge caution regarding the connectivity technologies that govern these systems. They argue that such technology could be a national security concern, given China’s dominant role in its production and deployment.
In Memoriam: David Webb’s Legacy
Renowned for his advocacy for transparency in Hong Kong’s business practices, David Webb passed away on January 13, 2026. We revisit an article that outlines his career, highlighting his efforts to promote fair markets and corporate governance.
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Original Story at www.thewirechina.com