Tencent and Alibaba in talks to invest in DeepSeek
Tencent Holdings Ltd. and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. are in talks to invest in Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek at a valuation of more than $20 billion, according to an April 22 report from The Information. DeepSeek has yet to generate significant revenue, and founder Liang Wenfeng has historically avoided external funding. Market observers suggest the pivot toward fundraising may be linked to delays in launching its next-generation V4 flagship model and the departure of several core research personnel.
Horizon Robotics launches 5-nanometer automotive chip
Chinese autonomous-driving chipmaker Horizon Robotics has launched its first 5-nanometer automotive-grade processor that integrates smart-cabin and self-driving capabilities into a single chip, aiming to help carmakers cut costs amid an intensifying price war. The release of the Starry chip and a companion in-car artificial-intelligence agent positions the company to compete directly with global heavyweights such as Nvidia Corp. and Qualcomm Inc. in the race to power the next generation of highly automated vehicles.
DJI enters large drone market with new cargo models
SZ DJI Technology Co. Ltd. has launched its first large drones designed for material transport, with maximum payload capacities of 200 kilograms. Under domestic regulations, drones with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 150 kilograms are classified as large. Before this launch, DJI had primarily focused on micro, light, small and midsize drones for aerial photography, surveying, inspection and agricultural use. The product expansion reflects rapid growth in the commercial drone transport market, driven by infrastructure development in remote mountainous areas where traditional, labor-intensive transport methods are inefficient, dangerous and environmentally damaging.
Apple supplier Dongshan Precision rallies on AI-driven demand
Shares of Apple Inc. supplier Suzhou Dongshan Precision Manufacturing Co. Ltd. surged to the 10% daily limit Wednesday, fueled by explosive growth in its artificial-intelligence optical-module business and a strong first-quarter earnings outlook. The Shenzhen-listed company’s stock closed at 186.3 yuan ($27.3), bringing its gains since the start of 2026 to more than 113% and lifting its market capitalization to 340 billion yuan. The rally highlights robust investor demand for hardware manufacturers pivoting to the fast-growing generative AI industry, where vast computing clusters require advanced optical modules for high-speed data transmission. The market enthusiasm followed Dongshan Precision’s forecast that first-quarter net profit will range between 1 billion yuan and 1.15 billion yuan, representing a year-on-year increase of 119.4% to 152.3% from 456 million yuan.
