Chinese firms are pivoting from cheap exports to ecosystem dominance—via "connector" countries (Vietnam/Morocco), full-supply-chain clusters (CATL in Hungary), and cultural IP (Black Myth: Wukong). With 506 overseas investments in 2024 (+81% since 2022), they’re rewriting the rules of global business.

China's outdoor industry is booming, fueled by tech innovation (AI ski gear, 3D-printed equipment) and bold acquisitions like Anta’s $5.2B takeover of Arc’teryx. The market is projected to hit $435B globally by 2030, with Chinese brands racing to bridge the gap with international giants.

Chinese short-drama apps like ReelShort and DramaBox are taking the world by storm, with overseas revenue surging 12x in 2024. Western audiences pay premium for addictive "werewolf CEOs" plots, while Southeast Asia drives downloads. But TikTok's free-model challenger "Melolo" could disrupt the $4B market.

After Western sanctions, Russia’s e-commerce market surged, with Chinese sellers filling the $100B+ gap. Ozon’s GMV grew 64% in 2024, while Chinese goods dominate 90% of cross-border sales. High rewards come with risks: payment delays, logistics hurdles, and tightening regulations.