Fueled by a surge in global AI spending and fierce domestic competition, Chinese technology companies are rapidly expanding their international footprint—not only through physical supply chains but also via cloud services and foundational models deployed outside mainland China.
## Hardware exports surge
Customs data for the first half of 2026 show a marked acceleration in overseas sales. Integrated circuit exports almost doubled in value, reaching $177.3 billion, a 96% year‑on‑year increase — a rise partly amplified by higher chip prices. Shipments of data-processing equipment climbed more than 41% to $138.1 billion, while industrial robot exports increased over 18% to $929 million, shipped to 141 countries and regions. These figures reflect Chinese hardware supply chains gaining both volume and value in the global market.
## Chinese tech also making inroads with software and AI models
Company statements indicate the expansion is not limited to hardware. In Shanghai, AI lab MiniMax…
