Cognitive Asia

群益證x貝萊德 剖析中國AI投資新版圖

Yuanta Securities x BlackRock Analyze the New Landscape of AI Investment in China

Yahoo News Taiwan | Local Language | News | Sept. 25, 2025 | UndeterminedInvestor Sentiment

China’s rapid advancement in artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly boosted its financial markets, with the Shanghai A-share index reaching a 10-year high due to increased domestic and foreign capital inflows. On September 23, Capital Securities Jin Ding Securities and BlackRock Investment Trust held a forum on China-Hong Kong AI stocks, highlighting vast business opportunities in AI driven by strong government policies, innovation, and China’s large economic scale. The Chinese government’s “Artificial Intelligence + Action” strategic plan aims for broad AI integration into the economy and society between 2027 and 2035.

China’s AI industry excels in practical applications such as smart cities, manufacturing, e-commerce, and security, supported by policy guidance and a focus on commercialization. Hong Kong-listed AI leaders, including AdMaster, GDS, Tencent Music, Kuaishou, and Horizon Robotics, have demonstrated strong growth and attracted MSCI China Index inclusion. Hong Kong is increasingly important as a listing hub for AI chip and large language model companies like CloudWalk and Biren Technology, reflecting its strategic industry role.

Despite U.S. trade pressures and chip export restrictions, China’s stock market maintains strong upward momentum, driven by reduced dependence on U.S. exports, accelerated domestic tech innovation, and cost advantages in AI. Bloomberg data show historic lows in China’s 10-year government bond yields, fueling record onshore to offshore capital flows. BlackRock recommends investors with moderate risk tolerance consider participating in China-Hong Kong tech rallies via equity funds with active management and risk controls.

Separately, Taiwan’s stock market is buoyed by AI and technology sectors, with TSMC reaching new record highs amid strong buying interest, although retail investors are taking profits following substantial gains. The thermal-sector stocks have surged, driven by demand for high-performance computing linked to AI trends. Institutional investors predict reshuffling of TSMC’s major customers by 2026, with Apple remaining dominant. NVIDIA’s significant investment in Intel is seen as a potential market disruptor, though its near-term impact on TSMC is limited.

Other notable developments include Compal’s entry into the server business with major orders from Dell, Delta Electronics’ market cap surge, and active rotation in ETFs tracking Taiwan indices. In the U.S., technology stocks led markets to record highs despite semiconductor index volatility. Gold prices in Taiwan have also rebounded to a five-month high amid increased selling activity.

Japan bullet train operator to test facial recognition gates at Niigata, Nagaoka stations

The Mainichi | English | News | Sept. 25, 2025 | Privacy

East Japan Railway Co. (JR East) will begin a trial of facial recognition gates at Niigata and Nagaoka stations on the Joetsu Shinkansen line starting November 6, 2025. The system enables passengers to pass through ticket gates without using a ticket or IC card by authenticating them through facial recognition.

At Niigata Station, the facial recognition system will be added to the existing gates, while completely new facial recognition gates will be installed at Nagaoka Station. Different types of facial recognition devices will be tested at each station to assess their performance. The trial will last for approximately five months, ending on March 31, 2026.

The trial targets around 500 passengers aged junior high school or older who hold shinkansen commuter passes between Niigata and Nagaoka stations. Participants must register in advance from October 6 to 17 and provide photos for the system's facial data.

Hiroko Shirayama, president of JR East’s Niigata branch, noted that the trial aims to address passenger inconvenience with ticket insertion, especially for those with large luggage or strollers, offering a view into future gate operations.

Vice industry ministers of S. Korea, China to discuss supply chain cooperation

Yonhap | English | News | Sept. 25, 2025 | Supply Chain Issues

First Vice Industry Minister Moon Shin-hak of South Korea is scheduled to visit China for three days starting Wednesday to discuss supply chain cooperation with Chinese Vice Industry Minister Xie Yuansheng. The talks in Beijing will focus on exchanging views regarding industrial policies and exploring ways to strengthen bilateral supply chain collaboration.

During his visit, Moon will also participate in an international trade and investment fair in Shenyang and meet with Wang Xinwei, governor of China's Liaoning Province, to discuss enhancing trade and investment cooperation. The South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy emphasized ongoing efforts to stabilize supply chains through cooperation with China and aims to strengthen ties with Chinese local governments that show high growth potential to support the expansion of Korean businesses in the region.