China Inc by BBW

Hosted by Bamboo Works

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100

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Aug 2026

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About the show

China Inc by Bamboo Works discusses the latest developments on Chinese companies listed in Hong Kong and the United States to drive informed decision-making for investors and others interested in this dynamic group of companies.

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60 recent

August 19, 2026Episode 17414 min

From microchips to fast food: How Apple and Burger King are adapting to the Chinese market

What do Apple and Burger King have in common? Both are navigating the complexities of the Chinese market with highly tailored local strategies. Join us as we unpack Apple's "regional isolation strategy" for memory chips and examine Burger King's double-digit growth following its alliance with state-owned conglomerate Citic. We also discuss why mid-tier brands often struggle, and weigh the pros and cons of private equity partnerships. -- China Inc. by Bamboo Works discusses the latest business and financial news from China and what it all means. This episode is hosted by Doug Young, Bamboo Works editor in chief, and he's joined by Rene Vanguestaine, one of Bamboo Works' founding partners who is also a longtime China watcher and former investment banker.

August 11, 2026Episode 17320 min

State subsidies and partner panic: What the latest cross-border deals reveal about business in China

In this episode, we dive into the complexities of cross-border deals in today's fraught geopolitical climate. We discuss the European Commission's unprecedented probe into JD.com's $2.5 billion acquisition of Ceconomy to check for unfair state subsidies, and what it signals for Chinese M&A in the West. Then, we pivot to U.S. conglomerate Authentic Brands and the abrupt dropping of its Chinese licensee Tristate Holdings, exploring why Western multinationals struggle with trust and localization in China. -- China Inc. by Bamboo Works discusses the latest business and financial news from China and what it all means. This episode is hosted by Doug Young, Bamboo Works editor in chief, and he's joined by Brad Burgess, who is a reputation management advisor with over two decades of experience protecting and promoting brands and business leaders with a focus on Asia and specialty in China.

August 5, 2026Episode 17221 min

Geopolitical tightropes: What Tesla and TAL reveal about a new era of U.S.-China business

Is Elon Musk planning to divest Tesla’s massive China operations? And why did a Chinese education giant’s bargain purchase of a U.S. children’s reading app spark national security concerns? We explore the hidden geopolitical forces driving today’s global business moves. From SpaceX’s sensitive tech to content control in kids' literature, discover why operating in the regulatory "gray area" is no longer a viable strategy for cross-border M&A. -- China Inc. by Bamboo Works discusses the latest business and financial news from China and what it all means. This episode is hosted by Doug Young, Bamboo Works editor in chief, and he's joined by Brad Burgess, who is a reputation management advisor with over two decades of experience protecting and promoting brands and business leaders with a focus on Asia and specialty in China.

July 29, 2026Episode 17115 min

AI valuations take flight, while China's low-altitude economy crashes into reality

In this episode, we dive into a tale of two Chinese tech sectors on vastly different trajectories. First, we unpack Kuaishou’s massive strategic move to spin off its AI video unit, Kling, raising nearly $3 billion and valuing the AI service at a staggering $18 billion. Why are tech giants carving out their AI businesses, and will heavyweights like Alibaba and Tencent follow suit? Then, we pivot to China’s heavily hyped "low-altitude economy." Following a fatal light aircraft crash into Beijing's tallest skyscraper, we discuss the severe regulatory and commercial headwinds facing the flying taxi industry and eVTOL companies like EHang. Tune in for expert analysis on the capital, the risks, and the reality behind the frontier tech hype. -- China Inc. by Bamboo Works discusses the latest business and financial news from China and what it all means. This episode is hosted by Doug Young, Bamboo Works editor in chief, and he's joined by Rene Vanguestaine, one of Bamboo Works' founding partners who is also a longtime China watcher and former investment banker.

July 22, 2026Episode 17017 min

Navigating China's gluts: Cheap parcels and plunging pork prices

How do Chinese parcel companies deliver packages for just $1 and still make money? And why are hog breeders expanding their herds while bleeding cash? This week, Doug and Rene explore the fascinating, highly cyclical nature of China's market by looking at the delivery and pork sectors. They unpack the "Chinese DNA" of business — where capturing market share often trumps rational market economics — and discuss the limits of Beijing's interventions when local governments push back. Whether you're an investor trying to time the market or just curious about China's economic landscape, this episode offers essential insights into how these businesses really operate. -- China Inc. by Bamboo Works discusses the latest business and financial news from China and what it all means. This episode is hosted by Doug Young, Bamboo Works editor in chief, and he's joined by Rene Vanguestaine, one of Bamboo Works' founding partners who is also a longtime China watcher and former investment banker.

July 8, 2026Episode 16917 min

Shifting tides for Chinese brands: Transsion stumbles outside Africa and Cafe de Coral turns around

What do a Chinese smartphone maker in Africa and a traditional fast-food chain in Hong Kong have in common? Both are confronting fierce headwinds from shifting consumer behavior and new competition. This week, we analyze Transsion's renewed Hong Kong IPO bid and its slowing growth in emerging markets. We also evaluate Cafe de Coral's recent turnaround strategy, including downsizing restaurant footprints to counter the trend of Hong Kong residents dining across the border in Shenzhen. Join us for a detailed breakdown of these critical business transitions. -- China Inc. by Bamboo Works discusses the latest business and financial news from China and what it all means. This episode is hosted by Doug Young, Bamboo Works editor in chief, and he's joined by Rene Vanguestaine, one of Bamboo Works' founding partners who is also a longtime China watcher and former investment banker.

July 1, 2026Episode 16817 min

A tale of two markets: DSC's disastrous Nasdaq debut, and Nike's distribution dilemma

In this episode, we dive into the shifting dynamics of the Chinese consumer market and its ripple effects on both Wall Street and global retail. First, they unpack the recent NASDAQ debut of Chinese used-car trader DSC, analyzing why the AI-backed platform plummeted 65% in its first three days and what its data security clearance means for future U.S. listings. Then, shifting gears to discuss rumors that Nike may be ending its online distributing partnerships in China. From fierce domestic competition and EV price wars to evolving fashion trends, they explore the hurdles domestic and Western brands face in a profoundly changed consumer landscape. -- China Inc. by Bamboo Works discusses the latest business and financial news from China and what it all means. This episode is hosted by Doug Young, Bamboo Works editor in chief, and he's joined by Rene Vanguestaine, one of Bamboo Works' founding partners who is also a longtime China watcher and former investment banker.

June 24, 2026Episode 16715 min

Unintended consequences: China's EV boom hits highway upkeep, and new risks of data-backed ABS

In this episode, we explore the hidden financial ripples of China's top-down economic policies. First, the massive success of China's electric vehicle market — which now accounts for over half of new car sales — and how the resulting drop in gasoline consumption is quietly gutting highway maintenance funds. Will Beijing be forced to start taxing electricity? Next, we unpack a bizarre new financial trend: using government and corporate data to create a new class of asset-backed securities (ABS). With local governments potentially using this novel asset class to hide their off-balance-sheet debt, Beijing is already slamming on the brakes. Tune in to hear why these unexpected side effects could reshape China's fiscal landscape. -- China Inc. by Bamboo Works discusses the latest business and financial news from China and what it all means. This episode is hosted by Doug Young, Bamboo Works editor in chief, and he's joined by Rene Vanguestaine, one of Bamboo Works' founding partners who is also a longtime China watcher and former investment banker.

June 17, 2026Episode 16617 min

Fear of missing out fuels Chinese instant commerce bids, as reality bites Hong Kong AI stock bubble

This week, we dive into the latest battleground in China’s instant commerce wars. Why did Alibaba suddenly drop a staggering $1.5 billion bid for regional online grocer Pupu, blowing a rival offer out of the water? We break down the corporate FOMO driving this aggressive move and the anti-monopoly regulatory hurdles that could still stand in the way. Later, we shift to Hong Kong, where the AI stock bubble is showing serious signs of bursting. With IPO lock-up periods expiring, mainland investors retreating, and U.S. megadeals sucking up global capital, what’s next for China's AI darlings? Tune in for expert insights on the shifting tides of Chinese tech and capital. -- China Inc. by Bamboo Works discusses the latest business and financial news from China and what it all means. This episode is hosted by Doug Young, Bamboo Works editor in chief, and he's joined by Rene Vanguestaine, one of Bamboo Works' founding partners who is also a longtime China watcher and former investment banker.

June 10, 2026Episode 16518 min

Shifting identities: Shein's acquisition and Canadian Solar's return to North America

Can you buy your way out of a questionable reputation? Can you build a new identity to dodge geopolitical tariffs? This week, Doug and Rene unpack the fascinating cross-border strategies of two global giants. Shein & Everlane: We break down Shein's estimated $100 million purchase of US sustainability darling Everlane. We look at what this means for Everlane’s mission-driven employees and whether it moves the needle for Shein’s perpetually delayed IPO. Canadian Solar: We examine the company's ambitious plan to shift high-tech cell production to North America. Will the US market accept them as a non-Chinese alternative, and will Beijing allow its cutting-edge solar automation to leave the country? Tune in for a deep dive into global trade, ESG hurdles, and supply chain realities. -- China Inc. by Bamboo Works discusses the latest business and financial news from China and what it all means. This episode is hosted by Doug Young, Bamboo Works editor in chief, and he's joined by Rene Vanguestaine, one of Bamboo Works' founding partners who is also a longtime China watcher and former investment banker.