The rise of China’s hottest new commodity: AI tokens
Chinese AI models made by groups such as DeepSeek and MiniMax have overtaken US rivals in token consumption
Chinese AI models made by groups such as DeepSeek and MiniMax have overtaken US rivals in token consumption

China’s favouring of small and cheap models such as DeepSeek could prove to be the better bet

Tencent and Alibaba left behind as investors focus on pure AI plays

The models are akin to studying together to ace a test instead of relying on individual knowledge

Chinese AI group has worked with Huawei to cut reliance on Nvidia chips

Companies such as battery maker CATL earn big margins on export sales despite US tariffs

It has the advantage on both energy and practical application