At the display area for BYD - one of China's new-energy vehicle pioneers - the nail penetration test on a blade battery drew particular interest. Delegates leaned in, eyes fixed on the battery as a steel needle pierced through it - no smoke, no fire, no explosion. More visitors crowded around, eager to see for themselves what Chinese EV technology could deliver.

As Shenzhen prepares to become the third Chinese city to host the Apec meeting, its province has set up media visits to tech firms.

At the display area for BYD - one of China's new-energy vehicle pioneers - the nail penetration test on a blade battery drew particular interest. Delegates leaned in, eyes fixed…