CES 2025, the world’s premier consumer electronics trade show in Las Vegas, is witnessing a significant resurgence of Chinese exhibitors despite intensifying tensions between Beijing and Washington over technology, according to SCMP. The event, officially kicking off on Tuesday, features over 1,300 Chinese companies, including 1,212 from the mainland and 98 from Hong Kong, according to the Consumer Technology Association (CTA).
Together, they make up more than a quarter of the 4,500 exhibitors, reaffirming China’s status as the largest foreign participant.
This year’s Chinese participation reflects a recovery from the pandemic’s impact, with numbers rising from 1,115 in 2024 and 493 in 2023. However, it still falls short of the record-breaking 1,551 exhibitors in 2018, when Chinese companies constituted over a third of all attendees.
Notable Absences and Rising Geopolitical Tensions
While China’s presence is strong, some big names are conspicuously absent. ByteDance, parent company of TikTok, is missing from the exhibitor list, although TikTok retains a presence. Other major players, including Baidu, Huawei Technologies, and DJI, are also skipping the event, partly due to US sanctions and blacklists.
Amid this backdrop, tensions between the US and China loom large. The US Department of Commerce is mulling new rules to cut China out of the drone supply chain, and restrictions targeting China’s access to advanced AI chips are reportedly on the horizon. TikTok faces its own challenges, battling a looming US ban unless it is sold to a non-Chinese buyer.
AI and Tech Innovation Take Center Stage
Artificial intelligence is set to dominate CES 2025, with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang delivering the opening keynote. Nvidia, the world’s leading AI chip supplier, plans to unveil its latest graphics processors, underscoring AI’s role as a key battleground between the US and China. Other hot topics include robotics, quantum computing, autonomous driving, and virtual and augmented reality.
The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion is also making waves, showcasing its largest-ever delegation of 51 exhibitors. These firms span cutting-edge fields like AI, robotics, sustainable technology, and digital transformation, as Hong Kong seeks to bolster its global tech reputation.
CES 2025: A Global Stage Amid Uncertainty
Despite geopolitical challenges, CES 2025 is expected to draw over 138,000 visitors, with 40% coming from outside the US. The event underscores the tech industry’s resilience and highlights the global race for innovation in a rapidly changing world.
Photo: ZDNet
