Hong Kong Hub: Chinese AI Startups Raise $17B Amid Sanctions

While the West attempts to limit Beijing’s access to capital, Hong Kong exchanges are showing the opposite effect. On July 9, 2026, a massive funding round was revealed: Chinese technology companies—from Apple suppliers to direct OpenAI rivals—raised a combined $17 billion.

This surge proves the failure of the "financial blockade" strategy. China has formed its own financial loop capable of supporting the development of frontier models and semiconductor supply chains. Hong Kong has become the primary staging ground for raising capital, where institutional investors continue to pour money into PRC sovereign AI champions. The $17 billion deal volume in a single session is a direct indication that Beijing possesses all the necessary resources to finish the race for superintelligence without the participation of Western markets.

Source: Reuters