China’s involution could reshape its AI and robotics ambitions

FT Alphaville explains China’s “involution”—fierce domestic price competition backed by local subsidies and procurement rules—that drives prices lower and keeps unprofitable firms afloat, with political incentives to preserve jobs and GDP. The pattern has already hit sectors like chips, EVs, and batteries, and now AI startups are flooding the scene to access government funding. Looking ahead, there are warnings of overcapacity in strategic areas such as humanoid robotics and satellites. The piece questions whether the Chinese state can unwind involution and what the West should do as China continues to export cheap goods and potentially shape the future of AI and robotics.