Core Viewpoint - The Hang Seng Tech Index has surged by 41% this year, significantly outperforming the Nasdaq's 17% increase, driven by breakthroughs in AI models like DeepSeek and the market acceptance of AI products from Alibaba, Tencent, and Baidu [1][4][6]. Group 1: AI Breakthroughs - The surge in the Hang Seng Tech Index began with the breakthrough of DeepSeek in early 2023, which accelerated further in September [6][7]. - Analysts have praised AI models such as Alibaba's "Tongyi Qianwen," Tencent's "Yuanbao," and Baidu's "Wenxin Yiyan X1.1," which have excelled in industry benchmarks [7]. - The advancements in AI technology have sparked hopes for widespread commercialization and productivity improvements in China [7]. Group 2: Stock Performance - Year-to-date, Alibaba, Tencent, and Baidu's stock prices have increased by 96%, 55%, and 59%, respectively, with Alibaba and Baidu rising by 31% and 48% in the past month alone [8]. - The CSI Artificial Intelligence Index has returned over 61% this year, while the Hang Seng Biotechnology Index has surged by 98% [8]. Group 3: Foreign Investment - Initially, the AI market rally was primarily driven by domestic investors, but global investors are now returning due to clearer technological advancements and relatively cheap valuations [8]. - There is a growing sentiment that underweighting Chinese tech stocks could be detrimental for foreign investors [8].

Group 1 - The core narrative around AI in China has significantly changed, with the Hang Seng Tech Index rising 41% this year, outperforming the Nasdaq's 17% increase [1][3] - The surge began with DeepSeek's breakthrough in AI at the start of the year and accelerated in September, indicating a pivotal moment for AI development in China [3] - Major Chinese tech companies like Alibaba, Tencent, and Baidu have seen substantial stock price increases of 96%, 55%, and 59% respectively this year, reflecting strong market optimism [4] Group 2 - The AI sector's growth is not limited to large tech firms but also includes chip manufacturers and biotech companies, with the CSI AI Index returning over 61% and the Hang Seng Biotech Index rising 98% [4] - Initially, the AI market rally was driven by domestic investors, but global investors are now returning to China, attracted by technological advancements and relatively low valuations [4] - Analysts have praised AI models from companies like Alibaba, Tencent, and Baidu, which have performed well in industry benchmarks, fueling hopes for widespread commercialization of AI technology in China [3]