Core Viewpoint - China Life plans to sign a supplementary agreement with its controlling shareholder, Guoshou Real Estate Investment Management Co., Ltd., to increase its capital contribution to the Qihang Fund by RMB 5 billion before December 31, 2025, raising the total subscription amount from RMB 13.9 billion to RMB 18.9 billion [1] Group 1: Investment Details - The additional RMB 5 billion is expected to inject no more than RMB 3.3 billion into the flagship commercial landmark, Yiti Port Phase II, located in Beijing's Chaoyang District, ensuring the smooth completion of this giant complex [3] - The remaining amount, not less than RMB 1.7 billion, is anticipated to be directed towards market-oriented rental housing and other long-term yield "new tracks" [3] Group 2: Yiti Port Phase II Overview - Yiti Port has become a significant commercial center in Beijing's northeast since the opening of its first phase in 2012, developed by Swire Properties and Oceanwide Group [4] - The total investment for Yiti Port Phase II is projected to reach RMB 23 billion, with a total construction area exceeding 560,000 square meters, including seven international super-grade office buildings, a flagship shopping mall, and a high-end business hotel [4] - The entire Yiti Port project, including Phase I, will have a total construction area of 860,000 square meters, establishing it as a "city oasis" in northeastern Beijing [4] Group 3: Financial Challenges and Strategic Moves - Since 2022, Oceanwide Group has faced significant liquidity issues due to the downturn in the real estate market, with current liabilities exceeding current assets by approximately RMB 8.45 billion [6] - As of April 2024, Oceanwide's investment in the project was about RMB 6.3 billion, but ongoing capital injections became a burden [7] - On June 7, 2024, Oceanwide announced the transfer of all its rights in Yiti Port Phase II for RMB 4 billion, with China Life contributing approximately RMB 3.1 billion and Swire Properties about RMB 0.9 billion, acquiring a combined 49.9% stake [8] Group 4: Strategic Implications of the Transaction - Following the transaction, Oceanwide Group completely exited the target company's equity, while China Life and Swire Properties established a balanced governance structure [9] - The transaction includes a long-term strategic arrangement, allowing Oceanwide to retain a "right of first offer" for the project until September 30, 2037, indicating a potential future return to the project after financial recovery [9] Group 5: Broader Investment Strategy - The Qihang Fund represents China Life's proactive approach to real estate investment, combining "crisis intervention" with "long-term holding" strategies [13] - The fund has successfully intervened in distressed assets, such as acquiring a 51% stake in Zhuhai Shimao New Field Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. during a liquidity crisis [13] - In June 2024, the Qihang Fund announced plans to transfer 100% of Beijing Wanyuan's equity to a related party for approximately RMB 610 million, achieving investment returns while retaining core assets within the China Life system [16][17] Group 6: Transition from Shareholder to Landlord - China Life's transition from being a major shareholder in real estate companies to directly holding core commercial properties marks a strategic shift in response to the real estate market's downturn [18] - The value of China Life's stake in Oceanwide Group has significantly decreased from RMB 13.63 billion at the end of 2017 to RMB 2.19 billion by the end of 2022, ultimately reaching zero by the end of 2024 [19] - This shift aims to provide a more stable cash flow through direct property ownership, especially in a low-interest-rate environment where prime retail properties offer a capitalized return of 5.5% to 6% [22]