Baidu builds up ties with Apple and Tesla in diversification drive

Cross-border data curbs push U.S. companies toward tie-ups in AI and self-driving tech

Baidu has expanded into autonomous-driving technology to reduce its dependence on search ad revenue. (Baidu)

SHUNSUKE TABETA, Nikkei staff writer

May 21, 2024 01:21 JST

BEIJING -- Baidu is establishing closer relations with U.S. tech companies like Apple and Tesla in areas such as AI and self-driving technology, capitalizing on China's restrictions on overseas data transfers, as part of its push to diversify beyond search.

Generative artificial intelligence was a major topic of a Baidu earnings call Thursday, with CEO Robin Li citing partnerships with smartphone vendors Samsung, Honor, Oppo, Vivo and Xiaomi.