Chinese makers of PCs, displays, EVs and more are looking for ways to cushion the blow of U.S. tariffs. (Source photos by courtesy of Lenovo and Shinya Sawai)

China urges state-backed tech players overseas to counter Trump tariffs

BOE and Lenovo among those mulling more aggressive expansions

CHENG TING-FANG, LAULY LI, CISSY ZHOU and SHUNSUKE TABETA

May 7, 2025 06:00 JST

TAIPEI/HONG KONG/BEIJING -- China has urged leading state-backed tech companies to expand overseas, particularly in Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, to counter mounting pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff war, Nikkei Asia has learned.

Display champion BOE Technology Group and computer maker Lenovo Group are among the companies considering more aggressive expansion into China-friendly destinations, multiple sources briefed on the matter said, adding that the push is aimed at helping the Chinese economy better withstand U.S. tariffs.