Chinese AI startups abandon offshore structures, registering directly in mainland China
Early-stage Chinese AI startups are reportedly ditching offshore corporate structures (typically incorporated in Hong Kong or Cayman Islands) and re-registering directly in mainland China. The shift reflects changing regulatory expectations and a signal from Beijing that domestic AI firms should be structurally embedded in China for oversight and licensing.
The move tightens government control over AI development and could reshape funding flows and governance for startups operating in the space.