On August 13, 2026, Chinese media Global Times reported that automakers, including major Japanese companies and mid-sized South Korean companies, are aiming to accelerate development speed and reduce costs, and are rapidly deepening their reliance on China's supply chains and platforms.

The article introduced that the influence of China's automotive supply chain is rapidly expanding in the Japanese market, that the proportion of Chinese-made parts in Toyota's EVs "bZ3X" and "bZ5" released in China has reached approximately 90%, and that Nissan has largely adopted Chinese-made parts for its EV "N7," developed through a joint venture, and is expected to expand into markets such as Southeast Asia in the future. It commented that a wave of transformation is pressing upon "keiretsu," the traditional transaction structure that has supported Japan's automotive industry.

Furthermore, as the competitive axis of the automotive industry shifts towards development speed and software capabilities, Japanese companies are incorporating Chinese companies' know-how to shorten development cycles, and Honda has also begun re-importing the EV "Insight," based on Dongfeng Honda's "e:NS2" which is produced in China and incorporates local software, into Japan.

The article also pointed out that not only Japan but also mid-sized South Korean automakers are accelerating the adoption of Chinese companies' technology and platforms. In addition to Renault Korea launching new models adopting Geely Automobile's "CMA platform," KG Mobility also acquired a license for the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) platform "T2X" from Chery Automobile and is proceeding with joint development.

According to the article, regarding the background for Japanese and South Korean manufacturers deepening their reliance on China's supply chain, Zhang Xiang (Zhang Xiang) of the International Smart Mobility Technology Association stated that China has established the world's largest and fastest supply chain for new energy vehicles (NEVs, such as EVs and PHEVs), and that China has become an indispensable presence in core technologies and resources such as autonomous driving algorithms, LiDAR, in-car batteries, and rare earths.

In addition, it also mentioned that at least 15% of parts used in automobiles worldwide are made in China, and that global mega-suppliers like Bosch and Denso are also concentrating numerous production bases in China.

The article analyzed that Japanese and South Korean manufacturers are trying to compensate for their delays in electrification and smartization by utilizing China's advanced software and hardware, thereby maintaining their competitiveness in the global market. It commented that this structural change is also a major turning point for China's automotive industry, representing "supply chain-led overseas expansion." (Edited and translated by Kawajiri)