On November 16, 2025, Alibaba launched its “Qwen” initiative, marking a significant move from business-to-business (B-end) AI solutions to the consumer (C-end) market. This strategic shift was highlighted by the introduction of the Qwen app, which aims to compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT while offering advanced AI capabilities for free. The app, powered by Qwen3, allows users to efficiently complete tasks, such as generating research reports and PowerPoint presentations. Alibaba plans to integrate Qwen with various services, including mapping, food delivery, and healthcare, enhancing its utility. This launch follows a trend in China’s tech sector, with companies like ByteDance and Tencent also targeting consumer AI applications. With over 600 million downloads globally, Qwen reflects a growing appetite for sophisticated AI in daily life. An international version of the app is set to expand its reach. This shift underscores China’s advancing AI ecosystem, driven by open-source collaboration and technical innovation.
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