China’s Alibaba and Baidu step up global competition with new reasoning-focused AI models

Alibaba and Baidu are intensifying the battle for leadership in China’s fast-evolving AI market, with both companies unveiling upgraded models focused on dynamic reasoning capabilities.

On Tuesday, Alibaba launched Qwen 3, an enhanced version of its flagship AI model. The upgrade introduces hybrid reasoning, designed to improve adaptability and efficiency for app and software developers.

It follows a rapid-fire development pace from Alibaba, which pushed out