Qraft Technologies plans to use the $146 million investment to fuel U.S. and China expansion.

China is on its way to developing a strong artificial-intelligence industry and won't be derailed by the Trump administration's steps to protect sensitive American technologies amid rising trade tensions. So says Nomura-Instinet analyst Joel Ying. In a note to clients Friday, Ying said Alibaba Group (BABA) and other Chinese internet giants are funding a slew of artificial-intelligence startups. "Despite headwinds from the U.S.-China disputes in the high-tech sector, we believe Chinese companies can still maintain strong momentum in the AI industry," he wrote. Get these newsletters delivered to your inbox & more info about our products & services.