Chinese artificial intelligence stocks moved higher on Friday after OpenAI launched its latest model, GPT-6 Astra.
The release added momentum to a recent rally across the sector as investors assessed how faster advances in artificial intelligence could affect Chinese technology companies and AI developers.
MiniMax Leads Gains in Chinese AI Stocks
MiniMax shares jumped 6.5% to HK$378.
Baidu rose 4.6%, while Kuaishou Technology gained 4.2%. JD.com climbed 4.1%, and Xiaomi advanced 3.9%.
Z.AI, also known as Zhipu AI, posted a smaller gain and traded near HK$1,108.
The strong moves reflected renewed investor interest in companies linked to artificial intelligence development and AI-powered services.
OpenAI Launches GPT-6 Astra
The gains came one day after OpenAI introduced Astra, which the company described as its most capable model so far.
The model is designed to handle complex tasks directly inside computer and browser environments.
These tasks include software development, research and other professional workflows.
The launch also highlights the industry’s growing focus on more autonomous AI agents that can complete tasks with less direct human input.
Astra Launch Boosts Interest in Chinese AI Developers
The new OpenAI model gave investors another reason to reassess the growth potential of Chinese AI companies.
Market participants continue to evaluate how large language models and AI-agent services could generate revenue across the technology sector.
Chinese developers such as MiniMax and Z.AI have become some of the most closely watched listed companies within the country’s fast-growing AI industry.
Z.AI Reports Strong Revenue Growth
The latest stock gains follow strong first-half results from several Chinese AI companies.
Z.AI reported first-half revenue of 953.9 million yuan.
That represented an increase of nearly 400% compared with the same period a year earlier.
The company has continued to invest in model development and new products as it expands its artificial intelligence capabilities.
MiniMax Revenue Jumps 283%
MiniMax also reported strong growth.
The company’s first-half revenue increased by 283%.
However, analysts have highlighted differences between MiniMax and Z.AI in areas such as revenue growth, annual recurring revenue and model performance.
Those differences could remain important as investors compare the companies’ long-term commercial prospects.
Mainland Investors Build MiniMax Positions
Investor demand for MiniMax has remained strong.
Mainland Chinese investors bought a net HK$10.1 billion of MiniMax shares through the Stock Connect program in August.
According to data compiled by Wind, that was the largest net purchase among Hong Kong-listed companies available to mainland investors.
The inflows suggest strong domestic interest in companies positioned to benefit from China’s artificial intelligence expansion.
Hang Seng Tech Stocks Also Rise
The broader Hong Kong technology market also supported the rally.
The Hang Seng Index opened around 1.2% higher on Friday.
The Hang Seng Tech Index gained approximately 1.5%.
The broader market strength helped support gains across AI, internet and technology-related stocks.
Overall, OpenAI’s latest model launch added fresh momentum to Chinese AI shares, while strong revenue growth and investor inflows continued to support sentiment around the sector.
