Robin Zeng, founder and chairman of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), will accompany Chinese President Xi Jinping to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit this week. During the trip, Zeng is expected to visit South Korea to advance cooperation in the electric vehicle (EV) battery sector, focusing on materials, equipment, and supply chain integration.
Since founding CATL in 2011, Robin Zeng has led the company to become the world’s largest manufacturer of electric vehicle batteries. In the first half of this year, CATL’s global installed battery capacity reached 221.4 gigawatt-hours, accounting for roughly 40% of the global total — securing its dominant market position.
Zeng, 57, entered the battery industry in 1999 when he co-founded Amperex Technology Limited (ATL), a producer of lithium polymer batteries for consumer electronics. ATL was later acquired by Japan’s TDK Corporation in 2005, where Zeng continued to serve in a senior position until he spun off the electric vehicle battery division in 2011 to establish CATL. Leveraging this foundation, CATL rapidly rose to become a global leader in energy storage and e-mobility solutions.
During his visit to South Korea, Zeng is expected to meet senior executives from major Korean conglomerates, including Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, and LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo. Discussions are likely to center on potential battery supply agreements and the procurement of advanced Korean NCM (nickel-cobalt-manganese) battery materials and production equipment.
Industry analysts suggest that this visit aims to offset the impact of U.S. tariffs on Chinese battery products and to strengthen collaboration in emerging markets such as the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia — regions where cost competitiveness remains key.
A senior researcher at a South Korean battery company commented, “U.S. tariffs have made cooperation between Hyundai and CATL more challenging in North America, but partnerships in emerging markets are almost inevitable. Chinese batteries offer strong cost advantages, and with Russia’s market essentially closed, Hyundai is increasingly looking toward the Middle East and Asia for growth opportunities.”
Reports also indicate that CATL is seeking to source high-precision NCM materials and automated production equipment from Korean suppliers. Experts note that NCM batteries require precise processing and heat treatment to achieve optimal performance, an area where Korean technology currently leads.
Despite a slowdown in global EV demand and trade tensions, CATL continues to expand its global footprint. Observers say Robin Zeng’s visit underscores both China’s diplomatic engagement in green technology and CATL’s long-term strategy to strengthen its position in the global EV ecosystem through international partnerships and technological advancement.
