The frenzy over Chinese artificial intelligence is turning Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. into an investor favorite again, injecting new life into an e-commerce giant that had nearly sunk into obscurity following a years-long regulatory crackdown.

Once the most high-profile name in Chinese tech, Alibaba had several difficult years in the stock market — but the e-commerce giant could be headed for a turnaround. On Wednesday, Alibaba shares in Hong Kong climbed over 8% after The Information reported that it's working with Apple to roll out AI features for iPhones in China.

The frenzy over Chinese artificial intelligence is turning Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. into an investor favorite again, injecting new life into an e-commerce giant that had nearly sunk into obscurity following a years-long regulatory crackdown.

Alibaba stock rallied again in Wednesday morning trading, pushing shares of the China tech giant up toward a two-year high. A reported partnership with Apple is helping bolster confidence in Alibaba's AI strategy.

Apple sales have been struggling in China–iPhone revenue slumped 25% there in the fourth quarter–as the trade wars between the two biggest economies heated up.