Extreme Duty. Global Guard

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    20

    2024

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    08

    The development and transformation of "Made in China" demonstrates the firm strides of industrial upgrading—the revitalization of the "old three items" and the emergence of new advantages in the "new three items"


    Times are changing, and so is the structure of China's goods trade.

      Times are changing, and so is the structure of China's goods trade.

      In the past, "the old three"—clothing, furniture, and home appliances—were exported in large quantities and were popular overseas. Today, the new "three" of foreign trade—new energy vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic products—are sailing to the sea and gaining global recognition. According to customs statistics, in the first three quarters of this year, the combined exports of electric passenger vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and solar cells increased by 41.7% year-on-year, showing very bright performance.

      Times are changing, but China's pace of industrial upgrading remains consistent.

      From the "old three" accelerating their transformation towards high-end, intelligence, and green development, constantly renewing themselves, to the "new three" standing out with new technologies and products, gaining new competitive advantages, Chinese manufacturing is steadily moving forward towards the goal of high-quality development.

      The "new three" and the "old three" encapsulate the changes of the times and record the footprints of development.

      Changes

      The "old three" are rejuvenated, and the "new three" show new advantages. Behind this are the positive results of the transformation and upgrading of Chinese manufacturing, and the changes in China's comparative advantages in the global division of labor.

      An Oriental wave surges at Milan Fashion Week.

      Bosideng held a fashion show at the Da Vinci Villa, Yaya released the world's first Iceland goose down jacket, and Seven Wolves showcased new double-sided jackets conveying the concept of "harmony between man and nature"... In September, many Chinese clothing brands appeared in the global fashion capital, winning considerable applause.

      The "Chinese elements" shining in Milan, Italy, are not only clothing but also automobiles—the high-end smart coupe Avatr 12 made a dazzling debut, the tenth European experience store of Lynk & Co was bustling with people, and the BYD flagship store officially opened this year... Chinese new energy vehicles are rapidly entering the daily lives of European people.

      From clothing to new energy vehicles, Chinese brands are taking the global stage, demonstrating the comprehensive strength and international competitiveness of the world's largest manufacturing country: Today's China produces more than 70 billion pieces of clothing annually, accounting for more than half of the global total, and the global share of textile and clothing exports has remained at about 1/3 for many years; the production and sales of new energy vehicles have ranked first in the world for eight consecutive years, with a global market share exceeding 60%.

      Since becoming a "main force" in China's foreign trade exports, the "old three" have maintained stable performance—

      In 2006, China became the world's largest furniture exporter, and has maintained the top export position for many years, currently accounting for more than 35% of global output.

      The global market share of "Made in China" refrigerators and washing machines exceeds 50%, and air conditioners exceed 80%, with the largest export volume in the world.

      "The 'old three' are an important part of the consumer goods industry and a typical manifestation of China's foreign trade competitiveness." Wang Xu from the Consumer Goods Industry Research Institute of the CCID Consulting stated that from the initial catch-up during the reform and opening up, to the rapid development after joining the World Trade Organization, and to the unwavering transformation and upgrading in recent years, the "old three" have established a firm foothold and consolidated their advantages in the global industrial landscape.

      As industrial products that have developed rapidly in China in recent years, the "new three" continue to accelerate—

      Since CATL topped the world's annual power battery shipments in 2017, China's power battery shipments have begun to lead the world.

      China's photovoltaic component production has ranked first in the world for 16 consecutive years, and the global share of production and capacity of polysilicon, silicon wafers, battery cells, and components all reach more than 80%. In the first half of this year, the export value of photovoltaic products reached US$28.92 billion, a year-on-year increase of 11.6%.

      In terms of "size," both the "new three" and the "old three" are characterized by large scale, heavy weight, and large exports; in terms of "quality," both are striding forward on the path of high-end, intelligence, and green development.

      —High-end layout, reaching a new stage of industrial development.

      Two pieces of clothing, 40 years apart, witness the steps of Youngor's ascent to both ends of the "smile curve": One is the "Beilun Port" shirt that was popular in the 1980s, with a profit of only one yuan per shirt; the other is the currently popular high-end custom-made suit, with a price of over 10,000 yuan per set.

      In terms of quality control, continuously optimizing traditional processes and making up for technological shortcomings; in terms of R&D and design, developing hundreds of new fabrics every year and launching clothing styles more suitable for Chinese people; in terms of marketing and service, opening up online and offline channels, and achieving efficient delivery through intelligent logistics... "Behind the brand premium of clothing is the comprehensive improvement of quality, innovation, and service." said Li Rucheng, chairman of Youngor Group.

      In the 2023 "Global Top 50 Electronics and Home Appliance Brands" released by a British brand evaluation agency, more than 10 brands from mainland China, including Midea, Gree, and Haier, were included; the mass-produced power battery has a single energy density of 300 Wh/kg, which is at the international leading level; the efficiency of crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem cells has reached 33.9%, setting a world record... With the improvement of technology content and brand premium, "Made in China" is no longer synonymous with "ordinary goods," and is accelerating its move towards the global industrial mid-to-high end.

      —Intelligent manufacturing, surging new industrial momentum.

      In Guangzhou, Guangdong, the Sophia Home Furnishing South China 4.0 smart factory is full of intelligent processing equipment.

      In the cutting process, the system automatically identifies, and the electronic saw automatically cuts; in the edge banding process, an advanced edge banding machine with closed operation is introduced, automatically sealing four sides at once; in the drilling and punching process, the system scans the code, and the equipment automatically identifies and operates, greatly improving accuracy; in the sorting process, eight "eyed" robotic arms move around, matching different types of panels into sets... Since the workshop was put into production in September 2022, the number of workers has been reduced from more than 200 in the traditional line to 70, and the panel utilization rate has increased from 85% to 90%.

      In Xi'an, Shaanxi, the Longi Green Energy Xi'an battery factory presents a scene of intelligent production.

      In the 17,000-square-meter dust-free workshop, robotic arms rise and fall flexibly, and intelligent transport vehicles shuttle back and forth, with an average of one solar cell coming off the line every 0.8 seconds. Through digital and intelligent technological transformation and upgrading, the production capacity of a single production line has increased from 150,000 pieces/day in 2020 to 200,000 pieces/day, and the number of workers per shift has decreased from more than 220 to 120.

      5G, Internet of Things, robots, artificial intelligence, and industrial Internet—a series of advanced digital technologies are being applied, refreshing the production scene of Chinese manufacturing and significantly improving manufacturing efficiency: CATL promotes extreme manufacturing, reducing the defect rate to "near zero"; the Jikrypton smart factory allows for millions of personalized configurations; Galanz completes the entire industrial chain process from receiving overseas microwave oven orders to completing production and delivery in just 7 days...

      —Green transformation, blooming new industrial prospects.

      A customized energy-efficient digital management system was created, automatically generating the number of equipment starts for each process section and minimizing the number of machine starts per unit of production capacity; over 80% of electricity comes from hydropower, reducing carbon emissions by 400,000 tons annually; all transportation within the factory is fully electric. Last March, CATL's Sichuan Times, located in Yibin, Sichuan Province, became the world's first zero-carbon battery factory.

      “Green energy, green manufacturing, green logistics, and green products,” said Zhu Yunfeng, general manager of Sichuan Times New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., with pride.

      Promoting advanced energy-saving technologies, equipment, and products to reduce energy consumption, water consumption, and pollution emissions, green is becoming a distinct undertone for both the "new three" and "old three": In the Sophia Home Furnishing South China 4.0 smart factory, all dust generated in various cutting processes enters pipelines for unified recovery and reuse; in the Weiqiao Textile R&D creative achievement exhibition hall, various green products such as recycled cotton fabrics, bio-based nylon fabrics, and polylactic acid fabrics are eye-catching...

      Along the path of high-quality development, the "new three" and "old three" are working together and moving forward hand in hand.

      What are the similarities and differences between the "new three" and "old three"?

      By comparing the many differences between the "new three" and "old three," we can see the clear trajectory of the upward leap of Chinese manufacturing.

      Different "technology content"—from labor-intensive to technology-intensive.

      “The past ‘old three’ were labor-intensive industries, mainly relying on cost advantages in labor, land, and energy, achieving rapid development in China. The current ‘new three,’ however, are technology-intensive, with high capital investment thresholds and unable to achieve large-scale production through a ‘human sea tactic’,” said Hong Qunlian, a researcher at the Industrial Institute of the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research.

      Behind the changes in products are changes in the stage of development and changes in concepts.

      Since the reform and opening up, China has actively participated in international industrial division of labor, using its advantages of abundant labor, low labor costs, and cheap energy and resources to actively attract foreign investment, target the international market, and vigorously develop labor-intensive industries. This led to the rapid development of the "old three".

      With the rise in factor costs and the weakening of traditional comparative advantages, China has seized the valuable opportunity of a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, actively promoting structural optimization and energy transformation, and striving to achieve innovation-driven development. Against the backdrop of China's economy moving towards high-quality development, the "new three" have taken root, sprouted, and grown strong.

      Different "entry time"—from the "acceptor" of industrial transfer to the "pioneer" of innovative development.

      “Products like televisions, for example, originated technologically in Europe and America, matured in Japan and South Korea, and then moved to mainland China. This involved a decades-long process of industrial gradient transfer,” said Ma Beibei, director of the Digital Economy Department of the Electronics Institute of the CCID Consulting, adding that unlike the "old three," China's "new three" have formed strong market competitiveness from the very beginning of the rapid increase in new technologies.

      “The transition from the past ‘old three’ to the current ‘new three’ fully reflects the inherent changes in China's factor endowment structure and the dynamic evolution of its comparative advantages in the global division of labor,” said Hong Qunlian.

      Password

      Both the "new three" and "old three" have grown in the fertile soil of the Chinese economy, supported by the strong backing of China's unique development advantages.

      Why have "Made in China" products, from the "old three" to the "new three," been able to stand out and take the lead in the global market?

      In the interviews, the answer gradually became clear: both have grown in the fertile soil of the Chinese economy, supported by the strong backing of China's unique development advantages.

      ——The demand advantage of a super-large-scale market has continuously created huge development space for both the "new three" and "old three".

      The market is the scarcest resource. With a population of over 1.4 billion, more than 400 million middle-income groups, the world's second-largest consumer market, and the world's largest online retail market, China is the world's most promising super-large-scale market.

      Many interviewees said that although the "old three" and "new three" are highlights of foreign trade, their growth is inseparable from the support and assistance of huge domestic demand.

      The super-large-scale market, like a "big stage," can generate a continuous stream of massive demand.

      In the western Sichuan plateau, the world's largest hydropower-photovoltaic complementary project—the Guotou Yalong River Kela Phase I photovoltaic power station—has been put into operation; in the Kubuqi Desert, the nation's largest single photovoltaic desertification control project—the Mengxi Base Kubuqi 2 million kilowatt photovoltaic desertification control project—has been successfully connected to the grid; in the Tengger Desert, the National Energy Group's 2 million kilowatt photovoltaic project is under construction... This year, a number of key photovoltaic projects have been steadily advanced. Previously, China's newly installed photovoltaic capacity has ranked first in the world for 10 consecutive years.

      “In recent years, China's green and low-carbon energy transition has steadily advanced. Against this backdrop, the ‘new three,’ corresponding to new energy terminal applications, energy storage, and power generation, have seized opportunities,” said Li Zhenguo, president of Longi Green Energy, adding that accelerating the construction of a new energy system will continue to create new space for the "new three".

      On the "big stage," there are opportunities created by industrial transformation and business opportunities created by consumption upgrades.

      “Over the years, we have gradually expanded from first-tier cities to county and township markets. Sophia, Simi, Huahui, and Milan have nearly 4,000 stores nationwide,” said Chen Wei, vice president of Sophia Home Furnishing, adding that the solid advancement of new urbanization will effectively drive the demand for renovation of existing and new residential buildings, and the future space for the home furnishing industry is vast.

      From east to west, from city to countryside, from low-priced to high-end, from mass market to niche markets, from new industrialization to new urbanization... With massive market demand as a foundation, once enterprises develop and launch competitive innovative products, the market will respond with a magnificent generation of transactions.

      The super-large-scale market, like an "accelerator," can form economies of scale at a faster speed.

      “In the initial stages of new industrial development, enterprises often need to invest in heavy assets such as equipment. With economies of scale, enterprises can better spread costs, especially the high initial investment in fixed assets and innovation costs, thus forming a competitive advantage,” said Ma Beibei, adding that this is why the "new three" have been able to gain momentum and develop rapidly in China.

      “在新产业发展的起始阶段,企业往往需要投入设备等重资产。有了规模经济,企业就能更好地摊薄成本,尤其是前期投入较大的固定成本和创新成本,从而形成竞争优势。”马蓓蓓认为,正因如此,“新三样”能在我国以较快速度起势成势。

      Photovoltaic products are a prime example. In recent years, with the gradual maturity of technology and the expansion of application scale, compared to 10 years ago, the price of photovoltaic components and the investment cost of photovoltaic power plants have decreased by more than 80%. "For photovoltaic power generation to replace traditional power generation, the most crucial competitive point is to reduce costs and increase efficiency. This is very advantageous for Chinese photovoltaic companies that possess economies of scale." said Jiang Hua, director of the New Energy Research Office of the Integrated Circuit Institute of the CCID Consulting.

      —The supply-side advantage of a complete industrial system provides solid support for the continuous development and growth of both "new three items" and "old three items".

      Shanghai provides chips and software; Changzhou, Jiangsu provides power batteries; Ningbo, Zhejiang provides body-in-white die-casting machines... In the Yangtze River Delta region, upstream and downstream enterprises of new energy vehicles are located close to each other and work together. An automobile manufacturer can obtain all parts within a 4-hour driving radius.

      From raw materials and components to complete vehicles and after-sales markets, China has a complete new energy vehicle industry chain; from raw materials and warehousing to R&D and sales, China has a complete textile and garment supply chain system.

      "From a small button or thread to a large production line or system, every link can find a solution in China." Li Rucheng told reporters that in previous years, international cotton prices rose and logistics were disrupted, causing many foreign clothing companies to see increased costs or even be forced to shut down. Yagor, however, maintained stable production and operations due to its complete domestic chain from raw materials to stores.

      Possessing all industrial categories in the United Nations Industrial Classification, with manufacturing scale ranking first in the world for 13 consecutive years, accounting for nearly 30% of the global share of added value, and with the output of more than 220 types of industrial products ranking first in the world... China's real economy has a solid foundation and a complete system.

      "Completeness" will bring growth and help Chinese manufacturing to "grow from large to strong".

      Coating, one of the key processes in photovoltaic cell manufacturing, deposits a silicon nitride film on the surface of the cell, which can effectively improve the photoelectric conversion rate.

      At the Longi Xi'an battery factory, reporters saw robots inserting a stack of silicon wafers into black slots, then pushing the slots into vacuum coating equipment. Staff introduced that this black slot is called a "graphite boat", and the gaps between the boat pieces can hold 464 silicon wafers. The width of the gaps is carefully considered: too narrow, and the silicon wafers will rub against the boat wall and be scratched; too wide, and the process gas will diffuse to the other side of the silicon wafer, resulting in uneven coating.

      To address this problem, Longi Green Energy and upstream companies jointly innovated, developing graphite boat equipment with a simple structure and reasonable boat pieces. Combined with on-site engineers' precise adjustments to the robots, 0.15 mm thick silicon wafers are precisely inserted into 0.3 mm wide slots in the graphite boat, keeping the defective rate due to scratches below 0.01%.

      Leading enterprises drive and lead, small and medium-sized enterprises demonstrate their strengths, and upstream and downstream enterprises of the industry chain work together to overcome difficulties, helping the "new three items" achieve breakthroughs and leaps in China.

      For example, the photovoltaic industry. In the past, raw materials, equipment, and markets were "all external"; now, a complete industrial chain has been gradually formed, covering all aspects from industrial silicon, high-purity silicon materials, silicon ingots, silicon rods, silicon wafers, battery cells, components, inverters, photovoltaic auxiliary materials and accessories, photovoltaic production equipment to system integration and photovoltaic product applications.

      Another example is the power battery industry. In 2012, there were only about 80 domestic supply chain companies in China's power battery industry. Now, there are more than 2,000. Currently, more than 80% of the core supply system of the global power battery industry is in China.

      "Completeness" will also bring stability and help the real economy to "take root and flourish".

      In recent years, affected by factors such as rising labor costs, some textile and garment enterprises have transferred production capacity overseas." Li Rucheng, who is very familiar with overseas markets, remains confident in Chinese manufacturing: Although some emerging countries have abundant labor and lower costs, their basic supporting conditions such as logistics and energy are not ideal, and their upstream and downstream industrial chains are not yet complete; although some developed countries have developed high-end clothing industries, they lack textile and garment colleges, and the cost of various factors is higher. "In comprehensive comparison, China's industrial and supply chains still have obvious advantages."

      —The institutional advantages of the socialist market economy have enabled both "new three items" and "old three items" to receive the joint support of a capable government and an effective market.

      In 1979, Yagor, along with many private enterprises, joined the market economy; in the 1980s, many newly established private enterprises lacked technology and sales channels, and the local party committee and government of Ningbo extended a helping hand, taking entrepreneurs to Shanghai to seek business opportunities and discuss cooperation; in 1993, with the support of various departments, Yagor became a standardized joint-stock enterprise... In Li Rucheng's view, over the past 40 years, Yagor has grown from a 20,000 yuan start-up to a market value of over 30 billion yuan, thanks to broad market opportunities and continuous nurturing.

      By deepening reforms to stimulate market vitality, expanding opening up to promote industrial progress, and providing policy support to business entities, the "old three items" have benefited greatly, and the "new three items" are no exception.

      On the supply side, two medium- and long-term development plans have been successively introduced, the entry threshold for new energy vehicles has been orderly opened, the foreign investment equity restrictions on new energy vehicles have been lifted, and the "dual credit" management method for new energy vehicles has been implemented and optimized twice, promoting the electrification transformation of automobile enterprises;

      On the demand side, from the "Ten Cities, Thousands of Vehicles" demonstration operation to the implementation of a two-tiered fiscal subsidy policy for new energy vehicles, and then to the continuation of relevant policies such as exemption from vehicle purchase tax after the subsidy withdrawal and the launch of "new energy vehicles going to the countryside", continuously expanding market space;

      In the field of supporting facilities, opinions have been successively issued and implemented to promote the establishment of a moderately advanced, balanced layout, and intelligent and efficient charging and battery swapping infrastructure system and power battery recycling and utilization system;

      ......

      In recent years, in order to support the development of new energy vehicles, various departments have successively introduced more than 70 policy measures to improve supporting facilities, consolidate the foundation, promote consumption, and optimize the ecosystem. "Systematic, scientific, and precise industrial policies have adapted to the development of the industry at different stages, enabling new energy vehicles in China to grow from nothing to something, from small to large, and from weak to strong. Their role is obvious and their contribution is undeniable." said Zhu Huarong, chairman of Changan Automobile.

      The same is true for the photovoltaic industry. "Relevant departments have introduced a series of measures in terms of product manufacturing, market application, finance and taxation, prices, and land management to help the photovoltaic industry accelerate the implementation of new technologies and the cultivation of new markets." Jiang Hua cited an example: In 2015, the National Energy Administration, together with relevant departments, promoted the implementation of the "Leader" plan for photovoltaic power generation, encouraging "leader bases" to use cutting-edge technologies that are independently developed and are still in the cultivation stage of market application, effectively accelerating the promotion and application of technological achievements.

      The talent advantage of a large number of high-quality workers and entrepreneurs has also provided important support for both "new three items" and "old three items" to win international market competition.

      Since the reform and opening up, China has had a huge demographic dividend, which has helped to promote the rapid development of industries such as the "old three items"; today, the demographic dividend is declining, but the dividend of human capital quality is emerging, with the average number of years of education for new entrants to the workforce rising to 14 years, 240 million people receiving higher education, the number of R&D personnel ranking first in the world, and the total number of skilled personnel exceeding 200 million, which well meets the requirements of both "new three items" and "old three items" for worker skills.

      With its institutional advantages, demand advantages, supply advantages, and talent advantages, China's economic development has strong endogenous momentum, resilience, and potential. This is the key to the healthy growth of "new three items" and "old three items", and it is also an important support for the real economy to move towards a brighter future.

      启  示

      The success of "new three items" and "old three items" has strengthened our determination and confidence in adhering to the real economy and striving for innovation, and it also inspires us to adhere to steady progress, open cooperation, and move towards high-quality development.

      Walking into the electrolyte coating workshop of Qingtao Energy Development Co., Ltd. in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province, one after another composite positive electrode materials the size of boarding passes are being precisely stacked together by robotic arms.

      "This is the first-generation semi-solid-state battery jointly developed by SAIC and Qingtao. In the third quarter of next year, it will be the first to be mass-produced and installed on the new models of the Zhiji brand." Li Zheng, general manager of SAIC Qingtao Energy, said that this generation of semi-solid-state battery technology can achieve a maximum cruising range of over 1,000 kilometers for new cars under the existing platform battery system, and a 10-minute charge can increase the cruising range by 400 kilometers.

      In the previous 10 years, the main technological route for global power batteries has been lithium-ion liquid electrolyte batteries. In contrast, solid-state batteries use solid-state electrolytes, composite positive and negative electrode materials, and eliminate the diaphragm. Since Toyota Motor Corporation announced a breakthrough in solid-state battery research and development this year and will achieve mass production in 2027, this type of power battery has attracted great attention from the industry.

      Currently, China is the undisputed leader in the global power battery industry. So, what about the "entry" of solid-state batteries?

      "Right now, we are evaluating and following up on several technological routes for solid-state batteries. New material systems such as sodium-ion, lithium iron manganese phosphate, and condensed matter are also being developed simultaneously." Ni Jun, co-president of CATL's engineering, manufacturing, and R&D system, told reporters that in the face of new opportunities and challenges in the industry, China's power battery companies have never stopped innovating.

      Those who do not advance will fall behind. Only by striving for innovation can we maintain our leading position.

      "From an international perspective, some traditional leading automakers have been relatively late in transitioning to new energy vehicles. However, these companies have a strong technological foundation, and their latecomer advantages should not be underestimated." Feng Xingya, general manager of GAC Group, said.

      Accelerating the popularization of integrated aluminum die-casting technology, vying to launch 800V high-voltage silicon carbide platforms and central integrated electronic and electrical architectures, and opening the "map-free era" of intelligent assisted driving that does not rely on high-precision maps... Chinese auto brands that are "ahead of the curve" in intelligence and electrification are still striving forward, working to build an industrial "moat".

      "New three items" rely on innovation to consolidate their advantages, and "old three items" also rely on innovation to make up for their shortcomings.

      Constant temperature and humidity laboratory, negative pressure laboratory, cell culture cabinet, anti-static detection laboratory... In the Yageli Textile Materials Research Institute, various instruments are running at high speed, and researchers are busy operating.

      "Even a single thread or piece of cloth can create new breakthroughs in the "old three items." Wang Qingmiao, the dean, said that the current clothing industry is fiercely competitive in terms of new functions and new materials, and only by developing more exclusive products can it gain a market advantage. "From tackling exclusive technologies such as wrinkle-free shirts and machine-washable wool to exploring cutting-edge research such as machine-washable silk fabrics, we will target consumer pain points and conquer more innovative "uncharted territories."

      "Only by constantly innovating can "new three items" become "stronger", and "old three items" can continuously improve quality and efficiency." Jin Ruiting, a researcher at the Institute of World Economics and Politics of the National Development and Reform Commission, said.

      The success of "new three items" and "old three items" has strengthened our determination and confidence in adhering to the real economy and accelerating the construction of a modernized industrial system, and has also provided many inspirations for future development.

      ——Adhere to steady progress, and promote the achievement of effective improvement in quality and reasonable growth in quantity.

      Rapid expansion and disorderly competition, the "old three items" once took a "detour".

      "In the past, some domestic clothing companies blindly competed on price and quantity, resulting in many cheap and low-quality products on the market. In the short term, sales may be good, but revenue performance is unsatisfactory, and they are eventually eliminated by the market." Recalling the development history of the clothing industry, Li Rucheng sighed that enterprises cannot only focus on expanding quantity but ignore the improvement of quality. "Only by adhering to technology, products, and brands can we achieve long-term development."

      Many interviewees believe that the "new three items" industry has a high degree of market openness, and it is a normal and positive phenomenon to attract capital and talent during the accelerated growth stage. At the same time, relevant departments and enterprises should also be prepared for any eventuality and avoid industry homogeneity, repeated investment, and vicious competition.

      "Currently, high-end production capacity in the power battery industry is not excessive, but the problem of a "rush" of low- and mid-range production capacity needs to be addressed." Ni Jun believes that China should establish a lithium battery GMP certification system as soon as possible to promote high-quality development of the industry through standards.

      "Photovoltaic products have performed well in the past two years, but concerns such as volume increase and price decrease should be addressed promptly." Gao Jifan, chairman of Trina Solar, believes that the photovoltaic industry should be promoted to develop rationally, support leading enterprises in playing a supporting and leading role, and build a good industry ecosystem.

      In Hong Qunlian's view, to avoid "taking detours", it is necessary to strengthen publicity and guidance on the macroeconomic situation, encourage enterprises to always adhere to the principle of quality first and efficiency first, and scientifically set entry conditions in terms of technology, quality, energy consumption, emissions, and investment scale, using scientific regulatory thresholds to force the industry to improve its level.

      ——Adhere to open cooperation, smooth domestic and international dual circulation, and pursue win-win cooperation.

      “Hello Xiao An, enter pickup mode.”

      Following the command, the oversized hatchback rear window slowly slides towards the roof, and a cool pure electric SUV instantly transforms into a pure electric pickup truck...

      On November 27, the Chang'an Automobile booth at the Bangkok Motor Show in Thailand attracted a lot of attention. On the same day, Chang'an Automobile announced that it will introduce three major digital product brands, including DEEPAL Deep Blue, into the Thai market, and plans to launch 15 new new energy products in the local market by 2030.

      Currently, Changan Automobile has established 73 subsidiaries and 22 factories globally, with products exported to 63 countries and regions. In Zhu Huarong's view, the next 3 years represent a crucial window of opportunity for the globalization of China's automotive industry. "Leveraging technological advantages, cost advantages, and industrial chain advantages, Chinese automakers have the opportunity to run neck and neck with, or even surpass, multinational corporations."

      Many industries are accelerating their overseas expansion: In the power battery sector, companies such as Guoxuan High-tech, EVE Energy, Honeycomb Energy, and Sunwoda have announced plans to build factories in Europe; in the photovoltaic sector, as of 2022, Chinese companies have participated in overseas photovoltaic projects in more than 40 countries, with a cumulative installed capacity of 16.8 GW; in the apparel industry, some companies are seizing opportunities presented by high-quality joint construction of the "Belt and Road" initiative, strengthening domestic R&D and design, brand building, while transferring some processing links to emerging markets and developing countries...

      "A prosperous world benefits China, and a prosperous China benefits the world."

      Looking to the future, we must not only promote more products and industries to showcase the charm of Chinese manufacturing on the global stage, but also unswervingly promote high-level opening up, enabling countries and all parties to share the opportunities of the vast Chinese market.

      Over the past 45 years of reform and opening up, the rapid development of joint venture auto companies has not only driven economic growth and created jobs, but also provided China's auto industry with products, technologies, supply chain systems, management experience, and talent. The profit distribution has also provided strong financial support for Chinese partners to develop their own brands. Feng Xingya believes that in response to the operational difficulties experienced by some joint venture companies that still primarily focus on fuel vehicles since last year, it is necessary to further leverage the technological, R&D, and cost advantages of Chinese parent companies within the context of further deepening reform and opening up, to promote the healthy development of joint venture enterprises.

      "On the one hand, we must leverage our advantages, do our own thing well, and further enhance our competitiveness; on the other hand, we must also strengthen communication, dialogue, and cooperation with our partners to promote the development of a dual-circulation development pattern with domestic circulation as the mainstay."

      At this year's Two Sessions, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out when attending the Jiangsu delegation's deliberation: "China has a very complete range of manufacturing industries. Now, what we need to strive for is comprehensive improvement. We need to upgrade our mid-to-low-end industries and develop high-end industries. High-quality development should be reflected in this."

      "The old three items" are revitalized, and "the new three items" demonstrate new advantages. We see the dynamic curve of China's manufacturing industry's comprehensive improvement and advancement towards the high end, and we feel the surging momentum of China's high-quality economic development.

      With unwavering confidence across all sectors and the hard work of countless enterprises, China's manufacturing strength will be even stronger, and the resilience of the Chinese economy will be even greater! (Reporters Liu Zhiqiang, Wang Zheng, Ding Yiting, and Qiu Chaoyi)

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