With capacity already exceeding demand, analysts and investors are starting to question if the plans of China's solar panel makers to double down on their investment and expand are justified.
Manufacturing
Economy
The EV adventure in China has been successful in some respects, not least with 5.9 million EVs sold on the Chinese market, amounting to 59% of EVs sold globally. However, as a means to reduce climate change, the effort has tended to “put the cart in front of the horse”, because EVs are not particularly environmentally friendly without a steady stream of renewable electricity supply. Academic Erik Baark lays out the factors involved.
Economy
After the Covid-19 pandemic, the Chinese economy faces arduous challenges and the Chinese government is trying its best to attract foreign businesses and investors. While Taiwanese business owners are obvious targets, China is only looking to attract Taiwanese companies of strategic value, specifically those in info-communications and machinery manufacturing. At the same time, Taiwanese business owners have become more guarded about investing in the mainland due to growing internal and external uncertainties. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han speaks with industry experts to find out more.
Politics
Amid the China-US tech war, US sanctions dealt a great blow to Huawei's growth and development. However, the company's launch of a new, apparently 5G, phone was announced during US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo’s visit to China. Is it sending a message to the US that China’s technological development cannot be stopped? Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong gives her take on the issue.
Technology
Humanoid robots have become the latest trend in the tech industry, with US and Chinese tech firms trying to beat each other to the punch in releasing their robots. While China is still lagging behind in software, the hardware gap between China and the US and Japan is expected to shrink.
Economy
Singapore has become Vietnam’s biggest source of foreign investment amid the China-US rivalry and disrupted global supply chain. Several Singaporean companies have established themselves in Vietnam and are playing important roles in helping the local government attract foreign investors. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Yush Chau interviews Singapore entrepreneurs in Vietnam to find out more.
Technology
China is the world’s largest industrial robot market, accounting for 51.9% of the global industry with 268,200 robots newly installed in 2021. The greatest use of industrial robots is in the electronics and electrical industry, with demand growing since the pandemic. International manufacturers have long dominated the sector, but Chinese manufacturers of industrial robots are catching up. What obstacles would they need to tackle?
Economy
Somewhat paradoxically, the trade decoupling of China and the US has forced Chinese manufacturers to independently develop their core technology, which is a boon to their long-term development and competitiveness. But it may be some time to go before China catches up with the West.
Economy
The diverging performance of China’s ports reflects a shift in trade for the world’s largest exporter. A growing proportion of shipments are destined for emerging markets such as countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Middle East and Latin America, and an increasing share of exports consist of intermediate goods and capital items. Meanwhile, the shift in demand for Chinese exports is driving up prices for container shipping, squeezing margins for China’s small, private exporters.