Rising demand for Chinese innovation challenges 'China Shock 3.0'

China's strong momentum in scientific and technological innovation, and in advanced manufacturing, is generating a steady stream of innovation dividends and new opportunities for global cooperation

From January to July, China's industrial robot output rose 28.5 percent year-on-year, while output of 3D-printing equipment and lithium-ion batteries increased 52.3 percent and 40.2 percent, respectively, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed.

Meanwhile, mechanical and electrical products accounted for 63.8 percent of China's total goods exports in the first seven months of the year, and knowledge-intensive services made up 53.5 percent of the country's total service exports in the first half.

Recently, some European media outlets have been peddling the "China Shock 3.0" narrative, warning that Chinese smart products could deliver a "third shock" to the world.

The two previous so-called "shocks" corresponded to China's accession to the World Trade Organization and its integration into global industrial chains, and to the overseas expansion of the "new three" products — electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and photovoltaic products — into green markets.

Yet the latest figures point to the growing global demand for China's advanced production capacity, challenging the basis of that narrative.

China's WTO accession brought additional production capacity and smoother trade channels to global markets. Exports of new-energy products have helped reduce the cost of green development for economies worldwide, while injecting fresh momentum into global economic and trade growth.

While some Western voices stoke fears of a "China Shock 3.0", a new round of "Chinese dividends" is gathering steam across the globe.

China's exports of consumer-grade 3D-printing equipment, for example, have surged. With cost-effective and highly adaptable products, Chinese manufacturers have lowered R&D and production barriers for small and medium-sized enterprises and maker communities around the world.

The lithium-ion battery industry not only supports the global energy transition, but also provides stable and reliable power solutions for AI data centers, intelligent equipment, and energy-storage systems, helping meet the rapidly growing demand of the global digital intelligent industry.

Meanwhile, China's industrial robot production and exports continue to expand. With products sold in more than 100 countries and regions, Chinese manufacturers are helping traditional industries worldwide reduce costs, improve efficiency, and accelerate intelligent transformation.