"Chinese Good Products" How They Are Sweeping the World (People's Perspective · Trade Powerhouse)

(Original Title: Interview with three business leaders in foreign trade - “How ‘Chinese Good Products’ are Flourishing Worldwide” (People’s Eye · Trade Power))

Robots capable of performing high-difficulty actions, air conditioners that can operate stably at 68 degrees Celsius, ceramic trees that blend our traditional craftsmanship with overseas culture… In recent years, “Chinese good products” have crossed mountains and seas, reaching the world, enriching global consumer choices and playing an important role in ensuring the stability of global industrial and supply chains.

The 14th Five-Year Plan outline proposes, “Accelerate the construction of a strong trading nation and promote the quality and efficiency of foreign trade.” By increasing efforts to stabilize foreign trade, by 2025, our country’s export scale is expected to reach 26.99 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 6.1%, demonstrating strong resilience and vitality.

The reasonable growth in quantity comes from effective quality enhancement. The highly popular “Chinese good products” witness that our innovation-driven development is more substantial, green development is deeper, and the essence of open and win-win cooperation is brighter.

Data shows the trends, while front-line observations reveal the vitality. Recently, our reporter visited Zhuhai Gree Electric Appliances, Magic Atom Robotics Technology (Wuxi) Co., Ltd., and Xinyang Ceramics Co., Ltd. in Dehua, Fujian Province, to interview three business leaders. Through their practices, we observe the supporting power of China’s green and low-carbon transformation, the driving force of technological innovation, and the dissemination power of excellent traditional culture, exploring how “Chinese good products” are flourishing in the world.

“Pain points create demand; demand breeds business opportunities”

——Interview with Gree Electric Chairman Dong Mingzhu

Reporter: Wang Yunna

To serve desert and high-temperature areas, Zhuhai Gree Electric Appliances has launched the “Desert Air Conditioner” (ultra-high-temperature cooling air conditioner) that can operate stably at 68 degrees Celsius. Based on this, taking advantage of the abundant sunlight in the desert, Gree has also developed a green and low-carbon photovoltaic energy storage product - the Zero Carbon Source Light Storage Smart Energy System (hereinafter referred to as the “Light Storage System”), which can generate electricity while cooling, and store excess electricity for use at night or during cloudy days. Currently, nearly 10,000 sets of “Light Storage Systems” are in use in the Middle East, reducing carbon emissions by about 110,000 tons annually.

Recently, our reporter conducted an exclusive interview with Chairman Dong Mingzhu, listening to her discuss Gree’s exploration and thoughts on expanding into the global market.

First question on supply and demand: Since China proposed the “dual carbon” goals, the momentum for green development has continuously strengthened. At the same time, more and more countries are exploring green transformation, leading to a sustained increase in demand for green products. In the face of this trend, how is Gree proactively adapting?

Answer: Pain points create demand; demand breeds business opportunities. For a long time, air conditioning has been a “big energy consumer.” In 2013, I went to the Middle East for research and found that the temperatures were very high, and the demand for air conditioning was strong, with usage time exceeding 300 days a year, accounting for about 70% of building energy consumption. I thought, isn’t this the application scenario and market potential for the “Desert Air Conditioner”? Solar energy is inexhaustible; why not use it to solve the high energy consumption problem?

In the early stages of research and development, the “Desert Air Conditioner” had shortcomings: more sunshine meant more electricity, which would go to waste if not used. Later, after seven years of tackling issues, we finally developed the “Light Storage System,” which stores excess electricity from air conditioning to supply other household appliances or feed into the grid, achieving a cycle of “generation, storage, and consumption.”

Years of sharpening a sword, it was a challenging process, but we firmly believe: the market doesn’t lack products; it lacks “good goods.” In the home appliance industry, the goal is to move towards green. Enhancing the “green content” of products is the way to open new market spaces.

Facts are the most convincing. A clothing factory in Saudi Arabia previously installed traditional air conditioning equipment, with monthly electricity bills reaching 80,000 yuan; after adopting the “Light Storage System,” the monthly bill dropped to 20,000 yuan, reducing carbon emissions by 2,000 tons annually.

In fact, achieving supply and demand adaptation is also a choice and determination regarding the mode of development.

The 14th Five-Year Plan outline proposes, “Actively promote green and low-carbon products” and “accelerate the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development.” The reason we proactively adapt and are unwavering in producing green products is fundamentally because we believe that China’s comprehensive green transformation is gaining momentum and we are confident in the promising future of enterprises moving towards new and green directions.

Second question on speed: By 2025, our country’s exports of home appliances are expected to exceed 4.45 billion units, maintaining a high level. Business opportunities do not wait for anyone; however, the R&D cycle of the “Light Storage System” is relatively long. Why did Gree choose “slow R&D,” and where does this determination come from?

Answer: True innovation is not about who is faster, but about who can solve problems better.

Although the pace of development in the home appliance industry is fast, if one only focuses on concepts and packaging, they still cannot win the market. For example, some air conditioners look beautiful and have many functions, but their cooling and heating effects are average, with high energy consumption and noise, which is putting the cart before the horse.

We do not make “upside-down” products. There is no shortcut in technological innovation. At Gree, we have 20,000 R&D personnel; “slow R&D” is necessary to cultivate hard power, maintain true quality, and earn a good reputation.

Taking the “Light Storage System” as an example, its R&D involves photovoltaic, energy storage, air conditioning, and energy information management systems, each link has technical bottlenecks, and every step requires technical breakthroughs. But we never give up and firmly continue on this path.

In the past, due to a lack of core technology for air conditioning compressors, air conditioning often “stopped working” in high-temperature environments. Not to mention the desert; even in high-temperature cities like Chongqing and Nanjing in summer, sometimes they couldn’t hold up. By facing challenges and focusing on R&D, our compressors can now operate stably at 68 degrees Celsius, becoming the “heart” of the “Desert Air Conditioner.”

All of this reflects the accumulation of technology in the field and demonstrates the company’s firm commitment to green development. The “green content” of products depends on the “new content.” “Chinese good products” going global means competing in technology and innovation, allowing customers to use them with confidence and comfort.

At the recent National Two Sessions, “innovation” and “reform” became buzzwords. This also reminds us to maintain determination, focus on innovation, and be grounded to tackle tough challenges.

Third question on internal and external aspects: Our country has the most complete range of industrial categories and the most complete industrial system in the world. However, on the other hand, some domestic enterprises going abroad are still limited to OEM and private labeling. Gree’s own brand accounts for nearly 70% of export sales; what is the secret behind it?

Answer: Quality is the core competitiveness of an enterprise and brand. In the past, some people looked down on “Made in China” due to insufficient product quality and standards.

Gree’s ability to go global with its own brand relies on product quality and technological capability. The world recognizes us because our products are of high quality. In the Middle East, where temperatures are high, sandstorms are frequent, and salt fog is corrosive, some equipment fails after just one year, but the “Desert Air Conditioner” can last for years, possessing extreme performance in corrosion resistance, sand prevention, and high-temperature durability.

Private labeling involves processing according to others’ standards, while an own brand allows for setting one’s own technologies and standards. Once new standards become a consensus, they can break biases and replace old rules. In recent years, the global pace of green transformation has accelerated, and we have taken the lead in formulating many green standards in the industry, promoting more green technologies to the world. This fully illustrates that China’s green development and high-quality development also provide an “opportunity list” for global development.

Guangdong’s strong industrial foundation and complete supporting facilities, along with a rich atmosphere for innovation and open development, are solid backing for Gree’s own brand going global. Rooted in this rich industrial soil, we always adhere to quality as our foundation. For example, we have cooperated with upstream suppliers for decades, with one ironclad rule: quality must meet standards; those that do not meet standards are returned. Strict standards drive the upstream and downstream industrial chain to transform and upgrade together.

In the future, we will continue to move towards green intelligence, taking steady steps forward, allowing the world to fall in love with “Made in China.”

(Jiang Xiaodan, Tu Sheng participated in the writing)

“Heat must be supported by products, not generated by hype”

——Interview with Magic Atom President Gu Shitao

Reporter: Yao Xueqing

From stably completing high-speed rotations and aerial jumps to skillfully performing everyday tasks like noodle lifting and water control, Magic Atom Robotics Technology (Wuxi) Co., Ltd. expands the application boundaries of robots through continuous innovative breakthroughs, and its business has now expanded to 27 countries and regions.

Recently, our reporter interviewed company president Gu Shitao, listening to her share stories of the company embracing the global market through innovation.

First question on technological sustainability: In recent years, the technological leaps in robotics have been astonishing. Some believe that robots will enter daily life more and faster; others think this is just a fad and may not last. What is your perspective?

Answer: A short-lived trend relies on luck; sustained success relies on strength.

Many people see robots dancing or doing flips and think it’s just for show. However, from a technical perspective, this is precisely the embodiment of strength. Take the “Thomas Spin” action as an example; the robot must switch its center of gravity stably in a very short time while supporting, swinging legs, jumping, rotating, and then supporting again, which poses a significant challenge to motion control algorithms and high-precision joint modules.

One minute on stage requires years of effort behind the scenes. Heat must be supported by products, not generated by hype. Ultimately, innovation-driven development is the key to forging core competitiveness.

The core project team at Magic Atom was formed in 2021. We started from the most basic joints and released our first humanoid robot in 2023, completing five iterations of products since then. During this time, we had government project support and our persistent efforts to overcome one key technology after another, slowly building a technological moat. Looking globally, some of our technologies have shifted from following to leading.

Innovation is not a solo act but a symphony. In our team, R&D personnel account for 80%, with many coming from top global institutions. We have also established R&D centers overseas, maintaining close cooperation with local research institutions. In this industry, multinational cooperation, talent, and capital flow are common. Any company that wishes to go global must have the ability to integrate global resources.

Chinese robotics is not just a technological product; its vigorous development represents a certain image: the spirit of innovation, the courage to explore, and an open attitude with a cooperative mindset. I believe that in the future of China, the development prospects of the robotics industry are vast, and the pace of innovation will not stop.

Second question on development drivers: During the Spring Festival Gala in the Year of the Horse, four robotics companies, including Magic Atom, made a concentrated appearance. Why has the robotics industry blossomed in recent years? What “spring breeze” has Magic Atom felt in its development?

Answer: The emergence of the “entrepreneurial wave” is not coincidental; Chinese robotics has solidly progressed step by step.

On the production side, breakthroughs in the localization of core components have led to continuous cost reductions; on the demand side, industrial upgrades and changes in population structure have brought about rigid demand; on the policy side, the government supports the development of embodied intelligence and other future industries. With clear direction and stable expectations, everyone dares to dream and act.

Our company’s choice to deepen in this field is both a response to trends and a determination to seize opportunities.

As a young enterprise, we face many challenges: we need to rapidly iterate on applications while strengthening foundational capabilities such as basic software and core component R&D. However, developing hard technology is not a “sprint” but a “marathon.” The robotics track has a long R&D cycle, requires significant investment, and has slow commercialization, making it difficult for enterprises to achieve short-term profitability.

Fortunately, the Liangxi District of Wuxi City, where our company is located, has identified humanoid robots and industrial embodied intelligence as key development directions, establishing a mother fund and special industrial fund of over 10 billion yuan, specifically investing in early-stage, small-scale, and hard technology. At the beginning of our company’s establishment, the district invested over 10 million yuan through an “investment instead of recruitment” method to support the enterprise. More importantly, the ecosystem continues to build industrial platforms and open application scenarios, promoting the full chain support capabilities from technology R&D, product verification to large-scale production.

Therefore, the flourishing and emerging robotics industry in recent years is fundamentally a result of local respect for industrial laws, nurturing patient capital, and adhering to long-termism. This is the country’s long-term strategic determination and the steadfast commitment of enterprises to move forward.

Riding the “spring breeze” of the industry, we will continue to delve deeply. We will focus on innovation, deepen technology, and optimize product iterations, allowing more “smart and skilled” robots to enter thousands of households.

Third question on market competitiveness: Last year, China’s industrial robot exports grew by 48.7% year-on-year. Magic Atom’s business has expanded to 27 countries and regions. In your view, why are Chinese robot products favored overseas? What insights do you have regarding the company’s global layout?

Answer: The popularity of products fundamentally relies on innovation. In the short term, the market may chase concepts; in the long term, it still pays for value. The growth in Chinese robot exports reflects consumers’ recognition of high certainty in delivery, high adaptability to scenarios, and high comprehensive value of products.

Looking abroad, some countries and regions face difficulties in labor availability and high labor costs, and many high-risk operational scenarios are calling for “robots to replace humans.”

Wherever there is demand, there is a market. For example, at Magic Atom, we have introduced industrial quadruped robot solutions for nighttime inspections and equipment detection in tight spaces at some overseas factories; for the warehousing and logistics industry, we have developed mobile operation robots that can collaborate with humans.

These scenarios have a commonality: they do not pursue “complete automation” but instead fill the gaps that humans cannot, are unwilling to, or are at high risk of performing. The value of technology lies not in how flashy it is, but in its practicality. Overseas consumers choosing us also reflects their recognition of our corporate values: innovation must adhere to problem orientation and demand orientation.

To identify problems and discover needs, from day one of our establishment, we did not follow the old path of “first domestic, then go abroad,” but insisted on being “born global.” By 2025, the company’s global sales network will be basically established, with sales and after-sales support teams set up in many countries and regions. The closer we are to customers, the more genuine the needs we hear, and the faster our responses. The efficiency and innovation capacity of the Chinese supply chain, combined with the warmth of localized overseas services, is our advantage.

That said, the robotics industry going global also has to tackle a complex trade environment. Technical standard barriers, differences in cross-border data regulations, etc., are real challenges. In the coming years, the industry will transition from an exploratory phase to a mature application phase. We are willing to be advocates for open technology, practitioners of responsible innovation, and promoters of value co-creation, helping Chinese robotics go global and take root deeply.

“Tradition is not a shackle of development, but the soil of innovation”

——Interview with Dehua Xinyang Ceramics General Manager Lin Liangbi

Reporter: Shi Yu

Focusing on the production of ceramic trees for 14 years, Dehua Xinyang Ceramics Co., Ltd. in Fujian Province insists on innovative R&D, integrating our traditional craftsmanship with overseas culture, and has developed over 4,000 ceramic tree designs targeting different overseas holidays, with cumulative exports exceeding 50 million pieces. The ceramic tree has become a “Chinese good product” chosen by many foreign families during holidays.

Recently, our reporter interviewed General Manager Lin Liangbi, listening to him discuss how to bring Chinese traditional craftsmanship to the world.

First question on the breadth of fusion: When talking about ceramics, people first think of cups, bottles, bowls, and plates. How did you come up with the idea of making ceramic trees? Nowadays, many companies going abroad are gradually shifting from selling products to selling experiences and culture; what is your view on this?

Answer: In 2011, I returned to my hometown of Dehua County in Quanzhou, Fujian, to start a business. The first thing I did was research: What does Dehua have? What does the market need?

In 2006, Dehua’s porcelain firing technique was included in the national list of intangible cultural heritage. Dehua County is an important production base for ceramic crafts in China. It can be said that Dehua ceramics have both a foundation of traditional craftsmanship and a complete industrial chain supporting it.

However, many of the past ceramic factories were making cups, bottles, bowls, and plates, resulting in homogenized competition, thin profits, and intense “competition.” To succeed, one must choose the right track.

Once, I watched a television report about overseas holidays. The Christmas trees shown in the program had beautiful lighting, which inspired me. So, I started to research how to combine light beads with ceramics, designing small and exquisite ceramic trees suitable for tabletop display. In 2012, I sent samples to foreign customers, and they placed orders on the spot without discussing prices. The profit margin of these products is 15% to 20% higher than that of ordinary cups and plates, and they are still in high demand. This year, our orders are already scheduled until August.

The reason for our success, I believe, lies in cultural openness and inclusiveness. The ceramic material is warm and the craftsmanship is rich. Based on this, we deeply researched overseas holiday cultures, focusing on color presentation and element design. For example, we included turkey and pumpkin elements in the ceramic tree products made for Thanksgiving. Ultimately, selling ceramic trees is not just about selling a product; it’s about selling a sense of ceremony; it is not only a decorative item but also resonates with consumers’ emotions.

Products are carriers of culture. In recent years, many ceramic products have integrated traditional Chinese cultural elements such as landscape paintings and paper-cutting patterns into their designs, becoming popular both domestically and internationally. Recently, we are also trying to incorporate traditional cultural elements into the design of ceramic trees, allowing consumers to see not only the exquisite craftsmanship of Dehua ceramics but also the profound cultural heritage of China.

As early as the Song and Yuan Dynasties, Dehua porcelain set sail from Fujian, selling overseas along the “Maritime Silk Road”; today, our ceramic products set out from here again, sailing far with culture as the sail.

In my view, going global with products comes down to three things: understanding oneself and understanding the market; upholding tradition while opening one’s horizons; excelling in craftsmanship while being able to tell stories.

Second question on the depth of cultivation: Since 2012, the company has focused on making ceramic trees. Why such determination?

Answer: For a company, it’s not about the quantity of products but whether one can produce something that others cannot and that customers cannot do without. Over the years, we have concentrated on perfecting the ceramic tree, accumulating an “irreplaceable” advantage.

Innovation is the greatest bargaining chip for an enterprise. We insist on investing more than 20% of our profits annually into R&D, which is a significant proportion but very worthwhile. For example, recently we collaborated with a glaze factory in Foshan, Guangdong, to develop a new type of glaze that presents a snow-like visual effect on ceramic trees while retaining a ceramic texture. After applying for a patent, it was quickly put into production and has been trial sold overseas, with the potential to become a bestseller.

In recent years, the foreign trade market has faced many challenges, but we are not afraid. The market will eliminate products that do not change, but the demand for good products has always existed. Pressure also serves as motivation. I often ask myself, if I were a customer, would I buy this product? If not, then it must be revised. The more complex the environment, the more we must proactively adapt; the more intense the competition, the more firmly we must walk our own path.

In cross-cultural dialogues, traditional craftsmanship is revitalizing.

Ordinary ceramic glazes are prone to cracking in ultra-low temperature environments. Some of the ceramic tree glazes and certain components we export have been frozen and cracked, resulting in the company compensating over $20,000. The amount was not large, but the lesson was profound. The quality of products is the enterprise’s confidence. If the quality is poor, no matter how good the design is, it will not work.

Since 2022, we have collaborated with suppliers of ceramic materials, glazes, and kiln equipment to tackle challenges, relying on modern technological power to adjust traditional formulas and firing processes. Now, the products can withstand temperatures as low as minus 35 degrees Celsius and as high as 60 degrees Celsius. We also plan to develop outdoor ceramic trees over two meters tall to fit foreign courtyard scenes. As long as the products improve, the enterprise will not stop progressing.

Third question on the thickness of the industry: By 2025, the export value of high-tech products in our country is expected to grow by 13.2%. In the face of constantly optimizing foreign trade structures and accelerating industrial upgrades, how should traditional manufacturing enterprises respond?

Answer: “Tradition” does not equal “low-end,” and “old trees” can also sprout “new buds.”

Dehua ceramics have a long history, leaving us not a burden but an unmovable and irreplaceable advantage. For example, to ensure the uniqueness of products, the core techniques for ceramic trees, such as pulling and painting, still rely on manual labor. Our factory has over 100 skilled workers. Dehua’s rich and stable human resources are hard to match elsewhere. Moreover, producing ceramic trees involves ceramics, electronics, iron components, etc., and we can find all the necessary suppliers in Dehua.

Of course, traditional industries also have shortcomings: insufficient levels of intelligence and greenness, and relatively weak R&D capabilities. In recent years, the government has introduced supportive policies, and enterprises have increased investments in intelligent manufacturing. Everyone is working together to promote industrial transformation and upgrading. Currently, over 60% of ceramic enterprises in Dehua County have achieved automation in the initial processing stages, with increased output value and efficiency.

For instance, our company has introduced automated equipment in processes such as rolling and casting, allowing workers to free up their hands to engage in more “craftsmanship” and “brainwork.”

In terms of green transformation, our equipment is also being upgraded. Seven years ago, firing a 30 cm tall ceramic tree cost 2.8 yuan in energy; now, using energy-saving kilns, the cost is only over 1 yuan.

Tradition is not a shackle of development, but the soil of innovation. By safeguarding our industrial advantages and cultural heritage, actively embracing innovation, traditional industries can also forge new paths and open new horizons.