Nigeria Times

By He Yin, People’s Daily
China’s economy took center stage at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2024,
which was themed “Rebuilding Trust”. Participants actively praised the enhanced resilience of
China’s economy and businesses over the past two years. They acknowledged that China’s efforts
would create more opportunities for global economic growth and employment.
China’s pursuit of high-level opening-up was seen as having a positive impact on promoting
international economic and trade development. The attendees widely recognized that China’s
solution was indispensable in addressing the global trust deficit.
Currently, the global economic recovery is fragile and sluggish and lacks momentum, the
development gap is widening. The impact of geopolitical conflicts on global development is
becoming increasingly evident.
More than 2,800 representatives from over 120 countries and regions gathered at the WEF Annual
Meeting 2024 in Davos, Switzerland with a common goal of promoting global economic
governance and helping the world economy overcome difficulties and sail towards a brighter
future.
China has always been sharing the same goal with the WEF. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s
important remarks on promoting economic globalization and upholding true multilateralism, as
articulated at WEF platforms, hold profound practical significance in addressing global
challenges.
While striving for high-quality development of its own economy, China has always been sincerely
committed to fostering an open world economy and has made tremendous efforts to improve
global economic governance. The facts have proven that China is the most trustworthy partner.
China’s economy is steadily advancing, providing sustained strong impetus for global economic
development. Over the years, China’s contribution to world economic growth has stayed at around
30 percent. In 2023, China’s economy showed positive overall growth, with a year-on-year
increase of 5.2 percent in GDP. It has been repeatedly emphasized by international media outlets
that China’s economic growth rate was among the top in the world’s major economies.
According to the World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report, driven by China’s
economic recovery, the economic growth in East Asia and the Pacific region is projected to
increase from 3.4 percent in 2022 to 5.1 percent in 2023.
China has established sound and solid fundamentals in terms of the industrial base, production
factors and innovation capacity. The conditions supporting high-quality development continue to
gather and increase. The overall trend of long-term growth will not change.
Saadia Zahidi, managing director of the WEF, noted that China’s healthy economic development
brings very positive spillover effects to other parts in the world.
China remains firmly committed to opening up, and continues to create favorable conditions for
the world to share in its opportunities. China is a major trading partner of over 140 countries and
regions, with the overall tariff level cut to 7.3 percent, relatively on par with the developed
members in the World Trade Organization.
Currently, global demand remains insufficient, and the market is the scarcest resource. The
Chinese market, with its vast space and growing depth, will play an important role in boosting

aggregate global demand.
China warmly welcomes foreign companies to continue investing in China and strives to create a
first-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized. China
will steadily expand institutional opening up, continue to shorten the negative list for foreign
investment, follow through on removing all restrictions on access for foreign investment in the
manufacturing sector, and guarantee national treatment for foreign businesses.
According to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, the return on FDI in the Chinese
mainland had been around 9.1 percent over the past five years, while in Europe and the United
States, it was around 3 percent. The facts have already proven and will continue to prove that
choosing the Chinese market is not a risk but an opportunity.
China advocates for a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization and continues to
contribute wisdom to improving global economic governance.
Economic globalization is an inherent requirement of developing productive forces, a natural
result of scientific and technological advancement, a sure path to human progress and more
importantly, an irreversible trend of the times.
In order to promote economic globalization for the greater benefit of people around the world,
China advocates for a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. A universally
beneficial and inclusive economic globalization means meeting the common needs of all
countries, especially the developing countries, properly addressing the development imbalances
between and within countries resulting from the global allocation of resources.
It is important for the international community to resolutely oppose the attempt to roll back
globalization and abuse the concept of security, oppose all forms of unilateralism and
protectionism, firmly promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, overcome the
structural problems hindering the healthy development of the world economy, and make economic
globalization more open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial to all.
In response to the prominent challenges facing the global economy, China advocates for
strengthening coordination of macroeconomic policies, enhancing international division of labor
and cooperation, promoting international scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation,
fostering collaboration in green development, and strengthening North-South and South-South
cooperation. These proposals provide practical and feasible solutions for rebuilding trust in the
international community.
Only when all sides treat each other with sincerity and work in the same direction can there be a
stronger foundation of trust and more fruits of cooperation. While focusing on effectively
managing its own affairs, China will uphold solidarity, cooperation, openness, and sharing, and
work together with all parties to improve global economic governance, so as to promote the steady
and sustainable recovery of the world economy.

By Zhong Sheng, People’s Daily
Following the elections of China’s Taiwan region, over 100 countries and international
organizations have reaffirmed their commitment to the one-China principle, their firm support for
China’s effort to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, their opposition to any
form of “Taiwan independence” and their support for China’s cause of national reunification. What
they have made is the voice of justice and peace.
However, the United States and a few other countries sought to use the event to engage in political
manipulation and published so-called statements “congratulating” the election victor. Such
practices are serious interference of China’s internal affairs and violation of China’s sovereignty,
and go against universally recognized basic norm in international relations and a prevailing
consensus among the international community.
The Taiwan question is China’s internal affair and elections in the Taiwan region are purely
China’s internal affairs. Whatever changes take place in Taiwan, the basic fact that there is only
one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China will not change.
The Cairo Declaration, Potsdam Proclamation and other legally binding international instruments
that have established the post-World War II international order all provide the historical and
jurisprudential basis for the fact that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.
While the two sides across the Taiwan Strait have yet to be reunified, the sovereignty and territory
of China have never been severed. The legal status and the fact that Taiwan is an integral part of
China’s territory have never changed. This represents the true status quo of the Taiwan question.
The one-China principle is the political premise on which China establishes and develops
diplomatic relations with other countries. China has consistently and firmly opposed any form of
official contact between the Taiwan region and countries having diplomatic ties with China, and
interfering in Taiwan affairs in any way or under any pretext.
A few countries have manipulated narratives to mislead the public, with an aim to cover and gloss
over their erroneous practices that interfere in China’s internal affairs and violate the basic norm
governing international relations.
They hyped the so-called “democratic values,” trying to support “Taiwan independence” in the
name of “democracy.” The Taiwan question is not about democracy, but about China’s sovereignty
and territorial integrity.
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities, in collusion with external forces, have been
foisting a trumped-up narrative of “democracy versus authoritarianism,” fanning up the
institutional difference between Taiwan and the mainland. Such efforts to pursue “Taiwan
independence” in the name of democracy are very dangerous and go against the interests and
wellbeing of people in Taiwan.
The future of Taiwan lies in China’s reunification. The difference in social systems are neither an
obstacle to reunification nor a justification for secessionism.
A few countries are all talk when it comes to the “peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,”
while turning a blind eye to the actual threats that jeopardize it. The one-China principle is what
underpins peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. “Taiwan independence” is as incompatible
with peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait as fire with water.

The real threat to cross-Strait peace and stability is the DPP authorities’ unwillingness to recognize
the 1992 Consensus which embodies the one-China principle, separatist activities to seek “Taiwan
independence” and attempts to change the status quo that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to
one and the same China.
Certain countries have been fudging and hollowing out the one-China principle, and echoing and
collaborating with “Taiwan independence” forces in political, military and economic dimensions.
They only say they want peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, but ignore the separatist
activities to seek “Taiwan independence.” This will only embolden the “Taiwan independence”
separatist forces to solicit foreign support and cause greater damage to cross-Strait peace and
stability.
These countries only say they want to solve the Taiwan question peacefully, but never show
support for China’s peaceful reunification. In essence, they are hindering China’s efforts to pursue
reunification and separating the two sides across the Taiwan Strait.
Certain countries claimed that they are committed to maintaining the peaceful resolution of
differences, free from coercion and pressure. In recent years, the DPP authorities have damaged
the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, blatantly obstructed cross-Strait exchanges and
cooperation, and continuously escalated the tense and volatile situation across the Taiwan Strait.
A few countries, in an attempt to mislead the public, disguised the DPP authorities as a “victim”
so that the latter could win “compassion” from the international community. They hyped the
rhetoric that they are committed to maintaining the peaceful resolution of differences, free from
coercion and pressure, just to hinder the Chinese government and people from deterring separatist
activities for Taiwan independence.
The Chinese government and people are ready to create vast space for peaceful reunification; but
they will leave no room for separatist activities in any form. They will work with the greatest
sincerity and exert their utmost efforts to achieve peaceful reunification; but they will not
renounce the use of force, and they reserve the option of taking all necessary measures.
Taiwan has never been a country and will never be one. The recent decision of Nauru to sever
“diplomatic relations” with Taiwan and resume diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of
China once again proved that the one-China principle is where the global opinion trends and
where the arc of history bends.
China believes that the international community will keep supporting the one-China principle,
understand and support the Chinese people’s just cause of opposing “Taiwan independence”
separatist activities, and their striving to achieve national reunification.
China urges relevant countries to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-
U.S. joint communiques, stop all forms of official contact with the Taiwan, stop sending wrong
signals to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces, and sincerely support China’s peaceful
reunification.
(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People’s Daily to express its views on foreign policy
and international affairs.)

By Zhang Tianpei, People’s Daily
China has rolled out five new measures to simplify the process for foreign nationals seeking to
visit the country, officials from the country’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) said at a
press conference held by the State Council Information Office recently.
The five measures, effective from Jan. 11, include relaxing conditions for foreign nationals
applying for port visa; relieving foreign nationals eligible for 24-hour visa-free transit at major
hub airports, such as Beijing Capital International Airport, from the need to undergo inspection
procedures; allowing foreign nationals already in China to apply for visa extension, renewal, and
reissuance at the nearest public security organs; allowing every foreign national already in China
to apply for a multiple-entry visa in case of need; and minimizing the types of the materials for
visa applications for foreign nationals in China.
China has always been committed to promoting economic globalization and building an open
world economy to better benefit people of all countries.
In response to the current trend of efficient, swift international economic and trade activities,
especially the liberalization and facilitation of investment and trade, China’s immigration
authorities have continued to optimize policies and services for foreigners’ entry, exit and
residence, striving to provide efficient and convenient immigration administration services for
foreigners working, studying and living in China.
In 2023, border inspection authorities across the country inspected 210 million inbound visits,
which was about 62.9 percent of the total seen in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out,
according to Chi Jingyang, director of the Border Inspection and Administration Department of
the NIA.
With global economic and trade development, international air routes and flights have steadily
resumed, and cross-border personnel flows have gradually recovered, Chi noted. Chi said he
anticipated a continued growth in the number of inbound travelers in 2024.
The NIA has actively responded to the practical needs of foreign nationals by launching re-entry
visa facilitation measures to meet the needs of fast-paced, high-frequency international exchanges,
according to Mao Xu, director of the Foreigners Management Department of the NIA.
Foreigners in China who need to enter and exit the country multiple times for legitimate and
reasonable reasons can apply for multiple-entry visas with the exit-entry administrations of
China’s public security organs by providing relevant supporting documents such as invitation
letters, before their current visas expire, Mao said, explaining that the measure was aimed at
stabilizing foreigners’ expectations of exchanges and interactions in China.
In an effort to better serve foreigners’ efficient and smooth inter-regional mobility in China and
facilitate their reasonable travel planning, the newly introduced measure allows foreigners already
in China to apply for visa extensions, renewal, and reissuance,at the nearest public security organs.
Based on preliminary pilot, the new measure has been further expanded to cover all foreigners
staying in China for short-term non-diplomatic, official business activities, visits and exchanges,
investment and entrepreneurship, private matters, tourism, or to visit relatives with legitimate
reasons for extending their stays.
In addition, the measure for simplifying visa application materials for foreigners in China
stipulates that foreign nationals whose accommodation registration records, business licenses, and
other information can be checked through the shared information systems are now exempt from

having to present the physical certificates when applying for visas.
Visa issuance through port visa authorities across the country has increased by 166 percent year on
year since the NIA launched in last August a measure to facilitate port visa application for foreign
nationals who urgently need to engage in commerce and trade activities in China, according to
Mao, who noted that the measure has received positive feedback from many foreigners and
foreign-invested enterprises.
“The measure for relaxation of port visa application conditions for foreigners launched this time
mainly expands port visa application eligibility further to foreigners who seek to visit China for
non-diplomatic, official business activities, visits and exchanges, investment and entrepreneurship,
private affairs, or to visit relatives and unable to obtain a visa beforehand due to time constraints,”
Mao said.
This new measure basically covers most foreigners with urgent needs to come to China, fully
leveraging the functional advantages of port visas and providing more convenient and flexible
pathways for foreigners entering China, Mao noted.
Since China implemented a unilateral visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from France,
Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia on a trial basis starting from December 1 last
year, around 147,000 visa-free entries from these six countries were recorded as of January 9 this
year, showing an overall upward trend.
On January 8, over 4,300 visa-free travelers from these six countries entered China, which was
more than twice the number on December 1, 2023.
Liu Haitao, deputy head of the NIA, said the administration is committed to working with the
relevant authorities to address the difficulties foreign nationals may encounter when doing
business, studying, and traveling in China, and strengthening the reform of the immigration
management services and innovation of policies and systems, to proactively contribute to the
creation of a world-class business environment, Liu noted.

By Cao Wenxuan, People’s Daily
The world’s first commercial undersea data center, deployed in Qingshui Bay, Yingzhou township,
Lingshui Li autonomous county, south China’s Hainan province, is in stable operation, said Pu
Ding, general manager of the center’s Hainan Pilotdemonstration development project.
Weighing 1,300 tons, the facility is placed on the seabed 35 meters below the sea surface.
Pu said that servers of data centers generate a significant amount of heat while running, and it
takes a substantial amount of electricity and freshwater to cool them down via air conditioning and
other cooling methods. The undersea data center, on the other hand, utilizes seawater as a natural
cooling source, which helps reduce energy consumption and consumes nearly no freshwater, thus
supporting higher power density and improving computing performance.
“Data centers are densely packed with various electrical appliances, posing a high risk of fire.
Therefore, data centers worldwide pay special attention to fire prevention. In the undersea data
center, inert gas is filled to create an oxygen-free and dust-free, sealed environment, further
protecting the electronic components of servers and reducing the occurrence of accidents,” said
Pu.
Locating the data center under the sea significantly saves land resources, keeps it away from
human activities, and provides a stable operating environment for servers, Pu added.
“The first batch of modulescabin of the commercial undersea data center in Lingshui is currently
running smoothly, with all data tests showing positive results. Compared to servers of similar
capacity, it is has an overall energy efficiency 40 percent to 60 percent more power
efficienthigher, featuring high computing power, low energy consumption, high security, and low
latency,” said Pu.
It is learned that a total of 100 data modulescabins will be set up for the undersea data center.
Once completed, the data center will save a total of 122 million kilowatt-hours of electricity,
reduce land usage by 68,000 square meters, and save 105,000 tons of freshwater each year.
The undersea data center is not an “isolated island.” It also includes a shore station, underwater
relay station, and submarine cables.
“The undersea data center itself is green and low-carbon, and we also adhered to ecological
conservation during its construction,” said Pu. When submarine cables were laid, directional
drilling was employed to make sure that they pass through mangroves from below, so as to protect
the plant to the maximum extent possible.
In the control room of the shore station, various parameters are shown on a big screen, and
monitoring devices are recording the operation and load status of each server in real-time. A
digital twin system also presents the operational status of customer’s business.
The shore station occupies an area of only a few hundred square meters and has less than 10 staff
members. With an intelligent remote control system, it can reduce the daily inspection work of the
operations and maintenance personnel, thereby lowering the operational costs in the long run.
“When the data compartmentsmodules were sealed, each bolt must be tightened in the proper
order and with the specified torque, accurate to the millimeter level. To achieve this, we developed
a set of operating procedures.” Pu noted, adding that during the research and development phase,
the team successfully tackled a series of technical challenges, resulting in a design life of 25 years
for the data modulecenter.

The deep sea water serves as a natural barrier for the data center, reducing the risk of natural
disasters. “During the research and development process of the undersea data center, we took into
full consideration the external impacts of extreme conditions such as typhoons and earthquakes,
and formulated corresponding contingency plans,” Pu told saidPeople’s Daily.
According to a semi-annual operational report released in July 2023, Typhoon Talim, the fourth
typhoon of the year, had basically no impact on the undersea data center.
“We have attracted top cloud computing companies to collaborate with us in building a ‘dedicated
cloud’ and have upgraded the business model of the undersea data center,” said Li Jiawen, deputy
general manager of Shenzhen Hicloud Data Center Technology Co., Ltd., the developer of the
project.
What is called a “dedicated cloud” refers to cloud computing services that clients can customize
and purchase, provided by Shenzhen Hicloud Data Center Technology Co., Ltd. and its partners.
This model greatly lowers enterprises’ access to the services of the undersea data center.
“The ‘dedicated cloud’ devices in the undersea data center are like a deep-sea ‘supercomputer’, with
computing power equivalent to 60,000 traditional computers running simultaneously, capable of
processing more than 4 million high-definition images within 30 seconds,” said Li.
Prior to the launch of the data center, Shenzhen Hicloud Data Center Technology Co., Ltd. had
already signed contracts with institutions and companies such as Yazhou Bay Science and
Technology City in Sanya and TRS Information, which accounted for over 50 percent of the total
order volume.

By Wang Weijian, Bai Guangdi, People’s Daily
China’s auto exports hit 4.91 million units in 2023, according to statistics released by the China
Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
From surpassing 1 million units in 2012 to exceeding 2 million in 2021 and 3 million in 2022,
China’s auto exports rocketed past 4 million units in just the first 11 months of 2023. This rapid
growth reflects the increasing globalization of the Chinese auto industry. It is also inextricably
linked to China’s improved logistics capabilities.
Ocean shipping, China-Europe freight train service, and road transportation are the common
methods of exporting automobiles, with ocean shipping being the most popular. The Taicang port
in east China’s Jiangsu province is exactly a good example.
Located on the southern bank of the Yangtze River, 60 kilometers away from the estuary, the
Taicang port was bustling. Semi-trailers from all directions lined up at the entrance of the port,
loaded with various brands of vehicles.
Next to the berth of a vessel of China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited at the Taicang
International Container Terminal, a 40-meter-high gantry crane was loading containers onto the
vessel’s cargo hold. This vessel was about to set sail for Europe a day later.
Hao Yong, the on-site supervisor for vehicle shipping at the terminal, said that about 7,000 to
8,000 vehicles were shipped monthly from the terminal last year, with the peak reaching nearly
30,000 units in December.
The roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) auto terminal Haitong Taicang Terminal features a higher efficiency.
The currently operational storage yard at the terminal, which houses 20,000 standard parking
spaces, is still not enough to meet the rapidly growing business volume.
“The yard will be full again just a few days after a batch of cars are shipped, ” said Wang Haibo,
the manager on duty of the control center of the logistics company that runs the terminal.
According to him, the terminal is still under construction, with an investment of over 2 billion
yuan ($281.16 million). Once fully operational, it will have an annual throughput capacity of 1.3
million vehicles, Wang added.
The “tight parking space” at the storage yard reflects the bustling activity at the port. According to
statistics from the customs of Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu province, 397,300 vehicles were
exported from the Taicang port in the first 11 months of 2023, up 157 percent year on year.
The surge in auto exports has also led to rising demand for RoRo vessels. Improving efficiency
through digital and intelligent upgrading, shipbuilders are working in full capacity to meet this
demand. In the first half of 2023, China Merchants Jinling Shipyard delivered 21 RoRo vessels,
and the company’s order book is full with deliveries scheduled all the way until 2027.
New energy vehicles hold a prominent position in China’s auto exports. In 2023, China exported
1.203 million units of new energy vehicles, marking a remarkable 77.6 percent year-on-year
growth.
It is learned that new energy vehicles must maintain a battery charge level between 20 percent and
50 percent during long-haul transportation. Therefore, there must be charging facilities on board
the vessels. Additionally, specialized fire prevention systems, fire detection equipment, and fire-
resistant materials are required to mitigate risks such as battery leakage, short circuits, and fires.

At a terminal of the Taicang port, a vessel of COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers Co., Ltd.
departed for South America, carrying 2,797 new energy vehicles. Inside the cargo hold, each
vehicle was monitored by an infrared temperature imaging device. Once the temperature exceeded
a certain threshold, the sprinkler system would be activated to ensure the safety of transportation.
An executive from COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers Co., Ltd. said that, in response to the
requirements for transporting new energy vehicles, the company has collaborated with designing
institutes and shipyards to enhance the structural strength of cargo holds.
“Currently, we have over 30 multi-purpose vessels capable of transporting new energy vehicles,”
the executive noted.
Meanwhile, the shipping industry is expediting its transition towards a green and low-carbon
approach. It is reported that COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers Co., Ltd. has ordered 24 large
dual-fuel liquefied natural gas (LNG) vehicle carriers. China Merchants Jinling Shipyard, on the
other hand, has equipped its RoRo vessels with LNG tanks and hybrid battery technology to
reduce the emission of toxic gases.
According to estimates, compared to traditional fuel-powered container ships, these dual-fuel
ultra-large container ships can lower carbon emissions by 20 percent, nitrogen oxide emissions by
85 percent, and sulfur emissions by 99 percent, significantly reducing environmental pollution.
In order to cultivate a competitive advantages in automobile exports, various regions and business
associations in China have facilitated cooperation between automobile and shipping companies
and guided them in signing medium to long-term agreements.
In the first half of 2022, SAIC Anji Logistics Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chinese
carmaker SAIC Motor specializing in automotive logistics business, ordered two dual-fuel vehicle
carriers with a capacity of 7,600 vehicles and three ships with a capacity of 7,800 vehicles from
Jiangnan Shipyard. It also established a joint venture automotive supply chain company with
COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers Co., Ltd. and other partners.
In 2023, Chinese automobile manufacturer Chery, in collaboration with Wuhu Shipyard, built a
production base for vehicle carriers in Weihai, east China’s Shandong province. The base will
focus on the production of carriers with a capacity of 6,000 vehicles, 8-ton Panamax bulk carriers,
among other leading products.
Car makers becoming ship owners is a reflection of the continuous growth and internationalization
of the Chinese automotive industry. Similarly, ship companies that embrace customized orders
will also find new avenues to enhance their strength and expertise in the high-end market.

By Zhu Lei, People’s Daily
About one out of every three smartphones worldwide utilizes silicon substrate-based LED for its
phone flash. Similarly, for every three flashlights in the world, there is one with such technology.
In fact, many cities in China have extensively adopted silicon substrate-based LED chips for road
and tunnel lighting.
Silicon substrate-based LED has become one of the three major technology pathways in the global
LED industry. Nanchang, capital of east China’s Jiangxi province, is exactly where this technology
started.
LED stands for light-emitting diode, which is a third-generation semiconductor light source. As an
energy-saving and environmentally friendly cold light source, it is a fundamental component of
the electronic information industry and has a wide range of applications.
At the beginning of this century, the common substrates for blue LED chips were sapphire or
silicon carbide, and the two technical routes have been industrialized. However, the dominance of
these technologies was largely held by developers outside China.
“At that time, we aimed at the unpopular technology direction of growing gallium nitride-based
materials on silicon substrates,” said Jiang Fengyi, a professor from Nanchang University.
According to him, this was a path that had been almost abandoned by foreign developers.
In the production of LEDs, the growth of upstream materials to a large extent decides the LED
color, brightness, lifespan, and other indicators. To produce LED chips, it is necessary to grow a
gallium nitride light-emitting film on a substrate.
However, there are serious thermal and lattice mismatches between silicon and gallium nitride
materials. Researchers around the world had not yet found an ideal solution despite years of
efforts.
On Nov. 27, 2003, Jiang and his team embarked on a challenging exploration. In 2004, After more
than 4,000 trial and error attempts, Jiang’s team became the first in the world to overcome this key
technical difficulty.
“This will be a brand new arena,” said Wang Min, who worked together with Jiang. Wang keenly
sensed the potential transformative impact this technology could bring to the industry.
Since then, Wang and Jiang co-founded tech firm LatticePower to promote the industrialization of
silicon substrate-based blue LEDs. In October 2007, LatticePower officially settled in the
Nanchang National High-tech Industrial Development Zone.
After years of development, in 2012, the company successfully achieved mass production of high-
power LED chips on silicon substrates, which was praised as an annual new event by the
International SSL Alliance.
In order to better open up the market, Wang decided to go for vertical integration – packaging
LatticePower’s own LEDs. In 2014, a ceramic packaging line was officially launched, enabling the
mass production of its own “light bulbs.”
Since then, LatticePower’s LED products have made great strides with higher cost-effectiveness,
eventually capturing around 30 percent of the global mobile lighting market. LatticePower
Semiconductor Corporation, a subsidiary of LatticePower, boasts a monthly production capacity
of up to 100 million units.

In the product showcase area of LatticePower, there are nearly 100 types of products on display,
including large LED high-definition screens, streetlights, and smartphone flashlights. Today,
LatticePower has grown into a leading semiconductor optoelectronic device manufacturer,
offering products that span the entire industrial chain to customers worldwide.
In addition to the packaging line, LatticePower is continuously expanding its industrial ecosystem.
With strong government support, it has attracted well-known venture capital funds such as GSR
United Capital to establish sub-funds in Nanchang, successively incubated Lattice Lighting and
Lattice Grand Technology, and introduced companies such as ShineOn and Kingsoon to promote
the ecosystem of the silicon substrate-based LED industry.
Relying on silicon substrate-based LED technology, Nanchang has carved out a path of
independent innovation in the global LED industry. Today, the technology continues to produce
world-class innovative achievements such as yellow and red LEDs.
Driven by such innovation and the support of relevant government policies, Nanchang has
established a complete LED industry chain, becoming the largest production base for high-power
LED light sources in China.
In 2019, a 1-billion-yuan ($140.58 million) fund was established to amplify the application
advantages of silicon substrate-based LED technology, which attracted a number of leading
domestic LED companies such as Shenzhen MTC, Xiamen Changelight, and Hongli Zhihui
Group. In 2022, the LED industry in Nanchang achieved a revenue of 21.2 billion yuan.
According to the plan, the city will focus on the manufacturing and packaging of LED chips to
build itself into a “light valley.” In particular, the Nanchang National High-tech Industrial
Development Zone will concentrate on building a complete LED industry chain cluster with a
focus on silicon substrate-based LEDs, and the Nanchang Economic and Technological
Development Zone will prioritize the development of basic materials, chip packaging, and
terminal applications. Besides, other districts and counties will focus on developing supporting
links in the industrial chain. The goal is to expand Nanchang’s LED industry scale to 50 billion
yuan by 2026.

By Xie Rongbin, Wang Jinyu, Chen Wei, Zhu Zhiyu
China’s automobile production and sales in 2023 reached 30.161 million and 30.094 million units
respectively, surpassing the 30 million mark for the first time, according to data released by the
China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) on Jan. 11, 2024.
This achievement solidifies China’s position as the world’s top automobile producer and consumer
for 15 consecutive years.
Furthermore, China maintained its global leadership in the production and sales of new energy
vehicles (NEVs) for the ninth consecutive year, with over 9 million units produced and sold in
2023.
In the same year, China’s automobile exports approached 5 million units, representing a significant
increase compared to the previous year.
“This new record is the result of the collective efforts of the entire auto industry,” said Fu
Bingfeng, executive vice president and secretary general of the CAAM.
China’s ability to produce and sell over 30 million vehicles highlights its substantial market
advantage and consumption potential.
In recent years, China has been steadfast in developing NEVs, constantly making breakthroughs in
core technologies and expanding the market size. It took the country 27 years to produce the first
10 million NEVs, and only 17 months to reach the milestone of 20 million, showcasing an
impressive “China speed.”
In 2023, China produced and sold 9.587 million and 9.495 million units of NEVs, respectively,
representing a year-on-year growth rate of 35.8 percent and 37.9 percent. China accounted for
over 60 percent of global NEV sales.
As of the end of 2023, NEVs in use rose to 20.41 million in China, according to data released by
the China’s Ministry of Public Security on Jan. 11, 2024.
While embracing industrialization and marketization, China’s NEV industry is now embarking on
a new phase of extensive and high-quality growth, propelling the global auto industry into a new
era of electrification and intelligence.
According to data from the CAAM, China’s automobile exports reached 4.91 million units in
2023, marking a year-on-year growth of 57.9 percent. This impressive growth can be attributed to
Chinese car companies’ emphasis on international expansion and their competitive edge in the new
energy vehicle sector.
New energy vehicles, which have become a prominent symbol of China’s manufacturing prowess,
have played a crucial role in propelling the steady expansion of the Chinese auto industry on the
global stage.
Zhang Jinhua, secretary-general of the China Society of Automotive Engineers, noted that Chinese
new energy vehicle technology and products have become a crucial force supporting the
transformation of the global auto industry. The establishment of China’s NEV ecosystem will play
a vital role in strengthening the synergy between domestic and international markets and
resources.

Currently, Chinese car manufacturers are actively investing in overseas production facilities as
part of their long-term global expansion plans.
Liu Luochuan, director of the Strategic Development Research Center at Dongfeng Motor Corp.,
foresees deepening localization of Chinese automobiles in foreign markets, accompanied by a rise
in the number of overseas production bases.
By 2030, an estimated 50 percent of China’s overseas automobile sales will come from trade
exports, while the other half will be generated by sales from overseas factories. Additionally, there
will be a growing proportion of new energy vehicle exports contributing to this trend.
“China’s auto supply chain not only contributes to the global auto industry through trade but also
plays a role in shaping the layout of the global supply chain through investment,” said Zhang
Yongwei, vice president of China EV100, an electric vehicle industry think tank.
Taking power batteries as an example, as of now, Chinese auto manufacturers have surpassed a
cumulative planned capacity of 500 gigawatt-hours (GWh) overseas.
China’s auto industry has gained a global competitive edge, thanks to its robust domestic market
and well-established industrial and supply chain. New brands in the intelligent NEV sector have
emerged, including NIO, Li Auto, AITO, and Xpeng, leaving their mark on the global auto
market.
China’s auto market has significant growth potential, fueled by factors like vehicle ownership per
1,000 people and the demand for car upgrading and trade-ins. The CAAM predicts that car sales in
China will surpass 31 million units by 2024.
Miao Wei, vice-chairman of the Committee on Economic Affairs of the National Committee of the
Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), believes that China’s target of
having new energy vehicles account for over 50 percent of total sales by 2035 could be achieved
as early as 2025, or at the latest by 2026.

By Ye Zi
As the night descended, Taoxichuan Ceramic Art Avenue, a cultural and creative block in
Jingdezhen, east China’s Jiangxi province, buzzed with a constant flow of people. Visitors were
captivated by a dazzling collection of delicate ceramic handicrafts.
Wu Anran, a young designer, is no stranger to this scene. A decade ago, she started her business in
Jingdezhen and had a stall in the area. Today, Wu owns her own studio, and her ceramic works
have gained widespread popularity at home and abroad.
Jingdezhen, known as China’s “porcelain capital,” has become a magnet for young entrepreneurs
like Wu.
In recent years, more than 60,000 people from all around the world have settled in this city,
including over 5,000 foreigners at peak. Drawn by the allure of porcelain, these people have found
a sense of belonging and fulfillment in Jingdezhen, where their dreams are realized.
Ceramics is a cultural treasure of China, playing a significant role in the country’s history of
international cultural exchange. Jingdezhen boasts more than 2,000 years of pottery history, over
1,000 years of official kiln history and over 600 years of imperial kiln history.
For more than 1,000 years, Jingdezhen ceramics have traveled along the Maritime Silk Road to
the globe. Today, its rich ceramic culture continues to thrive, as different civilizations converge
and blend in Jingdezhen.
“Anyone working with ceramics will want to come to Jingdezhen,” said Stan from the Democratic
Republic of the Congo.
Renowned for its high-quality clay used in porcelain manufacturing, Jingdezhen has a multitude of
artisans and kilns gathered, attracting art lovers from across the globe who come here to learn,
create, and exchange ideas.
Jingdezhen Ceramic University, located in the city, is the only multidisciplinary university in
China named after ceramics.
In 2013, Stan came to the university to pursue a master’s degree in traditional ceramic techniques.
Today, he teaches at a school in his country and frequently visits Jingdezhen for learning and
exchange.
“I’m captivated by the diverse range of porcelain here and the cultural atmosphere of Jingdezhen,
which sparks my creativity,” Stan expressed.
Jingdezhen Ceramic University has attracted over 3,000 international students from more than 60
countries and regions since the 1950s.
In 2021, South Korean artist Song Yeon-joo visited Jingdezhen for the first time and was
fascinated by the abundance of ceramic workshops here. Previously focused on acrylic painting,
Song expanded her artistic horizons when a friend suggested that she could combine painting with
ceramics during her time in Jingdezhen.
The combination of traditional ceramic textures and modern abstract paintings is truly captivating.
“I absolutely adore the blue and white porcelain from Jingdezhen and I think it’s a perfect fit for
my ocean-themed ceramic paintings!” Song exclaimed excitedly.

“Here, no matter what kind of creativity you have, it will be embraced and can become a reality,”
she said.
Despite its small size, Jingdezhen serves as a global hub connecting people from all over the
world.
Next to the site of an imperial kiln factory, there are art galleries, artists’ studios, and other
facilities. Regular events such as salons, lectures, and forums provide a platform for young people
from various countries and cultural backgrounds to exchange and share ideas.
At a site of kilns that date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), domestic and foreign
tourists paid a daily visit to learn pottery techniques from inheritors of intangible cultural heritage.
In an international ceramic art village in Jingdezhen, artists with diverse styles come together to
exchange production techniques, igniting creativity and inspiration.
Jingdezhen has forged friendly relations with more than 180 cities in 72 countries. The renowned
Taoxichuan International Art Center has become a hub for artists from over 50 countries, infusing
the city with an international perspective and a dynamic creative ambiance.
These artists draw inspiration from the rich heritage of Jingdezhen, using their own artistic skills
to propel the innovative growth of ceramic art and the wide promotion of ceramic culture.
The ceramic industry in Jingdezhen is flourishing, generating a revenue of 66 billion yuan (about
$9.21 billion) in 2022. The local government has implemented favorable policies to support
talented individuals who have chosen to settle in the city. These policies aim to preserve and
develop the ceramics industry, fostering a community of skilled ceramic artisans and enthusiasts.
“Jingdezhen had numerous guilds during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the city has always
been renowned for its thriving and diverse communities. Its inclusive and openness constitute the
city’s cultural character, which is undoubtedly attractive to the younger generation,” stated He
Ding, an associate professor at the School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Beijing University
of Civil Engineering and Architecture.
With its complete ceramic production processes, well-established industrial infrastructure, rich
cultural heritage, and distinctive urban spaces, Jingdezhen offers ample opportunities for cultural
exchange and mutual learning of civilizations, providing people with more opportunities to pursue
their dreams, He said.