The Future, Made in China

3 hours ago

Kai-Fu Lee, CEO of 01.AI, observes China’s rapid AI and tech advancements, contrasting with US tensions and differing approaches to technology.
China is racing to dominate future technologies like AI, EVs, and robotics, with state-backed industrial policies and massive investments.
The one-child policy led to demographic decline, low birth rates, and pessimism among young Chinese, undermining long-term growth.
US-China rivalry intensifies with trade wars, chip export controls, and each side accusing the other of undermining global order.
Chinese gig economy workers face algorithmic exploitation and precarity, as seen in memoirs like 'I Deliver Parcels in Beijing.'
China’s internal contradictions: rapid tech progress vs. empty homes, youth unemployment, and political control over talent and capital.
European and global anxieties rise over Chinese overcapacity and deindustrialization, while US retreats from alliances and global leadership.
The future may be a 'un-order' of competing powers, with neither China nor US offering a stable global system.

China's industrial plan aims to shift from 'Made in China' to 'Created in China', emphasizing quality and branding.
Over 200 Chinese companies are developing humanoid robots, far exceeding the US count.
Donghai county dominates the global crystal trade through capitalist hustle and live-streaming.

Trade wars with China generally inadvisable; two key rules: strength in numbers (ally with trading partners) and clarity (stable, predictable policies).
U.S. is violating these rules: imposing erratic tariffs, alienating allies, and flip-flopping on policies, causing chaos.
U.S. deeply dependent on China for consumer goods (e.g., 99% of child safety seats, 96% of pet toys) and critical metals/electronics (e.g., lithium, smartphone parts).

Chinese society shows high AI acceptance in surveys (85%+ view AI as beneficial vs <45% in US), despite high youth unemployment (~17%) and historical job loss trauma.
China's 1990s state-owned enterprise reforms (xiagang) caused 24 million layoffs, concentrated in the Northeast rust belt, dismantling the danwei system that provided total social identity.
The 'last bus' mentality emerged from the 1990s: fear of missing transformative opportunities drives frenetic adoption of English, coding, and now AI crash courses.

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged international cooperation on AI at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, opposing single-country dominance and stressing human control.
China launched the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) with 29 founding nations, aiming to shape global AI regulations and promote safe, beneficial technology.
Analysts suggest Beijing uses WAICO to influence UN AI policies, positioning China as a leader in the Global South amid tech competition with the U.S.

Trump's approach to countering China involves emulating Maoist tactics, such as forced industrialization and a cult of personality, rather than competing effectively.
The U.S. is falling behind China in industrial output, including steel, cement, electric vehicles, and solar panels, while Trump's policies undermine American advantages in science, universities, and alliances.
Trump's administration has purged ideological enemies and targeted institutions for 'heresy,' reminiscent of Mao's Cultural Revolution, including censorship in libraries and museums.

China's industrial plan aims to shift from 'Made in China' to 'Created in China', emphasizing quality and branding.
Over 200 Chinese companies are developing humanoid robots, far exceeding the US count.
Donghai county dominates the global crystal trade through capitalist hustle and live-streaming.

Trade wars with China generally inadvisable; two key rules: strength in numbers (ally with trading partners) and clarity (stable, predictable policies).
U.S. is violating these rules: imposing erratic tariffs, alienating allies, and flip-flopping on policies, causing chaos.
U.S. deeply dependent on China for consumer goods (e.g., 99% of child safety seats, 96% of pet toys) and critical metals/electronics (e.g., lithium, smartphone parts).

Chinese society shows high AI acceptance in surveys (85%+ view AI as beneficial vs <45% in US), despite high youth unemployment (~17%) and historical job loss trauma.
China's 1990s state-owned enterprise reforms (xiagang) caused 24 million layoffs, concentrated in the Northeast rust belt, dismantling the danwei system that provided total social identity.
The 'last bus' mentality emerged from the 1990s: fear of missing transformative opportunities drives frenetic adoption of English, coding, and now AI crash courses.

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged international cooperation on AI at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, opposing single-country dominance and stressing human control.
China launched the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) with 29 founding nations, aiming to shape global AI regulations and promote safe, beneficial technology.
Analysts suggest Beijing uses WAICO to influence UN AI policies, positioning China as a leader in the Global South amid tech competition with the U.S.

Trump's approach to countering China involves emulating Maoist tactics, such as forced industrialization and a cult of personality, rather than competing effectively.
The U.S. is falling behind China in industrial output, including steel, cement, electric vehicles, and solar panels, while Trump's policies undermine American advantages in science, universities, and alliances.
Trump's administration has purged ideological enemies and targeted institutions for 'heresy,' reminiscent of Mao's Cultural Revolution, including censorship in libraries and museums.

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