12月18日至20日，中央统战部、全国工商联在中央社会主义学院举办民营经济代表人士学习贯彻党的二 十届四中全会精神、中央经济工作会议精神专题研讨班。其间，新希望集团董事长刘永好在接受专访时 表示，当前民营企业家展现出强烈的拼搏精神，这是中国经济的优势，但也需警惕可能引发的"内卷 式"竞争。 面对经济增速放缓与高质量发展转型带来的挑战，不少传统企业经营者出现了焦虑情绪，甚 至陷入"躺平"或信心不足的状态。对此，刘永好指出："困难不会因焦虑而消失，'躺平'则意味着彻底退 出赛道。唯有保持努力，才有翻盘和前行的可能。" 刘永好认为，面对挑战，企业应主动作为、积极求 变。特别是传统企业，更应通过科技赋能提升运营效率，以技术创新构筑核心竞争力，同时苦练内功、 强化内部管理，在挑战中寻找新的成长路径。（中新社） ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the concept of "involution" in business, emphasizing that competing through destructive price wars ultimately harms the market and brand reputation, particularly in the context of Chinese manufacturing and its international expansion [2][10]. Group 1: Historical Context - In the 1990s, Chinese motorcycle brands entered Southeast Asia, using aggressive price competition to reduce the average price of motorcycles from $700 to $200, significantly impacting Japanese brands [3]. - Despite winning the price war against Japanese brands, Chinese manufacturers ultimately failed to establish a sustainable market presence due to lack of profits, after-sales service, and quality, leading to a tarnished reputation for "Made in China" [4][6][7]. Group 2: Long-term Strategy - Wuling, a Chinese motorcycle brand, decided to adopt a long-term approach in Indonesia, marking its commitment to the market by celebrating anniversaries and emphasizing its presence over the years [8][9]. - The article argues that businesses should focus on product quality and long-term strategies rather than short-term price competition to earn respect for "Made in China" [10]. Group 3: Recommendations for Future Success - The article suggests that companies should avoid burning down the entire market in pursuit of winning battles and instead focus on building a strong brand through quality and customer service [10].

Group 1 - The central economic work meeting emphasizes the importance of expanding domestic demand as a primary task for the upcoming year [4][5] - There is a notable "temperature difference" between macroeconomic performance and microeconomic sentiment, with macro indicators showing strength while micro experiences remain subdued [1][2] - The "involution" phenomenon in enterprises is linked to this temperature difference, where companies focus on maintaining cash flow stability, leading to increased production but declining profit margins [2] Group 2 - Suggestions for effective consumption support policies include increasing income, ensuring leisure time, improving consumption scenarios, and providing quality products [2] - The central economic work meeting proposes enhancing counter-cyclical and cross-cyclical adjustments, focusing on demand-side short-term adjustments and supply-side structural improvements [3] - Economic growth targets for 2026 are suggested to be set between 4.5% and 5.0%, slightly lower than the previous year's target, aligning with long-term GDP growth trends [4][5] Group 3 - The macroeconomic policy direction is expected to lean towards easing, with one interest rate cut and one reserve requirement ratio reduction anticipated [5] - The construction of a modern industrial system is highlighted as a crucial aspect of cross-cyclical policies, focusing on upgrading traditional industries and fostering emerging sectors [5][6] - There is a call for deeper market-oriented reforms to stimulate microeconomic vitality and establish a unified national market, which is essential for effective policy transmission [6]

Core Insights - The book "New Leadership" by Wilf Blackburn shares his 30 years of CEO experience and offers insights for Chinese companies facing current development challenges [1][3] Group 1: Leadership and Corporate Culture - Blackburn emphasizes the importance of creating a positive work environment where employees feel happy, suggesting that this is crucial for long-term happiness [3] - He notes that the rapid technological development in China has influenced corporate leadership, requiring managers to adapt by empowering capable team members to make decisions rather than relying solely on their own judgment [4] - The concept of humility and delegation is highlighted as essential for successful management, especially for those who have previously experienced success [4] Group 2: Young Professionals and Workplace Dynamics - Blackburn addresses the anxiety and confusion faced by young professionals in China, suggesting that they should view their careers as a marathon rather than a sprint, focusing on finding life goals to reduce stress [4] - He advises young people to balance work and rest, encouraging them to engage in different activities between tasks to relax their minds [5] - The importance of joining companies that respect employees' time and promote a friendly work environment is also emphasized [5] Group 3: Employee Management and Development - Blackburn believes that corporate culture is fundamentally about people, and the fit between employees and the company culture is more important than labeling employees as good or bad [5] - He advocates for treating employees with dignity, even when parting ways, to help them transition to the next step in their careers [5]

Core Viewpoint - The primary issue facing the Chinese economy and enterprises is how to reduce "involution," which is characterized as ineffective competition leading to a zero-sum or negative-sum game, particularly due to resource bottlenecks [3][4]. Economic Context - The current macroeconomic challenge in China is that many industries are experiencing demand growth that lags behind supply growth, resulting in price declines and increased difficulties for enterprises [3][4]. Industry Example: Tourism - The tourism industry exemplifies this issue, where domestic tourism numbers are increasing moderately, but supply growth (e.g., hotels, attractions) is outpacing demand, leading to price declines of over 10% despite a 5% increase in sales volume [4]. Solutions to Increase Demand - **Expand External Demand**: There is significant potential in service trade, particularly inbound tourism, which has seen rapid growth due to relaxed visa policies. If inbound tourism could reach 1%-2% of GDP, it could represent a substantial economic boost [4][5]. - **Increase Consumer Spending Power**: Proposing direct financial support to consumers through fiscal deficits, amounting to 2%-3% of GDP, to stimulate consumption and address deflationary pressures [5][6]. - **Address Declining Birth Rates**: The significant drop in birth rates poses a long-term risk to economic innovation and growth. Supporting young people financially could alleviate their burdens and encourage higher birth rates [7][8]. - **Provide More Leisure Time**: Reducing overall working hours and increasing vacation time could help balance work and personal life, fostering a healthier consumer environment [9]. - **Educational Reform**: To combat educational involution, reducing unnecessary competitive pressures in the education system is essential. This includes reconsidering the necessity of multiple rounds of academic screening [10][11]. Summary of Recommendations - The overarching strategy to reduce involution in Chinese society can be summarized as "four increases and one decrease": increase foreign visitors, increase financial support, increase birth rates, increase leisure time, and decrease examinations [12].

Core Viewpoint - The primary issue facing the Chinese economy and enterprises is the need to reduce "involution," which is characterized as ineffective competition leading to a zero-sum or negative-sum game, particularly due to resource bottlenecks [3][15]. Economic Challenges - Many industries in China are experiencing demand growth that lags behind supply growth, resulting in price reductions and increased difficulties for enterprises [3][15]. - The tourism industry exemplifies this trend, where domestic tourism numbers are increasing moderately, but supply growth (e.g., hotels, attractions) is outpacing demand, leading to price declines of 7% to 10% [4][16]. Demand Creation Strategies - To address the issue of involution, it is crucial to create more demand, particularly through increasing consumer demand rather than relying solely on investment [4][16]. - Expanding foreign demand, especially in inbound tourism, is identified as a significant opportunity, with potential for substantial GDP contributions if inbound tourism can reach 1% to 2% of the economy [5][18]. Consumer Spending Enhancement - The current economic environment is characterized by deflation, with many consumers hesitant to spend due to economic uncertainty. A proposed solution is to distribute cash directly to consumers through fiscal deficits, potentially amounting to 2% to 3% of GDP [6][19]. - This approach is deemed appropriate given China's production capacity and current deflationary pressures, which would mitigate inflation risks typically associated with cash distribution [7][19]. Addressing Declining Birth Rates - The declining birth rate poses a significant risk to the economy, with births dropping from over 18 million in 2016 to approximately 8 million in the current year, a reduction of over 50% [8][20]. - To counteract this trend, financial support should be directed towards young people, who are most in need of assistance for family planning and child-rearing [8][20]. Work-Life Balance and Education Reform - There is a call for reducing overall working hours and increasing vacation time to improve work-life balance, which could encourage family growth [10][21]. - Education reform is essential to reduce the current "involution" in the education system, which discourages young people from having children due to the pressures of excessive competition and examination [11][22]. Summary of Recommendations - The proposed measures to reduce involution in Chinese society include: increasing foreign tourism, distributing cash to consumers, encouraging higher birth rates, providing more vacation time, and reducing examination pressures [12][23].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the issue of "involution" in society and presents a solution proposed by Liang Jianzhang, which includes increasing financial support and encouraging higher birth rates to address the root causes of this phenomenon [1]. Group 1 - Liang Jianzhang suggests a "four more, one less" approach to combat involution, emphasizing the need for more financial distribution and more children [1].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "involution" in various industries, characterized by chaotic competition that undermines cost and quality standards, prompting calls for reform and regulatory action to address low-price disorderly competition [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Overview - Over 20 national and local industry associations have publicly called for a "counter-involution" movement across sectors such as steel, automotive, photovoltaic, catering, finance, logistics, and beauty services by November 2025 [1]. - The current competitive landscape has shifted from external expansion to internal exploration, leading to intensified competition among domestic firms as external competitors diminish [2]. Group 2: Manifestations of Involution - Key manifestations of involution include selling below cost, substandard materials, and false advertising, with significant pressure on companies to engage in such practices [2]. - The average gross profit margin for five leading wind power companies has plummeted from 19.2% in 2021 to 5.5% in 2024, indicating severe financial strain [3]. Group 3: Impact on Quality and Innovation - Involution has led to a decline in quality control, with a significant number of electric bicycle battery products failing safety standards, raising concerns about potential hazards [3]. - Research and development expenditures among 30 major photovoltaic companies fell by 18.12% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, threatening the industry's innovation capacity [4]. Group 4: Competitive Dynamics - The article identifies four distinct types of competition: rule-breaking competition, internal consumption battles, strategic investment for future market share, and innovation-driven price reductions [5][6]. - Healthy competition should promote industry upgrades and market expansion rather than short-term market share grabs that jeopardize sustainable operations [6][7]. Group 5: Government and Industry Response - The government is focusing on creating a fair competitive environment while companies are encouraged to innovate and improve efficiency [8][12]. - Systematic actions are being taken to address involution, including regulatory updates and industry consolidation efforts to eliminate redundant competition [9][10]. Group 6: Future Outlook - Despite current challenges, companies express optimism about future growth, with projections for significant increases in profits and market expansion in renewable energy sectors [12]. - The governance efforts are seen as a transformative shift in development philosophy, aiming to convert regulatory pressures into strong drivers for industry upgrades [12].

Core Insights - The conversation features a rare appearance by investor Duan Yongping, who discusses his "benfen" philosophy that underpins his business and investment practices, emphasizing the importance of understanding business fundamentals [1][2][66] - Duan Yongping shares insights on investment, corporate culture, and education, highlighting the significance of long-term thinking and rationality in both business and personal life [2][67] Investment Logic - Duan emphasizes that understanding the business is crucial for successful investment, citing his experience with Vanke and the importance of recognizing true value in financial data [11][12] - He mentions that he bought shares in Moutai and believes in its long-term potential, suggesting that understanding consumer preferences is key to investment decisions [12][13] Corporate Culture and Succession - The success of companies like OPPO and Vivo is attributed to a hiring principle that prioritizes cultural fit over individual capability, indicating a systematic approach to building a cohesive team [2][66] - Duan discusses the importance of a user-oriented corporate culture that focuses on doing the right things over merely chasing profits, which he believes is essential for long-term sustainability [17][18] Marketing Philosophy - Duan outlines a straightforward marketing principle: there should be no lies in communication, and messages should be conveyed to users with maximum efficiency [2][66] - He shares his experience with advertising, emphasizing the need for authenticity and the careful crafting of messages to resonate with consumers [35][36] Educational Insights - Duan provides a perspective on parenting, advocating for unconditional love and setting boundaries to foster a sense of security in children, which he believes can break generational cycles of behavior [2][67] - He argues against physical punishment, suggesting that it does not build resilience but rather creates insecurity, and emphasizes the importance of guiding children with understanding [50][51] Long-term Mindset - Duan defines "平常心" (ordinary mind) as rationality and long-term thinking, asserting that maintaining a long-term perspective helps in overcoming external distractions [2][67] - He believes that a long-term approach is essential for both business success and personal fulfillment, creating a logical framework that connects various aspects of life [64]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "involution" in various industries, characterized by chaotic competition that undermines cost and quality standards, prompting calls for reform and regulatory action to address low-price disorderly competition [1][2]. Industry Overview - Over 20 national and local industry associations have called for a "counter-involution" movement across sectors including steel, automotive, photovoltaic, catering, finance, logistics, and beauty services, indicating widespread concern about the impact of this competition on industry transformation and development [1]. - The current competitive landscape has shifted from external expansion to internal exploration, leading to intensified competition among domestic firms as external competitors diminish [2]. Competitive Dynamics - The average gross profit margin for five leading wind power companies has plummeted from 19.2% in 2021 to 5.5% in 2024, with many firms reportedly operating at a loss [3]. - Quality and safety standards are under threat as companies cut costs in materials and processes to remain competitive, resulting in a significant number of substandard products in the market [3]. - Research and development expenditures among 30 major photovoltaic companies fell by 18.12% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, jeopardizing the industry's innovation capabilities [4]. Types of Competition - The article identifies four distinct forms of competition within the current landscape: - **Rule-breaking competition**: Involves illegal practices such as false advertising and substandard products, which undermine market fairness [5]. - **Internal consumption competition**: Characterized by homogenous competition in a limited market, leading to price wars without significant technological advancements [5]. - **Strategic investment competition**: Involves companies accepting short-term losses for long-term market positioning [5]. - **Innovation-driven price reduction**: Results from technological advancements that lower costs, indicating a healthy competitive environment [6]. Regulatory and Governance Actions - The government aims to create a fair competitive environment while companies focus on innovation and efficiency [8][12]. - New policies are being implemented to address issues such as "below-cost sales" and to enhance the regulation of unfair pricing practices [9]. - Industry associations are playing a crucial role in promoting self-regulation and rational pricing among companies [10]. Future Outlook - Despite the current challenges, companies express optimism about future growth, particularly in the renewable energy sector, with projections for significant increases in installed capacity by 2035 [12]. - Companies are adapting by focusing on cost efficiency, technological advancements, and exploring new markets, indicating a shift towards a more sustainable competitive strategy [11][12].