2025年底，《纽约时报》用"第二次中国冲击"这个词，精准概括了当前全球经济格局的深刻变化。 与二十年前中国加入WTO后那波以服装、玩具为主的第一次冲击不同，这次的主角变成了电动车、太阳能板、锂电池和高端芯片。 那时的产业链转移很大程度上是美国企业自己主导的，为了追求更低成本，他们将生产线迁往中国。中国在这个过程中积累了原始资本和技术，但主要停留 在低端制造环节。 美国虽然失去了制造业岗位，但跨国公司和消费者都从低成本商品中获益，核心科技和金融优势依然牢牢掌握在手中。 2025年的情况截然不同。中国在人工智能、航空、电信、微处理器、机器人、核聚变、量子计算、生物技术和太阳能电池等关键技术上取得了显著进展。 最让美国感到无力的是，这次冲击的主战场已经不在美国本土，而是转移到了东南亚、非洲和拉美，中国企业正在用"绕道而行"的方式，让美国的关税大棒 挥了个空。 数据显示，2025年前11个月，中国贸易顺差已经突破1.08万亿美元，全年预计逼近1.2万亿美元大关。 这个数字背后，是中国出口结构的根本性转变：机电产品占比超过六成，而曾经的代表性商品如T恤和拖鞋，已经让位给了高科技产品。 回顾第一次冲击（1999-200 ...

Core Insights - The conference at South China University of Technology focused on the theme "Reconstructing Modernization: China and the Global South," discussing the future development of global southern countries through interdisciplinary dialogue [1][3] - Professor Danny Quah emphasized the need for a new adaptive multilateralism that does not require the participation of any specific country, advocating for voluntary alliances and rule reconstruction to achieve "cooperation without malice" [1][4][5] Group 1: Multilateralism and Global Cooperation - The traditional binary thinking of cooperation versus conflict, or North versus South, should be replaced with a more nuanced understanding of international relations [4][5] - An effective international system can function without the necessity of the United States, welcoming any country that wishes to join, including China [5][6] - The concept of a "-1" international system suggests that cooperation can occur even in the absence of major powers, allowing for continued collaboration based on friendly relations [6][9] Group 2: Economic Impacts and Challenges - The "China Shock" refers to the supply-side impact of affordable Chinese products affecting global markets, while the "American Shock" represents the demand-side impact of the U.S. limiting foreign goods [7][14] - The accumulation of unresolved global issues can hinder economic growth, necessitating a focus on development and cooperation to address these challenges [10][11] - The past reliance on developed countries (Global North) as a demand source for products is shifting, leading to concerns about overcapacity and job losses in the U.S. and other countries [14][15] Group 3: New International Order - A new international order should allow for cooperation even amidst tensions between nations, focusing on mutual interests rather than requiring friendly relations [10][16] - The establishment of a new multilateral system is essential to recalibrate and balance the global economic landscape, addressing overcapacity and market competition [15][17] - The potential for a simplified global platform similar to the WTO's MPIA mechanism exists, allowing countries willing to adhere to rules to collaborate effectively [17]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the journey of Xu Guangxian and Gao Xiaoxia, who played a pivotal role in transforming China's rare earth industry from a state of dependency and humiliation to a position of global leadership through scientific innovation and perseverance [1][31]. Group 1: Historical Context - In the 1970s, China possessed approximately 37% of the world's rare earth reserves but was unable to produce high-purity rare earth products, leading to a cycle of exporting raw materials cheaply and importing refined products at high prices [1][4][31]. - The rare earth elements, often referred to as "industrial vitamins," are essential for modern technology, impacting various industries from defense to consumer electronics [3][4]. Group 2: Technological Challenges - Western companies, particularly Rhone Poulenc, dominated the rare earth market, controlling advanced separation technologies and imposing strict conditions on technology transfer to China [5][6][31]. - The existing methods for rare earth separation, such as ion exchange and fractional crystallization, were costly and inefficient, prompting the need for a new approach [16][17]. Group 3: Scientific Breakthrough - Xu Guangxian proposed a novel extraction method known as "cascade extraction," which allowed for continuous processing and higher purity levels, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods [17][20]. - The successful application of this theory in industrial settings marked a significant turning point for China's rare earth industry, leading to the first successful industrial-scale extraction of rare earth elements in 1974 [20][24]. Group 4: Impact and Recognition - By 1980, Xu and Gao were recognized as academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, reflecting their contributions to the rapid advancement of China's rare earth industry [23][31]. - The cascade extraction technology led to China capturing over 90% of the global rare earth market share, fundamentally altering the international landscape of the industry [31][33]. Group 5: Legacy - The story of Xu and Gao symbolizes the triumph of Chinese scientists over technological barriers and their commitment to national development, serving as an inspiration for future generations [34][35].