Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the contrasting aspirations of the United States and China regarding their economic identities, with the U.S. aiming to bring manufacturing back and become a "producer society," while China seeks to expand consumption and evolve into a "consumer society" [4][5]. Group 1: U.S. Manufacturing and Consumer Society - Trump's rally in Pennsylvania emphasizes the push to keep manufacturing jobs in the U.S. by increasing tariffs on imported steel and aluminum from 25% to 50% [4][3]. - Pittsburgh, once a steel hub, symbolizes the U.S. manufacturing revival, transitioning from a deindustrialized "rust belt" to a center for healthcare and high-tech industries [3][4]. - The U.S. consumer society emerged in the early 20th century, driven by industrial productivity, with personal consumption contributing to 70% of GDP growth since 1953 [24][18]. Group 2: Characteristics of Consumer Societies - The transition from a producer society to a consumer society is marked by a shift in identity from labor-based to consumption-based, where consumerism becomes a core value [10][12]. - Key features of a consumer society include brand-oriented consumption, flexible employment, and a focus on immediate gratification [11][14]. - The U.S. consumer society is characterized by a high dependency on credit systems and installment payments, allowing broader access to goods [19][22]. Group 3: Comparison of U.S. and China's Consumer Societies - The article highlights that while the U.S. has a mature consumer society, China's transition is still in progress, maintaining a strong manufacturing base [39][40]. - In 2024, U.S. final consumption expenditure is projected to reach $17.8 trillion, significantly higher than China's $10.3 trillion, indicating a substantial gap in consumer spending [26][24]. - China's consumer market is evolving, with policies promoting consumption, such as the "old-for-new" program, which has already generated over 1 trillion yuan in sales this year [4][40]. Group 4: Economic Implications and Future Outlook - The article suggests that China's path to becoming a consumer society will depend on industrial upgrades and maintaining social stability, leveraging its large population and manufacturing capabilities [41][40]. - The potential for a unique Chinese consumer society model exists, integrating a vast market, technological empowerment, and a solid manufacturing foundation [41][40].

Core Viewpoint - The traditional economic cycle is facing unprecedented challenges due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), which is rapidly expanding its application and complexity, leading to a shift from a "producer society" to a "consumer society" [1][2][3] Group 1: Economic Paradigm Shift - The classic economic model of "labor creates value → value exchanges for currency → currency drives consumption → consumption stimulates production" is breaking down as AI takes over programmed production [2][3] - The transition from "labor value theory" to "existential value theory" signifies a fundamental change in how human value is perceived, with individuals increasingly seen as consumers rather than producers [2][3] Group 2: Value Redefinition - In the AI era, value should encompass more dimensions beyond labor, including human creativity, emotional experiences, social interactions, and ethical oversight of AI systems [4] - There is a need to explore new distribution mechanisms to ensure that those displaced by AI can secure basic living standards and development opportunities, promoting social equity and sustainable development [4] Group 3: Economic Sustainability Challenges - The challenge arises when AI replaces human labor, leading to questions about how individuals can derive value and income, and how consumption can be sustained in an AI-driven economy [3] - The intersection of technological singularity and economic cycle logic raises critical questions about the sustainability and effectiveness of the economic system [3]