Core Insights - Chinese companies are gaining international attention not through scale but by mastering key technologies that significantly impact industry dynamics [1] Group 1: Huawei - Huawei is recognized for its 5G technology, which is underpinned by a foundational channel coding technology called polar codes, enhancing signal stability even at extreme rates [3] - The company is advancing towards 5.5G and F5G, aiming to integrate high-speed, low-latency, and reliable network capabilities into various industries, establishing a digital foundation for smart factories, autonomous driving, and telemedicine [3] Group 2: Zhongwei Company - Zhongwei Company specializes in plasma etching technology, crucial for the precise fabrication of semiconductor circuits, enabling advancements from 5nm to 3nm and 2nm processes [5] - The company's equipment meets and even exceeds international standards in etching precision and uniformity, making it indispensable in the semiconductor manufacturing process [5] Group 3: CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited) - CATL has evolved beyond a battery manufacturer to become a leader in energy solutions, with innovations like the Kirin battery and sodium-ion battery technology [7] - The Kirin battery enhances space utilization and thermal efficiency, while sodium-ion technology offers a cost-effective alternative to lithium, addressing resource scarcity [7] Group 4: China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation - This company excels in rocket vibration testing technology, essential for ensuring satellite reliability during launch [10] - It employs phased array technology in satellite communications, allowing for flexible and instantaneous beam direction changes without mechanical movement, crucial for future 6G networks [10] Group 5: iFlytek - iFlytek focuses on deep semantic understanding and multimodal interaction, enabling machines to comprehend context and human intent beyond mere voice recognition [12] - Its technology, based on large-scale deep learning models, enhances efficiency in various sectors such as education, healthcare, and justice, acting as an advanced AI assistant [12] Group 6: Overall Industry Trends - The highlighted companies represent a shift in China's tech industry from application innovation to foundational innovation and rule-making, driven by long-term R&D investments and precise technological foresight [14] - The future competition will center around core technologies and ecosystem development, marking a significant evolution in the industry landscape [14]

Group 1 - China's recent actions on the international stage indicate a shift in its approach, no longer considering the feelings of the United States or passively accepting Western rules [1] - The Chinese mineral resources group has announced a halt to purchasing Australian iron ore priced in US dollars, opting for RMB settlements and prioritizing supplies from Brazil and Guinea [3][5] - China has diversified its supply chain for iron ore, signing long-term agreements with Brazil and Guinea, and increasing domestic production, thus reducing reliance on Australia [5][9] Group 2 - The US soybean farmers are facing difficulties as China has not purchased US soybeans for several months, instead sourcing from Brazil and Argentina, with China demanding the removal of unreasonable tariffs to resume purchases [7] - China's military advancements, particularly with the Fujian aircraft carrier and its capabilities, have positioned it as the second country globally to master electromagnetic catapult technology, altering the strategic landscape [9][11] - The changes in China's approach reflect its enhanced comprehensive strength, allowing it to prioritize its own interests and actively participate in rule-making rather than being a passive rule-taker [11][13] Group 3 - China's ability to respond to trade barriers and military provocations with strategic adjustments demonstrates its transition to a more proactive role in international relations [13][15] - The ongoing adjustments in China's international strategy are aimed at creating a fairer global playing field, indicating a new normal in international dynamics that others must adapt to [15]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the strategic implications of China's rare earth export controls in response to U.S. technology sanctions, highlighting how China is positioning itself as a rule-maker in the global supply chain while undermining U.S. leverage in high-tech industries [3][5][18]. Group 1: U.S. Actions and Responses - In late May, news broke of China's upgraded rare earth export controls, causing alarm in the U.S. and Europe, with some companies reportedly exhausting their inventories in just three days [3][5]. - The Trump administration attempted to counter China's influence by restricting exports of high-end electronic design automation (EDA) software and halting key technology exports for aircraft engines, aiming to pressure China on rare earth supplies [5][9]. - These U.S. actions are seen as a miscalculation, as they rely on high-tech components that are dependent on rare earth materials controlled by China [5][10]. Group 2: China's Strategic Response - China opted for a measured response, adjusting its rare earth export approval process to favor European companies while tightening restrictions on the U.S., effectively establishing new rules for cooperation [7][9]. - This approach is framed as a way to assert China's role as a rule-maker in the global supply chain, offering conditional cooperation to Europe while warning against alignment with U.S. policies [9][16]. - The strategy aims to create a divide between the U.S. and Europe, as European companies express urgency in securing rare earth supplies to maintain operations [10][14]. Group 3: Implications for Global Supply Chains - China's rare earth controls are not merely a defensive tactic but a strategic upgrade, signaling that it can leverage its resources to reshape global supply dynamics [18][20]. - The article emphasizes that rare earths serve as a key to negotiating terms rather than a weapon for confrontation, indicating a shift in how China engages in industrial competition [16][20]. - U.S. companies are already feeling the impact, with reports of production halts and delays due to uncertainty in rare earth supply, highlighting the interconnectedness of global supply chains [14][18].