Core Viewpoint - The emergence of China's foldable screen technology, particularly the production of ultra-thin "hand-tear steel," has shifted the competitive landscape in the smartphone industry, giving Chinese companies like Huawei a significant advantage over Western competitors like Apple [1][8]. Group 1: Technology Development - China has successfully achieved mass production of ultra-thin "hand-tear steel" with a thickness of 0.015 mm, capable of withstanding over 400,000 folds, marking a significant technological breakthrough [1][6]. - The research team at Shanxi Taigang conducted over 700 experiments to develop this material, which is now used not only in foldable smartphones but also in aerospace applications [6][8]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - Huawei has capitalized on this technology, capturing over half of the market share in the foldable smartphone segment, while Apple is struggling to catch up with its delayed entry into this market [1][8]. - The price of special steel materials has skyrocketed due to market manipulation by Japanese and German manufacturers, with costs reaching over one million per ton, leading to a significant financial burden on China, which previously imported 1.64 trillion annually [5][12]. Group 3: Geopolitical Implications - In response to China's advancements, the EU has imposed a 50% tariff on steel imports exceeding a reduced quota, indicating a protective stance against Chinese technology [10][12]. - The halt of hand-tear steel exports from China has left Western companies, particularly Apple, scrambling to adjust their strategies, as they can no longer rely on this critical material [1][8].