By love-89.com In a recent interview, we took a moment to reflect on the remarkable 75-year journey of China’s manufacturing sector. President Xi Jinping captured the spirit of this anniversary perfectly when he stated, “Today, we can proudly say that a vibrant and hopeful China stands tall in the East of the world.” This message embodies the collective efforts of generations that have propelled the industry to its current heights.
During the 2023 National People’s Congress, a factory worker had some exciting news to share with President Xi. “The 220-ton all-terrain crane you inspected in Xuzhou during your visit in 2017 has now achieved the highest global performance indicators, and our domestic production rate has soared from 71% to an impressive 100%,” the worker reported. Intrigued, President Xi asked, “Are the chips in your cranes made domestically?” The worker proudly affirmed, “All are domestically produced.” This exchange highlighted the significant progress made in Chinese manufacturing.
Reflecting on the early days of the People’s Republic of China, President Xi recalled a period marked by struggle, stating, “We were in dire straits; we couldn’t manufacture a car, a plane, a tank, or even a tractor.”
Now, China’s manufacturing sector has solidified its position as the largest in the world for 14 consecutive years, boasting a comprehensive and robust industrial system that meets a wide array of manufacturing demands.
At the 20th National Congress in October 2022, skilled worker and Guangxi representative Zheng Zhimin spoke about how far the manufacturing sector has come: “In the past, we studied others by disassembling their components. Now, the leaders we once looked up to are studying our components.” This reflection resonated with President Xi, who shared his own experiences advocating for enhanced domestic technology while working in Fujian.
Xi views manufacturing as the cornerstone of China’s economy, warning that sticking to the lower end of the industrial chain hampers the country’s growth potential. “If we remain at the lower end of the value chain, we won’t find a fundamental way out,” he said.
The goal of producing high-quality, domestically made goods remains paramount, with new heights being reached in sectors like aviation. During a visit to the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China in Shanghai in 2014, Xi stressed the importance of advancing domestic aircraft manufacturing: “To become a strong nation, we must develop our equipment manufacturing sector and focus on large aircraft.”
Just three years later, the C919 aircraft took its inaugural flight, with its commercial viability further confirmed by over 1,200 orders placed by 2024, including important international contracts.
In a different sector, during a 2020 visit to Taiyuan, Xi expressed interest in ultra-thin stainless steel products known as “hand-torn steel,” essential for high-precision industries. His call for innovation spurred Taiyuan’s success in creating even thinner steel products shortly after his visit.
These stories contribute to a broader narrative showcasing China’s commitment to high-quality manufacturing, from large aircraft to specialized steel. The nation’s ambitions are evident as it aims to secure its position in the global manufacturing arena, with goals that include becoming a leading global manufacturer by 2049 and enhancing smart, high-end, and green manufacturing practices.
China’s manufacturing capabilities have achieved significant breakthroughs, including the development of a complete high-speed rail supply chain, the launch of its first domestically-produced cruise ship, and advances in lunar exploration missions. The global perspective on “China Manufacturing” is transitioning toward “China Innovation,” as noted by various international media outlets, highlighting the rising quality and reliability of Chinese products.
In this evolving landscape, Chinese-made products are making impressive inroads into international markets, backed by advanced technology and a streamlined supply chain. President Xi has assured that China will continue to provide superior products born from its innovative spirit.
As we stand on the brink of this transformation, it’s evident that the future of China’s manufacturing industry is bright, fueled by relentless innovation and a steadfast commitment to quality.