Letters | World must learn to live with China’s manufacturing prowess
Readers discuss China’s record trade surplus so far this year, Hong Kong’s ambitions to be a cryptocurrency hub, and how to effectively curb social media overuse
Many observers see this as clear evidence of how resilient China’s industrial strategy remains despite external pressure. Even under tight export controls, retaliatory tariffs and ongoing Western efforts to “decouple”, China’s manufacturing engine has not slowed – it has accelerated. From electric vehicles to solar panels and from batteries to mid-tech components, China continues to benefit from scale, supply chain integration and logistical efficiency that few countries can match.
But behind the headline numbers lies a new geometry in the global economy. A surplus of this size is not just a sign of “strength”; it also reflects deepening structural imbalances. While political rhetoric around the world emphasises reshoring, de-risking and strategic autonomy, dependence on Chinese goods is quietly increasing. Government speeches may point towards building self-reliance, yet markets from Europe to Southeast Asia remain stocked with products made in the provinces of Guangdong, Jiangsu or Sichuan.
Ultimately, China’s trade surplus is more than an extraordinary number. It represents a global paradox: countries want greater independence from China, yet their markets keep relying on Chinese production. They seek economic stability, yet their own policies often lean defensive.