A group of eight Western venture capitalists recently toured China's clean energy sector, and it's safe to say the trip was a reality check. After seeing the factories and talking with entrepreneurs, any lingering doubts they had about China's commanding lead simply evaporated.
From Skepticism to Shock
As reported by Bloomberg and cited in the Global Times, the VCs weren't completely in the dark; they knew the statistics. They'd heard that China supplies a staggering 80% of the world's solar panels, 60% of its wind turbines, 70% of its EVs, and 75% of its batteries—all while beating the West on price. But seeing that gap up close was something else entirely, forcing them to question whether European and American companies could even compete anymore.
American VC Ashwin Shashindranath put it bluntly, saying the trip revealed that many of his Western peers are trapped in an "information cocoon" about China. German VC Nick de la Forge was even more direct, admitting his perspective did a complete 180. Before the visit, he was skeptical that China could really be light-years ahead, but after seeing it for himself, he confessed that Western startups aiming to break into the battery or solar sectors are now off his investment list.
Screenshot of Bloomberg report.
The Secret to China's Success
So, what's the secret sauce behind China's dominance? The report points to a few key factors. One Shanghai-based clean energy executive explained to the investors that he can source every single component for his products locally, and these suppliers are incredibly flexible, willing to adjust their processes to meet his specific manufacturing demands.
The visit to CATL, a global behemoth in power battery manufacturing, left them grasping for words. The VCs could only describe what they saw with two superlatives: it was simply "the most automated, most advanced production lines" they had ever witnessed.
Bloomberg concluded that China's undeniable edge in the green energy transition is pushing many countries to seek closer ties. In short, China has become the world's most powerful engine driving the global shift to a low-carbon future.
A Different Strategic Mindset
The story didn't end with the Bloomberg piece. Several of the investors took to social media to share their personal takeaways from the trip, and their insights were just as revealing.
German investor Sebastian Heitmann reflected that the trip taught him a crucial lesson: clean energy isn't just about environmentalism. It’s about national resilience, security, and a long-term strategic upper hand. He noted that China is pursuing green energy with such incredible speed and scale because its leaders fundamentally grasp this strategic reality.
Fellow German investor Yair Reem was also struck by the sheer scale and efficiency, but he pointed out something else that left a deep impression. He observed a fundamental difference in startup philosophy: while Western startups often chase radical, game-changing innovation from day one, Chinese entrepreneurs prefer a more pragmatic path. They focus on steady, incremental improvements, commercialize quickly to win market share, and then drive the major innovative leaps.
This led him to an inevitable conclusion. Instead of pouring resources into a futile attempt to "replicate" China's battery and solar panel industries at home, he argued, Europe and the US need a complete change of mindset: it's time to cooperate.
Mao Paishou
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Forget what you thought you knew—global opinion is swinging fast. The Economist’s latest survey lands like a jolt across Western capitals, with its blunt verdict: China’s cultural clout, economic horsepower, and diplomatic finesse are soaring. The United States, meanwhile, finds itself tripping over Trump-era policy stumbles. Suddenly, the world stage isn’t a one-man show. China is catching up—fast.
The Economist calls the spike in support for China “startling”. Global Times isn’t buying it. For years, Western media stuck to the storyline—China’s rise must trigger anxiety. But people aren’t buying fear-mongering anymore. The data tells a different story. Pragmatism wins. China’s steady growth and consistent, peaceful diplomacy are finding friends everywhere. It’s not magic; it’s momentum. The more China delivers—on trade, stability, real benefits—the more the world leans in.
China’s support explodes in global poll, leaving the US playing catch-up.
Breadth, Depth, and Changing Minds
Follow the numbers. In a massive poll by the Economist and GlobeScan—32,000 voices, 32 countries, July to September 2025—China’s support rockets 11 points to 33%. The United States slumps to 46%, shy of a majority anywhere. Nearly 40% call China’s global footprint “positive”—a jump from Trump’s first term. Just ask the next generation.
Gen Z isn’t sitting on the fence—they’re almost split. 41% support the United States, 39% champion China. That’s neck and neck. Flip to the over-65 crowd and the gap yawns wide—America still gets the nod by thirty points.
Look south—the warmth toward China spikes in developing nations. Young people everywhere are more open, more enthusiastic. Recent research covering 46 countries had sixty percent rating China “positive.” The global South and the global youth are jumping on the China train, and it’s not a coincidence—it’s payoff for years of tangible benefits.
Indonesia’s high-speed bullet—Jakarta–Bandung Rail powers new opportunities.
China Delivers Real Results
The startling swing may be “partly thanks to China’s Belt and Road Initiative”, which has, in the past 10 years, “seen tens of billions of dollars invested” in regions like Africa and the Middle East.
Infrastructure isn’t a talking point—it’s a revolution. Belt and Road, global initiatives, iconic mega-projects like the China-Laos Railway, Jakarta–Bandung High-Speed Rail, Budapest–Belgrade Railway, and the Port of Piraeus don’t just flash headlines. They deliver: 420,000 new jobs, nearly 40 million people escaping poverty. China is laying track and lifting economies—and the world is noticing.
Labubu: China’s soft power icon storms abroad, collecting fans everywhere.
The Youth Go "Cool China"
Young people crave what’s fresh—and China’s got cool factor now. Innovation, culture, and brands like Labubu, TikTok, and Black Myth: Wukong are racking up fans overseas. Foreigners aren’t just watching—they’re coming, eager to engage. This vibrant, two-way flow builds new bridges, solidifying China's reputation as a destination, not just a headline.
TikTok: The youth can’t get enough, and China leads the digital dance.
China’s style of governance, with results for all to see, has smashed the old myth that “to modernize means to Westernize.” Countries are waking up—there’s more than one road to prosperity, and China’s path offers a real alternative for developing nations craving independence.
Global Times pulls no punches: “Unlike the rise of some major powers in history that came with war and expansion, China has always adhered to the principle of peaceful development.” In messy times, China’s steady hand—UN peacekeeping, hot-spot negotiations, and regional dialogue—makes it the stabilizing force the world is looking for.
China rejects hegemonic power tactics and calls for win–win deals with everyone. Rich nations get calls for mutual respect; developing countries get partnership with no strings attached. Dignity and trust aren’t just wordplays—they’re laid down as the new rules. As the Global Times concluded: “This approach has allowed more nations to feel respected and treated as equals, and many, especially those in the Global South, see China as a trustworthy partner”.
