Yanwen’s blog

January 24, 2025

On January 20, while waiting at the gate at New York's JFK airport, I met a Korean couple. The man, 79 years old, was remarkably healthy and full of energy, chatting animatedly with me. He mentioned how, in Korea, it’s common to see elderly people like him who are active and healthy. The couple was visiting the U.S., having already toured the Washington, D.C. area. Curious about my travel choice, he asked why I chose Korean Air. I explained that there are very few direct flights between the U.S. and China, so travelers often rely on airlines from Korea, Japan, or Taiwan. These countries are critical "connectors" for international travel from the U.S. and China—a role reminiscent of how Vietnam, Mexico and other connector countries play the same trade function between China and the U.S.

One cultural observation stood out to me: on the Korean flight, when I said “thank you” to the service personnel, they didn’t respond. I’m certain they heard me, but their silence felt different from the customary acknowledgment one might expect.

The next day, while transferring at Incheon Airport, I struck up a conversation with two Chinese travelers from Toronto. We discussed China's rapid technological advancements. One senior Chinese posed an intriguing question: “But who invented these technologies?” The implication was clear—she believed many of these innovations originated in the West. While it’s true that the West has historically been the pioneer in many fields, moving inventions from "0 to 1," I added that China's strength lies in taking those ideas and scaling them up to unprecedented levels—turning "1 into 1,000 or even 1,000,000." An invention, no matter how groundbreaking, cannot reach its full potential if it remains confined to a lab or niche market. China has demonstrated unparalleled efficiency in bringing technologies like robots and electric vehicles to the masses in record time, transforming innovation into global impact like never seen before.

On my flight from South Korea to Beijing, I sat beside two young Chinese men, both born in 1998. One, from Yunnan, was a businessman with extensive activity in South America. He remarked that “90% of the goods people use daily in South American countries are made in China.” However, he shared frustrations about the challenges Chinese businesses face due to U.S. sanctions and trade restrictions, which is the major challenge for Chinese international operations.

The other young man, originally from Beijing, had a different story. He attended high school in Connecticut in 2013, completed college in Vancouver, and worked there after graduation. However, he recently lost his job and was now returning to China to celebrate the Spring Festival with his family. He said, I don't mind right now going back home and not returning to Canada. Job markets are not good anyway. Their journeys reflect the diverse paths young Chinese people are taking in an increasingly interconnected yet politically complicated world.

Reflections

These encounters highlight the interplay of culture, economics, and global dynamics. From a Korean elder’s pride in his nation’s health and vitality, to debates over innovation and its reach, to the resilience of young Chinese professionals navigating global challenges, every conversation offered a lens into how individuals experience and interpret the shifting tides of our interconnected world. While crossing physical borders when we travel, it also offers opportunity to understand the complexities of culture, opportunity, and progress.

January 23, 2025

Last Saturday, I met a nine-year-old girl at the YWCA swimming pool. She was swimming alone, sharing a lane with me. As we swam, we chatted. When it was time for me to leave, she swam to the edge of the pool to say goodbye, her cheerful wave leaving an equally cheerful impression.

Moments like these remind me of a simple truth I learned long ago: two groups of people most deserve the world's attention—children and the elderly. Both are vulnerable in their own ways, and yet, in moments like this, they remind us of the profound joy found in life’s simple pleasures. Perhaps this was one of those fleeting, meaningful moments—a child savoring a bit of happiness on an ordinary day.

Reflecting on such moments of connection reminds me of another kind of human achievement that brings meaning and pride, albeit on a much grander scale: the advancement of space technology. Earlier this year, on January 6, China achieved a significant milestone with the launch of the Shijian-25 satellite, (实践卫星25号, Shíjiàn Wèixīng Èrshíwǔ Hào).

At precisely 4 a.m., the Shijian-25 satellite was launched into orbit from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center aboard a Long March 3B carrier rocket. The mission was a success, with the satellite smoothly entering its designated orbit. Its mission is to verify critical technologies related to satellite refueling, servicing and repairing station and lifespan extension services—technological advancements that have the potential to reshape the future of space operations.

Why This Matters.  The successful launch of Shijian-25 is significant for several reasons:

Pioneering Satellite Sustainability     - Shijian-25’s primary mission is to validate technologies for satellite refueling and extending operational life. These innovations can drastically reduce the need for launching replacement satellites, making space activities more cost-effective and sustainable.

A Milestone in China's Space Program     - This mission marks the 555th flight of the Long March rocket series, a testament to the reliability and maturity of China's aerospace technology. Such milestones are symbolic of China's growing presence and expertise in space exploration.

Strategic Implications     - The ability to refuel satellites mid-mission has both civilian and military applications, from enhancing communications to improving surveillance capabilities. This technology places China at the forefront of advanced satellite servicing and space sustainability efforts.

Addressing Space Debris     - With the growing problem of space debris, extending satellite lifespans offers a proactive solution. Satellites that can be refueled or repaired instead of discarded reduce orbital clutter, contributing to global space sustainability efforts.

A Broader Perspective

As a technical achievement, the Shijian-25 mission reflects humanity's ongoing quest to push the boundaries of possibility. By addressing challenges like satellite sustainability and orbital debris, China is contributing to the shared goal of ensuring that space remains a viable domain for future generations.

From the cheerful wave of a child at the edge of a swimming pool to the quiet brilliance of a satellite’s journey into orbit, these moments remind us of our collective capacity to create, connect, and aspire. Whether it’s in the small joys of daily life or the monumental leaps of technological progress, they are all part of the same human story—one of optimism, innovation, and hope.

January 22, 2025

Early in January, the bitter cold made me wish I could hibernate like a bear until spring arrived. The thought of staying dormant was tempting, but unlike bears, we’re built to keep moving. Exercise is non-negotiable, even on the coldest days. So, with some reluctance, I bundled up in heavy layers, feeling weighed down as I trudged to the YWCA. By the way, Beijing feels warmer than New York, making it easier to go out.

Back from the gym that day, I came across some astonishing news: "China has set the bar high with a breakthrough in satellite-to-ground laser communications, surpassing Elon Musk's Starlink." This marked another milestone in China's rapid advancements in satellite communications.

Key Facts About the Achievement

1. Technological Breakthrough   China achieved a 100 Gbps transmission rate using laser communication—a remarkable leap forward. Laser communication offers distinct advantages over traditional radio frequency (RF) systems:

Higher Data Rates: Critical for handling the vast amounts of data generated by remote sensing and next-generation technologies.  

Reduced Interference: Less susceptible to environmental and signal interference compared to RF systems.  

Enhanced Security: Narrow optical beams make laser communication harder to intercept, boosting security.

This accomplishment positions China at the forefront of satellite communication technology, paving the way for advancements in 6G, ultra-high-resolution remote sensing, and enhanced satellite positioning systems.

2. Applications and Impacts  

The implications of this breakthrough extend across multiple fields:  

6G Networks: High-speed satellite-to-ground communications could become a cornerstone of 6G infrastructure, enabling seamless global connectivity.  

Ultra-High-Resolution Imaging: Rapid data transmission supports real-time, high-quality imaging for applications such as disaster management, agriculture, urban planning, and defense.  

Advanced Navigation: Improved satellite positioning systems could revolutionize navigation technologies, benefiting industries like autonomous vehicles and shipping.

3. Strategic Implications  

This development has broader strategic significance:  

(a) It showcases China’s growing expertise in cutting-edge space technologies, solidifying its position as a global tech leader.  

(b) The innovation could drive China's commercial space sector, fostering economic growth and technological innovation.

China’s 100 Gbps laser communication achievement is yet another example of its rapid technological progress. While undeniably impressive, the true impact of this breakthrough will depend on its scalability, commercialization, and practical integration into everyday applications.

China’s achievement in 100 Gbps laser communication is another example of its rapid technological ascent. Beyond the impressive numbers, this breakthrough signals a new chapter in satellite communication, with transformative potential for global connectivity, precision imaging, commercial potential, and advanced navigation. Still, more works are needed so that this innovation is scaled, integrated, commercialized, and applied to real-world scenarios. As we watch these developments unfold, one thing is clear: the race to redefine the future of communication has already begun.

January 21, 2025

I will arrive in Beijing this evening.

While I was reconnecting with my family, I couldn’t help but reflect on the changes I’ve seen in Beijing over the past year. Beyond the personal warmth of reunions, the city itself tells a story of marvelous resilience, reflecting the strength of the country. Amid the global discourse on Trump's tariffs, particularly targeting China, it is heartening to see one area where China’s industries remain resilient: cleantech  This sector stands as a beacon of optimism, yielding China and the Global South an opportunity to drive global progress in sustainable energy and environmental stewardship.

Cleantech Goes to the Global South

The Global South is becoming the dominant market for China’s clean energy exports, including electric vehicles (EVs), solar power, and wind equipment. According to the International Energy Agency, emerging and developing countries are expected to command 70% of the market share in solar photovoltaics and 60% in wind energy and battery storage by 2030. This trend reflects a long-term shift, as these regions increasingly prioritize green energy to support economic growth, urbanization, and electrification.

China’s ability to contribute its cleantech to meet the needs of emerging markets positions it as the go-to partner for sustainable development in the Global South. With advanced technologies, competitive pricing, and scalable production, China has not only filled the growing demand for renewable energy infrastructure, laid the foundation for a more environmentally conscious future, but more importantly, better prepared itself for protectionist tariffs from the U.S.

The Diminishing Role of the U.S. and EU in Cleantech

The declining export significance of the U.S. and EU opens door for China's diversification of its trade relationships, reducing reliance on traditional Western markets. In doing so, China is not only mitigating the risks associated with U.S. protectionist policies but also forging stronger economic ties with emerging nations outside U.S. and Europe. These partnerships hold the potential to redefine global trade dynamics, with cleantech at the forefront of cooperation.

Resilience to Trump Tariffs: A Global South Advantage

The U.S. tariffs would have minimal impact on China’s clean energy industry and export, particularly given the minor role of the U.S. market of clean energy adoption globally. Emerging and developing countries, driven by economic and environmental imperatives, will continue to lead the charge in adopting renewable energy technologies, promising a robust market for China’s cleantech exports.

Leading the World in Environmental Stewardship

The alignment between China and the Global South on cleantech not only strengthens their economic ties but also enhances their role as stewards of the Earth. By accelerating the global energy transition, these regions are setting a powerful example of how economic growth and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

In a world that is often preoccupied with the short-term trade policies and neglect of environment, the growth of cleantech in China and the Global South is a refreshing hope of humanity’s potential to rise above challenges and work toward a greener future.

January 20, 2025

When I told two of my Chinese friends at the YWCA that I was going to Beijing on January 20, 2025, their reaction was far less enthusiastic than mine. Both of them, being older and having lost their parents, couldn’t quite share in my excitement. I, on the other hand, feel fortunate that my mother is still with us, even though my father passed away far too early—38 years ago.

Interestingly, I’m not the only one planning a trip to China. Another name, far more famous than mine, has entered the conversation: Taylor Swift. Words are swirling about her potential concert in Shanghai, with the city government reportedly initiating discussions about hosting the global superstar.

Why This Matters

Not just another celebrity concert, Taylor Swift’s visit is a cultural and economic event with far-reaching implications. Here’s why:  

1. A Much-Needed Economic Boost    Taylor Swift’s ability to drive local economies through her concerts is well-documented. Her potential show in Shanghai could inject vitality into the city’s tourism, hospitality, restaurants and retail industries, particularly as Shanghai continues its post-pandemic recovery. With the city meeting its 5% economic growth target for 2024, this concert could serve as a catalyst for further growth in 2025. Shanghai’s strategic positioning as a global hub makes it an ideal venue for such a high-profile event.

2. A Bridge Through Culture and Soft Power   Taylor Swift’s influence transcends music; it represents the power of culture to build bridges.

- Cultural Connections: Her visit would underscore how music can bring people together, even amid geopolitical tensions. It offers an opportunity to foster goodwill between Chinese and American people at a grassroots level.  

- Engagement Over Conflict: By engaging directly with Chinese fans, Swift’s visit would highlight shared passions for music, creating a counterpoint to the divisive rhetoric that often dominates international relations and media.

3. Elevating Shanghai’s Global Image   Hosting a concert of this magnitude would further solidify Shanghai’s reputation as a world-class cosmopolitan city open to diverse cultural exchanges. It demonstrates China’s ability to attract world-class events, bolstering its global image and drawing international attention to Shanghai as a premier destination.

4. Seeking Common Ground    Cultural exchanges like these present a valuable opportunity to find common ground between nations. They remind us that despite political rivalries, shared interests and mutual benefits still exist. Such events challenge and even change negative perceptions fueled by geopolitical rhetoric and media coverage.

5. Inspiration for Creative Industries    Taylor Swift’s visit could act as a springboard for greater collaboration in the arts and entertainment sectors between China and the U.S. Her influence could inspire local artists to aspire to international recognition and encourage joint ventures in the creative industries.

Strategic Timing   The timing couldn’t be better. As Shanghai aims to position itself as a global destination for entertainment and tourism and much more, hosting a Taylor Swift concert would align perfectly with these ambitions. It oozes confidence in its global appeal and cultural significance.

A Chinese saying goes, “文化无国界” (Wén huà wú guó jiè) meaning "Culture knows no borders." This reflects the universal appeal of music and culture, highlighting how events like Taylor Swift's potential concert transcend political and geographical barriers to bring people together in shared experiences.

In a world too often divided by geopolitical tensions, events like Taylor Swift’s potential visit to Shanghai force people to see that culture is a force that knows no borders. Through music, shared experiences, and the universal language of artistry, we find opportunities to foster understanding and collaboration, transcending the divisions that often define our global landscape. As Shanghai prepares to host this iconic artist, it stands as a beacon of cultural connection, where people from all walks of life can come together, united by the joy of music, and perhaps, find common ground amidst the complexities of international relations.