Yanwen’s blog

1/3/2025

A recent experience made me reflect on a big difference between Chinese children growing up in America and those raised in China. When we suggested helping my daughter purchase an apartment in Brooklyn, she flatly refused, insisting she would do it herself. In contrast, most of her peers in China, including my relatives in Beijing, fully expect financial assistance from their parents when buying a home.

Back to today’s topic, towards the end of 2024, I came across an article in The Economist, “China is catching up with America in quantum technology.” The piece opens with a striking anecdote:

"In a small shop in the eastern Chinese city of Hefei, one of the rarest pieces of technology in the world is on display. The quantum computer in the showroom of Origin, a Chinese startup, looks ready to be plucked from the shelf and fired up. Only 20 such devices are produced globally each year. It is unclear what in Origin’s showroom is for sale, but none of it is supposed to be seen by foreigners. During your correspondent’s visit, which was agreed on in advance, the company panicked at the sight of a foreigner, abruptly cancelled interviews and notified the police."

This engaging introduction captures the reader's attention and vividly illustrates the secrecy and geopolitical tension surrounding quantum technology.

The article delves into several key points:

1. Sensitivity and Strategic Importance:     The article emphasizes the profound importance of quantum technology, comparing its geopolitical significance to weapons manufacturing. As it notes, "Few industries outside of weapons manufacturing are so sensitive."

2. Categorized Analysis:     By dividing the quantum field into three areas—communications, sensing, and computing—the piece provides a clear framework. It highlights China’s leadership in quantum communications, competitiveness in sensing, and relative lag in computing.

3. Acknowledging China’s Achievements:     The article recognizes China as the "undisputed leader in quantum communications" and acknowledges its competitiveness in quantum sensing. This reflects a degree of respect for China's advancements in these sophisticated areas.

4. Framing the U.S.-China Competition:     The article juxtaposes China's progress against America's dominance in quantum computing, particularly through innovations by American firms like Google. This framing underscores the high stakes of this technological race.

5. Surprise and Strategic Anxiety:     The tone conveys both surprise and a sense of unease about China's rapid rises in a field with profound geopolitical and military implications, portraying China's progress and advancements as a challenge to the West's longstanding supremacy.

There is a Chinese saying, “不鸣则已，一鸣惊人” (bù míng zé yǐ, yī míng jīng rén) "A bird has been silent for a long time, but astonishes all when it finally sings." It describes someone who remains quiet or low-profile for a period, only to shock or impress the world with a sudden and significant achievement. It perfectly aligns with China’s quiet yet steady advancements in quantum technology, which now cause the U.S. to be taken aback by the speed of progress. It emphasizes surprise and the dramatic shift in perception.

In essence, the profound "strategic anxiety" felt in the U.S., serves as a mirror to China’s remarkable advancements in quantum technology. As China cements its leadership in quantum communications and remains competitive in sensing, its rapid progress in a field with transformative potential is challenging the technological supremacy which the U.S. has long taken for granted.

This anxiety underscores the stakes of the quantum race, where breakthroughs could potentially redefine global power dynamics, military capabilities, and economic dominance. Rather than praising China's strides in innovation, the article serves as a wake-up call to the West.

1/2/2025

The second day of the new year is here, and before diving into today’s main topic, I’d like to share an interesting insight.  

A study found that people who enjoy discussing and planning for the future tend to perform better academically, develop fewer bad habits, exercise more, save more money, and work harder. The young, the healthy, and the affluent are naturally more inclined to focus on the future, while the elderly, the unwell, and those who have once faced hardships often gravitate toward reflecting on the past.  

The key point is: if significant change is inevitable in the future, our greatest strength lies in our ability to anticipate it positively. A forward-looking, optimistic mindset not only helps us meeting challenges but often leads to better outcomes.

Just as individuals can transform their lives with an optimistic outlook, nations can address environmental challenges through forward-thinking initiatives. One such effort is China’s Great Green Wall.

China has achieved an extraordinary environmental milestone with the completion of a 3,000-kilometer "green belt" encircling the Taklamakan Desert, the world’s second-largest shifting sand desert. 

The United Nations has acknowledged China's "Great Green Wall" as a significant effort in combating desertification and promoting environmental restoration.

Launched in 1978, the program has planted more than 30 million hectares of trees, boosting China’s forest coverage from approximately 10% in 1949 to over 25% by the end of 2023. 

Remarkably, China now plants over 2.5 billion trees annually and has added approximately 700,000 square kilometers of forest since the 1980s—an area equivalent to 5 New York States.

A 2019 NASA study underscored China’s environmental leadership, revealing that the country contributed roughly 25% of the global increase in green vegetation between 2000 and 2017, making China the largest single contributor to global greening during that period.

A Chinese saying describes this perfectly, "众志成城 (zhòng zhì chéng chéng), meaning: the collective will can build a strongest city. This saying speaks to the power of collective determination and effort for a greater good like building the Great Green Wall.

Finally, China’s monumental achievements not only benefit its ecosystem but serve as a global model for combating climate change and desertification. Just as individuals thrive when adopting a forward-looking, optimistic mindset to anticipate and embrace change, nations too can rise to meet challenges with collective determination and vision.

China’s Great Green Wall demonstrates how visionary leadership and sustained effort can transform even the most inhospitable landscapes. By planting billions of trees and restoring ecosystems, China provides lasting benefits for future generations—a shining example of how the power of collective will, as captured in the saying "众志成城", can build not only a strong city but a stronger, greener planet.

Way to go!

Happy New Year!

New Year’s Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm as a time for fresh beginnings: resolutions, hopes, and promises of transformation, with 365 days of potential stretching ahead. Yet, if we pause to reflect, isn’t New Year’s Day just like any other day? Every morning brings 24 brand-new hours, brimming with possibility, no matter the date. So why reserve this sense of renewal for only one day a year?

Imagine waking up every morning with the same excitement and resolve that accompanies January 1st. Each sunrise offers an opportunity, set tasks, and make progress toward a life filled with purpose and creativity. Treating every day as a new beginning allows us to release the weight of yesterday’s mistakes and fully embrace the present moment with hope.

Bill Gates once remarked, "Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years."

This insight sheds light on why many ambitious goals remain unfulfilled. 10 years may seem distant, but each day is what we have now, offering a chance to move closer to our dreams.

The true challenge lies in showing up with each sunrise, taking solid steps forward, and overcoming the inertia or distractions that each day brings.

As we begin a new year, here are a few tips to make this time of renewal meaningful:  

1. Big goals are built on small, daily steps. Dreams only materialize when anchored in consistent effort.  

2. See your dreams in daily actions. Discipline is the bridge between vision and reality.  

3. Break goals into manageable tasks. Think of each day as a building block toward your larger ambitions.  

4. Celebrate small wins. Acknowledging progress, however modest, helps sustain motivation and makes the journey more rewarding.

Often good news does not arrive with loud gongs and drums but flows in quietly like deep waters.

Finally, I’d like to share a lesson from this Chinese saying, and I hope you find it meaningful as well:

“不积跬步，无以至千里；不积小流，无以成江海.” (Bù jī kuǐ bù, wú yǐ zhì qiān lǐ; bù jī xiǎo liú, wú yǐ chéng jiāng hǎi)

“Without accumulating small steps, one cannot reach a thousand-mile goal; without gathering small streams, a river or sea cannot take form.”

This ancient proverb reminds us that achieving great goals requires consistent, incremental effort. It echoes the idea of treating each day as an opportunity to take small, meaningful steps toward a larger dream.

12/31/2024 Today marks the final day of 2024. Each year, I encourage my children, my students, and myself to reflect on the past while envisioning the future—a tradition instilled in me by my father. He believed that looking back gives clarity to the paths we've traveled, while looking forward inspires purpose for the journey ahead.

As I sit down to write, I can’t help but review the monumental events that defined this year. Though I personally may not have reached any milestones, the world has experienced a whirlwind of change.

In the United States, a historic political comeback saw Donald Trump return to power, reshaping the American political landscape. Meanwhile, the Gaza Strip remains engulfed in suffering and massive life losses, as relentless Israel bombings continue to devastate the land. The war in Ukraine entered its bloody third year with no end in sight, a grim reminder of the valuable peace that we so enjoy.

On a brighter note, China witnessed extraordinary advancements, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. EV adoption surged, positioning the nation far ahead of Western markets and signaling its leadership in electrification and clean energy innovation.

Among these events, one stands out as a fitting conclusion to 2024: the announcement of China’s CR450 high-speed train prototype on December 29. This engineering marvel not only breaks records but also points to a future of efficiency, innovation, and progress.

CR450: A Leap in Rail Technology

The CR450 high-speed train brings groundbreaking advancements in rail technology, setting a new global benchmark for speed, energy efficiency, and passenger comfort.

1. Unprecedented Speed  Operating at a design speed of 400 km/h (249 mph) and testing at 450 km/h (280 mph), the CR450 is the world’s fastest operational train. To put this into perspective, the 2,900-mile journey from San Francisco to New York could be completed in just 12 hours at this speed.  

2. Aerodynamic Excellence  Its streamlined design reduces aerodynamic drag by 22%, ensuring stability and efficiency even at ultra-high speeds. Noise-reduction measures enhance the travel experience, offering passengers a quieter and more pleasant ride.  

3. Energy Innovations  With a lighter structure—10% less than its predecessors—the train consumes less energy while maintaining exceptional performance. Advanced propulsion and braking systems further improve energy efficiency and reduce its environmental footprint.  

4. Enhanced Passenger Experience  Equipped with cutting-edge suspension systems and smart interior features, the CR450 offers a smooth and luxurious journey. Modern amenities like ergonomic seating, climate control, and smart lighting create an optimal travel environment.  

5. Safety and Reliability  Advanced braking systems improve deceleration performance by 20%, while seismic resistance ensures safety in earthquake-prone regions. Intelligent monitoring systems and semi-autonomous driving technology make the train a pinnacle of smart transportation.  

6. A Symbol of Global Leadership  The CR450 represents China’s dominance in high-speed rail technology and innovation, with implications for international collaboration and rail infrastructure exports. Its success solidifies China's position as a leader in sustainable transportation.  

A Fast Train for a Fast-Moving World

As we bid farewell to 2024, the CR450 high-speed train serves as a powerful symbol of the year’s advancements. It heralds an era of rapid development, where technology continues to redefine the possibilities of connectivity and efficiency.  

May this innovation inspire all of us to move forward with the same speed and determination in the coming year, embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Here’s to a fast-moving 2025, where progress knows no bounds.

Finally, I want to end the year with the phrase "既往开来" (jì wǎng kāi lái), meaning "to learn from the past and look forward to the future." This mindset, balancing reflection with forward momentum, is what I want to share today—moving forward with energy and embracing the future with unwavering momentum.

12/30/2024

I value feedback from my children and friends, especially when they take on the role of devil's advocate. These exchanges are challenging but enriching, like a nutritious meal I am still learning to savor and digest.  

Three days ago, I read with excitement about the Jupiter One, China's 30 MW pure hydrogen generator. I hope you’ll share my enthusiasm for this remarkable achievement in clean energy.

A Breakthrough in Clean Energy Technology  

The Jupiter One, the world’s first and largest pure-hydrogen electrical generator, recently completed its first successful full-system test by Mingyang company in Guangzhou, China. Representing a significant milestone in clean energy innovation, this 30 MW generator showcases the critical role hydrogen can play in the global transition toward sustainable energy.

Here are some of the key functions and advantages of the Jupiter One:  

1. Power Generation Using Hydrogen.   The Jupiter One produces electricity by burning pure hydrogen in its gas turbine, emitting only water as a byproduct. This eco-friendly process provides a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuel generators that release harmful greenhouse gases.

2. Grid Stabilization.  A stable grid is essential for reliable electricity supply, but renewable energy sources like wind and solar can be intermittent. The Jupiter One addresses this challenge by providing consistent, steady power to balance fluctuations, ensuring the grid remains stable and capable of meeting demand.

3. Reducing Renewable Energy Loss.  Excess energy from wind or solar often goes unused due to grid limitations, leading to inefficiencies. The Jupiter One mitigates this loss by integrating with hydrogen production systems. Surplus energy can be converted into hydrogen via electrolysis, stored, and later used as fuel for the generator when needed.

4. Enhancing Energy Storage.  While the Jupiter One is not a storage device, it supports hydrogen as a flexible energy storage solution. During periods of excess renewable generation, hydrogen can be produced and stored, ready for use during high demand or low renewable output.

5. Demonstrating Large-Scale Hydrogen Combustion  The Jupiter One proves the viability of hydrogen combustion at a commercial scale, overcoming technical challenges like oscillations and emissions. Its success opens the door for more widespread adoption of hydrogen-based power generation.

6. Reducing Fossil Fuel Dependence. By utilizing hydrogen—a clean and renewable energy carrier—the Jupiter One reduces reliance on coal and natural gas, aligning with global goals to decarbonize energy systems and transition to sustainable alternatives.

7. Supporting Industrial Applications The generator’s 30 MW capacity makes it suitable for powering not only residential and commercial grids but also industrial facilities, where large, reliable power sources are critical. 

Why the Jupiter One is a Cutting-Edge Innovation  

A Technological First   As the largest and most powerful hydrogen generator in the world, the Jupiter One marks a breakthrough in hydrogen combustion technology, setting a benchmark for future developments.

Hydrogen as a Clean Energy Vector     Hydrogen’s potential as a clean energy carrier lies in its ability to produce only water as a byproduct. By scaling hydrogen combustion, the Jupiter One provides a tangible pathway to reducing emissions and addressing climate change.  

Solving Renewable Energy Curtailment   The Jupiter One plays a role in solving renewable energy curtailment by converting surplus power into hydrogen for storage and later use, effectively addressing energy waste and grid limitations.

Scaling Hydrogen Infrastructure   This project demonstrates the potential for hydrogen energy systems, encouraging investment in hydrogen production, storage, and transportation.

China’s Leadership in Clean Energy   With unparalleled renewable energy investments, China continues to lead in clean energy innovation. The Jupiter One strengthens China’s position as a global leader in renewable technology.

Addressing Geographic Energy Imbalances   China’s renewable energy resources are concentrated in the west and north, while demand is highest in the east and coastal areas. The Jupiter One bridges this gap by utilizing surplus renewable energy for hydrogen production, which can then be transported to where it’s needed most.

A Symbol of the Energy Transition   Beyond its technical achievements, the Jupiter One symbolizes the transformative potential of hydrogen energy in creating a cleaner, more resilient global energy system.

The world can expect the dawn of a hydrogen-powered future, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enabling a global shift toward sustainable energy systems.

By the way, reading and writing about the Jupiter One has taught me something new, and I hope it does the same for you, in the spirit of 活到老, 学到老 (Huó dào lǎo, xué dào lǎo), meaning: One is never too old to learn.