Yanwen’s blog

Last Thursday, November 21, the news was dominated by the escalation of the Ukraine-Russia war—a deeply troubling development as we approach Thanksgiving and the holiday season here in the U.S.  

From the U.S. election and promises of peace talks to today’s worsening situation, I found myself trying to connect the dots and understand how events unfolded to this point.  

There are at least two ways of interpreting the current state of affairs. The more pessimistic perspective suggests that the Biden administration is deliberately undermining Trump’s promises to end the fighting. The more optimistic view is that the administration seeks to strengthen Ukraine’s position ahead of future negotiations.

Regardless of the reasoning, one harsh reality remains unchanged: more lives will be lost on both sides as a result of the ongoing conflict. By February, the war will mark its third year. I recall thinking about Leo Tolstoy and his novel back in 2022 when the war first began.

What would Tolstoy think if he were alive today? Surely, he would condemn the conflict. Tolstoy believed that war reveals the worst in humanity—greed, pride, and the unrelenting pursuit of power and possessions. As he once wrote: "War is such a terrible thing that no man, especially a Christian, has the right to voluntarily assume the responsibility of starting it."

This also brings to mind another profound Russian writer, Fyodor Dostoevsky, author of Crime and Punishment. His works explored timeless questions of morality, free will, faith, suffering, and redemption—issues that remain as relevant today as they were in his time.

Crime and Punishment, on the surface, examines a crime committed out of poverty. Yet Dostoevsky’s own life, marked by financial struggles and desperation, may have inspired its opening chapters.

In 1866, Dostoevsky found himself in dire financial straits due to gambling debts and other obligations. Desperate, he signed a highly unfavorable contract with publisher Fyodor Stellovsky. The terms stipulated that if he failed to deliver a new novel by a set deadline, Stellovsky would gain the rights to all of Dostoevsky’s past and future works without compensation.

Dostoevsky procrastinated for eleven months and only began work on the novel as the deadline approached. In October 1866, with less than a month remaining, he hired a young stenographer, Anna Snitkina, to help him dictate the book. Together, they worked tirelessly, and Dostoevsky completed the novel just in time to meet the deadline.

But perhaps the greatest outcome of this frantic period was Dostoevsky’s relationship with Anna. Just a few months later, in February 1867, they were married. Anna became an indispensable partner, managing his finances, organizing his work, and editing his later novels. Most importantly, their marriage brought much-needed stability to Dostoevsky’s tumultuous life.

In reflecting on the Ukraine-Russia war, Tolstoy and Dostoevsky remind us of the enduring cost of human conflict and the moral questions it raises. Their works urge us to seek understanding, compassion, and peace in the face of division and violence—lessons as vital today as they were in their time.

One week after the U.S. election, I came across the headline, “Evonik Expands Specialty Amines Production in China.” This news is noteworthy because Evonik is not only the second-largest chemicals company in Germany but also one of the world’s leading specialty chemicals producers.

The timing of this announcement is particularly meaningful—coming shortly after an election where Trump’s 'America First' rhetoric signaled a potential return to protectionist trade policies. It highlights Evonik’s strategic foresight in preparing for an increasingly complex global trade landscape. The move is significant in a few ways.

Diversification to Mitigate U.S. Market Risks

This move reflects Evonik’s deliberate strategy to diversify its operations and reduce dependency on the U.S. market. If the U.S. were to impose additional tariffs or trade restrictions, global companies like Evonik would face higher costs exporting to the region. By strengthening its presence in China, Evonik positions itself to withstand such challenges. A Chinese saying fits here, 鸡蛋不要放在一个篮子里 (Jīdàn bùyào fàng zài yī gè lánzi lǐ) "Don’t put all your eggs in one basket."

Capitalizing on China’s Lucrative Market

Despite ongoing trade tensions between Europe and China, Evonik recognizes China as the world’s largest market for industries heavily reliant on polyurethane and epoxy products, such as construction, electronics, and automotive manufacturing. Establishing a stronger foothold in China ensures Evonik’s access to this highly lucrative market, enabling the company to meet growing regional demand effectively.

Leveraging China’s Manufacturing Advantages

China offers more than just market opportunities—it is also a formidable production hub. With advanced infrastructure, skilled labor, and cost-efficient manufacturing, China provides a competitive edge in production capabilities. This new facility will enable Evonik to balance its production footprint between Western markets and Asia while catering directly to the rapidly expanding Asian market.

Avoiding Tariff-Driven Costs

A localized production facility in China eliminates the need for cross-border trade of intermediate goods, helping Evonik avoid tariff-related expenses and supply chain disruptions caused by trade disputes. Proximity to key customers also ensures faster delivery times and reduced transportation costs, which are critical during periods of global trade volatility.

Thriving in a Multipolar Trade Environment

In a world shifting toward a multipolar trade order, Evonik’s enhanced presence in China positions itself to thrive in both worlds. Asia, with its growing economic influence, is increasingly becoming a key driver of global trade. A strong base in China ensures Evonik remains competitive and well-prepared to capitalize on this shift.

By expanding its specialty amines production in Nanjing, Evonik aims at strengthening its foothold in a critical market, which demonstrates its strategic agility and pragmatism in an era of geopolitical and economic uncertainty. This decision reflects a clear understanding of the trend and the global trade landscape and a commitment to long-term growth.

A few days ago, I came across a BBC article about China's ultra-high-voltage direct current (UHVDC) transmission system, specifically the Xiangjiaba–Shanghai UHVDC project, which has been in service since 2010. I found myself wondering why the BBC chose to highlight this news 14 years after the operations began. 

Dubbed the "bullet train for power," this technology enables the delivery of electricity over long distances, starting in Yibin, Sichuan, and ending in Shanghai. It marked the beginning of an era where China built an extensive network of ultra-high-voltage (UHV) infrastructure, transporting electricity generated from hydro and wind sources in remote regions to densely populated cities.

Electricity travels almost as fast as light and is costly to store, which makes immediate transmission essential as soon as it is generated. The UHV technology, while not originally invented by China, has become a cornerstone of the country's energy system. It allows efficient transmission of electricity across vast distances, a critical solution for connecting renewable-rich but remote areas with energy-hungry urban centers.

Here are key insights from this news:

1. By reducing transmission losses, UHV lines enable renewable energy to travel long distances efficiently, minimizing energy losses and facilitating large-scale clean energy deployment.

2. UHV systems ensure electricity is quickly transmitted from generators to consumers, addressing the challenge of real-time power delivery.

3. UHV infrastructure demands significant investment and operational efficiency to justify its costs. China mitigates these challenges through centralized funding by state-owned grid operators, enabling ambitious infrastructure projects.

A Broader Perspective:

The Chinese saying, "欲穷千里目，更上一层楼" (Yù qióng qiān lǐ mù, gèng shàng yī céng lóu), translates to "If you want to see a thousand miles further, ascend another level." It reflects the spirit of pushing boundaries to achieve greater heights and broader perspectives. This aptly captures China's plan to innovate and elevate its energy infrastructure. The UHV grid represents a bold step in overcoming challenges and driving progress in the global renewable energy transition.

In conclusion, China's UHV grid serves as a pioneering model in energy transition, offering valuable technical insights and lessons on scaling renewable energy infrastructure effectively.

Finally, I’d like to share one of the reasons I highlight China’s achievements on my blog. I believe it’s essential to take a balanced view when evaluating a country. Much like individuals, no country is defined entirely by its strengths or weaknesses. I focus on China’s strengths because the mainstream media in the United States often overlooks them, disrupting this balance. My hope is that my children develop a more open-minded perspective, embracing views that differ from the ones they encounter daily in America.

By the way, today is November 23, and our family is leaving for Paris for the Thanksgiving break; we’ll be back in December.

At the end of 1989, my children's grandparents visited the United States. During their stay, we went shopping for gifts to take back to China. They specifically wanted items made in America, but to their surprise, every toy they picked up was labeled "Made in China."

Grandpa was beaming with pride at this discovery, as though the toys were Chinese brands. However, I knew that these were American brands outsourcing their manufacturing to China to take advantage of cheaper labor. Back then, I wondered when China would begin creating its own globally recognized brands.

Fast forward to today: as China has lifted millions of rural citizens out of poverty, I’ve come to realize that these are the people toiling behind every assembly line, producing toys, electronic gadgets, and countless other goods that fill every American homes today. I feel compelled to document this extraordinary transformation—an evolution as dramatic as night turning into day—especially given the lack of coverage in Western media. It’s a story my children, and others, deserve to know. Especially to my children, if I don’t tell it, who will?

Challenges in Telling the Story

Finding credible, objective sources to tell this story remains a challenge. Western mainstream media often overlook China’s achievements, while Chinese sources are frequently dismissed as biased. However, exceptions start to emerge. Milestones like the Shanghai-Wuhan-Chengdu (HuHanRong) High-Speed Rail Line are too significant to ignore, compelling even skeptical media to acknowledge China’s advancements.

On November 12, Newsweek reported on the world's second-longest high-speed rail project nearing completion. This ambitious 2,078-kilometer railway is another testament to China's global leadership in high-speed rail.

A Closer Look at the Milestone

China already has the world's largest and most advanced high-speed rail network. The HuHanRong line, along with the existing 2,298-kilometer Beijing-Guangzhou line (the longest globally), solidifies China's position at the forefront of railway technology and infrastructure.  

One highlight of the HuHanRong project is the completion of the Zhanghe Rail Bridge, a feat of engineering that overcomes challenging geography to ensure the railway’s longevity. Such infrastructure projects exemplify China’s ability to tackle complex technical challenges while setting global benchmarks.

The Philosophy of Progress

A Chinese saying goes, “要想富，先修路” (yào xiǎng fù, xiān xiū lù), meaning: "If you want to prosper, build roads first." This wisdom reflects the underlying strategy behind China's massive infrastructure investments. The high-speed rail system is more than a transportation network; it’s a catalyst for economic integration, regional accessibility, and sustainable development.

Implications for China’s Future

When the HuHanRong line becomes operational next year, it will slash travel times, boost east-west economic integration, and unlock new opportunities for growth in China's west. Currently, China's economic development is heavily concentrated in its eastern coastal regions, leaving vast areas in the west underdeveloped. One of the Chinese government’s top priorities in the coming decades is narrowing this gap by developing the western regions. Projects like HuHanRong are key to achieving this goal.

China’s transformation from a low-end manufacturing hub in the late 1980s to a global leader in advanced infrastructure and other areas is nothing short of miracles — a story worth telling, even if it's too often overlooked.

Here are a few snapshots from daily life.  

Last month, I purchased an item on Walmart's website for $14. By November 15, the same item was priced at $20. I've noticed similar price spikes for other products as well. After some research, I learned that businesses are preemptively adjusting prices in anticipation of tariff hikes expected next year. Perhaps I should start storing some basic necessities now to prepare for the heavy uncertainty we are facing now.

Most parents are familiar with the concept of school bullying, known as 霸凌 (bà líng) in Chinese. The first character, 霸 (bà), conveys "tyranny, dominance, or aggressiveness," while the second character, 凌 (líng), means "to insult, humiliate, bully or mistreat." Lately I'm wondering: do children learn this type of behavior from observing adults?  

Recently, I witnessed—and even experienced—a mild form of bullying at the YMCA swimming pool. My friend Amy, who is four years older than me, jumped into the pool and began swimming on one side of the lane, as sharing lanes is common due to the limited space. However, a strong, assertive woman who was already swimming in the lane deliberately bumped into Amy, acting as if she hadn’t noticed her. “You’re in my way,” the woman said curtly.

Later, Amy shared her frustration with me. “She’s so aggressive!” she said. I replied that I’d had a similar experience and added, “Some people behave like school bullies, even though they are adults. The best we can do is avoiding them. Remember, the whole purpose of our coming to the gym is to stay healthy. Letting them upset us defeats that purpose.”  

This advice applies not just to individuals but also to nations. Some countries behave like bullies on the global stage. For countries like China, whose primary goal is economic development and lifting its millions out of poverty, it’s crucial to stay focused on what truly matters and not allow distractions—or aggressors—to derail its progress toward achieving long-term objectives.