Yanwen’s blog

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

My 93-year-old mother read about President Trump imposing tariffs on Canada and other countries. She asked me, "Why Canada, an ally?" The answer lies in oil—Canada supplies four million barrels per day to the U.S.

According to Reuters, in the week ending January 3, 2025, U.S. imports from Canada hit a record 4.42 million barrels per day. The Congressional Research Service confirms that Canada was the largest supplier of crude oil to the U.S. in 2023, accounting for nearly 60% of total imports.  

On January 27, 2025, I wrote about DeepSeek. Now that the initial hype has settled, the conversation around AI has shifted. Large language models (LLMs) like DeepSeek are no longer seen as the ultimate goal but rather as stepping stones to more impactful applications in robotics, automation, and predictive analytics. Here are a few thoughts:

1. The Diminishing Hype Around LLMs   While models like DeepSeek and GPT-4 remain groundbreaking, the field is moving toward smaller, more efficient AI models that run directly on devices—phones, AR glasses, and more—reducing dependence on cloud computing. That said, LLMs still play a critical role, especially in enterprise AI solutions, ensuring they remain valuable even as their revolutionary appeal fades.

2. Humanoid Robotics: The Next AI Frontier   The next major wave in AI will likely be robotics, with companies like Tesla (Optimus), Figure AI, and numerous Chinese firms investing heavily in this space.  Given China’s dominance in mass manufacturing and AI development, it is well-positioned to capitalize on this shift, especially as aging demographics create demand for eldercare robots.

3. The AI Race and Geopolitical Tensions   China is advancing rapidly in AI adoption, particularly in manufacturing and service industries. However, this acceleration could heighten geopolitical tensions, leading to an AI arms race.

Looking ahead, AI will move beyond chatbots and text generation into real-world applications like robotics and automation. LLMs, while still foundational, may become less revolutionary over time as AI integrates more deeply into everyday life.

The bigger question remains: will global powers collaborate on AI development, or will rivalry shape the next era of tech progress? Unfortunately, for now, competition seems to be prevailing over cooperation—because, get real, after all, we are human.

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

The day after I arrived in Beijing on January 22, 2025, I came across a surprising headline: "In 1st, Chinese Astronauts Produce Oxygen and Rocket Fuel Ingredients"—and it was reported from Istanbul. Imagine that!

China has achieved a major breakthrough by successfully producing oxygen and rocket fuel components aboard its space station for the first time.

According to the report, astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station conducted the world’s first in-orbit artificial photosynthesis experiments, generating oxygen and ethylene, a key ingredient in rocket fuel.

These 12 experiments are designed to support long-term space survival and China’s ambitious goal of sending a crewed mission to the moon by 2030.

Using semiconductor catalysts, they transformed carbon dioxide and water into oxygen, mimicking the natural photosynthesis process of plants.

This breakthrough holds profound implications for the sustainability of deep-space missions, reducing reliance on Earth-supplied resources. By generating essential materials in space, China is paving the way for longer missions—and perhaps one day, a journey to Mars.

Currently, there are two operational space stations in orbit: 1. International Space Station (ISS) – A multinational space station led by NASA, with contributions from Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada, operational since 2000. 2. Tiangong Space Station – Operated by China National Space Administration (CNSA), it was completed in 2022 and is China’s fully independent modular space station.

Space technology and artificial photosynthesis are not things most people encounter daily. The key takeaway here is that Chinese astronauts have successfully created oxygen and rocket fuel in space—an important step for future deep-space missions.

The big picture is that this experiment helps astronauts reduce their dependence on Earth and stay in space longer. Science moves fast, but curiosity is what matters most!

Monday, February 3, 2025

While chatting with a young relative about online shopping, I mentioned that I had also shopped at 东京网站 (Dōngjīng Wǎngzhàn). Seeing where I was at, he quickly responded that he trusted 京东 (Jīngdōng) more than other sites. It was then that I realized my mistake. Such a simple slip-up might have invited mockery from some relatives, but instead of laughing, he gently corrected me by repeating the word correctly.  

Growing up with limited oral communication skills, I’ve often faced ridicule for making minor mistakes like this—so much so that I developed the habit of speaking slowly, carefully monitoring my words. But this young relative, instead of embarrassing me, chose kindness. His quiet correction, free of judgment, was a rare gesture in my experience—one that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Last year, I stumbled upon videos of Chinese influencers donning traditional costumes while traveling abroad. Their goal was to promote an appreciation of Chinese culture. These influencers shared their experiences on Douyin, the Chinese equivalent of TikTok, and their videos often garnered massive attention, quickly going viral.

What struck me most was the confidence these young people exuded. They were not afraid to stand out in foreign settings, proudly showcasing their cultural heritage. Inspired by their enthusiasm, I decided to delve deeper into this phenomenon and explore its broader implications.

The revival of hanfu and other traditional attire among young Chinese people has evolved into something more than just a fashion trend. It’s deeply tied to cultural pride and a desire to reconnect with the past.

Social Media & Aesthetic Appeal  – Platforms like Douyin and Xiaohongshu have facilitated and fueled demand for visually striking outfits. Traditional attire has become an ideal choice for travel photography and social media content, thanks to its unique aesthetic appeal.

Cultural Reconnection – For many young Chinese, wearing hanfu is a way to celebrate their historical heritage, express national pride. It also represents an attempt to break free from the dominance of Western fashion trends and reclaim their cultural identity.

Economic Impact – The growing hanfu market demonstrates that this trend is more than a niche interest. For instance, the surge in sales of horse-face skirts (马面裙, mǎ miàn qún) during the Double 11 shopping festival reflects its mainstream appeal.

Local Tourism Boost – Cities like Xi’an and Beijing, home to rich cultural histories, have embraced this trend. Tourists can now explore ancient landmarks while dressed in hanfu, enhancing their cultural experience.

It’s fascinating to observe how this movement weaves together history, commerce, and digital culture, creating a vibrant fusion of the past and present.

Sunday, February 2, 2025

Foreign Policy site offers an interesting analysis titled "Europe’s Four Different Ways of Handling Trump: From Vacuous Moralizers to Pragmatic Engagers, European Governments Are Divided Once Again."

The article outlines four distinct groups in Europe regarding their approach to Trump's presidency: 1. Right-wing populist leaders, like Hungary's Orban and Italy's Meloni, ideologically align with Trump but pursue their own strategic interests. 2. The pragmatic engagers, including Poland and the Baltic states, prioritize strong U.S. ties due to security concerns and support increased defense spending. 3. The moralizers, exemplified by Germany's Scholz, emphasize international norms but hesitate to take a leadership role in confronting security threats. Finally, 4. France sees transatlantic tensions as an opportunity to assert its vision of European strategic autonomy. These divisions complicate Europe's ability to present a unified stance on U.S. relations.

On a lighter note, last week, I chatted with my family and friends. One notices some behavior among the second generation of Chinese-Americans towards DeepSeek. Specifically, some of them have been vocal in expressing pro-U.S. and anti-China views—sometimes even more vehemently than the average American.

This phenomenon is complex and multifaceted, rooted in personal maturity, identity struggles, external pressures, the need to feel secure, and historical context.

Identity and Assimilation – Growing up in America, many second-generation immigrants feel a strong pressure to prove their full American identity and loyalty among "Americans," often without the hyphen. This pressure is especially strong among young people, who may adopt anti-China stances as a way of demonstrating loyalty to the U.S. and distancing themselves from any perceived dual allegiance. For some, this is a reaction to the fear of being seen as "foreign" because of their yellow skin.

Reaction to Political Pressures – In today's hostile climate of heightened U.S.-China tensions, some Chinese-Americans may feel compelled to publicly affirm their alignment with American values in order to avoid being seen as disloyal. This phenomenon isn't new in American history; other immigrant groups have faced similar pressures to sever ties with their ancestral homelands in times of geopolitical stress. For example, during World War II, Japanese-Americans faced immense pressure to prove their loyalty to the U.S.

Personal Maturity and Confidence – Some second-generation Chinese-Americans are mature enough to avoid this identity crisis. They are confident in who they are, comfortably straddling both cultures. However, many others, feeling insecure and under pressure to identify with mainstream American society, may overcompensate by adopting more extreme anti-China views. This overcompensation is a defense mechanism against feelings of insecurity and a desire for acceptance.

Historical Parallels – There's a striking parallel to the Cultural Revolution in China, where some individuals performed extreme acts of loyalty to demonstrate their "purity" as revolutionaries. Similarly, some 2nd-gen Chinese-Americans may feel the need to express more intense anti-China sentiments to prove their loyalty and gain credibility and acceptance in American society. This historical context highlights how geopolitical tensions can exacerbate internal conflicts within immigrant communities.

A Diverse Spectrum of Experiences – Of course, individual motivations vary, and not all 2nd-gen Chinese-Americans hold these views. The issue is complex, revolving around identity, belonging, personal maturity, and psychological insecurity. 

Ultimately, it may be best understood as a response to the pressures of assimilation and geopolitical realities faced by people torn between two conflicting worlds. In fact, many individuals successfully navigate their dual identities, confident and embracing both their Chinese heritage and American upbringing. These individuals often serve as bridges between cultures, fostering mutual understanding and respect.

Saturday, February 1, 2025

I once wrote something in response to a friend’s question: How do you find time to write every day? Lately, I find myself repeating what I said then—the key to getting anything done is focusing on what truly matters.

This is especially challenging today, with countless social media platforms and an endless stream of news vying for our attention. If I scatter my time indiscriminately across various sites, consuming irrelevant information, I’ll have little left for what actually matters.

A Chinese saying that fits here is 专心致志 (zhuān xīn zhì zhì) – to concentrate one's mind and efforts wholeheartedly. It emphasizes complete dedication and focus on the task at hand.

One of my favorite U.S. presidents is Woodrow Wilson, a professor turned president. Named after him is a Washington, D.C.–based think tank, the 10th one in the world in 2020, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (WWICS). They consistently publish thought-provoking analyses, and one article, not new anymore, caught my attention: "China Is the Top Trading Partner to More Than 120 Countries."

The piece highlights China’s expanding role in global trade. China has become the largest trading partner for over 120 countries, including major economies such as Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Russia, and even the European Union. This growing network underscores China’s increasing influence in international commerce.

The article notes, with a touch of nostalgia, the rise of China's role together with the decline of U.S. trade dominance. Once the world’s leading trading power, the U.S. now finds itself lagging behind in partnerships. This shift raises questions about the U.S. political will to build robust trade partners and agreements. For example, in 2016, both major U.S. presidential candidates rejected the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), signaling a retreat from trade leadership.

In contrast to the U.S. retreat, China has actively developed and strengthened trade relationships, securing its position at the center of global commerce. As more countries engage with China, the economic balance continues to shift.

The article paints a clear picture: the role once held by the United States is now occupied by China. Whether this transformation is temporary or marks a lasting realignment remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: the world is changing rapidly.