Yanwen’s blog

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.

January 19, 2025

The growing likelihood of a TikTok ban in America has triggered an intriguing phenomenon: the rise of RedNote, a new platform now home to a wave of “TikTok refugees” — a term coined by users who have migrated to this app.  

How long RedNote will be allowed to stay and thrive in America before potentially facing similar fate is uncertain. However, one thing is clear: innovation and adaptation are unstoppable. As the Chinese saying goes, “凡墙皆有门” (fán qiáng jiē yǒu mén) — "Every wall has a door." For every obstacle, there is a solution, embodying the spirit of resilience and resourcefulness.  

This same mindset is also evident in China’s groundbreaking achievements in decarbonization. While global powers debate strategies, China is taking actions and leaping ahead, setting new standards in renewable energy and clean technology. Here are five areas where China is leaving the rest of the world behind:

1. Solar Energy Installations

- Between January and October 2024, China added 181.3 gigawatts (GW) of new photovoltaic (PV) capacity, with 20.42 GW installed in October alone.

- By August 2024, its cumulative PV capacity reached a staggering 770 GW, outpacing most countries by orders of magnitude. 

China's dominance in solar energy highlights its commitment to scaling renewable infrastructure. From constructing record-breaking solar farms in remote deserts to seamlessly integrating them into the grid, China’s industrial might and efficiency are unrivaled.

2. Ultra-High Voltage (UHV) Transmission Lines or A Bullet Train for Power

China's “West-to-East Power Transmission” initiative, covered by BBC, exemplifies innovation at scale. With over 48,000 km of UHV lines crisscrossing the nation, this advanced grid moves renewable energy from sparsely populated western deserts to bustling eastern megacities. These power highways, akin to bullet trains for electricity, solve one of the toughest challenges of renewable energy: efficient long-distance transmission.

3. Electric Vehicle (EV) Revolution  

- In 2024, China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) sales jumped 40%, reaching nearly 11 million units.

- November alone saw 1.3 million EVs sold, marking the third consecutive month of record-breaking sales.

With EVs making up over half of monthly car sales, China is transforming its transportation landscape. This surge is powered by government incentives, competitive domestic manufacturing, and a growing environmental consciousness among consumers.

4. Declining Gasoline Consumption

China’s embrace of EVs is reshaping its energy consumption profile. The transition is already reducing gasoline demand, accelerating the nation’s shift from fossil fuels to cleaner energy.

5. Long-Term Decarbonization Plans

China's ability to deliver on its decarbonization goals stems from a unique blend of central planning, industrial policy, and unwavering political commitment. Unlike countries hindered by short-term political cycles, China's vision spans decades, enabling consistent execution of big goals and projects.

While other nations are locked in words, China exemplifies action, proving that decisive governance and industrial innovation can overcome even the toughest challenges like global warming. The combination of bold vision, advanced technology, and relentless determination positions China as a leader in the global race toward a cleaner future.

January 18, 2025

Across Chinese social media, the buzz about Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book or RedNote) is unmistakable. This phenomenon has even captured the attention of American mainstream media like AP, CBS, Business Insider and many more.

It began with the potential U.S. Supreme Court ban on TikTok, prompting users to seek alternatives. While many speculated what might replace TikTok, few anticipated that Xiaohongshu would become a top choice.

By January 15, 2025, Xiaohongshu topped the Apple App Store’s free download charts in 87 countries, including the U.S., U.K., and Australia. Over 700,000 users joined the platform in just two days, calling themselves “TikTok refugees.”

Challenges for Xiaohongshu   Despite its rapid growth, Xiaohongshu faces significant hurdles:  

1. Cultural Fit: Many foreign users struggle to connect without local audiences or friends familiar with their content.

2. Infrastructure: Time zone differences, language barriers, and increased moderation demands test the platform’s capabilities.

3. Retention: Whether users stay long-term or treat Xiaohongshu as a temporary TikTok protest remains uncertain.

4. American government: of course the biggest elephant in the room is the US government. How long can people enjoy the Little Red Book before it meets the same fate as TikTok? 

Opportunities for Growth

1. Global Appeal: Some foreign influencers have discovered Xiaohongshu’s “traffic codes” and are already thriving on this new platform.  

2. Cultural Exchange: on a positive side, Xiaohongshu could connect global audiences, east and west, enhance mutual understanding, and transcend geopolitical rivals.

3. Travel and Lifestyle Hub: The platform’s focus on beauty, lifestyle, and travel offers unique opportunities for creators and promise a potential tourism interest in China.

The Big Irony

One of the biggest ironies of this shift is that, when faced with the TikTok ban because it's Chinese-owned, many users turned not to American platforms like Meta or Instagram but to another Chinese-owned app at the risk of another ban. This choice implies possible explanations:

1. Function Over Politics: Users prioritize a platform’s experience over its ownership or geopolitical implications.  

2. Rejection of American Alternatives: they turn away from American-owned platforms like Meta, Instagram, and YouTube, and choose Xiaohongshu symbolizing their protest against government ban.  

The Uncertain Future

The future of Xiaohongshu as a global platform hinges on the wisdom of American politicians, XHS’s ability to adapt and integrate its international audience. Will it sustain its momentum, or is this surge merely a fleeting trend?

At its core, every social platform—be it TikTok, Xiaohongshu, or even WeChat—thrives on connections, that is, our friend or family circle. The question is: do these TikTok refugees have friends on Xiaohongshu? Once the initial excitement wanes, what will they post? Without a supportive friend-circle or engaged community, will they stay, or drift back to familiar platforms like Meta or Instagram?

That said, some foreign influencers are likely to thrive during this wave. By mastering Xiaohongshu’s “traffic secrets”—such as adopting Chinese names, showcasing an appreciation for Chinese food and culture, speaking Mandarin, or performing Chinese songs—they’re already building followings. These influencers may find long-term success, transforming Xiaohongshu into a platform for new commercial ventures.

For now, Xiaohongshu offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolving social media landscape. Whether you’re a “TikTok refugee” or a Xiaohongshu native, this moment underscores the dynamic interplay of culture, technology, politics, and user choice.

So, enjoy the memes, the cultural exchanges, and the surprises that this new digital era promises to bring—one post at a time.

January 17, 2025

The other day, I saw two young boys pushing open the door to the YWCA swimming pool just as an elderly couple was exiting. The boys noticed the seniors but walked through without holding the door for them. It seems these boys were never taught the simple courtesy of holding a door for others, especially on respecting the elderly. I’ve long believed that anything good children know is taught to them, while anything bad they learn on their own.

During my daily video chat with my mother on January 12, 2025, she mentioned an exciting piece of news: the world’s first carbon fiber subway train had been launched in Qingdao. I've never heard of this. Curious, I looked it up and learned more about this groundbreaking development.

The "CETROVO 1.0 Carbon Star Express," developed by CRRC Qingdao Sifang Co., Ltd., began commercial operation on Qingdao Metro Line 1. Here are some of its standout features:

1. Innovative Material Use:    The train’s main load-bearing structures, including the body and bogie frame, are made of carbon fiber composite materials, marking the first global commercial application of carbon fiber in subway vehicles.

2. Lightweight Design:     Compared to traditional metal, carbon fiber offers the advantages of being lightweight, high-strength, fatigue-resistant, and corrosion-resistant. Carbon fiber reduces the train’s overall weight by 11%. The car body is 25% lighter, and the bogie frame is 50% lighter than traditional metal materials.

3. Energy Efficiency and Environmental Benefits:   The reduced weight cuts energy consumption by 7% during operation. Each train prevents 130 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, equivalent to planting 101 acres of forest. This aligns with sustainable transportation goals by minimizing energy use and emissions.

4. Cost-Effectiveness:   Advanced materials and technology lower lifecycle maintenance costs by 22%.

5. Technological Advancement:   The train represents a breakthrough in lightweight rail vehicle technology, addressing the limitations of traditional metal structures and driving progress in the carbon fiber materials industry.

The launch of the "CETROVO 1.0 Carbon Star Express" sets a new standard for sustainable, energy-efficient public transportation. With its innovative use of carbon fiber materials, the train also sets a new standard for responsible environmental stewardship, and technological advancement. Reducing weight by 11%, cutting carbon emissions by 130 tons annually, and lowering maintenance costs by 22% show a future where progress, economy and sustainability go hand in hand.

This breakthrough reminds us of the Chinese saying, “青出于蓝而胜于蓝” (Qīng chū yú lán ér shèng yú lán), means: Indigo blue is extracted from the indigo plant, but it surpasses the plant in brilliance. Like this train, humanity's greatest innovations often come from rethinking the materials and methods of the past, creating something that transcends its origins. The "Carbon Star Express" is a symbol of what can be achieved when a country combines ingenuity and a commitment to sustainability.