German Media: Arrogant Europeans in Denial: After dominating the electric vehicle market, China is now rapidly advancing mass production of human-like robots, while complacent Europeans remain lost in romanticized nostalgia for their "glorious past."

A guest commentary published by Neue Zürcher Zeitung wrote that after seizing leadership in the electric vehicle market, China is swiftly pushing forward the mass production of human-like robots, while Europe’s complacency keeps its people immersed in sentimental memories of past glories. Frankfurter Rundschau noted that China is simultaneously developing multiple forms of electrical energy and rapidly becoming an "electrified nation."

The Neue Zürcher Zeitung guest commentary stated that in 2024, China’s global market share in both electric vehicles and batteries has exceeded 70%. Thanks to technological advancements and innovative business models, several Chinese automakers are fundamentally reshaping the entire industry and exerting immense pressure on traditional European car brands. Until 2020, Western automakers dismissed Chinese EVs with contempt, believing there was no need to respond. As a result, Europe missed the opportunity to transform its automotive industry, allowing Chinese electric vehicles to dominate the global market. The commentary, titled “The Delusion of European Superiority,” wrote:

"Behind many of China’s success stories lies the Five-Year Plan. The 14th Five-Year Plan, approved by China’s National People’s Congress on March 13, centers on the development of artificial intelligence. This plan may have an even greater impact on Europe than electric vehicles. China positions AI as a core technology driving economic transformation, industrial modernization, social development, and national security. Research focus has shifted from developing new AI technologies to AI+, meaning the widespread application of this technology. The goal is systemic integration of AI across economic and social sectors—for example, AI-driven manufacturing, AI-powered sales, AI education, or AI healthcare."

Through the application of artificial intelligence, China aims to produce both the most competitive robots globally and the finest consumer goods. This will prevent the recurrence of Western industries relocating to low-income countries. Furthermore, a production dominance supported by AI will enable China to better counteract diplomatic pressures led by the United States and manage demographic challenges more effectively. Thus, China’s development slogan will no longer be “Get rich before getting old in China,” but rather “[Stay wealthy while aging in China].”

"China Has Already Warned Us"

The authors of this guest commentary in Neue Zürcher Zeitung—Juan Wu and Christian Berger, lecturers at the University of Applied Sciences in Zurich, and Professor Alexander Kleiner from Hangzhou Dianzi University—wrote that China is rapidly advancing its AI strategy, and the West has already reached a broad consensus: if China dominates in AI, it could lead to catastrophic consequences for the economy, politics, and society. Yet what has Europe done to prevent such a scenario?

"Westerners still romantically reminisce about past glory and strive to maintain the status quo. Meanwhile, China has already moved beyond its dominance in the EV market into mass production of humanoid robots.

Europe hasn’t just lost the trade war—it is now reaping the consequences of its own cultural stagnation. Europeans persist in wanting to act as referees for the world and attempt to set rules for global competitions they’re increasingly unable to join. Europe’s data protection regulations and AI legislation create a regulatory environment where any effort to train AI models must constantly face legal challenges. While China builds tomorrow’s production lines, Europe focuses on refining yesterday’s compliance departments.

A painful truth is that this isn’t merely a failure of government—it’s a societal malaise. European consumers have grown weary of innovation. While the Chinese embrace the wealth promised by the AI era, Europeans unite in opposition to building computing centers. We enjoy the fruits of past prosperity but refuse to bear the risks and efforts that once created them.

…

China has already sounded the alarm. We should not focus on trade protection measures, but instead reclaim the innovative spirit that once made Europe great. With 750 million people, the European continent clearly possesses the potential to grow stronger. But if we fail to realize this potential, then Europe and Switzerland will become beautiful, highly regulated museums—while the rest of the world strides boldly into the future."

Frankfurter Rundschau commented that the Iran war triggered a global energy crisis, further highlighting the importance of affordable electricity. The article emphasized that developing power infrastructure is not only essential for building robust industries, enabling full digitalization, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also critical for decreasing dependence on oil. Regarding China’s power trends, the commentary stated:

"Although China has limited oil resources, it firmly adheres to the principle that 'electricity is strength.' Two decades ago, China’s power generation capacity was comparable to that of the EU; today, China’s power output has quadrupled, while the EU’s has slightly declined. Since 2011, China has surpassed the United States to become the world’s largest electricity producer, and its current generation capacity exceeds that of the U.S. by more than double."

Meanwhile, electricity’s share in China’s final energy consumption has rapidly grown to over 30%. This growth is built on the simultaneous development of wind, solar, conventional coal power, nuclear energy, and large-scale hydropower. Last year, China significantly expanded its power generation capacity, rapidly evolving into what is being called an 'Electro State' (a fully electrified nation).

Original: toutiao.com/article/1861288476088324/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) alone.