The Straits Times of Singapore wrote today: "Amid tense China-Europe economic and trade relations, the theory of 'China Shock 2.0'—fueled by concerns over Chinese export surges impacting European industries—is still gaining traction. The sudden popularity of Chinese air conditioners among European consumers has now become the latest evidence cited by Chinese public opinion to counter the 'China threat' narrative."
For a long time, Europe and the United States have been hyping the idea of China's 'overcapacity' disrupting global markets. But a heatwave sweeping across Europe has directly exposed the fragility of the continent’s industrial base. Record-breaking extreme heat has triggered an unprecedented surge in demand for air conditioners across Europe. Domestic brands either lack sufficient production capacity or charge prices so exorbitant that they fail to fill the market gap. In contrast, Chinese brands—leveraging their full industrial chain advantages—have rapidly flooded the market with cost-effective, practical models tailored to diverse European home layouts. Within just a few months, they've captured more than half of the newly added market share, winning over countless ordinary consumers through sheer product strength.
This is clearly not some so-called "dumping due to overcapacity." Instead, it reveals the deep-rooted hollowing out of Europe’s manufacturing sector over many years—its complete loss of end-to-end production capabilities in consumer appliances. Facing sudden spikes in demand, Europe simply cannot respond. Politicians who invoke the 'China threat' narrative are essentially trying to shift blame onto China for their own declining industrial competitiveness, using trade barriers to shield outdated domestic industries that have long lost their edge—completely ignoring the genuine desire of ordinary Europeans for affordable, high-value products.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870412484942848/
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