Industrial robots are operating on an intelligent production line in a smart manufacturing enterprise in Yangzhou, East China's Jiangsu Province. Photo: VCG

Despite uncertainties in the international political environment, Chinese manufacturing will keep going global, as evidenced by the optimistic attitude of Chinese companies in their pursuit of outbound investment.

Over 90 percent of firms are optimistic about the prospects of overseas investment, and more than 80 percent will maintain or expand investment abroad, according to a survey released by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) at a press conference on Friday.

In the context of challenges in the global economy, the steady willingness of Chinese companies to pursue investments abroad is the inevitable result of China's growing strength in industrial competitiveness, and an important reflection of Chinese companies' active embrace of the global economy, which represents a valuable opportunity for cooperation that should be cherished and encouraged. 

To a certain extent, the steadfast pace of Chinese companies in outbound investment is driven by the demand and high recognition of Chinese manufacturing on the global stage. After years of development, China's manufacturing sector has established strong production capabilities and technological accumulation, becoming an indispensable part of the global supply chain. China has a complete industrial system, with 41 industrial categories and 666 industrial subcategories, making it the only country in the world with all industrial categories listed in the UN's industrial classification. China's rapid rise in manufacturing has brought high-quality and cost-effective goods and services to global consumers, greatly promoting the deep integration and collaborative development of global industrial and supply chains.

For Chinese companies, particularly those within the manufacturing sector, the international market serves as a vital platform for growth and expansion. With the rise in manufacturing strength, Chinese companies are facing a growing need to expand their businesses, forge new partnerships, and explore untapped markets. 

The world needs China, just as China needs the world. This mutual demand creates a solid foundation for Chinese companies' foreign investment and cooperation, while simultaneously contributing to the prosperous development of the global economy.

Moreover, the rapid development of Chinese manufacturing in recent years has also accumulated strong momentum for going global. China's manufacturing sector has made remarkable strides in technological innovation, product quality, and production efficiency, gradually transitioning from traditional labor-intensive sectors to high-tech, high value-added industries. These achievements enable Chinese companies to compete with their Western peers in the international market. The strength of Chinese manufacturing serves as crucial support for Chinese companies as they venture into global markets and showcase their capabilities by offering more competitive products on the world stage.

However, Chinese companies also face external challenges in their foreign investment endeavors. It is undeniable that, in the short term, the US and its allies' containment of Chinese manufacturing, such as increased investment restrictions and actions aimed at excluding Chinese companies from the global industrial chain, will present obstacles and challenges to Chinese companies. 

Nevertheless, from a long-term perspective, US containment is unlikely to effectively stop Chinese companies going overseas. 

Instead, it may only motivate Chinese companies to diversify their investment destinations, so as to better adapt to the demands and challenges of the international market. 

In the long run, Chinese manufacturing, with its strong capabilities, outstanding quality, and reasonable prices, is bound to capture a larger share of the global market.

In addition, the model of Chinese manufacturing going global is continuously evolving. It is no longer limited to merely exporting products but is increasingly focused on fostering cooperation and mutual development. For instance, the CCPIT survey found that Chinese companies favor investment opportunities in countries and regions participating in the Belt and Road cooperation, according to Xinhua. 

This approach not only generates job opportunities and promotes local economic growth but also enhances the local industrial landscape and technological capabilities. As a result, it achieves a mutually beneficial and win-win situation, thereby laying a solid foundation for the sustainable development of Chinese manufacturing in the global market.