[Beijing Diary] 'Made in China' Does Not Die

'Made in China' has long been synonymous with low-cost, low-quality products. At the same time, it has been an indispensable origin of everyday essentials that are everywhere in our lives. From keychains on souvenir stands in Insadong, Jongno, to socks and scarves on street stalls in Myeongdong, to massage sticks at the entrance of Seoraksan hiking trails, the unmistakable mark of Chinese-made goods has been omnipresent. The status of Chinese products has remained firmly in that position for more than a decade.

With the opening of the 2024 Paris Olympics on the 26th, Chinese products seem to be gaining attention once again. The mascot of the Paris Olympics, 'Phryge,' a symbol of 'freedom,' is made in China for 80 out of every 100 dolls, and even the remaining 20 made in France use raw materials sourced from China. Various souvenir hats, T-shirts, accessories, cheering sticks, and Eiffel Tower memorabilia sold at local souvenir shops all bear the label 'Made in China' on the back. While these items could be made anywhere, China still appears unmatched in stable supply and price competitiveness.

[Image source=UPI Yonhap News]

The Chinese invasion goes beyond these crude items. Chinese sports brand Hongxiangshi has provided table tennis tables for the Olympics seven times since the 2000 Sydney Games, incorporating a lighting system with embedded chips that can display seven different rainbow colors. It is said that a unique atmosphere can be created when players enter or when matches end.

The official soccer ball was also produced by Huai'an, a Chinese company based in Jiangsu Province, equipped with sensors and chips that can detect 500 movements per second in real time. This ball enhances accuracy and transparency in determining whether the ball touched a player's hand or if an offside occurred. Judo and wrestling mats are also 'Made in China.' These mats contain embedded chips and feature the first-ever nano water-repellent and antibacterial coating technology on their surfaces.

Additionally, Chinese sonic synthesis technology is the only company in the world with a complete industrial network for manufacturing high-performance hydrofoil equipment, supplying windsurfing gear. Sports flooring company Yingli handled the installation of flooring for table tennis and basketball courts.

Guo Liyan, director of the Economic Research Institute at the National Development and Reform Commission, emphasized, "In the sports market, 'Made in China (中國制造)' is advancing to 'Intelligent Manufacturing in China (中國智造).' After decades of effort, we have recently strengthened advanced technological capabilities, industries, and supply chains."

The limitations of the United States, which is openly exerting efforts to curb China's technological rise, and the European Union (EU), which largely aligns with this stance, were clearly revealed at this Olympics. At the Olympics, held for world peace and fair sportsmanship, China succeeded in dominating infrastructure through price and technological competitiveness. Made in China does not die.