Chinese technology going global more than just a commercial triumph: Global Times editorial

Illustration: Liu Rui/GT

Two significant developments have emerged recently in China’s tech going global. First, South Korea’s Samsung Electronics has signed a patent licensing agreement with China’s Yangtze Memory Technologies (YMTC) to acquire 3D NAND hybrid bonding technology from the latter. As a leader in the memory chip industry, it is rare for Samsung to acquire patent licenses from Chinese companies, and this move has been described as a “significant encouragement” to Chinese companies that have long been dedicated to independent research and development. Second, UK’s battery manufacturer Walkreck reached a licensing agreement with China’s Far East Battery (FEB) to use its technology to make batteries. Industry experts predict that more European battery companies will need Chinese capital and expertise to scale up their operations. 

Both of these collaborations are deeply rooted in technical considerations. The “hybrid bonding” technology owned by YMTC is crucial for Samsung to quickly achieve mass production of the next-generation (V10) flash memory chips, making the acquisition of the patent license an inevitable choice for Samsung. On the other hand, Walkreck, a UK battery startup supported by the government, needs to avoid the failures of prominent companies such as Britishvolt and Sweden’s Northvolt. It is therefore a rational decision to absorb China’s mature technology to lower production costs. These examples show that Chinese companies, through their technological innovation and openness, have integrated themselves into the global tech industry chain, becoming an indispensable part of technological progress.

Moreover, the “multiplier effect” of these collaborations extends far beyond the technology itself. It’s undeniable that in recent years, economic cooperation between China and South Korea, particularly in high-tech sectors, has been increasingly disrupted by external factors and political pressures, with some in South Korea even worried that such collaborations may undermine the country’s international competitiveness. In reality, while there is competition in the high-tech field, the potential for cooperation is much larger and broader. 

Similarly, China-Europe economic and technological cooperation has also faced obstacles, especially with some unfairly perceiving Chinese electric vehicles as a “shock” or “threat” to Europe. However, when Samsung overcomes the technological bottleneck with the help of Chinese patents, and when Walkreck addresses cost issues with Chinese solutions, they not only offer a strong rebuttal to these claims but also mirror a new vision for global tech cooperation: China is transforming its local innovations into shared global development dividends with an open posture.

China’s technological going global is not only characterized by a human touch but also guided by a broader vision. From Southeast Asia’s digital payment systems to Africa’s smart agricultural networks, from Latin America’s advanced port construction to the 5G infrastructure networks in the Middle East, Chinese technology, which is going global, builds an ecosystem of innovation, sharing the fruits of progress with the world. It has brought forth a “blue ocean” of inclusive global innovation and development opportunities. By integrating cutting-edge technology with localized innovation, Chinese enterprises are not only generating economic value but also driving digital inclusion and social equity. 

It is reported that Washington still prepares to tighten restrictions on technology exports to China, limit bilateral tech investments, and pressure countries like Japan and the Netherlands to follow suit. Politicizing technology in this way contradicts the natural course of technological advancement and yields no positive outcomes beyond political rhetoric. 

Data from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) shows that China has topped the global ranking in international patent applications for five consecutive years, making it one of the fastest-growing countries in terms of innovation over the past decade. Research reports indicate that China’s contribution to publications in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing now accounts for over 40 percent of the global total. 

The facts have proven that in the realm of technology, the more one tries to block others, the smaller one’s own development space becomes. Human wisdom is multidimensional and not confined to a single path. No country monopolizes all the answers. Every “small yard and high fence” will ultimately become a “Maginot Line.” The true value of technological breakthroughs lies not in self-assumed hegemon but in driving progress for all of humanity. 

Some countries justify their refusal to engage in technological cooperation under the pretext of national security. However, China’s success in its technology going global demonstrates that true technological security does not come from building barriers but from continuous innovation and deep integration into global supply chains. By fostering international cooperation, innovation flows more freely, creating a framework for shared success. With an open and inclusive approach, China’s global tech going global is not about seeking so-called “technological hegemony” but about demonstrating through action that tearing down barriers is the key to shared innovation dividends – cooperation and mutual success are the true paths forward.