Scmp iconScmpSep 28, 2026

China is no longer just the world’s factory. It’s the HQ

For over two decades, China served as the dominant manufacturing centre, with an unmatched concentration of suppliers, skilled labour, infrastructure, logistics and engineering capabilities. Interpreting this as the decline of Chinese manufacturing would be a mistake.

China is no longer just the world’s factory. It’s the HQ

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For over two decades, China served as the dominant manufacturing centre, with an unmatched concentration of suppliers, skilled labour, infrastructure, logistics and engineering capabilities.

Interpreting this as the decline of Chinese manufacturing would be a mistake.

China is exporting parts of its manufacturing process while retaining the industrial capabilities that matter...

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The useful part

For over two decades, China served as the dominant manufacturing centre, with an unmatched concentration of suppliers, skilled labour, infrastructure, logistics and engineering capabilities. Interpreting this as the decline of Chinese manufacturing would be a mistake. China is exporting parts of its manufacturing process while retaining the industrial capabilities that matter...

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The global electronics industry is entering a structural transition.

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