By going global, local brands show quality matters the most

Long gone are the days when "Made in China" meant just affordability. Step into any shopping mall in Southeast Asia, scroll through influencer reels in Europe or walk the streets of North America, and you will notice how Chinese brands are no longer just alternatives, but trendsetters. Whether it is tech gadgets, electric vehicles, home appliances or bubble tea, Chinese products are now winning over global consumers with style, substance and storytelling.

This transformation reflects China's shift toward high-quality development, a fair and open market, and an unwavering commitment to innovation. A system once known only for manufacturing scale has now evolved into a sophisticated pursuit of original design, cutting-edge technology and user-centered experiences. Some foreign media outlets now acknowledge that Chinese products are increasingly setting new benchmarks of their own instead of mimicking their Western counterparts.

The global success of Chinese brands shows how design and emotional resonance are becoming central to consumer appeal. For example, electric vehicles from China such as BYD are not only technologically advanced and competitively priced, but also cater to a lifestyle and environmental ethos that many foreign consumers now prioritize. Chagee, a leading Chinese premium tea beverage brand, made its debut on the Nasdaq Stock Market in April, mirroring the rising presence of Chinese tea brands overseas. And toymaker Pop Mart's overseas stores are always swarming with excited customers.

Behind these outward successes lies the strength of China's industry chain and its ability to scale innovation. Being the world's largest manufacturing country with the most complete industrial categories, China provides fertile ground for startups and established brands alike to iterate rapidly, test ideas and move from concept to market at unmatched speed. Meanwhile, policies that support R&D, protect intellectual property rights and encourage digital transformation are helping nurture a brand culture that is both competitive and creative.

What is equally impressive is how many of these brands have learned to tell their own stories. No longer content to just supply, they now communicate, often directly, with the consumers. They leverage social media, the influencer culture and creative marketing to build global communities, not just customer bases. In this way, Chinese brands are not just exporting products, they are exporting ideas, values and new ways of seeing the world.

Of course, the rise of Chinese brands on the world stage also adds to the diversity of consumer choices. In a global market dominated by a few familiar names, the emergence of more high-quality Chinese brands brings healthy competition that drives down prices, boosts innovation and ultimately benefits consumers everywhere.

At the same time, China remains open and welcoming to international brands. As one of the world's largest and most dynamic consumer markets, China has become a testing ground for global companies to innovate and localize. Many foreign brands have found not just profits but also long-term growth opportunities by aligning with Chinese consumer trends, embracing digital platforms and contributing to the ecosystem. It is a win-win dynamic that reflects the best spirit of economic globalization.

Chinese brands, in going global, are showing that with vision, investment and cultural confidence, it is possible to break old stereotypes and shape a new global narrative, one where quality, creativity and inclusiveness matter more than ever.

As Chinese and foreign brands continue to learn from each other and grow together, global consumers stand to gain the most. After all, a more vibrant, competitive and cooperative global marketplace is in everyone's interest.

- Zhang Xi, China Daily