At the Asia-Pacific Media Forum in Shenzhen on September 5, 2026, Professor Zhang Weiwei, director of the China Institute at Fudan University, offered a candid assessment of China's economic trajectory and contrasting fortunes between China and the West.
Reflecting on advice given to the US and Europe in the past, Zhang remarked: "It is regrettable that they keep making mistakes. Back then, we offered plenty of advice to the United States and Europe, yet they would not listen.
Up to this day, the West still harbors arrogance and ignorance. That is why I often say: "If worse comes to worst, we will just leave you in the dark."
Zhang emphasized that China's economy, while undergoing substantial structural adjustments, is "moving upward, and doing so rapidly."
He pointed to the emergence of new growth drivers, including new-energy vehicles and green products, with the "new three" strategic exports and emerging industries contributing to a thriving green sector. "By contrast, the US economy sees no new growth drivers," he observed.
While acknowledging challenges facing both economies, Zhang expressed confidence in China's capacity to resolve its issues under socialism with Chinese characteristics, whereas America's problems, he argued, "will be extremely hard to fix."
His remarks underscored a vision of a China that is not only resilient and innovative but also increasingly confident in charting its own path.
Reporter: Guo Zedong
Video editing & Cover: Pan Jiajun
