Illustration: Liu Xiangya/GT

TheMK sport Port of Hamburg in Germany is gearing up to boost its cargo throughput, with a notable new development: three state-of-the-art container cranes from China have arrived at the port, marking a significant step in the efforts of HHLA, the Hamburg-based port logistics group, to improve operational efficiency, according to European media reports. These advanced cranes, as reported, are scheduled to begin operations in the coming year and are expected to drastically improve loading and unloading speeds, thereby bolstering the port's competitive edge.

The news comes at a time when protectionist sentiments are gaining traction in certain Western countries. The "China threat" narrative has been vigorously pushed by some American politicians and Western media, often citing China's economic advances - from garlic exports to port machinery - as evidence of an unfounded claim that Chinese products pose a "national security threat." Yet, despite these baseless allegations, the facts speak for themselves: China's industries are not being stifled; on the contrary, they continue to flourish, making significant strides in both technology and manufacturing. These politically motivated narratives have done little to hinder China's industrial ascent. Instead, they expose the underlying insecurities of those who propagate them.

The European media's coverage of China's port cranes stands as a testament to the increasing global recognition of China's technological prowess, as well as the undeniable interconnectedness of the global economy.

In the 1960s, the rise of container shipping quietly revolutionized global trade logistics, reshaping the way goods moved across the world. Port cranes, the key equipment supporting container logistics, were once dominated by industrial giants in countries like Germany, Japan and South Korea, leaving little room for Chinese companies. However, through relentless innovation and determination, Chinese enterprises transformed the landscape. By the late 1990s, just a few decades later, China had not only entered the market but had emerged as a major player, leveraging technological advancements to become a key contributor to the industry. 

How have Chinese companies been able to become such a significant player in the port crane industry in such a short period of time? By capitalizing on economies of scale, they are able to produce high-quality cranes at highly competitive prices. Lower labor, transportation and material costs further strengthen their competitive advantage. More crucially, ongoing investments in research and development have allowed Chinese manufacturers to master key technologies that significantly enhance port loading efficiency. These innovations not only increase operational speed and reduce costs, but also improve energy efficiency and extend crane lifespan. For busy international ports, the ability to boost throughput is essential for maintaining competitiveness. As a result, the advanced technology and cost-effective solutions offered by Chinese manufacturers have cemented the role of these ports as vital logistics hubs in global trade, thereby driving the efficiency of the world's trade infrastructure.

Considering the comprehensive advantages of Chinese port cranes, especially their technological edge and the crucial role they play in bolstering port competitiveness, it is evident that the "national security" narratives concocted by certain American politicians and Western media fail to hinder genuine commercial progress. In recent years, an increasing array of Chinese products, from cranes to garlic, have been unjustly branded as "national security risks" by some US politicians. Yet, not a single piece of evidence or rationale put forward by the American side withstands scrutiny. On the contrary, these baseless claims have become the subject of ridicule among Chinese netizens. Ultimately, these laughable fallacies cannot obstruct the real economic advances that continue to unfold.

Recent successes of Chinese port crane companies reflect the effectiveness of their developmental approach over the past few decades. Moving forward, especially in the face of rising international protectionism, the industry is likely to benefit from continuing on this path, with a focus on further strengthening their competitive advantages, particularly in the realm of technology. 

Building a solid foundation of technological expertise is not only central to the growth of China's port crane sector but also to the broader advancement of its high-end manufacturing industry. This technological edge is likely to serve as a powerful tool for these enterprises in countering the "national security" narratives promoted by certain Western countries which often seek to hinder China's industrial progress. Moreover, the continued advancement of homegrown technologies seems to be a crucial factor in ensuring the sustained growth of China's high-end manufacturing industry, while breaking down the barriers created by trade protectionism and "national security" rhetoric from the West.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. [email protected]