Low-emissivity (low-E) window glass, a green technology for energy efficiency, can inadvertently act like a magnifying glass due to slight bowing, focusing sunlight and heat to potentially ignite nearby property. While architects avoid this in large buildings, poorly manufactured domestic versions pose a risk.
Panellists at the South China Morning Post's GBA-Asean Summit emphasized AI and green technology as key cooperation areas, stressing open data flows and shared digital standards between the Greater Bay Area and Southeast Asian nations.
EU leaders are considering trade defence measures against China's 'overcapacity,' but the author argues this is a misnomer. China's manufacturing growth stems from its integration into global supply chains and adherence to international standards, making its products competitive through efficiency and expertise, not unfair practices.
Western policymakers claim China has 'overcapacity' in steel, EVs, and green tech, flooding markets with subsidized goods. However, economic data suggests otherwise, with China's capacity utilization for ferrous metals within healthy EU ranges. The EU and US employ double standards, using arbitrary metrics and bypassing the WTO to impose protectionist measures.
Experts warn Europe is dangerously over-reliant on Chinese green technology, with China supplying 98% of the continent's solar panels, 88% of lithium-ion batteries and 61% of inverters. A report co-authored by former UK national security official Michael Collins says this creates serious economic and geopolitical risks, including potential 'kill switch' capabilities and supply chain vulnerabilities. The authors say Europe risks being forced to choose between opposing Chinese activity and maintaining its energy transition.
