Author: shuiyaoinns.com

On October 24, the Australia Chushang Association held an exchange seminar in Sydney with a visiting delegation from the Hubei Provincial People’s Congress Legal Committee.

Key figures at the meeting included Li Zhifeng, Chairman of the Australia Chushang Association and Hubei Association, along with Executive Vice Presidents Wang Desheng and Li Zehua, Vice President Wu Hao, Executive Secretary General Wu Chu, and members of the Hubei delegation, such as Ye Xianlin, the Chairman of the Hubei Provincial People’s Congress Legal Committee, and other prominent officials.

In his opening remarks, Li Zhifeng highlighted the significance of this year, marking the 10th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Australia. He pointed out that, according to data from the General Administration of Customs of China, China has become a key trading partner for over 150 countries and regions, contributing more than 30% to global economic growth for several consecutive years. China has maintained its position as the world’s largest goods trading nation for seven years and ranks among the top three in foreign investment for eleven years running. Li asserted that China will continue to pursue high-quality development and high-level openness, which will not only unleash its own potential but also create new development opportunities for countries worldwide, including Australia. He emphasized that the strength of the home country provides valuable opportunities for overseas Chinese communities.

Li also noted that since its establishment, the Australia Chushang Association has adhered to its mission of “gathering intelligence and resources to serve the development of its members and Australia,” uniting Chushang entrepreneurs to foster economic and trade exchanges between Australia and Hubei. Moreover, the association actively fulfills its social responsibilities, organizing and participating in charitable activities that highlight the spirit of Chushang entrepreneurs and enhance their positive image.

During the seminar, Ye Xianlin expressed his admiration for the contributions of the Australia Chushang Association in promoting economic and cultural exchanges between China and Australia. He noted that the association has connected many Hubei compatriots living in Australia, transmitting and promoting the spirit of Chushang. Ye expressed his hope that they can continue to serve as a bridge to facilitate further cooperation and communication in various fields. He particularly acknowledged the support from the overseas Chinese community during the pandemic in Hubei, praising their selfless contributions as vital in aiding the region’s fight against the virus. He mentioned that Hubei’s economy and society have now returned to normal, thanks in part to the contributions from the overseas Chinese.

The discussions during the seminar also delved into collaboration and communication in fields such as legislation, water resources and environmental protection, logistics, and construction materials. Ye Xianlin presented a commemorative gift to Li Zhifeng on behalf of the Hubei Provincial People’s Congress Legal Committee, symbolizing the bond between the two regions.

Bloomberg reports that TSMC has identified the customer responsible for redirecting chips to Huawei. According to unnamed sources, TSMC discovered this month that chips it produced for a specific client ultimately ended up being used by Huawei, potentially violating U.S. sanctions aimed at curbing China’s semiconductor technology advancements. The sources indicated that TSMC proactively ceased shipments to this particular client around mid-month and informed both the U.S. and Taiwanese governments, launching a more thorough investigation into the matter.

John Moolenaar, chair of the U.S. House of Representatives Special Committee on China, called on the U.S. Department of Commerce and TSMC on Wednesday to explain why TSMC-produced chips were found in devices manufactured by Huawei.

Bloomberg notes that it remains unclear whether this TSMC client was acting on behalf of Huawei or where the client is based. Various media outlets have reported on this incident in recent days, providing differing accounts. Among them, The Information reported that the U.S. government reached out to TSMC recently to inquire whether the company was manufacturing chips for Huawei.

Another insider informed Bloomberg that officials from the Bureau of Industry and Security within the U.S. Department of Commerce met with TSMC executives in mid-October to discuss supply chain-related issues, including whether third-party distributors could provide regulated technology to China. This source described the meeting as collaborative, though it is not known if the discovery of TSMC chips in Huawei products was discussed at that time.

Since August 2020, Huawei has been on the U.S. sanctions list, which means that without government authorization, Huawei is prohibited from purchasing chips involving U.S. technology from TSMC and other fabrication firms. Over the past year, Huawei has relied on domestic partners like SMIC to manufacture semiconductors, including 7nm chips used in smartphones.

U.S. officials have often expressed skepticism about SMIC’s capacity to mass-produce 7nm chips and their performance. Now, as TechInsights dismantles Huawei’s latest AI chips, the discovery of TSMC products could reinforce U.S. government concerns.

TSMC has stated that it stopped all shipments to Huawei after September 15, 2020. When questioned about the TechInsights report, TSMC reiterated this position.

Bloomberg’s inquiries have not elicited comments from a TSMC representative on the latest developments, and Huawei spokespersons have yet to issue remarks. A spokesperson from the U.S. Department of Commerce had previously indicated on Tuesday that the Bureau of Industry and Security was “aware of reports regarding potential violations of U.S. export control regulations.”

In an email statement issued on Wednesday, TSMC affirmed its compliance with all applicable rules and regulations, including relevant export control regulations, and mentioned that it had proactively communicated with the U.S. Department of Commerce regarding these issues, currently facing no investigations.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Huawei asserted that since the implementation of the Foreign Direct Product Rules (FDPR) amendment in 2020 by the U.S. Department of Commerce, it has not had any chips produced by TSMC.

Taiwan’s Economic Minister Wang Mei-hua stated to reporters on Wednesday that Taiwan respects U.S. export control measures and will fully communicate with TSMC regarding these matters.

Representative Moolenaar criticized the discovery of TSMC chips in devices made by Huawei as a “catastrophic failure” of U.S. export control policies, emphasizing that “Congress needs immediate responses from both the Department of Commerce and TSMC concerning the scope and scale of this disaster.” Neither the Commerce Department nor TSMC provided immediate comments to Reuters on this matter.

On October 21, a significant upgrade unfolded at the Happy Ridge station on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, located in the Tuo River region, where temperatures have fallen below zero degrees Celsius. At an altitude of 4,756 meters, the station was buzzing with activity.

The work being conducted is part of a critical rail replacement project overseen by the Golmud Maintenance Division of the China Railway Qinghai-Tibet Group. Under the guidance of Xu Bing, the head of the division’s key maintenance workshop, the operation officially kicked off with a clear directive to the construction teams regarding the schedule and precise details of the task.

“This station’s rail replacement is a key part of the upgrades along the Golmud-Lhasa section. Our team must not only tackle the challenges posed by the harsh, high-altitude environment but also ensure that the project maintains superior quality throughout the replacement process,” said Xing Junliang, deputy head of the Golmud Maintenance Division, who is responsible for on-site project acceptance.

Positioned along the upper reaches of the Tuo River, Happy Ridge station serves as a crucial access point to the Tanggula Mountain Range. All equipment is situated within permafrost regions and high-altitude, uninhabited areas of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

To guarantee the quality and efficiency of the rail replacement, the Golmud Maintenance Division proactively prepared the site. Teams conducted thorough inspections and closely monitored the project as they readied the area for the laying of new steel tracks.

Initial operations involved the dismantling of existing tracks. Amid the roar of internal combustion wrenches, crews systematically removed nuts and bolts, swiftly extracting old rails and installing new ones. Meanwhile, critical welding and freezing tasks for damaged rail ends were underway, with workers expertly setting up welding molds for aluminothermic welding. As the molten metal poured from the crucibles, the heat radiated through the chilly air.

By 3:05 PM, after three hours of intensive labor, the team successfully completed the installation of the P60 side-milled new rails at the Happy Ridge station.

“After a thorough site inspection, we found that today’s rail replacement fully utilized the 180 minutes of the scheduled downtime, achieving the construction goals with high quality. This upgrade will effectively address operational issues like train swaying, rail wear, and damage caused by rail joints in the station’s switch area,” Xing Junliang added.

International Perspective
The Path to Cooperation Among the Global South: China’s Approach
2024 is set to be a landmark year for cooperation among the Global South. As a key member of this global family, China is consistently taking practical steps to foster unity and rejuvenation among developing countries. From commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to successfully hosting the 10th Ministerial Meeting of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum and the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, China has been actively supporting the successful organization of significant events like the “Big BRICS” summit in Russia and the G20 and APEC meetings in Brazil and Peru. These efforts aim to build platforms for strengthening solidarity and cooperation among developing nations while cultivating consensus and tangible outcomes, thus paving a unique Chinese path that harnesses the collective power of the Global South.

China advocates for mutual respect and cooperation toward modernization paths that suit each country’s unique context. In the face of a rapidly changing world, some Western nations persistently apply double standards, exerting pressure and exploiting the vulnerabilities of developing countries. Many nations in the Global South struggle with limited capacity to safeguard their sovereignty and a lack of international voice. As the world’s largest developing country, China has successfully navigated its own path to modernization, debunking the myth that modernization equates to Westernization. This approach broadens the choices available to developing countries in their modernization journeys, emphasizing respect for each nation’s autonomous decisions and fostering an environment of inclusive dialogue and harmonious coexistence.

In pursuing mutually beneficial outcomes, China remains steadfast in advancing pragmatic cooperation. Recent years have seen a rise in anti-globalization sentiments, eroding consensus on openness, leading to localization and regionalization of global production and supply chains, and widening the gap between the Global North and South. As the world’s second-largest economy, China actively promotes a global development initiative aimed at building an open world economy, avoiding discriminatory or exclusionary standards, and fostering trade, investment, and technological collaboration. This commitment is recognized by many Southern nations, who view China as a “contributor of opportunities” and a “source of hope.” By aligning its global development initiative with crucial international agendas like the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, China works to safeguard the rights and interests of developing countries. Initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative create platforms for cooperation, sharing development opportunities and establishing models of mutually beneficial partnerships, as seen in the implementation of the “Eight Common Actions” between China and Arab nations, the steady progress of the “Ten Partnerships” with Africa, and the evolving China-Latin America Community. Additionally, China supports the expansion of cooperation mechanisms such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, fostering market demand and invigorating development quality across the Global South.

China is committed to principles of fairness and justice while actively engaging in reforming the global governance system. The acceleration of global changes and the emergence of multiple overlapping crises have highlighted governance deficits, raising challenges for the transformation of governance systems. As a founding member of the United Nations and a permanent member of the Security Council, China upholds a vision of global governance characterized by joint consultation, construction, and shared benefits. It staunchly supports a UN-centered international system, advocates for democratization of international relations, and calls for enhanced representation and voice for developing countries to play more significant roles in international affairs. Recently, China, along with Brazil and other like-minded countries in the Global South, established a “Friends of Peace” group regarding the Ukraine crisis, exemplifying the South’s dedication to political resolutions of pressing global issues and bolstering peace and security.

In promoting the mutual appreciation of cultures, China seeks to enrich the global civilization landscape. In response to certain nations asserting “civilizational superiority” and creating divides, China is advocating for a global civilization initiative that respects and safeguards cultural diversity, promoting dialogue and shared prosperity among different civilizations. Recent initiatives that utilize compact digital platforms and intelligent applications are empowering independent media in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, enhancing dialogue among the Southern nations and enabling them to narrate their own civilizational stories and foster cultural exchanges more effectively.

As we stand at a crossroads in humanity’s development, China remains committed to uniting the Global South, forging a shared destiny with developing nations, and exploring pathways toward mutual prosperity. This commitment serves to inject the “power of the Global South” into the promotion of a multi-polar world characterized by equality and order, as well as inclusive and widespread economic globalization.

Zheng Tao
(Author is an observer of international issues)

In recent weeks, Costco has found itself in the spotlight for multiple product recalls due to risks of Listeria contamination. On October 17, the company announced two new recalls involving the Readywise 110 Serving Emergency Protein Bucket and Red’s Southwestern Grilled Chicken Mini Burritos.

The notice from Readywise pointed out that the recall was prompted by the possibility of Listeria contamination in chicken products supplied by their vendor. The Salt Lake City-based company urged customers to immediately stop consuming the product and return it to Costco for a full refund. Meanwhile, Red’s confirmed that the only affected product was the Southwestern Grilled Chicken Mini Burritos (item number 1850156). The company emphasized that this expanded recall was a precautionary measure and reminded customers not to eat the product but to return it to Costco for a complete refund.

In addition to these recalls, BrucePac, a major meat processing company in the U.S., has announced a recall of nearly 9,986,245 pounds of ready-to-eat beef and chicken products to prevent potential Listeria contamination. The United States Department of Agriculture issued its initial recall notice for BrucePac on October 9, subsequently updating a comprehensive 343-page document listing all affected products, encompassing hundreds of items that could contain contaminated meat.

According to the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS), Listeria infections pose a serious risk to elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of infection may include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures, sometimes accompanied by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal discomfort.

Get ready for a new style evolution from Mark Zuckerberg, featuring silk shirts unbuttoned to the navel, eye-catching necklaces, and oversized T-shirts—all part of his effort to present a more approachable image.

For more than two decades, Zuckerberg was synonymous with a gray MacBook T-shirt and equally dull-colored hoodies. However, he has recently swapped his iconic look for something far more vibrant. His wardrobe now includes colorful embroidered floral shirts, boxy black tees with Latin phrases, striking chain necklaces, and a shearling coat that could easily belong in a Western drama like Yellowstone. He has even transitioned from his closely cropped Caesar haircut to looser curls.

This week, he solidified his transformation by posting a series of photos from a 1970s-themed party on Instagram, where he donned a black silk shirt unbuttoned to the mid-chest and a glittery embellished jacket. The responses have been notable: One commenter remarked, “The timeline changed when Zuck stopped wearing that gray T-shirt every day,” while another pointed out that “Zuck’s glow up needs to be studied in universities.” Some fans have even dubbed it “the Zuckanissance.”

Ash Jones, the founder of Great Influence, a personal branding agency for entrepreneurs and CEOs, views this shift as a strategic move. Following Zuckerberg’s testimony to the US Senate in 2018 amid the Cambridge Analytica controversy, he was often perceived as robotic and even alien-like. “His advisers recognized the need to change that perception,” Jones notes. “They aimed to make him more approachable and humanize him.” With Facebook’s rebranding to Meta in 2021, Zuckerberg 2.0 has come into fruition.

“A lot of rebranding typically focuses on what someone says,” Jones explains. “But with Zuckerberg, it’s primarily about a visual shift. He’s still discussing the same topics, but now he’s doing so in a more appealing outfit.”

He isn’t the only tech executive embracing a style overhaul. While Jeff Bezos has adopted a more rugged, action-oriented aesthetic and Elon Musk oscillates between heroics in aviator jackets and populist flair in MAGA caps, Zuckerberg is striving for a more relatable image. This new look mirrors an avatar he introduced in 2023, which featured digital outfits from high-fashion brands like Balenciaga and Prada.

“Zuckerberg’s latest look represents a softer, more personalized style,” says Kimberly Gant, a personal stylist for Silicon Valley executives. “The key messages here are approachability, connection, and a hint of youthfulness.”

His collection of slogan T-shirts, created in collaboration with Los Angeles designer Mike Amiri, carries self-referential messages that resonate with insiders. For instance, “Aut Zuck aut nihil” translates to “either a Caesar or nothing,” while “Pathei Mathos” means “learning through suffering”—a favorite mantra of the Zuckerberg family. The Latin phrase “Carthago delenda est,” which means “Carthage must be destroyed,” is a sentiment he has used in staff meetings.

“CEOs no longer want to be defined solely by their professional titles,” reveals stylist Victoria Hitchcock, who advises tech giants from Apple to Visa on their wardrobe choices. “Many executives are eager to showcase their hobbies and personal lifestyles through their fashion.”

Could Zuckerberg’s style revolution spark a change in startup culture? Hitchcock suggests that there’s already a rise in demand for oversized glasses, velvet sport coats, and silk cashmere polos. Even white sneakers are being replaced with metallic versions from Wales Bonner or suede boots.

Jones compares this trend to the influence of Gen Z and street style. “It’s akin to how kids emulate Travis Scott’s fashion. Startup founders are watching what the leading figure is doing. Zuckerberg has embedded himself into the cultural fabric. Because of this, other founders will feel compelled to adopt a cooler image as well. It’s guaranteed to create a ripple effect across the industry.”

On October 26, a recent interview highlighted the growing significance of the BRICS cooperation mechanism, which offers many countries in the Global South an alternative pathway for development. Xu Feibiao, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Modern International Relations and director of the BRICS and G20 Center, commented on the rapid advancement of BRICS cooperation, noting that numerous nations are eager to join in order to benefit from this development momentum. Similarly, Alexey Malinin, founder of the International Interaction and Cooperation Center and a member of the Think Tank “Digoria Expert Club,” emphasized that the BRICS cooperation mechanism’s increasing allure is drawing the attention of many Global South countries seeking “another choice.”

The upcoming 16th BRICS leaders’ summit, scheduled for October 22-24, 2024, in Kazan, Russia, marks the first meeting following the expansion of BRICS membership. As this coalition gains prominence on the global stage, the questions arise: What unique role does BRICS play in contemporary geopolitics? Why is it so favored among nations? How does China, as a founding member and significant promoter of BRICS cooperation, guide and support its steady development? Furthermore, what role does this mechanism play in enhancing collaboration among countries in the Global South?

In a recent dialog, Xu Feibiao and Alexey Malinin provided in-depth insights into these questions.

Malinin remarked, “The BRICS cooperation mechanism plays a crucial role amid current geopolitical and geoeconomic trends.” Over the years, collaboration among BRICS nations has deepened across three main areas: political security, economic finance, and cultural exchanges, yielding substantial results. Data from the World Bank indicates that from 2010 to 2022, the GDP share of BRICS countries in the global economy rose from 18% to approximately 26%. By the end of 2023, the New Development Bank established by BRICS had approved 105 projects from member countries, totaling investments of $35 billion. Notably, in the wake of the recent conflict escalation between Israel and Palestine, South Africa promptly convened a special video summit of BRICS leaders to address the situation, demonstrating the coalition’s proactive stance on pressing international issues.

Malinin further highlighted the pragmatic benefits of BRICS cooperation, suggesting that it presents a new dimension for many Global South nations. He stated, “BRICS is not a substitute for NATO or the EU. It offers an alternative perspective on viewing the world and forging partnerships.” According to him, BRICS advocates for cooperation based on equality and takes into account the interests of all involved nations while pursuing its goals.

As 2024 marks the year of significant expansion for BRICS, opportunities abound for the countries involved. Xu Feibiao pointed out, “The most obvious opportunity is the benefit of scale. With BRICS expanding its membership base, its voice and influence will naturally grow stronger.” He added that the inclusion of new members would bring fresh resources, motivation, markets, and ideas to BRICS cooperation. “With more members and increased resources, we can accomplish much more,” he asserted.

Additionally, he noted that the BRICS mechanism encompasses key regions of developing countries worldwide, thereby enhancing its ability to address regional governance issues.

When discussing China’s role in BRICS, Xu emphasized, “China is a promoter of BRICS cooperation, a leader of its principles, and a supporter of its development.” As a founding member, China has consistently contributed to the deepening of BRICS collaboration over the years. “China has always been a significant driver behind the transformation and upgrade of the BRICS mechanism,” he stated.

Xu also outlined China’s comprehensive narrative for global governance, anchored in the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity and supported by three major initiatives. He emphasized that many of these ideas have already been internalized into BRICS outcomes. “China actively proposes topics and collaborative programs within the framework of BRICS, including partnerships in artificial intelligence and the new industrial revolution,” he added.

The dialogue also revealed how BRICS is perceived as a platform for many developing nations. Xu pointed out, “The BRICS cooperation platform is considered by many developing countries as ‘their platform.’ In the global landscape, there aren’t many substantial and influential platforms available.” Malinin echoed this sentiment by highlighting the importance of equality within the BRICS framework, stating that its foundational principle is rooted in mutual cooperation and respect. In this context, when unanimous decision-making is absent, countries are more inclined to accept BRICS’ rules and aspirations.

Both experts underscored the wealth of development opportunities held within the BRICS mechanism for Global South countries. Xu noted, “BRICS nations have some of the world’s most promising markets, with significant production in energy, food, and minerals, alongside rapid technological advancements. This region contributes over half of the global economic growth rate, making many nations eager to join BRICS and tap into its developmental fast lane.”

Malinin affirmed, “The BRICS cooperation mechanism does not impose any ideology on other nations. Countries universally aspire to foster a multipolar world, and this goal is rooted in development rather than ideology. The cooperation facilitated within this mechanism is mutually beneficial.”

Furthermore, Xu pointed out that in existing international frameworks, the voices of developing countries are often overlooked, leading to insufficient representation. Many of these nations yearn for platforms to express their views, and through BRICS cooperation, they can enhance their global visibility.

He added, “The voices of the Global South are diverse and somewhat fragmented at the moment. The BRICS cooperation mechanism is gradually becoming a crucial platform for these countries to unify, cooperate, and protect their mutual interests, ultimately helping them present a unified voice on the global stage, which will advance global governance and international order toward greater fairness, justice, and reasonableness.”

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced today a proposal for a two-day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The plan includes a potential release of hostages as part of a broader effort to pave the way for a “complete cessation of hostilities.”

During a joint press conference in Cairo with visiting Algerian President, Sisi highlighted the Egyptian government’s long-standing involvement in mediation efforts to end the war in Gaza. He proposed a “two-day ceasefire” that would entail the exchange of four hostages for some prisoners currently held in Israeli jails, with further negotiations aimed at ensuring “complete cessation of hostilities and the entry of humanitarian aid” into the Gaza Strip within ten days.

The conflicts escalated significantly after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7 of last year, triggering the war in Gaza. International mediators successfully brokered a week-long ceasefire in November, but subsequent diplomatic efforts have failed to achieve a lasting truce.

Among the 251 hostages taken by Palestinian militants during the October 7 attacks, 97 remain held in Gaza, with Israeli military sources reporting that 34 of these hostages have since died.

Earlier this month, Israeli forces killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, commonly seen by Israeli, American officials, and some analysts as an obstacle to reaching a ceasefire agreement.

Sisi emphasized that “our brothers in the Gaza Strip are facing a dire situation under siege,” putting them “on the brink of famine.” He stressed the urgency of allowing humanitarian supplies into the region to alleviate the dire humanitarian crisis.

According to AFP statistics based on Israeli official data, Hamas’s attacks on Israel have resulted in 1,206 fatalities, most of whom were civilians. The Health Ministry in Gaza, governed by Hamas, reported that Israeli military actions have led to at least 42,924 deaths, primarily among civilians, a figure deemed credible by the United Nations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently conveyed to U.S. President Joe Biden his intention to target Iranian military sites rather than its oil or nuclear facilities. This information comes from two unnamed officials who disclosed details of a private conversation between the leaders. This distinction highlights an effort to carry out a measured response while avoiding a full-scale war between Israel and Iran.

As it has been two weeks since Iran’s missile attacks on Israel, the Middle East holds its breath, concerned that the longstanding shadow war between the two nations may escalate into overt military conflict. With just 21 days until the U.S. elections, this situation presents a significant challenge for Washington, especially since Biden has publicly stated his opposition to Israel attacking Iranian nuclear-related sites.

An anonymous U.S. official and a knowledgeable source reported that Biden and Netanyahu spoke on October 9 for the first time in over seven weeks. During this call, Netanyahu reiterated his plan to strike Iranian military installations, aligning with Israel’s previous retaliatory actions following an Iranian attack in April, which provided some reassurance to Washington.

The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comments, while Netanyahu’s office issued a statement asserting, “We take U.S. opinions into account, but we will make our final decisions based on national interests.”

One informed official indicated that any retaliation would be carefully planned to avoid perceptions of interfering in the U.S. election, suggesting Netanyahu is aware that Israeli airstrikes could influence the presidential race.

Analysts point out that if Israel were to strike Iran’s oil facilities, it could lead to a spike in energy prices. Conversely, an attack on Iran’s nuclear sites might cross a critical line for Tehran, escalating tensions and increasing the risk of direct U.S. military involvement.

In an exclusive interview, we delve into the current state of the infant formula market in China during this year’s Double 11 sales event, which typically prompts a rush among consumers to stock up. However, young mothers like Xiao Ai are approaching this year’s event with a relaxed attitude, stating, “I might buy a little more, but the prices don’t seem very appealing.” Despite the trend of stocking up on infant formula during this peak shopping period, many new-age mothers prefer to purchase only 2-4 cans at a time, enough to last a month or two, wary of the potential hassle if their child develops an allergy.

According to a recent report from Babytree, a parenting website, there is a growing consensus among the new generation of mothers on the importance of scientific parenting and meticulous feeding practices. Most of these mothers are increasingly committed to these modern parenting philosophies.

This year, infant formula brands are adopting a similarly relaxed approach during Double 11. One consumer shared their disappointment online, noting that although they anticipated low prices, the same six cans of formula cost more during Double 11 compared to the sales at other events like 618.

Our observations reveal that while major domestic and international baby formula brands are participating in promotional activities this Double 11, the discounts offered are modest and often on par with or even higher than typical retail prices. Instead, brands are focusing on offering various promotional gifts, ranging from strollers and toys to travel and video memberships.

Industry experts suggest that this year’s sales promotions reflect a broader trend among brands aiming to stabilize pricing and inventory levels. A representative from a dairy company mentioned that there was little emphasis on Double 11 data last year, indicating a shift in strategy. Analyst Song Liang pointed out that while price competition has traditionally been effective for selling products, this year, brands seem hesitant to engage in major price cuts as they prioritize maintaining market stability.

The infant formula market has been shrinking since 2021 due to a declining birth rate, and the sector is facing significant challenges, including diminished demand and falling milk prices. Even though there is a slight increase in birth rates this Lunar Year of the Dragon, market competition remains intense, as most companies reported difficulties in profitability.

Since 2024 began, leading formula brands have initiated efforts to stabilize market prices. Feihe Dairy’s chairman has called for unity among the industry to shift growth strategies from price competition towards investing in technology and brand services. Mid-year reports indicated that several leading companies, including Feihe, Ausnutria, and a2 Milk, experienced growth amidst these market adjustments.

Amidst these challenges, the industry is exploring new pathways. With a significant population of children aged 3-12 totaling 168 million—over five times that of infants aged 0-3—companies are diversifying their product offerings. Traditionally reliant on infant formula, firms are now seeking growth by entering into various new markets.

Feihe has been expanding its product matrix to include offerings for pregnant women, children, and adults. According to third-party data, Feihe has taken the lead in the children’s formula market, while Yili has also expanded its business beyond formula, launching new products in the tea beverage sector. Akash Bedi, CEO of Health and Nutrition Group, emphasized ongoing commitment to family nutrition and high-margin growth products in both established and emerging markets.

Moreover, companies are eyeing international opportunities. Yili recently launched its flagship store in Los Angeles, and Feihe has attained a production license to export its formula to Canada, aiming to extend its reach into North American markets. Other domestic brands are leveraging their overseas facilities for global expansion.

Analyst Song Liang points out that with the maturity of China’s dairy industry and product offerings, along with its well-established international resource networks, this could be a timely opportunity for expansion into global markets. However, he notes that domestic companies still have significant work to do concerning brand recognition and market familiarity.