Chinese Atmanirbhar Playbook: Learning for India
Embedded Files
Independent, fact-checked journalism URGENTLY needs your support. Please consider SUPPORTING the EXPERTX today.
FEBRUARY 2025
China’s version of Atmanirbhar (self-reliance) has been nothing short of a calculated, decades-long strategy (since 1978) to establish dominance across economic, technological, and geopolitical spheres.
Let’s examine deeper into how China has mastered this playbook, underpinned by striking statistics, transformative policies, and a relentless pursuit of global influence.
1. From "Factory of the World" to "Innovator of the World"
China became the world’s largest manufacturer in 2010, surpassing the United States.
By 2024, manufacturing contributed approximately 27% of China’s GDP, and the nation accounted for nearly 31.6% of global manufacturing output, cementing its status as the
“Factory of the World.” Manufacturing dominance continues at the expense of other countries’ progress.
Huawei, a Chinese telecommunications giant, was responsible for 29% of global telecom equipment revenue in 2022, leading the 5G race.
Despite sanctions from the US and EU, Huawei managed to expand its global 5G contracts, demonstrating China’s technological resilience.
The race is just not limited to 5G. It is a continuation of manufacturing dominance and advances into their playbook.
In comparison, all other countries are reacting to Chinese playbook, rather have their own policies.
India too is devoid of its long-term transformative policies and reacting to Chinese influence.
As of 2024, China has deployed 4.19 million (41lakh) 5G stations while India has about 10 times less – that is 446,000 5G basestations.
Chinese densification is 1531 and for India it is unknown as the 5G deployment is only 65%.
US lags and they have only 175,000 5G basestations. The average download speed of China
is about 315 Mbps but is ready to roll out ‘world’s fastest internet network’ which is claimed to transmit 1.2 Tbps, which is like downloading 150 Hollywood films/sec.
Research & Development (R&D): China’s spending on R&D rose to an all-time high of $564 billion in 2022, accounting for 2.5% of its GDP.
The country now ranks second globally in R&D spending, only behind the United States.
“
India too is devoid of its long-term transformative policies and reacting to Chinese influence.
2. Made in China 2025: Strategic Focus Areas
The "Made in China 2025" initiative launched in 2015 outlines ten key sectors in which China aims to achieve global leadership. These include:
Artificial Intelligence (AI): China accounts for 48% of global AI research funding and is home to 21 of the world’s top 30 AI firms.
Semiconductors: While China still imports $300 billion worth of chips annually, it has committed over $1.4 trillion to develop its domestic semiconductor industry by 2025, aiming to reduce its reliance on Taiwanese imports.
Electric Vehicles (EVs): Chinese EV makers like BYD and NIO are challenging Tesla, with China producing 60% of the world’s EV batteries and controlling 70% of lithium-ion battery production capacity.
Green Energy: China is the world leader in solar energy production, manufacturing 70% of solar panels globally. It has also deployed over 1,200 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity as of 2023, far outpacing other nations.
“
...China producing 60% of the world’s EV batteries and controlling 70% of lithium-ion battery...
3. Global Supply Chain Domination
China’s grip on supply chains has been strategically developed through:
Rare Earths Monopoly: China controls 63% of global rare earth mining and accounts for nearly 85% of rare earth processing capacity. These minerals are critical for everything from electronics to military hardware.
Textile Production: China dominates the global textile industry, contributing 39% of total global apparel exports in 2022.
E-commerce Giants: Alibaba and JD.com, combined with logistics networks like Cainiao, are not just transforming domestic commerce but are becoming global players, (they) handling 58% of worldwide e-commerce transactions.
4. Economic Resilience Amid Sanctions
Trade Surplus: Despite geopolitical tensions, China achieved a record trade surplus of $877.6 billion in 2022, the highest ever recorded globally.
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): Launched in 2013, the BRI has funded over $1 trillion in infrastructure projects across Asia, Africa, and Europe, ensuring China’s influence over trade routes and resource supplies.
Tech Independence: In response to US sanctions, China has accelerated efforts in indigenous chip manufacturing.
Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), China’s largest chipmaker, recently began producing 7-nanometer chips, a significant technological leap despite export controls.
“
...(they) handling 58% of worldwide e-commerce transactions
5. Geopolitical Moves for Resource Security
China’s resource strategy has secured access to critical raw materials:
Africa: China has invested over $150 billion in African nations since 2005, securing resources like cobalt and lithium for its tech and EV industries.
Afghanistan: Post-US withdrawal, China has inked agreements to mine Afghanistan’s estimated $1 trillion in untapped mineral reserves, including rare earths and copper.
Latin America: Through trade agreements with nations like Brazil and Chile, China sources vast amounts of soybeans, copper, and lithium, strengthening its supply chains.
6. Military-Industrial Complex
China’s Atmanirbhar playbook extends to its military advancements, driven by domestic innovation:
Indigenous Weapon Systems: China’s J-20 stealth fighter jet and DF-17 hypersonic missile are homegrown, highlighting its self-reliance in defence technology.
Military Spending: In 2022, China’s defence budget was $230 billion, making it the second-largest spender globally.
Space Exploration: China became the second country to successfully land a rover on Mars (Tianwen-1) in 2021 and has since launched its own space station, Tiangong, challenging US space dominance.
“
...Afghanistan’s estimated $1 trillion in untapped mineral reserves...
Challenges to Chinese Atmanirbhar Vision
While China has made impressive strides, it faces significant challenges:
US and EU Sanctions: Restrictions on high-tech exports and Chinese investments abroad have strained its supply chains.
Aging Population: By 2030, nearly 25% of China’s population will be over 60, posing challenges to its labour-intensive industries.
Environmental Costs: Despite its renewable energy efforts, China remains the largest emitter of CO2 globally, contributing 27% of global emissions in 2022.
Global Backlash: Allegations of intellectual property theft, debt-trap diplomacy under BRI, and aggressive military actions have led to rising global distrust.
“
...China remains the largest emitter of CO2 globally, contributing 27% of global emissions...
There are lessons to be learnt from the Chinese success in following its transformative policies.
China’s Atmanirbhar journey is an example of long-term vision and strategic planning.
From dominating global supply chains to technological breakthroughs, it demonstrates how self-reliance can be a powerful tool for geopolitical influence.
However, its challenges reveal the fine line between self-sufficiency and overreach.
For countries like India, the Chinese playbook provides critical lessons: invest in R&D, secure strategic resources, and build resilient industries while balancing global cooperation.
The race for self-reliance is no longer just an economic ambition—it’s the foundation for geopolitical survival in the 21st century.
The EXPERTX Analysis coverage is funded by people like you.
Will you help our independent journalism FREE to all? SUPPORT US
To Comment: connect@expertx.org
Support Us - It's advertisement free journalism, unbiased, providing high quality researched contents.
Google Sites
Report abuse