By Arlindo Adriano
According to Time magazine, China’s President Xi Jinping once told President Donald Trump that the Chinese people are black-haired, yellow-skinned “descendants of the dragon.” In Chinese culture, the dragon symbolizes good luck, protection, and strong leadership.
However, as the global landscape shifts, it’s time for us to acknowledge that this dragon is a force to be reckoned with.
In 2011, during a Bloomberg TV interview, Elon Musk scoffed at BYD, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, labelling its products as weak and not a serious threat.
Fast forward to the final quarter of 2023, and those sentiments seem far from reality: BYD sold 526,409 units compared to Tesla’s 484,507. These statistics illustrate just how rapidly China has evolved into an industrial disrupter and now stands as the second-largest economy in the world.
A Local Perspective
Closer to home, we can’t ignore the impact of China’s industrial prowess. Some of Namibia’s most valuable uranium mines, such as Swakop Uranium and Rossing Uranium, are owned by Chinese state-funded organizations.
The newly inaugurated Home Affairs Headquarters, launched by the late former President Dr. Hage Geingob in 2022, is just one example of China’s growing influence in our infrastructure. Beyond this, they are building our national roads and water treatment plants.
Moreover, Chinese automobile brands like GWM, Haval, and Cherry have gained substantial traction in Windhoek. These “made in China” vehicles appear to offer better product options compared to the traditional brands local customers are accustomed to.
Companies like Pupkewitz Motors and M&Z Motors, both reputable entities in our private sector, proudly associate themselves with these brands, indicating their acceptance into the local market.
Acknowledging Challenges
The late Founding President of Namibia, Dr. Sam Nujoma, always regarded China as a friend, showcasing his foresight in recognizing that China is an enduring presence on the global stage.
This reality has become glaringly obvious in the auto industry, where German car manufacturers like Volkswagen, once dominant in China, now struggle to retain their market share amid fierce competition from local producers.
Similarly, Nissan had to be bailed out by Honda due to mounting pressures from the ambitious Chinese rivals.
Ignoring China’s rise is a mistake, reminiscent of how Deepseek disrupted American AI firms.
A Call to Action
For aspiring Namibian entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and policymakers, the need for a progressive mindset is imperative. We must accept the realities that the world is facing today. Strategic decisions are critical, and the recent Namibia-China visa-free agreement could open new avenues for exploration and collaboration.
As General Sun Tzu wisely stated, “Know the enemy and know yourself, and in a hundred battles, you will never be in peril.”
It is crucial for us to learn from China’s rapid advancement lest we find ourselves falling behind in the global race.
We cannot afford to overlook the lessons this dragon teaches; instead, we must navigate the complexities of international competition with open eyes, ready to embrace opportunity and innovation for the benefit of Namibia’s future
*Arlindo Adriano is a Senior Marketing Officer for the Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia. I hold a Bachelor Honours in Marketing and Diploma in Public Relations.
