As the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) Third Session convened in Beijing on March 5, 2025, national legislators from various sectors gathered to deliberate on key national strategies. Among them, Zhong Zheng, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Midea Group, a leading Chinese home appliance and robotics manufacturer, shared insights on artificial intelligence (AI) technology applications, corporate globalization strategies, and the development of domestic trade credit insurance during an exclusive interview with Southern Finance Group reporters. Her perspectives shed light on China’s technological advancements and corporate challenges in the era of global competition, with a particular focus on the breakthroughs and bottlenecks in humanoid robot development.
The Dual-edged Sword of AI Technology: Governance and Innovation
The rapid proliferation of generative AI has revolutionized content creation, lowering the threshold for video production. However, this technological leap has brought forth significant challenges, including the spread of misinformation and copyright disputes. Zhong Zheng highlighted the growing prevalence of AI-generated videos impersonating celebrities or experts to promote products, citing a 2024 incident where an AI-synthesized video mimicking a Peking University professor’s image and voice was used to sell health products, defrauding numerous elderly consumers . Such cases underscore the urgent need for strengthened governance.
To address these issues, Zhong proposed a two-pronged approach: legal reforms and technological upgrades. She emphasized the importance of amending the Copyright Law to clarify the ownership of AI-generated content and enhancing the technical capabilities of AI review tools, combining automated systems with human oversight to improve identification accuracy . Additionally, she called for platforms to enforce mandatory labeling of AI-generated content to alert consumers and for regulatory authorities to impose stricter penalties on non-compliant content, creating a deterrent effect .
On Midea’s AI journey, Zhong revealed the company’s early adoption of large language models, including partnerships with OPEN AI and DeepSeek, as well as the development of vertical large models to solve industry-specific challenges . A notable application is the “factory agent,” an AI-driven system that has automated decision-making in manufacturing by processing vast amounts of data, significantly enhancing production efficiency . In smart home solutions, the “home agent” enables contactless human-computer interaction, proactively identifying and fulfilling consumer needs to deliver personalized services . Despite these advancements, Midea faces hurdles such as rapid technological iteration, data security concerns, and a shortage of interdisciplinary talent, necessitating continuous R&D investment, robust data governance, and strategic talent acquisition .
Humanoid Robots: Overcoming “Neck-Stuck” Technologies
The rise of companies like Unitree Robotics has ignited a global frenzy for humanoid robots, with AI algorithm optimization driving rapid advancements in the field. Midea, which established its robotics footprint through KUKA Robotics years ago, has witnessed both opportunities and challenges in this domain .
Zhong Zheng emphasized that the humanoid robot industry still confronts critical “neck-stuck” technologies, particularly in core components such as reducers, servo control systems, and motors. These bottlenecks require collaborative efforts from industry, academia, and research institutions, with the government playing a pivotal role in organizing cross-sectoral R&D initiatives . She cited Foshan’s KUKA Smart Manufacturing Technology Park as a successful model, where clustering upstream and downstream enterprises has fostered a complete industrial chain, a strategy ripe for replication in other regions .
Midea’s own breakthroughs illustrate this collaborative approach. As a recipient of certification for a national laboratory in heavy-duty industrial robots since 2022, the company has prioritized R&D in three core components: reducers, motors, and servo control systems. While progress has been made in control systems, motors, and harmonic reducers—with some products entering the market—overcoming challenges in RV reducers requires sustained investment, talent recruitment, and societal collaboration .
Zhong’s insights highlight the strategic importance of humanoid robots as a frontier for technological innovation, stressing that national competitiveness in this field hinges on collective breakthroughs in foundational technologies and supply chain resilience.
Corporate Globalization: Shifting to a “Regional Supply for Regional Demand” Model
In an era of intense global competition, expanding into overseas markets has become a strategic imperative for Chinese manufacturers, with the mantra “go global or be left behind” resonating strongly among private enterprises. Midea, with a domestic market share exceeding 20% but only 5% globally, exemplifies the vast potential of international expansion .
Zhong outlined Midea’s globalization strategy, emphasizing a shift from a “China supply for global demand” to a “regional supply for regional demand” model. The company has established 43 factories worldwide, 22 of which are overseas, enabling localized production and rapid response to regional market needs . Complementing this, Midea has set up multiple overseas R&D centers to develop products tailored to local preferences, ensuring cultural and functional relevance .
Critical to this strategy is infrastructure investment and compliance system building. Zhong warned of the risks of non-compliance, citing cases of Chinese enterprises facing sanctions abroad, and urged private companies to prioritize legal and regulatory frameworks to ensure stable global operations . From OEM-driven exports to OBM (original brand manufacturing) expansion, Midea’s journey reflects China’s manufacturing upgrade, showcasing how technological innovation and localized strategies can enhance global brand recognition .
Balancing Innovation and Responsibility in a Globalized Landscape
Zhong Zheng’s interview encapsulates the dual mandates for Chinese enterprises: driving technological innovation while navigating regulatory complexities at home and abroad. In humanoid robotics, the convergence of government coordination, industry collaboration, and corporate R&D represents the pathway to overcoming technological barriers. Meanwhile, globalization demands a delicate balance between market expansion, cultural adaptation, and compliance—a lesson Midea has internalized through its “regional supply for regional demand” model.
As the world pivots toward AI and advanced robotics, Midea’s experiences offer a blueprint for how manufacturing giants can lead in innovation while upholding ethical and legal standards. The challenges of humanoid robot development and corporate globalization are immense, but as Zhong’s insights suggest, strategic collaboration and a long-term vision may hold the key to unlocking new frontiers in technology and global business.
In this evolving landscape, the humanoid robot emerges not just as a technological marvel but as a symbol of China’s ambition to lead in next-generation manufacturing, supported by policy frameworks, industrial ecosystems, and the relentless drive of enterprises like Midea. As the nation continues to prioritize “dual circulation” and technological self-reliance, the journey of humanoid robots and globalized corporations will undoubtedly shape the future of global innovation.