Global South Experts Tackle China’s ‘Overcapacity’ Debate

Is China’s booming green tech sector a sign of 'overcapacity'—or a wake-up call about shifting global power dynamics? Experts from the Global South are calling out Western narratives they say mask deeper anxieties over China’s rise in industries like electric vehicles (EVs), solar panels, and batteries. Let’s break it down.

The 'Overcapacity' Theory: Protectionism in Disguise?

U.S. politicians and media have ramped up claims that China’s manufacturing growth in clean energy sectors is flooding global markets. But leaders like Pakistan’s Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed argue this framing ignores a key truth: innovation drives demand. 'China isn’t just producing more—it’s creating affordable, sustainable solutions the world needs,' says Erik Solheim, former UN Environment Program chief.

Why the Global South Isn’t Buying It

From Karachi to Kuala Lumpur, analysts see double standards. 'When the West dominated industries, it was ‘free trade’—now it’s ‘overcapacity’?' asks Koh King Kee of Malaysia’s Center of New Inclusive Asia. For developing nations, China’s EV and solar tech offers a faster path to decarbonization without relying on costly Western patents.

Collaboration > Competition?

Experts urge moving beyond zero-sum thinking. Aqdas Afzal, an economist at Pakistan’s Habib University, highlights partnerships like the Belt and Road Initiative: 'Shared infrastructure projects show mutual growth is possible.' Meanwhile, entrepreneur Chen Xi notes that ‘green protectionism’ risks slowing climate progress globally.

The takeaway? As one expert put it: 'The future isn’t a pie—it’s a kitchen. Everyone can cook.'

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Global South Voices: 'Overcapacity' in China or fear of China's rise?

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