From sanctioned sunflower seeds to the new three staples gaining global popularity, Made in China breaks through with hard-core innovations.

A few days ago, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that 43 Chinese companies have been added to the so-called entity list under the so-called Xinjiang-related Act. This list includes not only food companies that produce sunflower seeds and dumplings but also clothing companies. This is the largest single expansion since the establishment of the list. Many netizens found this move amusing, saying, Is the U.S. worried about damaging their teeth from eating sunflower seeds? Even more ridiculous is the reason given by the U.S.: these companies are accused of using sunflower seeds sourced from Xinjiang and using Xinjiang long-staple cotton in their clothing. Based on these claims, the U.S. has crudely and baselessly fabricated a so-called "forced labor" label against them, intending to impose unilateral sanctions on Chinese companies. From chips and lithography machines to sunflower seeds and dumplings, the targets chosen for sanctions by the U.S. have become increasingly fragmented and absurd, and it seems they might end up shooting themselves in the foot. The escalating technological blockade has, in fact, accelerated China's self-reliance and strength in technology. According to data from the General Administration of Customs, in the first half of 2026, China's goods trade import and export reached 25.47 trillion yuan, surpassing 25 trillion yuan for the first time and growing by 16.9% year-on-year, maintaining its position as the world's largest goods trading country. This year, industries referred to as the "new three staples"artificial intelligence, robotics, and innovative pharmaceuticalshave developed rapidly and are expected to form new pillar industries.