Once seen as the world’s factory, China is now redefining its global identity, not just as a manufacturing powerhouse, but as a creator and innovator of brands, platforms, and technologies that resonate worldwide. From AI-native startups and EV giants to beauty, fashion, and lifestyle brands finding success abroad, a new generation of Chinese companies is building with global ambition baked into their DNA. Amid renewed state support, shifting consumer dynamics, and increasingly sophisticated product design, what does this “built-for-global” era mean for investors and markets? How are Chinese brands navigating geopolitical headwinds, regulatory scrutiny, and cultural crosscurrents? And what lessons can be learned from those rewriting the playbook for innovation, storytelling, and global expansion?