What is globalization? ZhangWenfei

Globalization refers to the process of increasing interaction and integration among people, companies, and governments worldwide. As globalization deepens, the world has become a “global village.” It encompasses the economy, technology, culture, and politics, among which economic globalization is the core driving force. Multinational corporations are laying out global industrial chains, and consumers can easily purchase products from around the world.

Technological globalization breaks down geographical barriers, enabling instant communication and the rapid movement of people. Through films, music, and other media, different cultures spread and interact. Countries cooperate via international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization—this is cultural and political globalization. Below, I will take China as an example:

1. Economic Globalization

China is often called the “world’s factory.” From Yiwu’s small commodities to Shenzhen’s smartphones, countless products in the daily lives of consumers worldwide bear the mark of “Made in China.” Take the iPhone, for example: it is designed in the U.S., but its core components are manufactured and assembled globally. Today, Chinese companies such as Huawei and BYD are expanding internationally, setting up R&D centers and factories abroad, becoming key players in the global economy. Chinese consumers can also purchase foreign products through cross-border e-commerce platforms (like Tmall Global). As an overseas student, I personally use Taobao’s “Free Shipping to Korea” service—items sent from China reach me in about a week.

2. Technological Globalization

China’s mobile payment systems (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay) and its sharing-economy innovations (bike sharing, power bank sharing, etc.) have gone global. These not only transformed lifestyles within China but also exported their models and technologies abroad, making life more convenient for people in other countries.

3. Cultural Globalization

In the early 1990s, McDonald’s and KFC entered China, enriching people’s dining options and becoming symbols of a modern lifestyle. Hollywood movies and NBA games have also become an integral part of many Chinese young people’s cultural lives. As China’s international influence has grown, Chinese culture has also spread worldwide. In recent years, China’s short dramas have become popular in Europe and the U.S. According to a DataEye report, in the first half of 2025, overseas micro-short drama apps generated $1.079 billion in in-app purchases across mobile platforms, with cumulative downloads reaching about 665 million.

While globalization brings benefits, it also presents challenges, such as economic risk transmission and concerns over cultural homogenization. The 2008 global financial crisis is a classic example. I believe globalization is an inevitable process that no country can stay out of. How to leverage globalization effectively is a question every nation and every individual must consider. Countries can use globalization to strengthen their international influence, and individuals can use it to access more information to empower themselves.