Opinion | How ‘little giants’ help China defend its manufacturing dominance
South China Morning Post
by Zongshuai FanFebruary 25, 2026
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China’s record trade surplus of US$1.19 trillion in 2023 highlights its ongoing dominance in global manufacturing, driven by a strategic focus on specialized small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) known as “little giants.” These companies operate in niche markets, excelling in innovation, quality, and efficiency, making them key to China’s long-term manufacturing strategy. Over the past decade, Beijing has prioritized supporting technology-driven SMEs through initiatives like the 2011 policy framework, which identifies high-performing firms for targeted assistance.
During China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), the number of specialized SMEs surged from fewer than 40,000 to over 140,000, with “little giants” growing from about 5,000 to 17,600. These enterprises are at the forefront of technological innovation and industrial
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/25/2026