Exclusive Interview with Dong Mingzhu: I'm Not Afraid of Being Replaced by AI, So What Are Young People Afraid Of?

On the afternoon of March 8th, the 14th National People’s Congress Fourth Session Guangdong Delegation held a delegate group meeting at their residence to review the draft laws on Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law and the National Development Planning Law.

After the meeting, National People’s Congress delegate and Gree Electric Appliances Chairman Dong Mingzhu gave an exclusive interview to Zhengshi’er.

National People’s Congress delegate and Gree Electric Appliances Chairman Dong Mingzhu (He Qiang photo)

As an entrepreneur, how do you view China’s economic development? Dong Mingzhu said that the government work report pointed out that our economy is moving forward under pressure and showing strong resilience. The draft outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan also sets the direction for China’s economic development over the next five years. “As a manufacturing enterprise, we need to actively respond; achieving our expected goals is imperative, and we must forge ahead.”

Dong Mingzhu said, “Of course, we still face considerable external pressures, but we can’t give up because of these pressures. Instead, we need to find ways to achieve our goals. As entrepreneurs, we are definitely confident!”

The government work report proposes developing new quality productivity according to local conditions and building a modern industrial system. Dong Mingzhu said, “Adapting to local conditions is very important. Development cannot be one-size-fits-all. This requires comprehensive consideration of the nature, background, and regional environment of enterprises, and it takes time to gradually realize.”

Dong Mingzhu stated that for Gree, we are very fortunate. In 2018, General Secretary Xi Jinping inspected Gree and emphasized that “manufacturing is a key part of the real economy, and the core of manufacturing is innovation—mastering key core technologies.” Gree took the lead and has always unwaveringly followed the path of independent innovation, establishing a set of standards. Last year, six departments including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced the first batch of 15 leading smart factories, and Gree’s workshop was included. “Developing new quality productivity, we can say we are ahead of the curve.”

Does developing new quality productivity set higher requirements for enterprises? Dong Mingzhu said, “Independent innovation is not the highest requirement for enterprises; it is the natural direction of development.”

Dong Mingzhu said that Gree continuously consolidates its development foundation through independent innovation, earning the respect and love of global consumers for Chinese products and brands. “Growing into a leading global diversified industrial group, Gree relies not on buying but on independent innovation! Our approach may be slower, and it takes longer, but it will be more stable. Independent innovation requires a process—like carrying a pregnancy for ten months; you can’t say you get pregnant today and give birth tomorrow—that’s unrealistic.”

Rooted in manufacturing, how does Dong Mingzhu view the development of the manufacturing industry? She said, “Manufacturing is creative; it constantly iterates through technological upgrades to meet people’s needs. It is a continuous process of transformation and upgrading. Therefore, manufacturing cannot do without ‘innovation.’ Now, manufacturing is also undergoing intelligent transformation, which is part of the innovation process. When a company reaches a certain level and has demand, it needs to make breakthroughs in that direction.” Regarding the growth of young talent in enterprises, Dong Mingzhu said, “Recognition is the most important. When companies value talent development, they will work hard to do this.”

The government work report proposes continuously creating a first-class business environment to better support enterprises in operating with peace of mind and achieving high-quality development. Dong Mingzhu believes, “The government should create a fair environment, so that the better companies can thrive. In development, old conflicts will be resolved, and new conflicts will arise. We are always moving forward by solving problems. But a good business environment is fairness, and if achieved, that’s excellent.”

Dong Mingzhu has repeatedly suggested raising the personal income tax threshold over the years. She said, “This reflects everyone’s hope for a better life. A higher threshold means ordinary people pay less tax, the wealthy pay more, which helps balance consumption needs across different groups and encourages residents to want, dare, and be able to spend.”

Regarding the younger generation, Dong Mingzhu said, “Every era has its own youth, with different joys and worries. I think young people should have a better mindset to face their current situation and approach problems positively. Today’s young people are very hardworking; we don’t need to tell them—they already know what they should do.”

Some young people worry about being replaced by AI. Dong Mingzhu laughed, “I’m not afraid of being replaced by AI at my age. What are you young people afraid of? You can only become smarter than AI through learning!” She revealed that she is already proficient in using AI for normal work.

This year marks Dong Mingzhu’s 24th year serving as a delegate to the National People’s Congress. She said, “It’s an honor. I still remember the first time I entered the Great Hall of the People, and I was deeply impressed by its grandeur. But over time, and with a better understanding of the duties of a delegate, we’ve taken on more responsibilities. How to perform well? We need to serve as a bridge connecting the central government’s policies and the people’s needs, fully conveying the spirit of the central government, promoting and implementing policies, and bringing the public’s demands to the authorities for better decision-making.”

Today is the 116th International Women’s Day. Dong Mingzhu said, “I hope more women can become more independent and self-reliant. We are no longer in an era relying solely on hard labor, but more on intelligence. I hope women can find roles that suit them best in this environment.”

“Zhengshi’er” (xjbzse) writer, photographer / He Qiang, editor / Liu Qianxian, proofreader / Lu Qian