Some weeks test you. After an intense stretch working on the drone challenge, I was more than ready for a change of pace — and few things reset the mind like getting on a plane. This time the destination was China, where I joined my client Nex Solutions to visit suppliers and help Janik Roeber and Christoph Spindler grow their business in Europe.

Two first-timers and a country that overwhelms

For Janik and Christoph, it was their first trip to China. I had a feeling how it would go, and I was right: they were overwhelmed — in the best possible way — and absolutely loved it. There's something about seeing it with your own eyes that no article or video can prepare you for.

An ally, not an opponent

I'll say it plainly, because I believe it: China is an absolutely amazing country, and we shouldn't think of it as our opponent, but as our ally. Anyone who doubts that should go and experience it firsthand — the people, the culture, the economy, and the scale of the infrastructure projects where you can actually watch progress happen.

What strikes me most is the attitude. There's an openness to change, to progress, to the future — instead of the instinct to preserve the status quo that, unfortunately, still holds back too much of Europe. We don't have to agree on everything to learn from that kind of energy.

Hefei: Vulcan and what's coming this fall

After landing in Shanghai, our first stop was Vulcan in Hefei. I can't share everything yet, but I can say this: we saw incredible new products that are about to launch this fall. More information is coming soon — and it'll be worth the wait. And of course, dinner was — as always in China — fantastic, with plenty of Baijiu to go around.

The next piece: NexCut finishing solutions

The following day we visited the next supplier for our upcoming NexCut finishing solutions. I won't give too much away just yet, so stay tuned — there's a lot to be excited about. That evening we had Chinese hotpot, another unforgettable experience, and really, really spicy.

A day to breathe, then back to work

A relaxing day of sightseeing in Shanghai gave us a chance to recharge, before two more days of potential supplier visits in Ningbo and Hangzhou rounded out the trip.

Riding a robotaxi — and a wish for Europe

And just like in December, we couldn't resist riding the autonomous Pony AI taxi in Shanghai. Honestly, they're simply a cheap and high-end way to get around — but for tourists like us, it still feels like an attraction. In my experience, they drive more safely than most human drivers, and I genuinely hope Europe rolls out autonomous taxis everywhere, very soon.

What's next

I came home grateful — for the partners, the hosts, and a region that builds the future at a pace that's hard to grasp until you've stood in the middle of it. There's a lot coming from Vulcan and from NexCut over the next few months, and I'll be sharing more as soon as I can.