The double victory of the ZXMOTO motorcycle ridden by Frenchman Valentin Debise at the Portuguese round of the Superbike World Championship on Saturday and Sunday resonates far beyond the racetrack. This triumph marks the first time a Chinese motorcycle brand has claimed victory in this event, breaking the decades-long dominance of European, United States and Japanese manufacturers.

ZXMOTO's success is the fruition of the dedication of its founder Zhang Xue, who has been relentless in pursuing his dream of creating a Chinese brand of high-performance motorcycles, exemplifying the courage and determination of a new generation of Chinese innovators and entrepreneurs.

ZXMOTO's rise is also emblematic of long-term systematic support and industrial prowess, a testament to the shift from "Made in China" to "Created in China". High-performance motorcycles are intricate machines, requiring cutting-edge technologies in engine efficiency, lightweight structures and advanced design. Faced with the technological "moat" constructed by Western companies, the Chinese brand's R&D team chose not to circumvent the challenge but to confront it head-on. Through relentless trial and error, iterative optimization and independent breakthroughs, the ZXMOTO team pushed the boundaries of innovation, achieving what many had deemed impossible. Its achievement not only changes the competitive dynamics of motorcycle racing but also underscores China's rise in high-end manufacturing.

ZXMOTO's wins were built upon the foundation of China's industrial ecosystem and a new development paradigm focused on innovation and quality. A high-performance motorcycle integrates thousands of components, demanding cutting-edge capabilities in precision machining, casting and electronic control systems — some of these technologies were dependent on foreign suppliers just a decade ago. Today, thanks to national efforts in upgrading the manufacturing sector, many of these bottlenecks have been eliminated.

Chongqing, hailed as China's "motorcycle capital", where ZXMOTO is based, has cultivated a comprehensive and coordinated industry structure that encompasses R&D, design, core component manufacturing, vehicle assembly, and testing and validation. This integrated chain enables rapid response and continuous iteration, shortening innovation cycles and reducing trial-and-error costs. It has created a virtuous cycle, where innovation fuels industry and industry reinforces innovation, something that has become a cornerstone of China's ascent on the global value chain.

ZXMOTO's story therefore is not just about a machine; it is about the spirit of a nation that dares to think big, act pragmatically and persevere in the face of adversity. This spirit of confronting challenges head-on has become a defining feature of China's manufacturing development.

Yet China's overall innovation capacity needs further strengthening, with key core technologies in some areas still reliant on foreign sources. The share of investment in basic research as a percentage of total R&D spending remains lower than that of developed economies, and the rate of commercializing scientific and technological findings needs to be further improved.

Recognizing this, the newly adopted 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) calls for breakthroughs in the development of key technologies, including integrated circuits, industrial machine tools, basic software, industrial software and advanced materials.

Through technological innovation, systematic support and youthful creativity, China is playing an increasingly key role in the global manufacturing landscape. From humanoid robots to commercial space exploration, Chinese innovators and entrepreneurs are leading the charge.