Kong Wenge, known universally by the nickname China, is a Chinese exchange student attending Tsujido High School and the captain of its table tennis club. His background heavily informs his role and motivations. Before arriving in Japan, he was a member of the Shanghai Junior Youth Team but was demoted from the first string and sent away after a significant mistake. This experience of failure and exile fuels his intense drive to prove himself anew. His initial objective is to defeat the reigning local hero, Kazama, known as Dragon, viewing this victory as essential to restoring his lost status. China is an extraordinarily talented and analytical player. He uses a right-handed Chinese penhold grip and equips his paddle with tacky Chinese rubber on both sides, which allows him to generate tremendous spin and execute devastating smash attacks. In the narrative, China acts as a formidable rival to the main characters, Peco and Smile. He initially dismisses Peco’s unorthodox talent and underestimates the quiet skill of Smile, but their matches force him to confront a level of passion and innate genius he had not anticipated. These key relationships catalyze his character development. Starting as a cold, calculated, and somewhat arrogant figure who views the game purely as a means of victory and validation, China gradually evolves. Through his intense competitions, particularly his rematch with Peco, he learns to appreciate the spirit and heart of the sport. He lets go of his rigid disappointment and finds a new motivation, transforming from an isolated exile into a player who has earned the respect of his community and rediscovered the deeper meaning of competition.