Nigeria Times

By Han Xin, People’s Daily

Along the Bohai Sea coast, Tianjin Port stands as a dynamic hub where the value of port-driven development continues to expand.

Within the port, towering gantry cranes and docked vessels form a bustling scene. Smart control systems work in tandem with AI-powered transport robots to keep operations running smoothly, handling over 1.5 million tons of cargo everyday.

Just a few dozen kilometers away in Binhai New Area, trading companies leverage direct shipping routes to Latin America, establishing a rapidly maturing supply chain for imported fruits. During the first five months of this year alone, Tianjin Port recorded imports of fruits and seafood from Latin America worth 8.1 billion yuan ($1.13 billion).

In Tianjin’s Heping district, a steady flow of cross-border trade financing is helping inject fresh vitality into international shipping. The growing logistics simultaneously drives with modern service sector enterprises now comprising 98% of district businesses.

Tianjin Port offers a vivid snapshot of the broader growth seen across China’s port economy. According to the Port Economic Development Report of Chinese Seaport Cities 2024 released by the Transport Planning and Research Institute under the Ministry of Transport, the total value-added output of China’s coastal ports reached 6.7 trillion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 360.6 billion yuan.

“The port economy of seaport cities centers on the port itself, using the city as a platform. It encompasses a wide range of port-related industrial activities, integrating ports, industries, and urban development into a unified, open economic system,” said Liu Zhanshan, deputy director of the Transport Planning and Research Institute.

Ports’ economic impact is quantifiable: each 10,000 tons of cargo handled at coastal ports generates roughly 1.94 million yuan in GDP. Additionally, every 100 million yuan invested in port construction creates nearly 10,000 jobs. By the end of 2024, China had 2,971 berths capable of accommodating vessels of 10,000 tons or more, 1.4 times the number from a decade ago.

On May 15, China’s largest vessel powered by solar energy and liquefied natural gas , the Yuanhai Kou, was officially delivered at Nansha Port in Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong province. The ship transported nearly 4,000 China-manufactured vehicles to multiple European destinations.

Today, shipping vehicles from Guangzhou has become the preferred solution for many automakers. In 2004, Guangzhou Port handled just 15,000 vehicles. By 2024, the number had soared to over 1.4 million, a near 100-fold increase over two decades. As southern China’s largest automotive export terminal, the port reflects the rapid rise of the country’s new energy vehicle industry.

While the composition of port cargo continues to evolve, the drive toward industrial upgrading remains constant. The report shows that in 2024, port-driven economic activity accounted for 15%, 22%, and 8% of the output in the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors, respectively. Ports are playing a particularly strong role in supporting agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

“Within the secondary sector, port-driven growth has been especially notable in strategic emerging industries such as computer and communication equipment and chemical products. These industries accounted for 15.9% and 12.7% of incremental growth in the secondary sector, respectively,” Liu explained. “This shows ports are playing a key role in helping surrounding industries upgrade and transform.”

The evolution of China’s port economy also reflects the increasingly symbiotic relationship between ports and cities.

In Rizhao, east China’s Shandong province, summer breezes now sweep across Hailong Bay, a site once dominated by coal yards. As China’s first “port-to-city restoration” project, Hailong Bay has undergone a dramatic transformation: the coal operations were relocated, 1,882 meters of ecological shoreline restored, and 460,000 square meters of new beach area created. The port is now a scenic zone, attracting a steady stream of tourists, said a local official.

By leveraging a “port-industry synergy model,” Rizhao Port has built an integrated supply chain spanning grain logistics, storage, and feed processing. The port serves as a key logistics node for multiple provinces including Shandong, Henan, Shaanxi, and Sichuan, attracting major players such as COFCO and China Grain Reserves Group. Currently, over 85% of Rizhao’s output value of industrial enterprises above the designated size comes from port-related industries.

Ports drive urban growth, and in turn, cities fuel the development of ports. The report highlights how port economies are becoming increasingly significant drivers of urban development. In Tianjin, for instance, 147 container shipping routes link Tianjin Port to over 500 terminals around the world, and the city’s marine economy has surpassed 400 billion yuan. In Yantai, Shandong province, a comprehensive supply chain service park is under construction, set to upgrade the traditional port area into a modern port service hub that better integrates with city development.

Across China, a growing number of modern, globally competitive ports are emerging as vital pillars in the country’s journey toward high-quality development.

By Lin Lili, People’s Daily

China’s retail sector is embracing AI through diverse innovations. In stores equipped with AI-enabled interactive shelves, picking up a product triggers a digital display that introduces its features and functions. In restaurants, AI-powered inspection tools automatically detect whether kitchen staff have washed their hands and monitor inventory in real time. In unmanned stores, computer vision and sensor-equipped shelves accurately track product selection, enabling customers to simply pick up items and walk out after paying via facial recognition or QR code scans.

At the 2025 ChinaShop, the largest retail exhibition in Asia, AI’s presence was seen throughout the retail ecosystem. Technologies ranged from smart shelving and cold-chain logistics to unmanned vehicles and drones, as well as data analytics platforms that interpret consumer behavior and automate responses. This technological integration is fundamentally transforming retail operations while redefining the consumer experience.

China is advancing AI-consumption integration as a strategic component of its digital economy development. This approach enriches the AI application scenarios while creating new avenues for expanding domestic demand. By deploying AI, virtual reality, and big data technologies across consumer sectors, the country enhances supply-demand alignment, boosting consumer confidence with more personalized, responsive services.

As China has moved beyond the era of “shortage economy,” the central question in retail business becomes what compels consumers to willingly spend in today’s market? 

A key shift in modern retail is the transition from product-centered to user-centered models. Younger consumers, who grew up in the digital age, now drive market trends. Retailers must offer more personalized, immediate experiences to meet rising expectations. 

For example, some beauty stores now use AI-enabled shelves that respond to voice commands, helping shoppers find and select suitable products. E-commerce platforms are also rolling out virtual fitting rooms and 3D previews to simulate “try-before-you-buy” experiences. 

With the integration of AI, retailers can deliver customized recommendations, targeted promotions, and flexible payment and delivery options, putting the users truly at the center of the retail journey.

Big data and AI are also transforming supply chains by bridging the gap between consumer data and production insights. Through precise user profiling, companies can better match supply with demand. One example is the rise of C2M (Customer-to-Manufacturer) models, where businesses collect consumers’ personalized preferences and convert them into tailored product designs. This helps resolve the long-standing tension between mass production and personalized customization. In this way, “AI + consumption” creates a closed data loop that allows demand to guide supply, reinforcing a two-way cycle of value creation.

AI is not only reshaping front-end consumer interactions but is also redefining value across the entire retail chain. Traditional retail structures centered on people, goods, and spaces are evolving into intelligent retail ecosystems. With AI tools, manufacturers, logistics providers, and retailers can connect seamlessly across both online and offline channels. From product development and marketing to process optimization and inventory management, AI dramatically improves supply chain efficiency and responsiveness.

China’s consumer market boasts vast potential, backed by a population of over 1.4 billion, including more than 400 million middle-income earners, and a robust manufacturing base. The country produces more than 220 types of industrial goods at world-leading volumes and is the only nation to encompass all categories in the United Nations industrial classification system. 

As AI integrates more deeply into the economy, it will more effectively align China’s unmatched production capabilities with its enormous consumer base, unlocking new opportunities of growth and unleashing even greater consumption potential.

By Fan Wei, Jiang Bo, Wu Yong, Tian Liang

Tucked away in the northwestern corner of Xing’an league in north China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Arxan ranks among China’s “tiniest city” by population – just 28,600 residents – yet exerts a disproportionate influence in tourism and cultural exchanges.

Once a remote border town, Arxan has transformed in recent years into a magnet for visitors drawn by pristine natural beauty and commitment to sustainable development. Its unique mix of volcanoes, crater lakes, vast forests, and thermal springs has earned it a reputation as a “healing destination,” especially among travelers from neighboring Mongolia.

For O Adiya, a Mongolian businessman and president of the chamber of commerce in Dornod, Mongolia, Arxan stands out among the many places he has visited in China. “The natural scenery is absolutely breathtaking. For many Mongolians, Arxan is an ideal travel destination,” he said.

Nestled on the southwestern slopes of the Greater Khingan Mountains, Arxan offers a rare convergence of forest and grassland civilizations. Visitors can hike through dense woods, stroll across sweeping grasslands, and marvel at dramatic rock formations and snow-covered peaks. In winter, naturally heated mineral springs with a variety of temperatures and therapeutic properties become especially popular.

“Every year, many Mongolian tourists enter through the Arxan border port,” said Tang Xin, deputy head of a border inspection team at the city’s immigration inspection station. Beyond shopping, most visitors seek the natural landscapes and therapeutic springs, Tang added. 

“September offers peak scenery – when the forests are ablaze with color, like nature’s very own palette,” he said.

Local businesses have seized the opportunity to tailor experiences to cross-border visitors. Fu Lihong, a local tourism service provider, has developed customized wellness packages featuring hot springs and traditional therapies. “Mongolians value traditional Mongolian medicine, which recognizes the health benefits of thermal springs and medicinal baths, ” Fu explained. “This drives Arxan’s geothermal resorts’ popularity.” 

To accommodate rising visitor numbers, the Arxan border port, once only open seasonally, for eight months a year, now operates year-round.

Arxan’s development is rooted in a larger transformation. Formerly a major timber industry hub, the city pivoted to ecological protection after China’s nationwide natural forest conservation program took effect. Today, with forest coverage above 80 percent and vegetation exceeding 95 percent, Arxan is both a biodiversity haven and a ecotourism model. Leveraging its robust green industries, Arxan is cultivating an outward-facing ecological culture.

The city’s lush forests also provide a safe haven for local wildlife. Winter visitors might spot Mongolian gazelles, red deer, and roe deer wandering along forest trails – just a few of the many wild animals thriving in the protected habitat.

Environmental cooperation has become a cornerstone of foreign exchanges between Xing’an league and neighboring Dornod. As Mongolia advances a campaign to plant 1 billion trees, the cold-resistant, high-survival-rate tree species native to the Greater Khingan Mountains – like spruce and larch – have emerged as ideal choices for reforestation.

“Building a greener homeland is a shared aspiration for China and Mongolia,” said Xiao Cuiyan, head of the foreign affairs office of Xing’an league. “The resilient trees of the Greater Khingan Mountains have become ‘envoys of friendship,’ representing both ecological hope and cultural bonds.” 

According to Xiao, the league is actively partnering with Mongolian partners to provide saplings and expertise, with the goal of planting these green seeds across the Mongolian steppe.

Located at the intersection of China, Mongolia, and Russia, Arxan has long served as a gateway for cultural exchanges. With a rich history of cross-border interaction, Xing’an league remains a fertile ground for people-to-people ties. In recent years, it has hosted a range of major events and cultural exchanges, including the China-Mongolia-Russia cultural and arts week, subregional basketball tournaments, and performances of Mongolian long songs.

“China, Russia, and Mongolia are close neighbors connected by mountains and rivers. We share a common future and long-standing friendships,” Xiao said. “Here in Xing’an, the most beautiful scenery lies not just in nature, but in the spirit of openness, inclusiveness, and harmony of the people.”

By He Yin, People’s Daily

The 10th Annual Meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Board of Governors was held in Beijing from June 24 to 26. Over the past decade, the AIIB has navigated mounting global development challenges with a steadfast commitment to enhancing infrastructure connectivity, advancing open cooperation, and upholding multilateralism. Its development offers a distinct paradigm for international financial cooperation and sustainable development, both within the region and globally.

Building on the momentum of this meeting, the AIIB has articulated its strategic priorities for the next phase of development. It will work to consolidate consensus among its members, injecting new vitality into global development, and fostering greater openness and collaboration in a world fraught with uncertainty and changes.

When the AIIB was launched, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed making it a new type of professional, efficient, and clean multilateral development bank. Throughout its first decade, the AIIB has maintained international, rule-based, and high-standard operations, and embarked on a trajectory with a high starting point, high-quality development, and high-level cooperation, setting a new standard in global financial governance. 

Founded in 2015, AIIB has grown from 57 founding members to 110 across six continents, covering 81 percent of the world’s population and 65 percent of global GDP. It has approved over $60 billion in financing for 320 projects, leveraging more than $200 billion in infrastructure investment, benefiting 38 member economies within and beyond Asia. 

On the capital markets side, it had issued over $54 billion equivalent bonds in multiple currencies as of the end of May, and has consistently maintained triple-A credit ratings from Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch. Moody’s, for instance, credited the bank’s top rating to its strong financial footing, well-performing assets, and ample liquidity.

These impressive achievements stem from the bank’s unwavering commitment to multilateralism, adherence to international rules, and dedication to high operational standards. Robert Zoellick, former president of the World Bank, once noted that the AIIB has set a good example in the world in terms of governance, transparency, international standards, and cooperation.

According to the AIIB’s latest partnership report, over 131 of its more than 300 projects have been co-financed with other multilateral development banks, highlighting its open and collaborative approach and its growing role in promoting multilateral cooperation. 

The AIIB has renewed memoranda of understanding with major institutions such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and Islamic Development Bank. Actively engaged in G20 mechanisms, it contributs substantive perspectives to global financial governance. Its engagement with regional organizations, including participation in ASEAN summits, also reinforces its commitment to fostering regional connectivity networks.

Amid persistent global infrastructure gaps, the AIIB’s commitment to the principle of “extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit” is increasingly relevant in mobilizing development resources and minimizing duplicative investments.

Despite global economic headwinds and shifting dynamics in international trade, the AIIB remains project-driven and development-oriented, responding to the urgent needs of its members, especially developing countries. 

In Egypt, the Abu Qir Metro Line in Alexandria eases congestion and curbs emissions, benefiting tens of thousands of commuters. In Uzbekistan, the Bukhara Region Water Supply and Sanitation Phase II project strengthens the local water supply system and enhances public health. In the Maldives, solar power and battery storage projects drive a green energy transformation. These tangible results have translated multilateral development cooperation into concrete local benefits.

As a founding member, major shareholder, headquarters host country, and development partner of the AIIB, China has consistently supported the bank’s growth. It has worked with the bank to implement a number of high-quality projects and shared development experience with fellow members, and contributed to the AIIB’s Project Preparation Special Fund and Concessional Financing Fund to support low-income members. 

Looking forward, China calls for the AIIB to strengthen its capacity-building efforts, broadening international dialogue and cooperation, and better fulfilling its mission as a new type of multilateral platform. At a critical juncture in global development cooperation, the AIIB is well-positioned to make greater contributions. China is ready to work with all partners to support the bank’s continued progress and contribute even more to infrastructure connectivity, sustainable development, and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

By Liu Lingling, People’s Daily

Recent surveys by international polling agencies such as Ipsos and Morning Consult reveal a steady rise in global favorability toward China.

This shift is evidenced by three key developments: substantial increases in foreign tourists arrivals, broader international viewership of Chinese films and TV dramas, and growing global investor interest in Chinese assets. 

Observers note a striking shift in China’s global image – from “mysterious” to “captivating” – with some foreign commentators even describing China as distinctly “cool.”

Tourists recount a common journey: arriving with curiosity about a nation once seen as enigmatic, only to depart as genuine enthusiasts.

Thanks to China’s unilateral visa-free policies – now extended to 47 countries – and its 240-hour visa-free transit program expanded to 55 countries, a growing number of foreign travelers are packing their bags for impromptu visits. 

This surge in firsthand encounters transforms visitors into active ambassadors of Chinese culture. Their authentic experiences are dissolving the “cognitive bubbles” shaped by prejudice and distance, fostering deeper cross-cultural understanding and emotional connections.

This rising global favorability reflects not only China’s stabilizing and constructive role amid global turbulence, but also the intrinsic appeal of its development and progress.

A foundation of stability and progress

Amid rising protectionism and global uncertainty, China has remained committed to its principled approach – pursuing high-quality development and expanding high-standard opening up.

In the first quarter of 2025, China’s GDP grew by 5.4 percent year on year. In the first five months, the total value of China’s foreign trade rose by 2.5 percent from a year ago. Despite mounting external pressures, China’s economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience, remaining a critical engine for global growth. Observers worldwide recognize this steadiness – guided by strategic focus, undeterred by external noise or short-term fluctuations, and driven by confidence and long-term vision.

China has signed 23 free trade agreements with 30 countries and regions. It has extended the zero-tariff treatment to cover 100 percent of tariff lines for all 53 African countries that have diplomatic ties with China. The number of Belt and Road partner countries continues to grow. The world sees not just market access, but the broader opportunities presented by China’s development. Chinese modernization is delivering fresh momentum to global progress.

A commitment to shared responsibility

As unilateralism fuels anxiety and instability worldwide, China has doubled down on its commitment to peaceful development and win-win cooperation.

A stark contrast emerged at two recent summits. While the G7 reiterated confrontationist rhetoric like “small yard, high fence,” the second China-Central Asia Summit in the Kazakh capital of Astana yielded over 100 tangible cooperation agreements. China and Central Asian countries are jointly pursuing high-quality regional development and shared modernization, while championing multilateralism and international fairness and justice.

In response to unilateral bullying by certain countries, China has taken tangible steps to implement the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilizations Initiative, driving progress toward building a community with a shared future for mankind. 

“China has been a rational, strong and reliable partner. Malaysia values this consistency,” said Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. He added that China offers not just stability but a lasting sense of hope for the future.

A drive for innovation and progress

“This is a very dynamic and innovative society,” observed The Telegraph’s correspondent after extensive travel throughout China. With an innovation-driven development strategy and robust efforts to cultivate new quality productive forces, China’s scientific and technological advancements are capturing global attention.

Innovation has made China a “nation of the future.” International observers cite its resilience, relentless entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to breakthroughs. This reflects a deeper strength: resolve in tackling complex challenges, courage to blaze new paths, and the patience to press forward. This persistent momentum earns increasing international respect and recognition.

By embracing openness and cooperation, China shares the fruits of its innovation with the world, promoting common development and working with other nations to pursue shared aspirations. A China like this naturally inspires others to join in its progress.

A resonant cultural connection

From the viral sensation of toy figure Labubu to beloved cultural icons like Ne Zha and Wukong, China’s creative reinterpretation of its traditions – blending modern design and technology – is fueling a global “Eastern fever,” weaving compelling stories of cross-cultural exchanges.

China’s rising global favorability reflects its proactive engagement with the world, the growing global resonance of its ideas, the richness of its civilization, and the expanding promise inherent in its unique modernization path.

At a time when divisive zero-sum thinking increasingly impedes global progress, China’s vision and practical steps toward building a community with a shared future for mankind offer alternative pathways, injecting sustained momentum into international cooperation through both profound ideas and concrete action.

By Luo Shanshan, Ding Qianqian

China is emerging as a dynamic engine for global services trade growth, demonstrated by surging international interest in tourism and shopping alongside leadership in artificial intelligence and cloud computing. 

In the first four months of 2025, China’s services exports reached nearly 1.13 trillion yuan ($157.73 billion), an increase of 14.6 percent from a year earlier – a notable achievement amid persistent global trade uncertainty.

This global appeal was recently showcased when more than 3,000 tourism professionals from 74 countries and regions gathered in Shanghai and Chengdu at the invitation of Chinese travel platforms.

“I could watch pandas munching on bamboo all day long!” said David, a travel agency operator from Australia with 20 years of experience while visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. 

Awed by the up-close encounter with China’s beloved national treasure, David remarked that his agency plans to introduce panda-themed tours as a highlight of its premium packages. “Since last year, ‘China travel’ has become the most frequently asked topic among our clients. We expect to bring at least 500 Australian tourists to China next year,” said David.

Among the destinations were marketing executives of Dubai’s hotels, product managers from major European tour operators, and internationally renowned travel influencers – individuals with significant clout in global tourism circles.

From the dazzling skyline of the Bund area in Shanghai to the serene beauty of the Jiuzhaigou scenic area in southwest China’s Sichuan province, from the aroma of hotpot on busy street corners to the bustling pulse of modern commercial centers, this journey – shared by tourism elites from around the world – became a meaningful cultural dialogue.

Trade in travel-related services continued rapid growth momentum, surging 14.7 percent year on year to reach 756.78 billion yuan from January to April this year. Exports soared by a remarkable 79.9 percent, while imports grew by 7.8 percent.

This dramatic rise in outbound travel services is underpinned by several converging factors: streamlined visa-free transit policies, the resumption of international flights, tax-refund policies for overseas tourists, and steady upgrades in China’s catering, hospitality, and business travel industries.

According to data from Chinese online travel platform Ctrip, tourism contributed 10 percent to global GDP in 2024 and created 350 million jobs. “Tourism has become an important bridge connecting Chinese services with the global market,” said Sun Jie, CEO of Ctrip.

Today, Chinese services are rapidly moving up the global value chain. In the first four months of this year, exports of knowledge-intensive services reached 590.24 billion yuan, a 6.1 percent year-on-year increase.

In June, at Peru’s Chancay Port, a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative and South America’s first smart port, 50 autonomous smart trucks maneuvered through the terminal with precision, transporting containers from cargo ships to designated storage areas along pre-programmed routes. The operation, fully automated and coordinated via an intelligent dispatch system, demonstrated a new model for port logistics.

The port’s smart logistics system was developed by Shanghai-based Utopilot. “The first 40 trucks have been operating around the clock in coordination with the central dispatch platform, increasing handling efficiency by 30 percent and reducing empty truck runs by 15 percent,” said Yang Lei, general manager of the company’s sales and operations center. “All instructions and task assignments are automatically generated, which streamlines port management.”

To accommodate the intricate needs of round-the-clock terminal activity, precision parking, and end-to-end scheduling coordination, Utopilot has developed 36 major categories encompassing over 120 safety testing protocols, integrated 80 autonomous driving functions, and created an intelligent fleet management platform capable of supporting over 1,000 vehicles.

The project was recognized as a national best-practice case in technology trade and joined other exemplary cases of Chinese companies advancing international cooperation and export of high-end services.

One such example is Yangling Modern Agriculture International Cooperation Co. Ltd., which has built 14 agricultural demonstration parks in seven Belt and Road partner countries, exporting China’s expertise in modern farming practices.

Another standout is WhaleBI, a firm based in Nanjing, east China’s Jiangsu province, which has successfully delivered a large-scale cloud computing solution to Saudi Arabia through remote deployment. The project facilitated the digital transformation of local data centers, reducing operational and maintenance costs by approximately 30 percent.

Also on the list is the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which developed an industrial-scale, environmentally friendly process for synthesizing ethylenediamine. The technology provides a greener solution to the global chemical industry.

As a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation accelerates globally, China is seizing emerging opportunities to boost the competitiveness of its services sector on the world stage.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

The Second Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange recently held in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan province, offers a timely response to the rise of unilateralism and protectionism that continues to challenge global development. The gathering reinvigorated international cooperation in scientific and technological innovation, reinforcing the foundation for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation to deliver broader benefits to humanity.

Scientific and technological cooperation is a key pillar of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). From the launch of the Belt and Road Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation Action Plan at the first Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in May 2017, to designating “advancing scientific and technological innovation” as one of the eight major steps China will take to support the joint pursuit of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation at the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in October 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping has always placed high importance on scientific and technological collaboration in BRI cooperation. He has always championed innovation-driven development and encouraged collective efforts to seize the opportunities presented by the ongoing technological revolutions.

In recent years, China has made significant progress in advancing the Belt and Road Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation Action Plan. Working closely with its partners, the country has strengthened top-level planning and expanded collaborative platforms. So far, China has signed intergovernmental science and technology cooperation agreements with more than 80 BRI partners, and set up more than 70 BRI joint laboratories and 10 international technology transfer centers. 

At the conference, a range of new initiatives were announced, including the official launch of the International Meridian Circle Program, collaborative projects in AI and traditional Chinese medicine, as well as the creation of additional joint laboratories, research alliances, and technology transfer hubs.

A particularly meaningful dimension of the Belt and Road scientific and technological cooperation lies in its focus on technology-driven poverty reduction. China’s own experience – where technological innovation played a pivotal role in lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty – offers valuable experience for the Global South.

At the conference, a dedicated forum examined how technological solutions can be leveraged to combat poverty in developing countries, sharing China’s proven approaches while exploring new pathways and models for targeted, innovation-led poverty reduction.

The forum unveiled ten key technological solutions for poverty reduction, along with new research platforms designed to facilitate knowledge exchanges. Participants underscored the need for equitable access to scientific and technological advances and called for stronger international cooperation, especially among countries in the Global South.

Scientific and technological progress is a global topic and a defining issue of the times. Openness and cooperation remain the only viable path forward. As the world undergoes a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation, with big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly shaping economic and social development, cooperation in science and technology has never been more critical.

Yet, growing disparities in technological capacity, digital access, and AI threaten to widen global inequalities. The unilateral pursuit of technological hegemony by some nations – seeking to suppress others under the pretext of national security – has further fragmented the global landscape, posing significant challenges to inclusive global development. 

In Chengdu, delegates voiced a shared conviction: global challenges demand collective responses. Many emphasized that “countries must join hands to advance global cooperation, drive inclusive development, foster mutual learning among civilizations, and chart a shared path of innovation.”

The conference delivered a strong message: science knows no borders and should benefit all of humanity. Broad international consensus holds that scientific and technological cooperation should be open, fair, equitable, and non-discriminatory. Zero-sum competition, the politicization of cooperation, and the excessive overstretching of national security concerns have no place in the global science community.

Unity fosters shared success; partnership drives progress. Looking ahead, China remains committed to working with all partners to advance the International Science and Technology Cooperation Initiative, and to build a Belt and Road scientific and technological innovation community that is innovative-driven, open and inclusive, fair and equitable, and oriented toward shared prosperity and sustainability. In doing so, science and technology will better serve the well-being of all humanity and contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

By Luo Shanshan, Wang Pei, People’s Daily

As global supply chains undergo a new round of restructuring, China is emerging as an increasingly attractive destination for foreign investment. A recent report from the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under the Ministry of Commerce highlighted how the country’s comprehensive, multi-dimensional strategic advantages and expanding market potential are reinforcing its appeal to multinational corporations.

The convergence of diverse opportunities is enabling the Chinese market to deliver greater long-term value, fostering both sustained capital appreciation and enhanced global competitiveness. As of the end of 2024, foreign investors had invested and established more than 1.23 million enterprises, with a cumulative actual utilization of foreign capital of 20.6 trillion yuan ($2.87 trillion).

On June 25, Airbus marked four decades of partnership with China. Over the years, China has become Airbus’ biggest single-country market for commercial aircraft. Today, the partnership spans the entire aircraft lifecycle – from design and manufacturing to operational support and recycling after retirement. According to Airbus’ 2025 global market forecast, China will become the world’s largest air transport market in the next 20 years, requiring 9,570 new aircraft, accounting for nearly one-fourth of total demand globally.

On June 18, German electric giant Phoenix Contact, another multinational with a long-standing presence in China, broke ground on a mega-factory in Nanjing, east China’s Jiangsu province, with a total investment of 1 billion yuan. Once completed, the facility will triple its production capacity within five years. 

A company representative noted that China’s market scale and sophistication provides significant growth potential, while the rapid advancement of sectors like new energy and intelligent manufacturing aligns closely with the company’s business focus.

Han Jian, a professor at Nanjing University’s business school, observed that on the demand side, China’s large and multi-tiered market presents abundant commercial opportunities for foreign businesses. On the supply side, the country boasts a complete industrial system and strong manufacturing capabilities, having built the world’s largest high-speed railway and expressway networks, as well as world-class port clusters and highly efficient logistics systems. This helps multinationals lower costs and enhance operational efficiency, Han noted.

A stable policy framework and an increasingly open environment further strengthen China’s investment profile.

This confidence is reflected in multinationals’ consistent investment patterns, exemplified by German consumer goods leader Henkel: the company allocated over 500 million yuan in setting up an innovation center in Shanghai in 2021, launched a new adhesive manufacturing facility in the Yantai Huang-Bohai New Area in east China’s Shandong province in 2023, and inaugurated its Cosmetics Brands China Factory in Taicang, Jiangsu province, in March this year. 

“The current wave of investment is driven by market dynamics, strong government support, and continuous improvements in the business environment,” said Yu Jiang, head of government relations and public affairs at Henkel (China).

“The Chinese government has been actively advancing opening-up. The negative list for foreign investment is getting shorter every year, and in 2024, restrictions in the manufacturing sector were completely lifted. A range of new policies have also been introduced to attract foreign investment,” said Yu.

Experts affirm that China’s long-standing political and social stability, combined with consistent policy implementation, cultivates a reliable and predictable operating climate for foreign businesses. Notably, China’s well-structured approach to both voluntary and unilateral opening-up has created a forward-looking and flexible space for multinational development.

Many foreign companies have highlighted China’s dynamic application scenarios and innovation momentum as key reasons for choosing the country as a launchpad for new business models and launching cutting-edge technologies. Today, China boasts the world’s largest innovation ecosystem for scenario-based applications.

After 38 years of development in the Chinese market, Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and industrial automation, has made China its second-largest market globally and one of its most critical supply chain bases. 

According to Yin Zheng, executive vice president of China and East Asia Operations at Schneider Electric, the company has established five research and development (R&D) facilities in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. Since 2019, its R&D spending in China has grown at a compound annual rate of more than 18 percent.

Japanese electronics maker Seiko Epson Corp has followed a similar strategy, combining technological expertise with localization. “Through open collaboration, we’ve developed a wide range of popular, China-specific solutions,” said the president of Epson (China) Co., Ltd.. “In response to the emerging challenges of the AI era, we are actively integrating into China’s development trajectory and innovation ecosystem.”

According to the report released by the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, foreign-invested enterprises have been rapidly expanding their R&D presence in China in recent years. As of May 2025, Shanghai was home to 603 foreign-funded R&D centers. In 2024 alone, Beijing approved more than 110 new foreign-funded R&D centers, bringing the city’s total to 221 – more than doubling within just a short span of time.