In a recent article by Han Qi, a professor of Chinese history and culture at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, published in the South China Morning Post, the scholar explored the fascinating interplay between Chinese science and technology and their impact on the West, as well as the reciprocal influences, sparking a lively global discussion over the issue.
The article elaborates on the importance of technological exchange, stating that China boasts a rich tradition of astronomical observation that spans over 2,000 years, with the longest and most comprehensive records in this field. Even today, China's astronomical observations continue to exert a direct influence on scientific progress.
In addition to the four great inventions that significantly shaped culture, other notable Chinese inventions, such as silk and porcelain, have profoundly impacted daily life. Today, in critical global competitive arenas such as digital technology and new energy, China's innovative capabilities serve as incubators for emerging industries and catalysts for the upgrading of traditional sectors, injecting new momentum into the sustainable and healthy development of the global economy.
What is happening every minute in innovative China?
Photovoltaic industrial parks generate more than 10,000 solar cells, demonstrating that China has established the world's largest and most comprehensive new energy industry chain, supplying a staggering 70 percent of global photovoltaic components.
The Chang'e 6 probe travels 672 kilometers, showing that China has made history as the first nation to collect samples from the far side of the moon.
An automated sorting system in logistics processes 3,000 packages, mirroring that China's express delivery industry has now surpassed an incredible 150 billion packages annually, setting a new historical benchmark.
Innovation stands as the primary driver of comprehensive development, with technology serving as a powerful tool to overcome challenges.
As we step into 2025, the world is witnessing unprecedented changes, marked by a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation. China is reshaping the global technology landscape with its strong momentum in technological development and an open and inclusive mindset.
China remains steadfast in its commitment to engaging with the world and looking toward the future, planning and promoting technological innovation with a global perspective.
It accelerates technology transfer and knowledge sharing, assisting developing countries in advancing their digital economies and green transitions, thereby reshaping the global technological landscape.
The goal is to make technological achievements accessible to a broader audience and to foster stronger, greener, and healthier global development.
In 2024, reports of technological innovation were frequent, with innovation-driven initiatives leading to continuous achievements in high-quality development, setting new historical records, and pushing the boundaries of the world's technological landscape higher, faster, deeper, further, and stronger.
China is making continuous breakthroughs in cutting-edge fields such as quantum communication, deep space exploration, and deep-sea research, playing an increasingly vital role on the international scientific stage.
China's self-built space station, also known as Tiangong, boasts rich scientific application resources and comprehensive support capabilities, showcasing the country's formidable strength in aerospace technology while sharing development achievements with other countries and enhancing outer space governance, ensuring that aerospace technology benefits all of humanity.
These technological achievements facilitate people's deeper integration into the international scientific innovation network, enabling us to initiate and participate in international scientific organizations, and collaborate with countries worldwide to create an open, fair, just, and non-discriminatory international environment for scientific development.
China's technological development has also played a significant role in helping developing countries narrow the gap with developed nations. Through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has invested heavily in infrastructure projects across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, providing essential resources and technology transfer that bolster local economies.
Additionally, Chinese companies have been instrumental in deploying affordable technologies, such as renewable energy solutions and telecommunications infrastructure, which are crucial for sustainable development.
Moreover, China's emphasis on digital technology, including e-commerce and mobile payment systems, has empowered small businesses in developing countries, enabling them to access broader markets and improve their economic prospects.
Educational programs and partnerships have also been established, allowing for knowledge sharing and skill development, which are vital for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
By leveraging its technological advancements and experience, China not only aids in the economic growth of developing nations, but also promotes a more equitable global landscape, ultimately contributing to the reduction of disparities between developed and developing countries.
The success of Chinese technology and brands on the international stage is the result of the hard work of Chinese enterprises and the flourishing of the country's innovation-driven economy and high-quality development.
When viewed within the broader context of China's industrial development logic, political and economic systems, and international innovation competition, one can gain a profound understanding of the roots of China's innovative capabilities.
Source: VOC
