Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, China has enhanced its global cooperation. It has developed a high-level model of opening up, notably through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and signed BRI cooperation agreements with more than 150 countries. It has established multiple platforms such as the China-ASEAN Cooperation Mechanism and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
BRI: science collaboration
Fostering sci-tech collaboration with its BRI partners, China has signed intergovernmental science and technology agreements with 81 countries, established intellectual property cooperation relations with over 50 countries, and supported more than 1,000 joint research projects. These collaborations have enhanced global innovation and technology transfer.
Over the past 11 years, China has focused on talent development for its partner countries, training over 16,000 professionals in fields such as agriculture and health. Additionally, 67 institutions from 48 countries have joined the Alliance of National and International Organizations for Belt and Road Regions, facilitating cooperation on crucial global challenges such as food security and climate change.
International sci-tech cooperation platforms have also been established, supporting areas like small hydropower in Pakistan, Internet of Things-based smart agriculture in Chile, and rice cultivation in Africa. Over 50 BRI joint laboratories are playing a vital role in promoting scientific cooperation between research institutions worldwide.
China has also established nine transnational technology transfer centers across regions including ASEAN, Africa, and Latin America. More than 300 technology exchange activities have been held, implementing over 1,000 cooperative projects.
The Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, the highest-level event under the BRI framework, has held three successful sessions. The third one, held in Beijing in October 2023, announced over 458 outcomes, sending a strong message of China's continued commitment to global cooperation and openness.
BRICS: model partnership
The BRICS cooperation mechanism, representing emerging economies, has become a successful model for collaboration. In January 2024, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Iran, and Ethiopia joined BRICS, marking a significant expansion of the group.
China is committed to deepening its scientific and technological ties within BRICS. During the 15th BRICS Summit in August 2023, China announced the establishment of the China-BRICS Science and Innovation Incubation Park. In December 2023, this park was inaugurated in Xiamen to facilitate the transformation of scientific achievements and enhance industrial cooperation among BRICS nations.
Since the signing of the BRICS Memorandum of Understanding on BRICS Cooperation in Science, Technology, and Innovation 2015, 19 priority areas have been identified for collaboration. Thirteen working groups have been established in fields such as astronomy, marine science and geospatial technology. The BRICS Technology Transfer Center, officially launched in 2017 in Kunming, China, has been another cornerstone of cooperation. It has hosted six consecutive collaborative meetings and created an online platform for technology exchange.
The BRICS Summit 2024 will be held in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24, marking the first summit since BRICS expanded. The member states have demonstrated that despite differences in their interests and cultures, they can unite in their shared pursuit of global resilience and recovery.
Sino-African: shinning cooperation
Under the frameworks of the BRI as well as FOCAC, China and Africa have deepened agricultural science and technology cooperation. By the end of last year, China had established 24 agricultural technology demonstration centers across Africa, helping increase local crop yields by 30 percent to 60 percent on average.
In Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo (ROC), the thriving China-aided agricultural science and technology backyard has been pivotal in boosting cassava production through improved varieties and farming techniques. With the assistance of Chinese experts, the ROC's cassava yields have doubled from 15 tons per hectare to 30 tons.
Chinese experts focus not only on increasing crop yields but also on transferring technical knowledge. For instance, a Kenyan entrepreneur, Lucy Mimano, attended a training program in China and established what has become Kenya's largest banana tissue culture facility.
China-ASEAN: mutual growth
The 21st China-ASEAN Expo, which winds up in Nanning on September 28, highlights high-tech innovations while also focusing on strategic emerging industries.
This aligns with current technological and industrial development trends and the key areas being negotiated in the third version of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement.
The expo is showcasing cutting-edge advancements in AI, biotechnology, green low-carbon technologies, digital solutions, and more. They provide a vibrant display of the latest technological achievements and underscore the expo's role in promoting tech innovations. A notable addition this year is the ASEAN High-Tech Products Pavilion, showcasing innovations in the green economy, digital technologies, automotive sector, marine economy, and healthcare.
The expo is also promoting sustainable practices. In 2023, all exhibition halls used 100 percent green energy, reducing carbon emissions by over 1,200 tons. This year, in line with the dual goal of carbon neutrality and the enforcement of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, it is focusing on integrating green low-carbon technologies with intelligent innovations.
As a crucial platform for the development of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area and regional economic integration, the China-ASEAN Expo continues to drive collaboration across multiple sectors.