China launched Mengtian, a space laboratory module, from its space station Tiangong on October 31st. This is an important symbol for China’s self-reliance in science and technology.
Sci-tech innovation is a key driver of human progress in today’s globalized world. Sci-tech innovation offers answers and solutions to countries looking to explore the unknown, address global challenges and promote international prosperity and development.
Recent conclusion of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China has opened a new chapter in China’s journey to become a socialist country in all aspects and move towards the Second Centenary goal. The Chinese government is at a historical turning point. They will continue to prioritise sci-tech innovations, pursue innovation-driven growth, adopt a global vision and implement a strategy for international sci-tech cooperation.
China places great importance on sci-tech innovation. Innovation is the main driving force of development. Self-reliance in science, technology and engineering is a strategic foundation for national development. China has made remarkable achievements over the past decade in manned spaceflight and lunar and Martian exploration, deep ocean and deep earth probes as well as supercomputers and satellite navigation. They also have quantum information, nuclear energy technology, aircraft manufacturing, and biomedicine. China is now a world innovator thanks to its core technologies and the boom of new strategic industries.
China is not only a leader in cutting-edge international sci-tech innovation, but also a contributor and advocate for multilateralism. China’s progress in sci-tech does more than just benefit its people. It also benefits the entire international community. China has so far collaborated with more than 160 countries and regions in sci-tech, signed over 110 intergovernmental sci-tech cooperation agreement, and taken part in more than 200 international organisations and multilateral mechanisms related to science and technology. China’s space station is open for scientists from all over the world. Nine experiment projects have been submitted from 23 entities and 17 countries to the first group of space station projects.
Fengyun’s satellite meteorological data system system has been used to cover 124 countries and territories. Global users can access distress alarm and position services via the Beidou navigation satellites. They are equipped with payloads that meet international standards. China has sought to share the benefits of sci-tech cooperation and contributed to global development. This speaks volumes to China’s determination to build a human community that shares a future.
Friendship and cooperation have been the hallmark of bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China-Belgium over fifty years ago. The two countries have become closer to each other in sci-tech innovation, thanks to the strengthening of China-Belgium’s partnership of friendship. Both countries have seen positive progress in this area, which has contributed to their economic and social development.
The China-Belgium Innovation Dialogue and Joint Commission on Science and Technology Cooperation are working well. Trilateral research projects on biodiversity and climate change between China, Belgium and South Africa have progressed smoothly. Research projects involving Belgian institutions have been included in the first set of experiments on China’s space station.
Collaboration between Chinese and Belgian scientists and businesses in sci-tech fields such as basic research, agriculture and green development is booming. Several Belgian experts have been awarded the Chinese Government Friendship Award. These awards recognize the outstanding contribution of Belgian experts to China-Belgium cooperation.
China has been like a giant ship that sails steadily forward. China-Belgium cooperation in innovation has broken new ground. Faced with greater development prospects and opportunities, we must continue to uphold multilateralism and pursue open, inclusive and mutually beneficial international collaboration, strengthen scientific-technical cooperation, open windows for innovation rather than erecting walls, promote dialogue and exchanges, and ensure academic freedom.
China is an innovative country that ranks first in the world for patent applications and innovation capacity. Both sides need to work together in sci-tech innovation between China and Belgium. It is mutually beneficial. This cooperation will give Belgian export-oriented companies more development space beyond the country’s borders. A stronger sci-tech cooperation and greater industrial cooperation between China, Belgium and China will increase the sci-tech impetus for the development of a China/Belgium all round partnership of friendly cooperation. It will also contribute wisdom and strength towards the creation of a human community with shared future.
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