Ministry of Foreign Affairs
People’s Republic of China
Ding Xuexiang Attends the Opening Ceremony of the Second Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange and Delivers Keynote Speech
Updated: June 11, 2025 23:50
CN

On the morning of June 11, 2025, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council Ding Xuexiang attended the opening ceremony of the second Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange in Chengdu and delivered a keynote speech.

Ding Xuexiang stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping attaches great importance to Belt and Road sci-tech exchanges and cooperation, and has proposed a series of major initiatives and measures that provide important guidance for advancing international sci-tech innovation cooperation. China, together with all parties, is working to continuously implement the Belt and Road science, technology and innovation cooperation plans, build a sci-tech bridge that brings the people closer, and form a network of innovation cooperation, injecting strong impetus into the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

Ding Xuexiang emphasized that as the new round of sci-tech revolution and industrial transformation experiences in-depth development, technologies such as big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI) are fully empowering economic and social development. However, the gaps in technology, digital access and AI are still widening, and some hegemonic, high-handed and bullying acts are causing huge obstacles to global development. He called on all parties to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, further implement the International Science and Technology Cooperation Initiative, build an innovation-driven, open and inclusive, fair and equitable, universally beneficial and sustainable Belt and Road science, technology and innovation community to bring prosperity to all, and promote sci-tech innovation to better benefit all humanity.

Ding Xuexiang proposed four suggestions. First, further strengthen open cooperation in sci-tech innovation, jointly explore new models of global sci-tech cooperation for mutual benefit and win-win results, support relevant research institutions, universities, enterprises, and think tanks from various countries in establishing cooperative networks, and work together to tackle major sci-tech challenges. Second, further promote the inclusive sharing of sci-tech achievements, uphold the development of science for the benefit of all regardless of borders, greatly enhance the accessibility of science and technology, effectively implement the Belt and Road Special Cooperation Program on Poverty Alleviation through Science and Technology, and ensure that the results of sci-tech innovation better benefit all countries, especially those in the Global South. Third, further expand sci-tech people-to-people exchanges, strengthen innovative partnerships, widely carry out various forms of exchanges such as mutual visits, student exchanges, technical training and academic conferences, and tighten the friendly ties of sci-tech and educational cooperation. Fourth, further improve the global science and technology governance system, properly address potential rule conflicts, social risks and ethical challenges brought about by sci-tech development, oppose turning sci-tech cooperation into political and security issues, and promote sci-tech innovation to always develop in a direction that is conducive to the progress of human civilization.

Vice President of Iran Hossein Afshin, First Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Ramatov Achilbay Jumaniyazovich, and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia Marina Ragus attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches, while United Nations Secretary-General's Envoy on Technology Amandeep Singh Gill delivered a video address.

This conference was co-hosted by the Ministry of Science and Technology and other departments, the People's Government of Sichuan Province, and the Chongqing Municipal People's Government. Approximately 1,500 people, including domestic and foreign sci-tech personnel, business leaders, government officials, and representatives of international organizations, attended the opening ceremony.