China recognized 50 international experts with its highest honor for foreign nationals on Tuesday, celebrating their pivotal role in advancing the country's technological innovation and cross-cultural collaboration. The 2025 Chinese Government Friendship Award ceremony at Beijing's Great Hall of the People highlighted China's growing global partnerships amid its modernization drive.
State Councilor Shen Yiqin praised recipients from 23 countries and regions for contributions spanning artificial intelligence, green energy, and medical research. "Your expertise has become part of China's development story," Shen told attendees, emphasizing that foreign talent remains crucial to achieving Beijing's vision of high-quality growth.
The annual award coincides with China's intensified efforts to attract overseas professionals through streamlined visa policies and expanded research funding. Recent data shows foreign-led projects account for 17% of patented innovations in key tech sectors.
Analysts view the ceremony as reinforcing China's commitment to international cooperation despite geopolitical tensions. "This isn't just about talent acquisition," noted Beijing-based economist Zhang Wei. "It's a strategic move to position China as a hub for global problem-solving – from climate tech to public health."
Recipients included German renewable energy pioneer Klaus Schmidt and Kenyan AI ethics researcher Wanjiru Mwangi, whose work on algorithmic bias prevention has been adopted by Chinese tech giants. The government plans to showcase their achievements through a nationwide exhibition tour starting October 2025.
