University College London (UCL) President Michael Spence lauded China's focus on technological innovation and global collaboration during the Beijing Forum, emphasizing the strategic alignment of these priorities with global challenges like climate change and healthcare.
Speaking to CGTN, Spence highlighted China's 'impressive' integration of technology into daily life, particularly in AI-driven healthcare solutions. 'The speed at which technology has been adopted here is transformative,' he said, while urging attention to policy frameworks for data security and public trust.
Spence specifically endorsed China's proposed 15th Five-Year Plan, which emphasizes international talent development and educational partnerships. 'Scientific progress has always been borderless,' he noted, adding that UCL's collaborations with Chinese institutions have 'yielded enormous benefits.' He cited renewable energy and food security as areas where UK-China cooperation could drive breakthroughs.
The academic leader also stressed the importance of cultural exchanges, calling education 'the bridge to a harmonious global future.' His remarks come as China expands scholarship programs and joint research initiatives under its latest development roadmap.
