Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang unveiled ambitious plans to strengthen international scientific cooperation during his keynote address at the 2026 Zhongguancun Forum Annual Conference in Beijing. Speaking before 1,000 global delegates, Ding emphasized China's commitment to building an open innovation ecosystem while advancing domestic technological self-reliance.
The senior leader highlighted China's scientific achievements under the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), noting breakthroughs in quantum computing and artificial intelligence that positioned the country as a key global innovation hub. As the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) begins, China aims to expand regional innovation clusters including the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei corridor, Yangtze River Delta, and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Ding proposed three pillars for global tech cooperation: creating inclusive research networks, diversifying international partnerships, and establishing ethical governance frameworks. The strategy aligns with this year's forum theme of integrating technological advancement with industrial applications.
The conference serves as a platform for dialogue between scientists, policymakers, and business leaders from multiple countries and regions. Recent agreements on joint semiconductor research and clean energy projects demonstrate the forum's growing role in shaping Asia's innovation landscape.
