On 3rd November, an article by Ambassador Cao Zhongming was published by EU Reporter:

On October 31, China successfully launched the space lab module Mengtian of the country’s space station Tiangong, an important symbol of China’s self-reliance and strength in science and technology. In today’s world, sci-tech innovation has become a key engine for human progress. To seek resolutions and answers from sci-tech innovation is the right choice for countries to explore the unknown world, tackle global challenges and promote world prosperity and development.

The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China concluded recently has ushered in a new journey to build China into a modern socialist country in all respects and advance toward the Second Centenary Goal. Standing at a new historical starting point, the Chinese government will continue to prioritize sci-tech innovation, unswervingly pursue innovation-driven development, adopt a global vision, implement a strategy of international sci-tech cooperation that is more open, inclusive and mutually beneficial, proactively integrate into global innovation networks, actively implement the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, and work with people from all countries to see that sci-tech innovation will benefit more countries and peoples.

China attaches great importance to sci-tech innovation. Innovation is regarded as the primary driving force for development and self-reliance in science and technology a strategic underpinning for national development. Over the past decade, China has made significant achievements in manned spaceflight, lunar and Martian exploration, deep sea and deep earth probes, supercomputers, satellite navigation, quantum information, nuclear power technology, airliner manufacturing, and biomedicine. With new breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields and the booming of emerging strategic industries, China has joined the ranks of the world’s innovators.

China is not only a participant and pacesetter in international cutting-edge sci-tech innovation but also an advocate for and contributor to multilateralism and joint solutions to global challenges. China’s sci-tech progress not only serves its own people but also benefits the international community. So far, China has carried out sci-tech cooperation with over 160 countries and regions, signed more than 110 inter-governmental sci-tech cooperation agreements, and participated in more than 200 international organizations and multilateral mechanisms about science and technology. China’s space station is open to scientists from around the world, and nine experiment projects from 17 countries and 23 entities have been included in the first group of projects of the space station.

The Fengyun satellite meteorological data service system has covered 124 countries and regions. The Beidou navigation satellites, equipped with payloads that are up to the standards of international search and rescue organizations, provide global users with distress alarm and positioning services. China has pursued shared benefits and contributed to global development with sci-tech cooperation. This speaks volumes about China’s commitment to building a human community with a shared future.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Belgium over five decades ago, friendship and cooperation have always been the defining feature of relations between the two countries. With the further development of China-Belgium's all-round partnership of friendly cooperation, sci-tech innovation cooperation between the two countries has become ever closer. The encouraging progress made in this process has greatly promoted the economic and social development of both countries.

The mechanisms of the China-Belgium Innovation Dialogue and the Joint Commission on Science and Technology Cooperation have been operating effectively;  Trilateral research projects on climate change and biodiversity between China, Belgium, and South Africa have moved forward smoothly; Research projects involving Belgian institutions were included in the first group of experiments on China’s space station;

Cooperation between Chinese and Belgian researchers and sci-tech businesses in fields like basic research, agriculture, green development, circular economy, and healthcare is booming, further advancing China-Belgium sci-tech cooperation; Several Belgian experts in agriculture, geology, and other sectors have been awarded the Chinese Government Friendship Award for their remarkable contribution to China-Belgium exchanges and cooperation; Actively exploring the large Chinese market, Belgian sci-tech businesses have found a place for their products like chemicals, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural produce in the Chinese market, and the development potential is promising.

Like a giant vessel that keeps sailing steadily forward, China in the new era has been embracing the world with confidence and resilience, and China-Belgium innovation cooperation has been breaking new ground. Facing greater development opportunities and prospects, we need to continue to uphold multilateralism, pursue open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial international cooperation, strengthen scientific and technological cooperation, open windows rather than erect walls for innovation, ensure academic freedom, and promote exchanges and dialogue.

As an innovative country, China ranks among the first in the world in terms of innovation capacity and patent applications. China-Belgium sci-tech innovation cooperation is needed by both sides and is mutually beneficial. In particular, such cooperation will provide export-oriented businesses in Belgium with bigger development space outside the domestic market. Stronger sci-tech innovation and industrial cooperation between China and Belgium will add greater sci-tech impetus to the development of a China-Belgium all-round partnership of friendly cooperation and contribute wisdom and strength to the building of a human community with a shared future.