China and Europe grow connections at Paris VivaTech 2025

chinadaily.com.cn2025-06-12 22:28

　　A humanoid robot and a quadruped robot developed by Unitree are displayed at the company's booth during VivaTech in Paris on Wednesday, attracting attention from technology enthusiasts and industry professionals. Wang Mingjie / China Daily

　　Cooperation in science and technology between China and Europe was a central focus at VivaTech 2025 in Paris on Wednesday, as the China-Europe Science and Technology Innovation and Cooperation Forum opened alongside the opening ceremony of the China Pavilion.

　　Organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, or CCPIT, the event highlighted growing momentum behind cross-border collaboration in innovation, research, and industrial transformation.

　　Deng Li, Chinese Ambassador to France, interacts with a humanoid robot developed by Unitree at the China Pavilion during VivaTech in Paris on Wednesday, drawing interest from attendees and underscoring China's progress in robotics and AI innovation. [Photo provided to China Daily]

　　"The Chinese government attaches great importance to scientific and technological innovation, placing it at the core of national development," said Chinese Ambassador to France Deng Li at the opening ceremony. "Guided by national strategies, driven by independent innovation of enterprises, and pulled by vast market demand, China has made remarkable progress in science and technology."

　　Deng noted that China's total R&D investment in 2024 exceeded 3.6 trillion yuan ($500 billion), maintaining the world's second-highest spending. He added that China holds the world's largest number of R&D personnel for 11 consecutive years, with over 4 million valid patents and a Global Innovation Index ranking that has risen to 11th place.

　　VivaTech, Europe's largest annual tech and innovation exhibition, brings together startups, global technology leaders, investors, and policymakers to explore cutting-edge solutions and foster international cooperation.

　　Li Wenguo, deputy representative general of CCPIT in France, delivers remarks at the opening ceremony of the China Pavilion at VivaTech in Paris on Wednesday. [Photo by Wang Mingjie/China Daily

　　Li Wenguo, deputy representative general of CCPIT in France, explained that the China Pavilion features leading Chinese tech enterprises including Huawei, Unitree Robotics, Dahua Technology, and China Mobile. The exhibits spotlight advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, smart mobility, and digital infrastructure: technologies that have attracted considerable attention from attendees and industry professionals.

　　Caroline Penard, general manager of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China (CCI FRANCE CHINE), speaks at the opening ceremony of the China Pavilion at VivaTech in Paris on Wednesday. [Photo by Wang Mingjie/China Daily]

　　Caroline Penard, general manager of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China, or CCI France Chine, said the forum and pavilion "perfectly embody our shared commitment to strengthening synergies between France, Europe, and China". She described innovation as a "lever of competitiveness and a common language" that unites the two economies.

　　Penard also pointed out that CCI France Chine represents over 2,200 French companies active in China. "Together, we can build an ambitious future, founded on boldness, excellence and mutual trust," she said.

　　Representing VivaTech, Nicolas Douchement, chief business and experience officer, described the CCPIT presence as a "historic first" for the exhibition. "This moment marks more than just a debut," he said. "It symbolizes a shared ambition: to build stronger technological and entrepreneurial bridges between China and Europe, in the spirit of open innovation, dialogue, and collaboration."

　　Speakers at the forum emphasized that cooperation is already taking shape on multiple fronts. Liu Jiandong, president of the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU and chairman of Bank of China(Europe), noted that Chinese institutions have participated in around 300 joint projects under Horizon 2020, involving over 600 researchers. "These joint efforts are advancing frontier science. They also contribute to the global public good by tackling shared challenges through open and inclusive innovation," he said.

　　Liu also highlighted strong bilateral scientific collaboration with France, referencing nearly 20 joint laboratories in fields such as diagnostics, particle physics, and plant biosafety. "These partnerships reflect a strong foundation of trust and a shared vision to address global also challenges together," he said.

　　Ambassador Deng added: "The China Pavilion will serve not only as a window to China's scientific and technological achievements but also as a platform for exchange and cooperation. China will continue to be a promoter of global technological progress, an advocate for open cooperation, and a builder of peaceful development."

　　wangmingjie@mail.chinadailyuk.com