China's Technological Leadership Takes Center Stage at 2024 WSTDF
The 2024 World Science and Technology Development Forum (WSTDF) in Beijing highlights China's pivotal role in global science and technology leadership. With over 120 international guests from 28 countries, the forum underscores the influence of China's sci-tech innovations on the world.
China's advancements span from artificial intelligence (AI) to renewable energy, driving tangible benefits for global economies and industries. A standout example of China's technological prowess is its leadership in 5G technology. Companies like Huawei and ZTE have been instrumental in developing and deploying 5G infrastructure worldwide.
By the end of 2022, China had installed more than 2.3 million 5G base stations, representing over 60 percent of the global total. Nations across Africa, Europe, and Asia are leveraging China's 5G expertise to modernize their telecommunications networks. For instance, South Africa's leading telecommunications provider, Rain, partnered with Huawei to launch Africa's first commercial 5G network in 2019.
European countries, including Switzerland, have adopted Chinese 5G technology to enhance connectivity, enabling faster internet speeds, supporting the Internet of Things (IoT), and driving industrial automation. These advancements have spurred innovations in industries reliant on 5G's speed and reliability, such as telemedicine, smart cities, and autonomous driving.
In addition to 5G, China remains the world's largest producer of solar panels, significantly reducing the cost of solar energy. Between 2010 and 2020, the price of solar panels fell by nearly 90 percent, a drop largely attributable to China's mass production capabilities and technological advancements. This cost reduction has facilitated the wider adoption of solar energy, particularly in developing nations.
Reference(s):
The global impact of China's innovation in science and technology
cgtn.com
