China and Europe grow connections at Paris VivaTech 2025

陈小将

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.