Editor’s note: Stephen Ndegwa, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is the Executive Director of South-South Dialogues, a Nairobi-based communications development think tank. The article reflects the author’s opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.
As the 2024 World Science and Technology Development Forum (WSTDF) gets underway in Beijing, China’s role in global science and technology leadership takes center stage. This year’s forum, which brings together over 120 international guests from 28 countries, serves as a reminder of how China’s innovations in sci-tech are influencing the world.
From artificial intelligence (AI) to renewable energy, China’s advancements are not confined to its borders but are creating tangible benefits for global economies and industries. One of the most visible examples of China’s technological prowess is its global leadership in 5G technology. Chinese companies such as Huawei and ZTE have played pivotal roles in developing and deploying 5G infrastructure.
By the end of 2022, China had installed more than 2.3 million 5G base stations, accounting for over 60 percent of the global total. Countries in Africa, Europe and Asia are leveraging China’s 5G expertise to modernize their telecommunications networks. For example, South Africa’s leading telecommunications provider, Rain, partnered with Huawei to launch Africa’s first commercial 5G network in 2019.
In addition, European countries like Switzerland have adopted Chinese 5G technology to improve their connectivity, enabling faster internet speeds, supporting the Internet of Things, and driving industrial automation. These developments have spurred innovations in industries that rely heavily on the speed and reliability of 5G such as telemedicine, smart cities and autonomous driving.
As the world’s largest producer of solar panels, China has driven down the cost of solar energy. Between 2010 and 2020, the price of solar panels fell by nearly 90 percent, largely due to China’s mass production capabilities and advancements in solar technology. This cost reduction has allowed countries, particularly developing nations, to adopt solar energy more widely.
For instance, Kenya, one of Africa’s leaders in renewable energy, has significantly expanded its solar power capacity with the help of Chinese technology. The Garissa Solar Power Plant, the largest in East Africa, was built by China Jiangxi Corporation for International Economic and Technical Cooperation. The plant generates electricity that’s enough to power 70,000 households, helping Kenya move closer to its goal of 100 percent renewable energy by 2030.
China is also leading in the production and deployment of electric vehicles (EVs). In 2023, China accounted for over 60 percent of global EV sales, and its companies are responsible for more than 70 percent of the world’s lithium-ion battery production. European automakers, for example, have increasingly turned to Chinese battery manufacturers like Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) to power their EV fleets, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and helping Europe meet its ambitious climate goals.
China’s advancements in AI are reshaping industries worldwide, particularly in healthcare. Chinese AI companies such as iFLYTEK and Ping An Good Doctor have developed cutting-edge AI-driven solutions that are being used to improve healthcare systems. One notable example is the use of AI for medical imaging. China’s Tencent has developed an AI-powered diagnostic tool called “MIAIS,” which uses deep learning algorithms to detect signs of diseases such as lung cancer from medical scans.
China’s commitment to addressing climate change is evident in its leadership in green technology. In 2023, 510 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity was newly installed, and China accounts for half of that total amount. This investment has led to significant reductions in carbon emissions in both China and countries that have adopted Chinese green technologies.
One notable example of China’s international cooperation is its role in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor project, a global initiative aimed at developing nuclear fusion as a clean and virtually limitless energy source. China’s contributions to the project, including providing key components and technological expertise, are helping to advance the development of this revolutionary technology.
China’s commitment to international collaboration, as demonstrated by the 2024 WSTDF, underscores its role as a key player in shaping a future where science and technology are leveraged to address global challenges, and the promise of a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com. Follow @thouse_opinions on X, formerly Twitter, to discover the latest commentaries in the CGTN Opinion Section.)