Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends the opening ceremony of the second Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange and delivers a keynote speech, in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, June 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Wednesday attended and delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the second Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange in Chengdu, Sichuan Province.

Ding, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China has been working with all parties to continuously implement the science and technology innovation cooperation plan under the Belt and Road Initiative, injecting strong impetus into the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

He called for enhanced solidarity and cooperation, deeply implementing the International Science and Technology Cooperation Initiative, and promoting scientific and technological innovation to better benefit humanity.

Ding called for efforts to further strengthen the open cooperation in scientific and technological innovation and jointly explore a new model of global scientific and technological cooperation that is mutually beneficial and leads to win-win outcomes. Moreover, he emphasized the importance of supporting relevant research institutions, universities, enterprises and think tanks of various countries to establish cooperation networks, and to work together to solve major scientific and technological problems.

All parties should further promote the inclusive sharing of scientific and technological achievements, enhance the accessibility of science and technology, and make the achievements of scientific and technological innovation to better benefit all countries, especially those in the Global South, he said.

All parties should further expand exchanges in science, technology and culture, strengthen innovation partnerships, and widely carry out various forms of exchanges such as mutual visits, student exchanges, technical training and academic conferences, he said.

He urged further improvement of the global governance system for science and technology to properly address potential rule conflicts, social risks and ethical challenges brought by the development of science and technology. He also highlighted the need to oppose politicizing scientific and technological cooperation and overstretch the concept of security.

Iran's Vice-President of Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy Hossein Afshin, Uzbekistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ramatov Achilbay Jumaniyazovich, and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia Marina Ragus also attended and addressed the opening ceremony.

About 1,500 people, including Chinese and international scientific and technological professionals, business leaders, government officials and representatives of international organizations, attended the opening ceremony.