The Zhongguancun Forum (ZGC Forum) kicked off on Thursday, revealing China’s top 10 scientific and technological breakthroughs. Leaders from China’s Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, universities, and major enterprises came together to unveil these exciting developments.
Breaking Fusion Records with the “Artificial Sun”
China’s Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), known as the “artificial sun,” has set a new world record. On January 15, 2025, the EAST team achieved a continuous high-confinement plasma operation for a staggering 1,066 seconds at temperatures over 100 million degrees Celsius. This breakthrough brings us a step closer to harnessing nuclear fusion—the same process that powers the sun—for clean and limitless energy on Earth.
The World’s Brightest Light Source
The High Energy Photon Source (HEPS) in China has achieved a significant milestone. On October 12, 2024, HEPS’s W73 wiggler emitted powerful X-rays that produced ultra-clear images in just 0.1 seconds. This state-of-the-art facility can help scientists explore everything from aerospace materials to life sciences, thanks to its ability to perform detailed imaging at multiple scales.
China’s Deep-Sea Exploration
Meet Meng Xiang, China’s first domestically designed and built deep-ocean drilling vessel. Launched in Guangzhou City in November 2024, this “mobile maritime laboratory” can drill up to 11,000 meters beneath the ocean surface. Developed by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, Meng Xiang opens new frontiers for ocean exploration and research, navigating unrestricted across the world’s oceans.
AI Innovations Transforming Industries
The list of breakthroughs also includes cutting-edge AI applications, such as:
High-performance alloy development using AI
Advanced protein structure prediction
Innovative biomaterials for healthcare
AI-assisted pediatric healthcare platforms
Personalized learning systems powered by AI
Financial anti-fraud AI systems to protect users
Embodied large-model robots for various tasks
AI-powered smartphone agents for smarter devices
The Forum’s Global Vision
Running from March 27 to 31 in Beijing, the ZGC Forum carries the theme “New Quality Productive Forces and Global Technological Cooperation.” With 128 events across five sections, it serves as a global platform for technological exchange and collaboration.
Since its inception in 2007, the ZGC Forum has been a beacon of innovation and development. Over 15 editions, it has hosted thousands of forums and events, attracting participants from around the world.
