Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered his 2025 New Year address on Tuesday, celebrating a series of groundbreaking scientific and technological achievements that underscore China’s rapid advancement on the global stage.
Reaching for the Moon: Chang’e-6 Lunar Mission
In a historic leap for space exploration, China successfully launched the Chang’e-6 lunar probe on May 3, 2024. The mission aimed to collect 2 kilograms of samples from the far side of the moon—a feat never before accomplished by humanity. The mission culminated on June 25, 2024, when the return capsule safely landed in Inner Mongolia, bringing back valuable lunar samples for scientific study.
Exploring the Deep: Meng Xiang Drilling Vessel
Pushing the boundaries of oceanic exploration, China commissioned its first domestically designed and built deep-ocean drilling vessel, the Meng Xiang, on November 17, 2024, in Guangzhou. With a maximum drilling depth of 11 kilometers, the vessel represents a significant stride in deep-sea research and resource exploration.
Connecting Communities: Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link
The opening of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link on June 30, 2024, marked a major infrastructural milestone in Guangdong Province. The link enhances connectivity between key economic zones, fostering greater regional integration and development in southern China.
Expanding Frontiers: Qinling Station in Antarctica
China solidified its commitment to polar research with the official opening of Qinling Station, its fifth scientific outpost in Antarctica, on February 7, 2024. The station will support a wide range of scientific endeavors, from climate studies to wildlife research, contributing to global understanding of the Antarctic region.
Advancements in Emerging Technologies
President Xi also highlighted significant progress in new energy vehicles (NEVs), integrated circuits, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum technology. China became the first country to produce over 10 million NEVs in a single year, showcasing its leadership in sustainable transportation.
In the realm of electronics, domestically manufactured semiconductor chips are now powering devices ranging from supercomputers to everyday smartphones, reducing dependence on imports and bolstering the tech industry.
The AI sector witnessed remarkable growth, with 210 generative AI services registered in 2024—a substantial increase from the previous year. This surge positions China as a major player in the development of advanced AI technologies.
On the forefront of computing, Chinese researchers are racing to build the world’s most powerful quantum computer, aiming to achieve breakthroughs that could revolutionize fields from cryptography to materials science.
These achievements underscore China’s commitment to innovation and its role in driving global technological progress. As President Xi emphasized, these milestones not only reflect national pride but also signal China’s readiness to contribute to a shared future of scientific discovery and advancement.
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China sci-tech achievements noted in Xi's 2025 New Year address
cgtn.com
