In the first quarter of this year, the actual foreign direct investment (FDI) in China stood at 301.67 billion yuan (about 42.46 billion U.S. dollars), down from last year's record-high figure over the same period but remained at a high level, according to the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) at a press conference in Beijing on Friday.
China's foreign investment fluctuations seen in the first quarter of this year are common for any country, said Ji Xiaofeng, an official with the department of foreign investment management under MOFCOM.
Despite the decline, an increasing number of foreign firms are investing in China. The number of newly established foreign-invested firms in China hit 12,000 during the same period, an increase of 20.7 percent year on year, continuing the trend of fast growth since last year.
"Foreign investment projects often comply with formalities from signing contract, company registration to project completion and operation. In the process, foreign capital kept channeling into the project in light of its development pace. Therefore, it is normal for foreign investment data to experience fluctuations," said Ji.
In the first quarter of this year, the actual use of foreign investment in China's manufacturing industry reached 81.06 billion yuan, of which the high-tech manufacturing attracted 37.76 billion yuan.
The proportion of foreign investment attracted by the high-tech manufacturing industry in the national total increased by 2.2 percentage points over the same period last year, and the foreign investment into China's medical equipment manufacturing industry saw a year-on-year growth of 169.7 percent, further demonstrating the optimized structure.
Ji also noted that when analyzing China's ability to attract foreign capital, it's important to look at the picture comprehensively. This involves examining not just the changes in the scale or amount of capital being attracted, but also the structure optimization and the future prospects.
Foreign investment in China remain strong despite fluctuations: official
Foreign investment in China remain strong despite fluctuations: official
Human imagination and creativity, especially in making art, will not be replicated by artificial intelligence (AI), according to an art student from Belarus.
Katrina, who is getting her master's degree in intercultural communication studies at Shanghai Theatre Academy, shared her future career aspirations and her insights on the role technology will play in the arts with China Global Television Network (CGTN).
According to Katrina, a perfect job is one that would allow her to unleash her creativity and bring her artistic vision to life.
"For me, the perfect job isn't just about earning a paycheck. It's about following my passion. It involves building my own small business, a place where I can unleash my creativity and bring my artistic vision to life. It's not just about making money. It's about crafting a space where every brushstroke and design detail reflects my unique spirit. I want to leave behind the legacy of innovation and influence through my work, making a meaningful impact on those around me. The process of creation and development holds tremendous significance. It's where I discover true fulfillment and purpose," she said.
In terms of technology's impact on her future job prospects, Katrina believes that certain elements integral to her creative process may not be replicated by AI. She notes that the distinct qualities, insights and creative approaches are what make people irreplaceable.
"When considering the impact of technology like AI on my future work, I anticipate that its influence might not be substantial. I hold a deep appreciation for the imaginative aspect of my craft, and I believe that certain elements integral to my creative process may not be adequately replicated by AI. I believe my individuality is something that technology can never replicate. Similarly, I think your uniqueness is also irreplaceable. Our distinct qualities, insights and creative approaches are what make us indispensable in our respective fields," she said.
"So, while technology may enhance certain aspects of our work, our personal uniqueness remains irreplaceable. I wish they rely on themselves, love themselves and pursue their dreams without being discouraged by negativity," she said.
Human creativity not to be replicated by AI: Belarusian art student
