German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived Monday in Shanghai -- the second leg of his current China visit, where he and his delegation visited Tongji University and a German polymer producing company based in the megacity.
Scholz gave a short speech at Tongji University and interacted with Chinese students.
Tongji University was founded by a German doctor in 1907 and is engaged in many education projects jointly with German universities.
Thereafter, Scholz went to German polymer maker Covestro in Shanghai's Pudong New Area. Polymer is used in chemicals, biology and material science.
The German leader is accompanied by a large delegation of representatives from well-known German firms. The heads of German auto-makers Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, technology firm Siemens, elevator maker Thyssen Krupp are part of the high-profile group.
Almost all of these conglomerates have their offices in Shanghai or operate factories in nearby cities.
"It's always a very nice occasion to come to Shanghai. There is a lot of business over here. Of course we have many businesses here. We've visited here already during this year. [I've visited] Shanghai a couple of times. It's a huge business area," said Miguel Angel Lopez Borrego, CEO of Thyssenkrupp.
"The number one is coming to China. We've been already working for a long, long time with our customers here in China. We have long-term relationships. The main message would be that technology is changing so fast, there is no company and no country in the world that can master all the technology, challenges alone," said Roland Busch, CEO of Siemens.
Shanghai is the second stop of Scholz's three-day official visit to China which started on Sunday. The German Chancellor visited southwest China's Chongqing Municipality before coming to Shanghai.
Scholz is expected to meet with officials in Shanghai before heading to Beijing in continuation of the China visit.
Scholz is on his second visit to China since taking office in 2021.
Scholz visits Tongji University, German company in Shanghai
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
