China's leadership in AI, manufacturing set to nurture next generation of tech giants: Kevin Kelly

China holds advantages in artificial intelligence (AI), with opportunities to create world-class products such as smart glasses and self-driving cars, said Kevin Kelly, a renowned U.S. journalist and technology observer, in a recent interview with China Central Television (CCTV).

Kelly highly regards China's enthusiasm for cutting-edge technologies, which positions it well in seizing opportunities to develop world-class products.

"I think the two great opportunities China has for making a world-class product that the entire world wants is with smart glasses and with a self-driving car. Okay. So China is well-positioned to seize the opportunity," Kelly said.

Looking into the future, he believes that China will witness breakthrough changes as AI has already become integrated into people’s daily lives.

"The next 20 years should be amazing. So, I think that enthusiasm came from the experience of people who had seen their lives change tremendously already. In places like the U.S., it was not as much of a change. My own life, my father's life was not that different. So, I think there was a little bit more of not as much enthusiasm about the future as China, which had the experience of having things change so much within their own lifetime," he said.

Speaking on supply chains, Kelly mentioned that in the new era of technology, China will continue to lead in manufacturing and become more skilled in it, as countless companies take root here, knitting a colossal net that will operate for the next decades.

"China as a country will continue to become the major world manufacturing expert. I don't see anything else happening and I see that China becoming more expert at it. It's an ecosystem. You have that level of power, not because of one company, because of ten companies, because of thousands of companies and suppliers and infrastructure. It's like a rainforest. It's like the Amazon. And so, it took 10 to 20 years to build and it will run for another 10 to 20 years, even if everything else changes, that won't change," Kelly said.

The journalist said as China transforms itself into a smarter manufacturer, like other countries, it is undoubtedly endowed with the significant mass necessary for the emergence of the next world-class company.

"This is the whole thing of bringing AI into the manufacturing process, making it smarter. China won't be the only people doing it. The U.S. is going to do that too. It won't be the only one, but it will be one of the biggest," the writer said.

"I think if I had to make a bet about where it would come, I would bet on China," Kelly said.

China's leadership in AI, manufacturing set to nurture next generation of tech giants: Kevin Kelly

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