The 2024 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition kicked off on Thursday after a four-year hiatus, with 117 new vehicle makes debuting, a record high.
The expo is showcasing nearly 1,000 vehicles, including a surging 70 percent increase in new energy vehicles (NEVs) compared to the last edition, totaling 278, reflecting the growing importance of sustainable transportation in the country.
NEVs also account for more than 80 percent of the vehicles making debut at the expo and nearly 20 NEV brands are appearing at the event for the first time.
As the world's largest auto market, China is becoming a strategic focus for major multinational auto companies, especially in the NEV field.
This year marks the 40th year of Volkswagen's presence in the Chinese market, and the auto titan has vowed to tap the potential of the market further.
"In China, we are going from heights to heights. This year we expect already around 50 percent NEV share in the market, which is huge," said Stefan Mecha, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars in China.
German carmaker BMW said they will also bump up investment in China going forward.
"Since 2010, [we have invested] more than 100 billion renminbi (about 13.8 billion U.S. dollars) and we will continue to make further investment," said Oliver Zipse, chairman of the Board of Management of BMW Group.
In addition, BMW and Mercedes jointly announced plans to set up a supercharging network in China.
Honda has launched a new NEV brand specifically for the Chinese market and Toyota and Ford have increased their investment in new energy products in China.
Besides whole vehicles, more than 500 renowned spare parts companies from 13 countries such as China, the United States, Germany, France and Japan are showcasing their wares in the spare parts exhibition area of the show.
"Up to 24 percent of the exhibitors in the parts and components section are foreign companies. What's particularly worth mentioning is the rise of spare parts made by Chinese enterprises. China's high-tech firms and innovative small and medium enterprises that use special and sophisticated technologies account for more than 42 percent of the exhibitors and new energy enterprises account for 51 percent of the total," said Xia Wendi, chairman of China Machinery Industry International Cooperation Co., Ltd.
Int'l automakers vie for Chinese market at 2024 Beijing Automotive Exhibition
Int'l automakers vie for Chinese market at 2024 Beijing Automotive Exhibition
China urges the Philippines to respect facts, honor its commitments regarding Ren'ai Jiao in the South China Sea and stop infringement and provocation moves, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Monday.
Lin made the remarks after Philippine National Security Advisor Eduardo Ano, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., and Department of Foreign Affairs recently issued separate statements and denied the existence of any arrangements between China and the Philippines on the Ren'ai Jiao issue, including "new model" arrangement.
Lin said that China has all along been committed to managing maritime disputes, including the Ren'ai Jiao issue, with the Philippines through dialogue and consultation. The "gentlemen's agreement", internal understandings and the agreed "new model" all reflect China's effort and sincerity to that end.
Li reiterated the following basic facts at the regular press briefing in Beijing:
First, at the end of 2021, after intensive communication and consultation, China and the Philippines reached the "gentlemen's agreement." During the first few months of the current Philippine administration, both sides continued to implement the "gentlemen's agreement" until the Philippines stopped honoring it in February 2023.
Second, last September, the Chinese side invited the Envoy of the President to China for Special Concerns of the Philippines to Beijing to discuss how to properly manage the situation at Ren'ai Jiao, which resulted in an internal understanding. The understanding was approved by the Philippine leadership. One resupply mission was carried out within the realm of the understanding before it was abandoned by the Philippines.
Third, early this year, the Chinese side and the Philippine side agreed on a "new model" for resupply missions concerning Ren'ai Jiao after multiple rounds of discussions through the diplomatic channel and AFP's (Armed Forces of the Philippines) Westerm Command (WESCOM). The Philippine military has made repeated confirmation that the "new model" has been approved by all key officials in the Philippine chain of command, including the Secretary of National Defense and the National Security Advisor. On February 2, the Philippines carried out one resupply mission under this "new model" before abandoning it as well.
"Whatever the Philippine says, it will not erase the fact that it did reach the 'gentlemen's agreement,' internal understandings and the 'new model' with China. Let me stress that those understandings and arrangements are aimed to manage differences, prevent conflict and build trust so that the waters of Ren'ai Jiao can remain peaceful and stable. China urges the Philippines to adhere to the basic norms on international exchanges, respect facts, honor its commitments, stop infringement and provocations and take concrete steps to come back to the right path of properly handling differences with China through dialogue and consultation," said the spokesman.
China urges Philippines to honor commitments regarding Ren'ai Jiao
