Global industry leaders from different sectors offered their views on China-U.S. relationship amid the current global situation at the just-concluded Harvard College China Forum, which was held at Harvard University in the United States, from Friday to Sunday.
The event, being run for nearly 30 years, serves as a global platform to strengthen China-U.S. business and cultural ties.
Under the theme of "Navigating Changing Times", the forum this year is expected to help forge international cooperation amid the current perilous moment when there are conflicts and wars, and the economic uncertainties caused by tariffs.
"I think this year is especially important because of the trouble in the world, because of the turbulence between our countries, because of tariffs, and countervailing measures," said Roberta Lipson, founder of United Family Healthcare, an international hospital and clinic network that has been providing private, premium healthcare in China since 1997.
"We need to not forget that the U.S. and China are made of people -- proud people who want peace and prosperity. And in order for us to not forget this we need to keep talking to each other," Lipson said.
This three-day gathering includes global leaders from a diverse array of sectors including banking, food distribution, microchip, and semiconductor manufacturing.
Some guests mentioned the just-released tariffs policy from the U.S. side, which has been catching great attention in the globe.
"In spite of the tensions that have appeared certainly this week on the back of these tariffs and Liberation Day, the potential for renewed cooperation as technology that will push us in that direction, potential geopolitical cooperation, it will require readjustments on both sides, the U.S. side, but also the Chinese side. That's certainly my hope and I think such a sentiment may be closer to us than we think," said Xavier Rolet, senior fellow of the Harvard University.
Founded in 1997, the Harvard College China Forum is the longest running student-run conference on China in North America. Every year, it brings together thought leaders to talk about the most pressing issues impacting China. The annual forum takes place every April in Boston, Massachusetts.
2025 Harvard College China Forum focuses on China-US relationship
Smart innovations are driving the upgrade of China's manufacturing industry, said Nan Cunhui, chairman of Chinese smart energy solutions provider CHINT Group, on Saturday.
As a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, China's top political advisory body, Nan made the statement at a group interview on the sidelines of the ongoing 4th session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing, saying that CHINT Group's development over the past four decades is a good example of industrial transformation.
"The transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry cannot be achieved without technological innovation that integrates digitalization with intelligentization. Over the past more than 40 years of innovative growth, CHINT Group has evolved from a traditional electrical equipment manufacturer to a new energy solutions provider, and now to a comprehensive energy service provider. Each step of its transformation has been driven by technological innovation and digital integration which foster sustainable development," Nan said.
CHINT Group began its journey as a switch producer in 1984 and has gradually evolved into a major global smart energy solution provider. Today, the company integrates the entire industrial chain of power generation, storage, transmission, transformation, distribution and use.
From the extremely cold areas of Finland to the deserts of Saudi Arabia and the tropical rainforests of Ecuador, CHINT has expanded its footprints to over 100 countries and regions.
Since 2006, CHINT has ventured into the photovoltaic new energy field, quickly establishing international competitiveness in the development, design, investment, construction, operation and maintenance of photovoltaic power plants.
Nan said his company has been combining AI with the green energy industry and developing key technologies such as new-type energy storage.
"We keep making breakthroughs in key technologies such as virtual power plants, new-type energy storage and solid-state transformers, while steadily enhancing capabilities in intelligent manufacturing, green manufacturing, and service-oriented manufacturing. In our factories, the entire process, from order placement to product delivery, is driven by data and algorithms. This has reduced overall operating costs by 20 percent and increased efficiency by 50 percent," he said.
Nan said CHINT has shared its smart transformation with many small-sized companies in the country.
"In recent years, CHINT Group has leveraged AI and cloud platform technologies to develop industry-specific large models, leading supplier partners to carry out digitalized transformation, and promoting common growth of small, medium-sized and micro enterprises," he said.
China's fourth session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee opened on Wednesday and is scheduled to run through March 11.
Innovation drives transformation of manufacturing industry: CPPCC member
