The ongoing 2025 Shanghai Auto Show has set a strong focus on electric and smart vehicles, with more than 100 new cars making their global debuts as the industry powers its way towards a greener and more intelligent future.
The 10-day auto show began in the east China metropolis on Wednesday and has attracted nearly 1,000 enterprises and supply chain enterprises from 26 countries and regions, making it the largest edition in the event's history.
China's auto sector is continuing its rapid growth with production and sales on the rise, while the country's leading carmakers are also incorporating cutting-edge technologies into their vehicles.
According to data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, last year, over 57 percent of all new cars were equipped with combined driving assistance functions in China.
This year's auto show has also provided a platform for more companies to showcase their latest innovations and component parts in the auto sector. Many of these firms, specializing in automotive-grade chips, in-car AI models, and power batteries, are debuting their products, positioning them as key players in launching these intelligent technologies to the international market.
Amid this exciting new tech-driven era, automakers attending the Shanghai event have been setting out their vision clearly, highlighting the adoption of advanced technologies while reaffirming their commitment to the safety of both drivers and passengers.
"Safety is the cornerstone of car manufacturing. As the integration of cars and artificial intelligence advances, users' demands for both safety and cost-effectiveness continue to rise. For instance, our vehicles are equipped with built-in roll cages and feature designs like our original armor. These innovative technologies not only enhance the driving experience by making it more enjoyable and user-friendly but also ensure the safety of passengers while maintaining an appealing aesthetic," said Zhang Jianyong, CEO of the BAIC Group, a Beijing-based automobile firm.
Smart cars take center stage as Shanghai Auto Show demonstrates future of driving
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday that the red line on protecting civilians in conflicts must not be crossed.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy prime minister and foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Abdullah briefed Wang on the regional situation and the UAE's position, saying the country is not a party to the war, has not participated in the current conflict, and should not be subjected to illegal attacks.
He expressed appreciation for China's consistent objective and impartial stance, adding that the UAE expects China to continue to play an active and important role in the current grave circumstances to prevent further escalation of regional tensions.
The UAE will continue to take measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions in the country, Abdullah said.
For his part, Wang reiterated China's principled position on the current situation in Iran, noting that the spillover of war serves no one's interests and that the people of the region would be the ones to suffer.
He stressed that non-military targets related to energy, economy and people's livelihoods should not be attacked, and that the security of shipping routes must be safeguarded.
Wang noted that the UAE had worked for peace even before the conflict broke out, and that a recent foreign ministers' meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council emphasized that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way to overcome the current crisis and safeguard regional security, which China appreciates.
China backs the UAE's legitimate demands to safeguard its national security and supports countries in the region in their continued efforts to resolve disputes through diplomatic means, Wang said.
China will not give up hope for peace and will continue to play a constructive role, Wang said, adding that China will send its special envoy on the Middle East issue to the region to conduct mediation efforts to help bring the region back to peace and stability.
Wang also expressed hope that the UAE will continue to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in the country.
Chinese FM says red line on protecting civilians in conflict must not be crossed
