China's innovation boosts its own development, serves world: spokeswoman

The innovation-driven development of China serves the interest of not only China itself but also the whole world, said Mao Ning, spokeswoman for China's Foreign Ministry, during Monday's briefing.

Her comments were related to various recent trade expos and fairs that the country has hosted, particularly the 20th China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair (CISMEF). It was held in south China's Guangzhou City from last Friday to Monday, showcasing the latest technologies, new materials, and futuristic products.

The fair brought together more than 500 companies from over 50 countries and regions, providing a good platform to promote global dialogue, business matching, and policy exchanges, helping developing countries' SMEs to connect with the international market and boost innovation, according to Zou Ciyong, deputy director-general of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

In response to his comments, Mao highlighted that China has been showcasing its development and fostering international science and technology communication through diverse expositions and global fairs.

"I also noted that in recent years, new products of cutting-edge areas, such as humanoid robot, smart glasses and brain-computer interfaces, have made their debut at platforms including the China Import and Export Fair, the International Consumer Goods Fair, and the China International Supply Chain Expo. These fairs and expos not only provide a panoramic view of China’s new quality productive forces, but also serve as important bridges for international exchange in science and technology. They vividly display China’s vision of seeking open, inclusive and win-win scientific and technological innovation," said Mao.

"The innovation-driven development of China serves the interest of not only China itself but also the whole world. We stand ready to work with various countries to advance scientific and technological progress in open cooperation and, through such progress, drive global development and modernization," she said.

China's innovation boosts its own development, serves world: spokeswoman

China Media Group (CMG) on Wednesday aired a grand New Year gala to welcome the arrival of 2026 with celebrations focused on the richness of Chinese culture, and blending traditional arts with contemporary creativity in a nationwide showcase of unity and joy.

Titled "Sail into 2026," the gala was staged in Lyuliang City, north China's Shanxi Province, and featured over 60 meticulously crafted performances. From vibrant song and dance routines to performances of traditional Chinese instrumental music, opera and martial arts, the gala embraced a wide variety of artistic styles, reflecting the depth of cultural heritage and the spirit of contemporary innovation.

The show vividly captured regional transformations across China, from the innovative dynamism of the Yangtze River Delta in east China to the cultural vitality of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region in the northern part of the country. It also presented the energetic harmony of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area city cluster in the south, as well as heartfelt New Year wishes from China's Taiwan region.

The gala also shone a spotlight on ordinary individuals who made a difference in 2025. It also featured fresh works from a new wave of public cultural creators. Through these stories and performances, the gala offered a panoramic celebration of people nationwide joyfully embracing the New Year, together painting a hopeful picture of peace, prosperity and unity.

The gala was broadcast live at 20:00 on December 31 across CMG platforms including CCTV-1, CCTV-3, major radio frequencies, and new media outlets such as CCTV News.

CMG presents culture-rich New Year Gala to ring in 2026