The 2025 International Congress of Basic Science (ICBS 2025) opened in Beijing on Sunday, bringing together experts and scholars from home and abroad for in-depth discussions on cutting-edge achievements in the field of basic science while looking ahead to future developments.
The congress features over 50 academic presentations and satellite meetings. More than 80 Chinese and international academicians, along with nearly other 1,000 experts and scholars, will share cutting-edge achievements, engage in academic exchanges, and explore future developments with a focus on mathematics, physics, and information science and engineering at the event.
Meanwhile, the event, which will run until July 25, will also spotlight the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, considering its rapid growth, to explore the close relationship between this technology and basic science.
"Artificial intelligence is a crucial discipline that heavily relies on the contributions of basic science, especially mathematics. Therefore, we hope for in-depth cooperation, with scientists from around the globe exchanging ideas and collectively contributing to the future of humanity," said Shing-Tung Yau, chairman of the ICBS and a winner of Fields Medal, the highest international award for mathematics.
Additionally, the congress will also host a special event where outstanding young representatives from different age groups will engage in close dialogues with top scientists. The academic achievements of university and high school students will be showcased through a poster exhibition.
It marks the third consecutive year in which the congress is held in Beijing's Huairou Science City.
As of now, out of the 37 major sci-tech infrastructure facilities, science educational infrastructure facilities and interdisciplinary research platforms built at the Huairou Science City, 29 have been put into research operation, and 16 of the sci-tech infrastructure facilities are open to the world, with a total of 386 achievements having been rolled out.
2025 International Congress of Basic Science opens in Beijing
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
