At the Naoli River National Nature Reserve in Raohe County, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, wetlands are teeming with life as clear waters, lush reeds and flocks of birds create a thriving ecosystem.
"The water here is so clear. It's so cool here. This is the perfect place to escape the summer heat," said a tourist named Li Hong.
In recent years, local authorities have restored wetlands by dismantling unauthorized dams, dredging rivers and returning farmland to wetlands. They also strengthened patrols to crack down on illegal hunting.
Thanks to these efforts, biodiversity at the Naoli River National Nature Reserve has significantly improved. The area now hosts more than 250 bird species, making it an important stopover site for migratory birds traveling across the region.
Heilongjiang's nature reserve hosts over 250 bird species with clear water, lush reeds
Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and president of Laos, said Laos will continue to advance China-Laos cooperation in the technology field on Wednesday in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province.
Thongloun arrived in Hangzhou on Tuesday for a five-day state visit to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.
Zhejiang was chosen as the first stop of the Lao president's trip for its reputation as a high-tech and innovation hub and for having achieved high-quality growth across multiple sectors.
Upon arrival, Thongloun visited several local technology companies, where he explored advanced artificial intelligence-powered robotic systems designed for industrial, commercial and challenging environments.
In an exclusive interview with China Media Group (CMG), Thongloun hailed China's progress in modern technology, AI and digital economy, pledging to strengthen cooperation with China in the technology field.
"I asked staff of the technology companies I visited many questions, and they provided a great deal of information that helped us better understand the development of modern technology in China. It's clear that China regards modern technology, artificial intelligence and digital economy as key areas of national development. This offers valuable experience for Laos. We will continue to advance cooperation between our two countries in the field of technology," said Thongloun.
The president also expressed hope that new technology cooperation initiatives will be launched in Laos.
"I believe our cooperation in these areas in the future is very promising. In the next few days, I will raise this matter with President Xi Jinping. I will also put forward more detailed proposals on cooperation between our two governments in the development of new technologies, so that these initiatives can take root in Laos," said Thongloun.
Lao president pledges further technology cooperation with China
