Unitree founder hopes for greater global cooperation in robotics after hosting German chancellor

The founder of leading Chinese robot maker Unitree Robotics said the firm stands ready to work with companies around the world to develop humanoid robots and advance artificial intelligence.

Wang Xingxing, Unitree's founder and CEO, was speaking after hosting the visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the eastern Chinese tech hub of Hangzhou on Thursday.

Merz had arrived in Beijing on Wednesday to begin a two-day official visit, before continuing his China trip on Thursday with a visit to the Hangzhou-based Unitree Robotics, whose innovative humanoid robot creations have gathered significant global attention.

Merz, along with members of his business delegation, listened to introductions about some of the cutting-edge robot components being produced by the company before he was treated to a robot boxing demonstration and a live performance of a segment of the dynamic robot martial arts display that was featured during the 2026 China Media Group Spring Festival Gala, broadcast on the eve of the Chinese New Year.

In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) after hosting Merz and his delegation, Wang said he can feel that the world is sitting up and taking notice of China's robotics industry.

"During Chancellor Merz's visit, I primarily introduced our company's current progress, displayed various robots, small and large, and highlighted our robots' capacity to do martial and boxing, robot combat and industrial applications. Throughout our exchanges, we've felt global attention on China's robotics industry," said the Unitree founder.

Wang expressed hope to enhance cooperation with companies from Germany and other countries, so as to further develop humanoid robots and artificial intelligence, and ultimately benefit the whole world.

"We're looking forward to more business ties and cooperation with Germany and companies in other countries. We believe the technology of robotics belongs to the future and the whole world. Only through joint efforts can we do it well. With the world's joint efforts, we can push humanoid robots and AI to the next level and truly make robots benefit the whole world," he said.

Unitree founder hopes for greater global cooperation in robotics after hosting German chancellor

The Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) concluded its 21st session in Beijing on Thursday.

Zhao Leji, chairman of the 14th NPC Standing Committee, presided over the closing meeting.

Lawmakers approved in principle the work report of the NPC Standing Committee.

They passed a deputy qualification report and other personnel-related bills.

They adopted the draft agenda of the fourth session of the 14th NPC and the draft name list of the session's presidium and secretary-general, and decided to submit the drafts to the preparatory meeting of the NPC session for deliberation. They also adopted the name list of the members invited to sit in on the session as non-voting participants.

Addressing the closing meeting, Zhao called on lawmakers to further revise the reports, and submit for deliberation in accordance with procedures.

Zhao called for meticulous preparations, effective news publicity and cost-efficiency in convening the session.

Zhao presided over a lecture for lawmakers after the closing meeting.

The Standing Committee held an oath-taking ceremony to pledge allegiance to the Constitution at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday.

China's top legislature concludes standing committee session