ZGC Forum highlights AI applications, sci-tech governance

As part of the 2026 Zhongguancun (ZGC) Forum Annual Conference which is underway in Beijing, two parallel forums were held on Saturday to discuss the applications of AI, global sci-tech governance, and the establishment of robust legal frameworks to support the growth of AI technologies.

During the Sci-tech Governance under the Rule of Law Forum, typical cases of law-based governance in science and technology were released, showcasing practical achievements in Beijing's efforts to integrate technology with legal systems.

Tian Yuanhe, a researcher at the Beijing Zhongguancun Academy, highlighted the potential of AI to assist in the legislative process.

"If a certain law is to be implemented in the society, we can leverage AI through social simulation to help us better adjust the detailed rules of our legislation. What everyone is actually most concerned about is the credibility of the output from large models. For the future work, I hope everyone will strive toward this direction to jointly promote the development of trustworthy AI," said Tian.

Meanwhile, Forum on the Development of International Science and Technology Organizations and Global Science and Technology Governance facilitated in-depth discussions on innovating the global governance system, with experts emphasizing the need for a stable legal environment to foster continuous innovation.

Dai Xin, deputy dean of the Law School at Peking University, noted that the ultimate goal of governance is to balance development with stability.

"The governance is essentially about hoping that in the development process of artificial intelligence, innovation will not be interrupted, and socially beneficial innovations can continue to emerge. Everyone is seeking to land these advancements within a visible, tangible, and stable legal framework. The next goal is to establish specific regulatory frameworks and tools for issues related to the AI industry," said Dai.

The ongoing 2026 ZGC Forum, themed "Full Integration Between Technological and Industrial Innovation", has hosted 60 parallel forums covering hot-button issues from global sci-tech governance to basic research and cutting-edge technologies, with multiple sessions unveiling key industry outcomes.

The five-day forum, running from March 25 to 29, has brought together global industry experts, scholars and policymakers to exchange insights and share cutting-edge progress in the global tech and innovation sector.

ZGC Forum highlights AI applications, sci-tech governance

Bilateral relations between China and Seychelles are entering a new phase of expansion, driven by rising trade volumes and growing collaboration in private sector, as well as emerging cooperation in the blue economy and digital innovation.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng is paying a visit to Seychelles and two other African countries of Kenya and South Africa from March 22 to 30.

The year of 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Seychelles.

In 1976, Seychelles became a sovereign nation. China was among the first nations to officially recognize the archipelago country's independence from British rule, marking the beginning of a long friendship that has later transformed the small island state in the Indian Ocean.

"This 50th anniversary will allow us to take stock of what we have achieved in different fields, education, health, infrastructure, economy, culture, environment and other areas," Vincent Meriton, former vice president of Seychelles, said in an interview via video link.

In 2024, at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the relations between the two countries hit a new peak as the ties were officially elevated to a strategic partnership.

Available data showed that bilateral trade between the two countries has maintained a strong momentum, reaching 84 million U.S. dollars in 2024. China mainly exports high-tech products such as smart phones, high-end camera systems, and mechanical and electric products, among others. Seychelles primarily exports seafood.

The future development of the bilateral ties is now turning offshore as both nations are looking toward blue economy. They are working together on sustainable fisheries and protection for the very ocean that feeds Seychelles.

Chinese vice president's visit to Seychelles to further enhance bilateral ties