China stands ready to strengthen international cooperation and exchanges to promote development of the WorldSkills movement with the rest of the world, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Wednesday, in commenting on the 48th WorldSkills Competition underway in Shanghai.
The 48th WorldSkills Competition opened in Shanghai Tuesday under the theme "Master Skills Change Your Future," attracting nearly 1,400 contestants from 68 countries and regions vying in 64 skill events, which represents an unprecedented scale.
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the event, which was read out at the opening ceremony. Premier Li Qiang attended the opening ceremony and declared the competition open.
"President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the WorldSkills Competition. He noted that a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is advancing rapidly, exerting a profound impact on global skills development. China will take the opportunity of hosting this year's competition to encourage and guide more workers, especially young people, to pursue a path to success through skills," said Guo Jiakun, the spokesman, at a press conference in Beijing.
"China is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with all parties, promote the development of the WorldSkills movement, and better contribute to global economic growth and the improvement of people's well-being," he said.
The WorldSkills Competition, held every two years and operated by WorldSkills International, is widely regarded as the world's leading vocational skills competition.
Competition events will conclude on Sunday. The WorldSkills Conference 2026 and the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Expo will also be held alongside the competition.
China stands ready to promote WorldSkills movement with all other parties: spokesman
China stands ready to promote WorldSkills movement with all other parties: spokesman
The WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Expo welcomed its first public open day on Wednesday at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, offering nearly 100 hands-on skill experiences across 300 interactive booths.
With the 48th WorldSkills Competition officially underway, the expo has transformed the center into a lively hub of skills demonstration and exchange.
Inside the China Pavilion, exhibits trace the evolution of Chinese craftsmanship from ancient times to the present, centered on the Four Great Inventions, from movable-type printing to modern communications, from the ancient compass to Beidou satellite navigation, from papermaking techniques to artificial intelligence, and from the invention of gunpowder to today's cutting-edge energy technologies. The displays illustrate the continuous journey of Chinese skills throughout the ages.
Among the hands-on experiences is the traditional "woodblock watermark printing" technique, which uses precisely carved blocks to reproduce Chinese paintings and calligraphy. Visitors can print the official WorldSkills Competition logo onto specially designed hanging scrolls as a unique souvenir.
A total of 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities from across China have brought their signature skills to the expo. The range is vast, from interactive robots representing advanced technology, to traditional crafts such as Guangxi Zhuang brocade and Hainan coconut carving. Walking through the exhibition, visitors can witness ancient mastery of exquisite craftsmanship brought to life side by side with creative innovations of the digital age.
Companies are demonstrating their latest technologies and products, highlighting the role of skills in industry and everyday life and showcasing how talent is cultivated from the shop floor up. Dedicated hands-on zones invite participants to get directly involved, whether it is practicing traditional crafts, testing skills similar to those used in the competition, trying digital dental restoration, controlling robots, or creating 3D-printed items.
The expo also features international pavilions and global skills partner exhibits, bringing together achievements from around the world and encouraging the shared exploration in skills development.
This year's WorldSkills Competition events will conclude on Sunday.
WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Expo opens to public
