China-Europe collaboration in science and technology took center stage at VivaTech 2025 in Paris on Wednesday, as the China-Europe Science and Technology Innovation and Cooperation Forum opened in tandem with the inauguration of the China Pavilion.

Organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, the event highlighted the growing momentum behind cross-border collaboration in innovation, research and industrial transformation.

“The Chinese government attaches great importance to scientific and technological innovation, placing it at the core of national development,” said Deng Li, Chinese ambassador to France.

“Guided by national strategies, driven by independent innovation of enterprises, and pulled by vast market demand, China has made remarkable progress in science and technology.”

Last year, China’s research and development investment exceeded 3.6 trillion yuan ($500 billion), maintaining the world’s second-highest spending, Deng said. The country also leads globally in R&D personnel for 11 consecutive years, with more than 4 million valid patents and a Global Innovation Index ranking climbing to 11th place.

VivaTech, Europe’s largest annual tech and innovation exhibition, brings together startups, global technology leaders, investors and policymakers to explore cutting-edge solutions and foster international cooperation.

Li Wenguo, deputy representative-general of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade in France, said the China Pavilion features leading Chinese tech companies including Huawei, Unitree Robotics and Dahua Technology.

The exhibits spotlight advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, smart mobility and digital infrastructure — technologies that have attracted considerable attention from attendees and industry professionals.

Caroline Penard, general manager of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China, said the forum and the pavilion “perfectly embody our shared commitment to strengthening synergies between France, Europe and China”. She described innovation as a “lever of competitiveness and a common language” that unites the two economies.

The chamber represents more than 2,200 French companies active in China, she said. “Together, we can build an ambitious future, founded on boldness, excellence and mutual trust.”

Shared ambition

Representing VivaTech, Nicolas Douchement, chief business and experience officer, described the presence of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade as a “historic first” for the exhibition.

“This moment marks more than just a debut,” he said. “It symbolizes a shared ambition: to build stronger technological and entrepreneurial bridges between China and Europe, in the spirit of open innovation, dialogue and collaboration.”

Speakers at the forum emphasized that cooperation is already taking shape on multiple fronts.

Liu Jiandong, chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce to the European Union and chairman of Bank of China (Europe), said Chinese institutions have taken part in about 300 joint projects under the EU’s Horizon 2020 program, involving more than 600 researchers.

“These joint efforts are advancing frontier science. They also contribute to the global public good by tackling shared challenges through open and inclusive innovation,” he said.

Liu also highlighted strong bilateral scientific collaboration with France, referencing nearly 20 joint laboratories in fields such as diagnostics, particle physics and plant biosafety.

“These partnerships reflect a strong foundation of trust and a shared vision to address global also challenges together.”

Ambassador Deng said: “The China Pavilion will serve not only as a window to China’s scientific and technological achievements, but also as a platform for exchange and cooperation. China will continue to be a promoter of global technological progress, an advocate for open cooperation and a builder of peaceful development.”