China's major technological breakthroughs win 'thumb-up' from international community

BEIJING -- China has amazed the world with its success in making a slew of major scientific and technological breakthroughs, contributing to global technological advances and closer international cooperation in the interest of mankind.

In recent weeks, China has successively brought to fruition a batch of significant technological programs including a maiden trip of first homegrown large passenger jet C919, launch of a first indigenously made aircraft carrier, construction of world's first quantum computing machine and in-orbit refueling of cargo spacecraft Tianzhou-1.

Last week, China made its first success in mining at sea combustible ice, an efficient and clean energy that holds strategic importance for future global energy development, after two decades of continuing efforts.

Experts believe that the success shows China has mastered combustible ice mining technology.

Commercial development of the huge reserves of combustible ice across the globe "has moved closer to reality" after China successfully extracted the material from the seafloor, the Associated Press reported.

"Many countries on the Maritime Silk Road have a demand for combustible ice mining," said Qiu Haijun, director of the trial mining commanding headquarters.

"With the advanced technology we could boost economic development and exchanges among countries," Qiu said.

In early May, China's first domestically made large passenger airplane C919 completed its test flight in the eastern city of Shanghai.

"The C919 not only generates a great source of pride for China, but also represents mutual benefits and cooperation between China and the rest of the world," said Ye Wei, executive director and president of COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) America Corporation.

The Associated Press called the test trip "a milestone in China's long-term goal to break into the Western-dominated aircraft market."

Eric Chen, president of Airbus Commercial Aircraft China, was quoted by the AP as saying that he welcomes new competition brought by China's C919, which is good for the development of the industry.

In order to succeed in an increasingly globalized business world, international cooperation is indispensable. In this regard, the C919 project is indeed a paragon of global technological cooperation.

Major components like the engines, avionics and control systems are sourced from numerous joint ventures and partners across Europe and the United States.

Darius Adamczyk, chairman and CEO of Honeywell which is one of the suppliers to the manufacturer of the plane, was among the first to send congratulations on the success of C919's maiden flight.

"We are proud of our partnership with COMAC and eager to continue to help advance aviation capabilities in China," he said.

Michel Merluzeau, director of AirInsightResearch, an aerospace & defense market analysis and consulting group, anticipates that by the mid-2030s, COMAC will be an important partner in the global aerospace supply chains, owing to growth in China, partnerships and the size of the market.

"I think by 2030, 2035, COMAC may very well do well in aircraft together to compete with the new aircrafts of Airbus and Boeing," said Merluzeau.

As China makes rapid progress in science and technology, other nations in the world are also increasingly seeking partnerships with it.

Cisco Systems (China) has invested 20 billion yuan ($2.9 billion) in the Cisco (Guangzhou) Smart City project, aiming to build the largest platform of Internet research and development and intelligent operations outside the United States.

"The project offers a great opportunity to present an innovative example to the world," said Chuck Robbins, chief executive officer of Cisco.