China and the United States officially renewed a decades-old science and technology cooperation agreement in Beijing on Friday.
Officials from the two governments signed a protocol to amend and extend the Agreement Between the United States and China on Cooperation in Science and Technology.
They agreed to extend the agreement for an additional five years, effective from August 27, 2024, the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology said in a statement.
On January 31, 1979, then Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping and the 39th U.S. President Jimmy Carter signed the agreement during Deng's visit to the United States. It was one of the first intergovernmental agreements signed between the two countries following their establishment of diplomatic relations.
Since then, it has been renewed approximately every five years, paving the way for sci-tech exchanges between the two countries. The agreement was extended for six months in August last year, and again in February this year.
China, U.S. extend agreement on science, technology cooperation for further 5 years
China, U.S. extend agreement on science, technology cooperation for further 5 years
China, U.S. extend agreement on science, technology cooperation for further 5 years
Esports players in South Africa are gearing up for the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025, hoping to showcase their talents and skills on the global stage.
Saudi Arabia will host the Olympic Esports Games in 2025, which was endorsed by the International Olympic Committee executive board unanimously.
"Olympics is one of the biggest incentives across all sport codes. People attach their life to this event, being the Olympics. And when it comes down to their commitments, it also attaches a little bit more of authority or a bit more recognition directly towards the players," said Nick Holden, co-founder of ACGL E-sports Organization.
Zaid April, a member of the South African FIFA esports team for Goliath Gaming, said that the inaugural Games will help dispel any doubts about the legitimacy of esports as a real sport.
"I think esports has been overlooked as not an actual sport. Some would say it's not an actual sport, but I consider it a sport because of all the hard work we have to put in, the mental work as well, because there's lots of good players as well so you have to be a step ahead of them," he said.
Africa's esports scene surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. While it may still be a small player on the global stage, its potential is undeniable.
"There's lots of good players that don't get a chance to make it overseas. And I'm fortunate enough to have the chance to play overseas. Now with the Olympics coming up, it gives us much more opportunity I would say, and helps us basically look forward to something or work out towards something and be able to compete," said April.
The digital Olympics represents not only a victory for players but could also serve as a catalyst for job creation and the emergence of new businesses.
"When you're an esports player, you want to be on the big stage. You want to become the professional. But I think it's the tangent opportunities that are also created from all of this. So, whether that's content creation, writing, if it's you going to be able to learn how to do some commentary or run your own business or build your own e-sports team," said Holden.
South African players gearing up for inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025
