2025 Zhongguancun Forum to highlight AI: vice mayor

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology and AI-driven tools are expected to hog the spotlight at the 2025 Zhongguancun (ZGC) Forum, which is set to be held in Beijing from March 27 to 31, said the city's vice mayor Jin Wei on Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference, Jin said activities such as the AI theme day and parallel forums will be held during the event to highlight cutting-edge science and technology.

"With a focus on cutting-edge hot areas such as embodied intelligence and quantum technology, 10 brand forums and 50 innovation forums, particularly the 20 ones like the first open science international forum, will be held during the forum. Twenty-one sessions will be hosted by 12 ministries and commissions, and 18 will be hosted by more than 30 international organizations and institutions, aiming to promote in-depth cooperation through high-level dialogue. The AI theme day, the pioneer forum on AI's future, and other activities will be also held to forge a 'wind vane' of cutting-edge science and technology," he said.

Besides parallel forums, a tech trading event promoting the industrial application of scientific and technological achievements from colleges and universities will be also held during the forum, with universities, institutes and innovative enterprises from 34 countries participating.

Notably, AI interpreters and nearly 100 robots will serve as intelligent assistants for guests at the forum.

"Based on large AI models, voiceprint recognition and speech fitting technology are used to interpret speakers' speeches from their native language. There will be nearly 100 representative robots from 15 enterprises working in every corner of the annual event, covering scenarios like welcoming guests, communication, hosting, performance, and services," said Jin.

Themed on "New Quality Productive Forces and Global Science and Technology Cooperation", this year's ZGC Forum will comprise a total of 128 events across five major sections -- forums and conferences, technology transactions, achievements releases, frontier competitions, and supporting activities.

Over 1,000 speakers from more than 100 countries and regions will gather at the event to discuss how to foster new quality productive forces through sic-tech innovation.

China's Top 10 Science Advances will also be released at the forum for the first time.

2025 Zhongguancun Forum to highlight AI: vice mayor

The Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix roared to life at the Shanghai International Circuit in east China on Friday. Over the course of three days, fans are treated to a thrilling spectacle of speed and skill as the world's top drivers are battling it out on one of the most iconic tracks in the sport.

This year's event marks the second race of the 24-race Formula 1 season. Teams and drivers are eager to secure strong results in Shanghai to lay a solid foundation for the long campaign ahead.

The schedule saw official Free Practice sessions and the qualifying for the Sprint race on Friday, followed by the Sprint itself and the Sprint Qualifying session for the main race on Saturday. The climax of the weekend, the main race, will take place on Sunday afternoon.

Charles Leclerc, a driver for the Ferrari team, shared his thoughts on competing in China.

"It's always nice to come back to China. The track itself is very very technical and a very difficult track for me. I think this season we're starting with the two most difficult tracks, so I've got to work a bit harder for Melbourne and Shanghai. But I'm looking forward to the challenges. This is something I enjoy," he said.

Since its debut in Shanghai in 2004, the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix has grown into a globally recognized sporting event and a major highlight on the city's sports calendar. As this year coincids with the 75th anniversary of Formula 1, the event has drawn massive interest.

Tickets for the 2025 race were almost sold out well in advance, with an estimated 220,000 spectators expected to attend over the weekend. This impressive turnout is set to surpass last year's record of over 200,000 visitors, further cementing the race's status as a premier sporting attraction in China.

Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix kicks off in Shanghai