On June 23, the Chinese Embassy in Germany hosted a science and education forum in Bonn, which gathered over 150 participants. Attendees included representatives from the German federal government, scientific organizations, research institutions, and young Chinese scholars attending the 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting. Participants unanimously advocated for strengthening bilateral cooperation to deepen Sino-German collaboration in science and education.

Collaborating to Address Global Challenges
Chinese Embassy Minister Zeng Fanhua highlighted the sustained positive momentum in China-Germany relations. He noted that recent high-level dialogues had reaffirmed the importance of bilateral cooperation, particularly in developing strategic partnerships, promoting world peace and multilateralism, advancing free trade, and tackling global challenges such as climate change. These consensus points, he emphasized, charted a course for future bilateral relations.

Since the 1978 intergovernmental agreement, science and education collaboration has become a cornerstone of bilateral ties. The jointly established China-Germany Science Center (CDZ) has enabled 40 outstanding Chinese students from institutions including Peking University and Tsinghua University to participate in the Lindau Meeting. Vocational and higher education exchanges have also demonstrated substantial, practical progress.

Minister Zeng stressed that enhanced scientific exchanges propel advancements in knowledge and technology. He added that China’s open policies generate global market opportunities, attract investment, and stimulate green development innovation. Given the complex international environment, he urged China and Germany to jointly uphold mutual respect and shared interests, thereby contributing to global peace and development.

Deepening Institutional Synergy
Dr. Harald von Kalm of the German Research Foundation (DFG) cited the DFG’s partnership with China’s National Natural Science Foundation (NSFC) as a model collaboration. The clarification of bilateral data policies, he explained, has laid the groundwork for a program scheduled to launch in 2025. Pre- and post-event activities—such as visits to Max Planck Institutes and Fraunhofer laboratories—provide valuable exposure to Germany’s research ecosystem. Over the past two decades, more than 600 Chinese and German scholars have participated in bilateral exchange programs.

Advancing Youth Innovation
Dr. Hannes Jedeck from Baden-Württemberg’s Ministry of Science observed increasing interest among young researchers from both countries, particularly in discussing AI advancements through platforms like DeepSeek. Quoting the adage “Experience it firsthand, beyond all descriptions,” he advocated for more frequent academic exchanges. Professor Gu Binglin, Chairman of the Lindau China Academic Committee, suggested that geopolitical shifts could yield opportunities through proactive collaboration.