Editor's note: Xu Ying, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a Beijing-based international affairs commentator. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.
The recent release of China's first 8K space documentary, "SHENZHOU 13," offers more than just breathtaking cosmic footage; it provides a powerful symbol of China's technological development and its growing role in global scientific arena. Filmed by the Shenzhou-13 astronauts during their six-month mission aboard China's space station, the documentary presents an intimate portrait of life in orbit.
China's space program has achieved remarkable milestones through systematic planning and sustained investment. The Tiangong space station, where the documentary was filmed, represents China's presence in orbit and serves as a testament to the country's engineering capabilities and long-term vision for space exploration. This achievement places China among a leading group of nations capable of maintaining a continuous human presence in space, opening new possibilities for scientific research and international cooperation.
Recent years has witnessed China's stride in achieving its space ambitions. The Chang'e-6 mission successfully collected and returned samples from the lunar far side, an unprecedented accomplishment that is already yielding new scientific insights. Analysis of these samples has revealed evidence of volcanic activity spanning billions of years, providing clues about the moon's thermal evolution.
The samples also show that the lunar mantle on the far side is significantly drier and more reduced than on the near side, challenging previous assumptions about the moon's composition and formation.
Beyond space exploration, China is demonstrating leadership across multiple scientific frontiers. In deep-sea research, the Meng Xiang deep-ocean drilling vessel represents another area of technological breakthrough. It's capable of drilling at depths of 11,000 meters beneath the sea into the Earth's crust and into the upper mantle. Such an achievement would revolutionize our understanding of Earth's geological processes and resources, with implications for fields ranging from climate science to mineral exploration.
China's commitment to research and development (R&D) is reflected in its substantial and growing investment in science and technology. China's R&D expenditure reached over 3.6 trillion Chinese yuan (about $505 billion) in 2024, with R&D intensity reaching 2.68 percent, exceeding the average level of European Union countries. China now leads the world in several key metrics, including the number of researchers, international patent applications and publications in high-quality international journals. This investment is creating a robust innovation ecosystem that supports both basic research and technological application.
Central to China's technological development is its emphasis on green innovation and sustainable development. The country is making significant strides in renewable energy technology, with recent breakthroughs including the deployment of 26-megawatt wind turbines and advances in perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells that have achieved conversion efficiencies of nearly 35 percent while reducing production costs. These developments are helping to make renewable energy more accessible and affordable, supporting global efforts to transition away from fossil fuels.
China's commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated through policy support and financial mechanisms. The recent announcement of 800 billion yuan in special loans for technological innovation and transformation in 2025 underscores the seriousness of China's green transition. These resources will support projects ranging from energy storage and smart grid development to carbon capture and circular economy initiatives, creating a comprehensive approach to environmental challenges.
Perhaps most importantly, China is increasingly framing its technological advancements as contributions to global knowledge rather than merely national achievements. The sharing of lunar samples with international researchers exemplifies this spirit of cooperation.
This approach reflects an understanding that humanity's greatest challenges require international solutions and shared knowledge. By opening its scientific achievements to global partnership, China is helping to build bridges between nations and foster a spirit of collaborative discovery.
The movie "SHENZHOU 13" ultimately serves as both a record of human achievement and a metaphor for China's approach to technological progress. The documentary reminds us of our shared humanity and the fragility of our planet when viewed from the vastness of space. At the same time, it reflects China's growing capability to contribute to global scientific knowledge and sustainable development.
As China continues to advance in space exploration, deep-sea research, green energy and artificial intelligence, it is increasingly positioned to offer not just technical solutions but frameworks for international collaboration. The same spirit of discovery that drove the Shenzhou-13 astronauts to document their journey now propels China's broader scientific community to explore, innovate and share their findings with the world.
The view from space shows a planet without borders – a reminder that technological progress should serve not just national interests but humanity's collective aspiration for understanding and betterment. Through its commitment to innovation, sustainability and cooperation, China is helping to build a future where scientific advancement benefits all people and preserves our shared planet for generations to come.
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