爱上海后花园论坛

As some US journalists who traveled to Beijing to cover the US President Donald Trump's visit to China experienced cashier-less supermarkets, watched performances by Unitree Robotics robots , tried new energy vehicles and tasted the delicious Chinese food, they were struck by the tremendous changes taking place in China, according to their posts on social media platforms.

Although some still viewed the country through a biased lens - complaining about the large number of surveillance cameras in Beijing - they nevertheless acknowledged how dramatically China has transformed.

"We're here in Beijing and one thing is clear - AI is front and center. This morning our coffee was served up by a robot," Fox News anchor Bret Baier said in a post on Instagram on Wednesday as he was doing a special coverage on China's artificial intelligence boom.

Baier also visited a Family Market convenience store in Beijing where he ended up asking a robot for sausage. He called it "the first of its kind of interaction," according to a Fox News video circulating on the social media.

Noticeably, this veteran US media anchor has not completely dropped his biased lens by claiming that there are many surveillance cameras in Beijing, which caused the Fox News crew ticketed for illegal parking.

However, this "camera-leads-ticketed" was mocked by some netizens on X platform, especially when another video clip circulating online showed that Baier was spotted walking through wide traffic to frame a shot.

"When you visit another country please follow their instructions, not yours, theirs," a netizen @AyveeZin01 said when commenting on the Fox News reporting.

"I don't understand what he is complaining about, is that his driver couldn't get away by parking illegally or is it China making people live by rules?" another netizen @arthajpalle asked.

Some other US journalists also acknowledged many changes that China has been going through during this visit to Beijing.

In a separate program hosted by Fox News' America's Newsroom's co-anchor Bill Hemmer with US Ambassador to China David Perdue, Hemmer said he has been in China 30 years ago, and "the changes are remarkable. I really just see what this country is done."

The same sentiment of witnessing dramatic changes has also been shared by ABC World News Tonight's anchor David Muir, who took a closer look at the humanoid robots being built in China - and how it could help humans with home chores and factory labor.

"You can see the future is walking right toward us," Muir said as he met a humanoid robot displayed at a major AI conference in Beijing.

He asked the staff members what the robot can do in the future, and watched the robot to lay down, and then get back up - just like human does. He also greeted a Unitree G1 humanoid robot that can perform martial arts and dance moves.

"Who win the AI race? China? US?" the US journalist asked a Chinese visitor to this conference. "I think it's China," the visitor answered.

"Tonight, the humanoid robots we witness coming right at us, part of this newest frontier to win AI," Muir said in ending this special coverage.

And for NBC News reporters, one of the things to do in China is to try the local specialties.

Tom Llamas took a food tour of Beijing, trying some of the most popular local dishes, according to a video NBC News published on YouTube on Thursday.

"At a cost of around $10, we are going to eat, explore, and try dishes like these," Llamas said at the beginning of the coverage.

He visited a restaurant that makes Chinese-style burgers and tried some dumplings and stem bun tofu pudding, and a fire stick known as Youtiao.

"Yummy!!!" a netizen @coolwalk11 said in commenting on this food program.

"I need to try those food," another netizen @curiouspeople 6441 said.

Besides the local dishes, Llamas also took a Chinese electric vehicle for a test drive to see why brands like BYD are dominating the global market and why a 100 percent US tariff is part of what's keeping them out of American driveways.

Beyond looking into China's future, some US journalists also shed the light on its past.

USA Today reporters visited the Temple of Heaven and interviewed a historian and walking tour founder Lars Ulrik Thom to learn stories and history about this place.

In recent years, "China Travel" has gained increasing popularity and we've seen many positive feedbacks from foreign travelers who have been to China. Convenient mobile apps, high-speed transportation network and safe streets late at night in China deeply impressed foreign visitors. In the first quarter of 2026, the number of foreigners who entered China visa-free continued to increase, up by nearly 30 percent year-on-year, Guo Jiakun, spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a press conference on April 23.

"Come to China and discover its true charm beyond imagination. As we embrace the spring-summer travel season, we welcome more foreign friends to come to China visa-free and have an immersive experience of the country where ancient history meets modern marvels," Guo said.

Visitors eagerly leaned forward to experience the C919 simulator cockpit, danced interactively with embodied intelligent robots, and watched rich hand gestures on brain-computer interface screens that illuminate the lives of people with disabilities. These vivid scenes capture the atmosphere of the 28th China Beijing International High-tech Expo, where people are witnessing countless visions of future life gradually turning into reality.

The three-day expo, which opened on Friday with the theme "Science and Technology for a Better Future", brought together more than 800 domestic and international enterprises and institutions, showcasing cutting-edge technological achievements and innovative application scenarios centered on "AI+."

As China's first large-scale international science and technology exchange and cooperation exhibition focused on science and technology, it highlighted the country's breakthroughs in hard technologies across various fields as well as its soft innovation capabilities.

Future life scenarios taking shape

A Global Times reporter personally experienced a variety of technological demonstrations on site: intelligent robots played football with the reporter; by concentrating on on-screen gestures while wearing a brain-computer interface headset and sensor gloves, various remote-control gestures could be performed in the air; relaxing with traditional Chinese-style massage delivered by robotic arms.

Through these immersive experiences, the reporter clearly felt how high-end technologies in fields such as information technology, medicine and health, green low-carbon solutions, and intelligent manufacturing are rapidly integrating into everyday life and reaching ordinary people.

Sergey, a Belarusian working in education in East China's Jiangsu Province, told the Global Times that he flew to Beijing specifically to attend the expo. "This is the first time I've seen an expo with such rich displays of AI technology. It's dazzling. What impressed me most were the AI+ intelligent education applications. I really hope these can reach Belarus and more countries."

AI and robotics featured far more prominently at this year's expo. Humanoid robots, embodied interaction control systems, bionic intelligent robots, and other cutting-edge equipment were prominently displayed.

A towering 6-meter-tall ultra-realistic humanoid robot made its debut at the expo, currently the world's tallest and largest humanoid robot. A robot that can play music performed a lively rendition of Beijing Welcomes You, becoming a popular photo spot at the exhibition.

The Global Times reporter tried on a wearable exoskeleton robot and found it remarkably lightweight. It could intelligently recognize the user's body weight, age, joint mobility, and physical condition in real time and dynamically adjust its operating mode accordingly.

"This is literally the future! China is the most technologically advanced country I've ever seen," American vlogger Christian Grossi exclaimed while trying a wearable exoskeleton robot that assists in walking and running during a visit last September to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Central China's Hunan Province. The video of his first-hand account has since garnered over 10 million views as of early December last year.

The exoskeleton Grossi wore precisely embodies the future China is striving to build - one in which technology empowers people's lives, bringing hope and better living experiences to more individuals.

Yang Yongtao, deputy general manager of the wearable exoskeleton device exhibitor company China Beijing Ai Robot Technology Co, Ltd, told the Global Times that the growing international attention on Chinese exoskeleton robots has brought more focus to the technology. Foreign buyers have specifically come to customize products.

In the future, they are expected to become an important direction for AI-enabled health and wellness applications — helping elderly people with daily mobility assistance while also reducing the physical burden and fatigue for hiking enthusiasts, thereby supporting the "Healthy China" initiative, Yang said.

Accessible for more people

The expo also gathered top domestic research institutes and sci-tech innovation organizations, showcasing a batch of globally pioneering, independently controllable key core technologies.

Beijing AIForce Technology Co, Ltd, established with support from the Institute of Microelectronics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was a standout at the event. Its display of the world's first pure-electric intelligent high-horsepower tractor attracted significant attention, with foreign visitors stopping to inquire about details.

An Zhijian, strategic director of the company, told the Global Times that core technologies for high-horsepower tractors had long been monopolized by companies in Europe and America. Over the past two years, leveraging China's strategic layout in the new energy industry and its complete industrial chain advantages, the company has not only successfully applied new energy technologies to agricultural development but also overcome multiple critical technical bottlenecks that had long been controlled by others.

The company is currently in talks with several Global South nations regarding exports. In the future, this pure-electric agricultural machinery is expected to significantly reduce production and operating costs for farmers, according to An.

In response to recent hyping of the "China Shock 2.0" narrative by some Western media outlets and think tanks, which suggest that China is achieving fast development in high-tech sectors and relies on foreign markets to absorb its overcapacity, thus sending more serious shock waves to the global economy, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Friday that from the world's factory to the world's market and innovation powerhouse, China's development is achieved through strong performance driven by innovation and brings tangible cooperation opportunities and space to the world.

China's high-tech products represented by the "new new three" of robots, AI and innovative drugs have broken high-tech barriers and monopoly and enabled people in more countries to access affordable new technologies, Lin added.

"What really creates "shocks" to the world has never been the innovation of Chinese companies and efficiency of Chinese industrial capacity, but protectionist moves of setting up barriers, decoupling and severing industrial and supply chains. China will stay committed to high-standard opening up, defend the multilateral trading system and provide more certainty and new impetus to the world economy with its own steady development," Lin said.

The active participation of foreign enterprises at this year's expo also confirms that China's open and inclusive attitude is attracting more international cooperation. Companies from countries including South Korea, Sweden, and the US are showcasing their cutting-edge exhibits at the expo.

Swedish company Envac's pneumatic waste collection system, which can reduce road collection vehicle trips by 90 percent, is planning to establish its China headquarters to actively integrate into the "Beautiful China" initiative. Multinational companies such as AstraZeneca and Sanofi displayed innovative drugs in areas including oncology, respiratory health, cardiovascular diseases, and rare diseases. The Seoul Pavilion, promoted by the Seoul municipal government, featured products in AI+ education and smart healthcare from Korean universities and enterprises.

Jaehyun Lee, the manager in charge of the Seoul Pavilion, told the Global Times that they are full of confidence and expectations for China-Korea high-tech sharing and exchanges. They also hope to use this opportunity to showcase Korea's "Smart Life" philosophy to more Chinese audiences.

Technology-themed exhibitions are regarded as important windows for observing the implementation of new quality productive forces. From the Beijing Auto Show and the Digital China Summit to the upcoming Global AI Terminal Expo 2026 & 7th Shenzhen International AI Expo, the recent cluster of tech exhibitions not only demonstrates the scale and industrialization of China's scientific and technological innovation, but also reflects China's commitment to using technology for good and its open and inclusive spirit, analysts said.

The Shenzhou-21 crew aboard China's orbiting space station completed their mission's third series of extravehicular activities on Friday, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

The taikonaut trio -- Zhang Lu, Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang -- worked for roughly 5.5 hours and completed their tasks at 1:36 a.m. (Beijing Time), assisted by the space station's robotic arm and a team on Earth.

To date, Zhang Lu has conducted a total of 7 extravehicular activities, setting a new record for the most spacewalks by a Chinese taikonaut.

China will step up efforts to better protect the rights and interests of workers in new forms of employment, according to a set of guidelines made public on Sunday.

These guidelines, issued by the general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, urge internet platforms and express delivery firms to set reasonable wages for workers in new forms of employment based on work tasks and labor intensity, and to ensure full and timely payment.

Efforts should be made to strengthen the governance of algorithms on internet platforms, the guidelines say, urging relevant companies to earnestly fulfill their social responsibilities, toughen regulation of algorithms and improve transparency. Workers in new forms of employment must have the right to be informed about, participate in, and choose algorithm-related rules, the guidelines note.

The guidelines also underscore the need to strengthen oversight of relevant sectors, improve information disclosure for practitioners, and guide workers in new forms of employment to develop reasonable expectations regarding income and benefits.

Comprehensive measures should be introduced to curb rat race competition and strictly prevent infringements on the legitimate rights and interests of such workers, the guidelines add.

New forms of employment refer to jobs that have emerged with the rise of the internet and the digital economy, including roles like food delivery couriers, ride-hailing drivers and online marketers, who rely on internet platforms for their work.

China currently has 84 million people engaged in such work, who play an important role in serving and ensuring people's livelihood, and in helping to keep the economy running smoothly.

China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao met with Hildegard Mueller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), on Monday, to discuss China-Germany automotive cooperation, the stability of global automotive supply chains, and EU's trade restrictions on China, according to a Tuesday statement from China's Ministry of Commerce.

This year marks the start of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), China will continue to expand high-level opening-up, drive high-quality development through new quality productive forces, and encourage industrial innovation through fair competition, Wang said. The minister welcomed German automakers to deepen their presence in China, leverage complementary advantages with Chinese partners, and jointly advance the global automotive industry toward higher-end, intelligent, and green development.

Earlier this year, China and the EU achieved a "soft landing" in the electric vehicle case through a price undertaking arrangement. Wang stated his hopes the EU would abide by its commitment to non-discrimination, accelerate negotiations with Chinese automakers, and ensure the early implementation of the price undertaking. 

Both sides should manage frictions through dialogue and consultation and jointly safeguard the stability and smooth functioning of global automotive industrial and supply chains, the minister said.

Wang also noted that China has expressed strong over EU's recent trade-restrictive measures, warning that such protectionist steps could endanger Chinese companies and undermine their confidence in investing in Europe.

He expressed hopes that the association would play an active role in urging the EU to respect fair competition, abide by WTO rules, and revise inappropriate provisions, so as to foster a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for China-EU cooperation.

Mueller said China's 15th Five-Year Plan provides clear signals and important guidance for foreign investment in the country. German automakers will continue to expand investment and R&D in China, accelerate localization, and better realize the strategy of "in China, for global markets."

VDA supports free trade and believes the price undertaking arrangement reached between the EU and China has laid a solid foundation for resolving tariff issues, said Mueller. The association will continue to call on the EU to keep the automotive market open, welcome Chinese automakers and parts suppliers to invest in Germany, and deepen the integration of German-Chinese and EU-China automotive industrial and supply chains.

Apple said Monday that CEO Tim Cook will become executive chairman of the company's board of directors, while John Ternus, Apple's senior vice president of hardware engineering, will become the company's next CEO effective Sept. 1, 2026.

The company said the leadership transition was unanimously approved by its board of directors and followed a long-term succession planning process. Cook will remain CEO through the summer and work closely with Ternus to ensure a smooth handover, according to Apple.

In a statement released by the company, Cook said it had been "the greatest privilege" of his life to be Apple's CEO, and described Ternus as "without question the right person to lead Apple into the future." Ternus said he was "profoundly grateful" for the opportunity to carry Apple's mission forward.

Cook joined Apple in 1998 and became CEO in 2011. Apple said that under his leadership, the company's market capitalization rose from about 350 billion U.S. dollars to 4 trillion dollars, while annual revenue increased from 108 billion dollars in fiscal 2011 to more than 416 billion dollars in fiscal 2025.

Ternus joined Apple's product design team in 2001, became vice president of hardware engineering in 2013, and joined the executive team in 2021 as senior vice president of hardware engineering, according to the company.

Recently, quite a few foreign vloggers traveling or residing in China have documented and shared their authentic daily experiences here in this country. Whether it is walking alone late at night, leaving laptops unattended on high-speed trains, or being reminded by strangers about unlocked car doors—routines that our Chinese people take for granted would be so "unbelievable" to overseas visitors.

The first-hand, objective accounts have given rise to a widely recognized cross-cultural concept: "Chinese way of security."

Why does Chinese way of security repeatedly "go viral"? Through foreign content creators' lenses, the whole world gets to know China's sound public security, the positive interplay between high-quality development and the country's high-level security.

The Chinese way of security lies in widespread, tangible, everyday peace of mind.

Spanish vloggers marvel at being able to stroll freely in parks as late as 11 pm, with vending machines and shared power banks still intact even in remote areas. US visitors are impressed by the absence of street chaos and conflicts, making daily travel extraordinarily safe. Unlike many other countries where people must stay vigilant against risks at all times, China's stable, orderly society leaves them a deep and lasting impression.
The Chinese way of security also reflects remarkable achievements in building a safe and peaceful China. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, this country has steadily advanced peace-building initiatives, fighting organized crimes, cracked down on telecom and online frauds in accordance with laws, and tightened regulation on drunk driving, which have won public acclaim. Robust infrastructure, comprehensive public services and efficient social security prevention and control system have helped form a strong safety net.

Safety has become a shining calling card of China. The country ranks among the world's safest countries with one of the lowest crime rates, and public satisfaction with security has hovered above 98 percent for many consecutive years.

The Chinese way of security stems from mutual trust and kindness among the people. Strangers would call in at midnight to warn about unlocked vehicles, and neighbors would return misplaced food packages — small acts that have deeply moved foreign vloggers.

In China, social order is upheld not only by laws and regulations, but also by inherent morality, integrity and friendly social norms. Chinese way of security embodies interpersonal trust and mutual care between strangers. This warm social atmosphere keeps traditional Chinese virtues vibrant in the new era, representing a form of "soft power" rooted in human warmth.

This safety derives from efficient governance and a people-centered governance philosophy, which generally follows one core principle: benefiting the people is the greatest measure of governance. Governance serves the people, relies on the people, and is evaluated by the people, continuously enhancing people's sense of gain, happiness and security.
Behind Chinese way of security lies in powerful economic, social and cultural values. As one foreign vlogger puts it — when people feel fully safe, they no longer waste energy worrying about risks or suffer from mental stress. Relaxed and totally free, they can focus on creation, working hard and pursuing a better life.

Security underpins development, and development supports security. Sound public order and harmonious interpersonal relations greatly reduce social operation and transaction costs. They shape high-quality living environments and optimize the business climate.

A society free from constant worries about theft, or damaged public facilities, attracts talent and fosters continuous innovation. Amid ongoing global uncertainties, a peaceful, prosperous, vibrant and well-governed China stands as an "oasis of certainty" in a volatile world.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has signed a State Council decree enacting new regulations aimed at safeguarding the country's industrial and supply chains. The rules were released on Tuesday and took effect immediately.

The regulations, laid out in 18 articles, are designed to curb risks, strengthen resilience, and protect both economic stability and national security, according to an official government statement. They come as global supply networks face mounting strain from geopolitical tensions and shifting trade dynamics.

A central feature of the new framework is a mechanism to respond to perceived external threats. The rules establish a security review system and authorize government agencies to investigate risks linked to foreign governments, organizations, or individuals - and to take countermeasures when China's industrial or supply chain security is deemed at stake.

Chinese experts described the regulations as China's first dedicated administrative law on industrial and supply chain security, enriching the country's toolkit in safeguarding its economy. They also said the regulations clearly established the principle of "reciprocal countermeasures" to precisely respond to unilateral bullying.

These regulations are also a direct response to the US and certain Western countries' over-generalization of so-called national security, including chip bans, technological blockades, and attempts at decoupling and supply chain disruption, Zhang Xiaorong, director of the Beijing-based Cutting-Edge Technology Research Institute, told the Global Times on Tuesday.
The regulations also establish a security investigation and countermeasures mechanism through legislation, granting reciprocal countermeasure authorities such as restricting imports and exports, imposing additional special fees, and adding entities to countermeasure lists. This fundamentally reverses China's passive position and sends a clear signal that bullying in any sector will not be tolerated, said Zhang.

In addition, the regulations clarified two major scenarios for launching security investigations. First, when foreign countries, regions, or international organizations violate international law and basic norms of international relations by imposing discriminatory prohibitions, restrictions, or similar measures against China.

Second, when foreign organizations or individuals violate normal market transaction principles, interrupt normal transactions with Chinese citizens or entities, adopt discriminatory measures, or engage in other acts that cause or threaten substantial harm to China's industrial and supply chain security.

The regulations have revealed how China could react to such behaviors.

Relevant departments of the State Council may, in accordance with established procedures, take corresponding countermeasures, including but not limited to prohibiting or restricting the import and export of relevant goods and technologies, or international trade in services, and imposing special fees. Departments may also prohibit or restrict foreign organizations and individuals from engaging in import and export activities related to China, or from investing in China.

The regulations also established a closed-loop system of "supply chain data sharing, risk early-warning, risk prevention and emergency management." Relevant departments will also establish a list of key areas and conduct dynamic adjustments, so as to maintain the stable and continuous operation of the production and circulation of raw materials, technologies, equipment, and products in key areas.

Clear legal bottom line

The Bloomberg immediately took heed of the development and noted in its report on Tuesday that the new rules give government agencies the authority to start security probes against foreign nations and international organizations if they "adopt discriminatory bans" and other similar measures against China, or if they carry out actions that harm the security of the country's supply chains.

"Part of the intent is clearly to provide another legal basis for officials to respond to foreign sanctions, export controls or other restrictions on China," Christopher Beddor, deputy China research director at Gavekal Dragonomics, was quoted as saying in the report. "It's part of a broader build-out of laws and regulations that has been underway for years."

The regulations tell foreign countries, enterprises what they cannot do - such as malicious supply cutoffs or discrimination against Chinese companies - which actually helps stabilize market expectations and global supply chain cooperation, Zhang said.

"The regulations serve as a clear warning to certain countries, regions, international organizations, entities, and individuals: Do not attempt to adopt discriminatory measures against China and endanger the security of China's industrial and supply chains in key sectors. Otherwise, China has the right to include the relevant organizations and individuals on its sanction lists or unreliable entity lists," Shi Xiaoli, director of the WTO Law Research Center at the China University of Political Science and Law, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Shi also pointed out that in terms of extraterritorial application, China has now integrated various tools from its existing policy toolkit. The strength of countermeasures, as well as the breadth and diversity of measures, are unprecedented.

"Previously, China mainly relied on scattered laws such as the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law and the Export Control Law. The new regulations will act as a package that include previous laws, regulations and measures to safeguard national security in industrial and supply chains," said Zhang.

Zhang also said the term "discriminatory prohibitions and restrictions" fully covers targeted suppression actions such as the US' chip embargo, providing a clear legal basis for China to lawfully implement countermeasures.

"The current industrial and supply chain environment is highly complex, and countries are taking various measures to protect their own chains. For China, a major manufacturing country with a vast market and population, protecting industrial and supply chain security is extremely important," Zhou Mi, a senior research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Experts also stressed that the new regulations will serve as the security cornerstone for high-level opening-up and international cooperation, as "development and security" will be better balanced.

The Article 2 of the regulations explicitly stated that work shall coordinate development and security, advance high-level opening-up, and promote the stable and smooth functioning of global industrial and supply chains.

"China's reform and opening-up policy will remain unchanged. The country will continue to further expand opening-up and proactively align with high international standards," said Shi.

In fact, China's scientific and technological innovation remains committed to openness and cooperation, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

China sent a new satellite group into space from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China's Shanxi Province on Thursday.

The satellite group, the 21st group of low-orbit internet satellites, was launched at 3:38 a.m. (Beijing time) aboard a modified Long March-6 carrier rocket and has entered its preset orbit.

This launch marked the 637th flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series.

Chinese autonomous-driving leader Pony.ai on Wednesday (local time) launched commercial robotaxi services in Zagreb, Croatia, in partnership with local mobility firm Verne and global ride-hailing platform Uber, becoming Europe's first fully commercial robotaxi service open to the public, the Global Times learned from the company on Thursday.

The launch comes as Europe emerges as a new key market for autonomous driving, with Chinese and European giants advancing competing yet complementary strategies to capture the region's fast-growing market.

The service officially began operations in the Croatian capital on Wednesday (local time). Customers can now book rides through Verne's app, with integration into the Uber app planned for a later stage, Pony.ai said in a statement sent to the Global Times on Thursday.

Pony.ai's expansion into Europe comes as Chinese autonomous-driving companies are making splashes across the continent, which has emerged as the next key market for autonomous driving following years of intensive testing and development in the US and China.

On March 19, Chinese autonomous-driving technology company WeRide announced a national-level strategic partnership with ELEVATE Slovakia, officially launching Slovakia's first autonomous-driving project. With the project, Slovakia becomes WeRide's fourth European market after France, Belgium and Switzerland, the Securities Daily reported.

Chinese autonomous-driving firm Momenta last year announced plans to test Level 4 autonomous vehicles in Germany in 2026, aiming to deliver safe, scalable, and efficient robotaxi services in Europe and beyond, Momenta said in a release on its official website in September 2025.

In December, Apollo Go, the autonomous-driving ride-hailing platform under Baidu, announced plans to launch autonomous-driving testing and ride services in London in 2026. This will support London in building a more digital and green future transportation system, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

Some European giants have also announced timelines for the autonomous-driving sector. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles' Hanover plant is ramping up pre-series production of the fully autonomous ID. Buzz AD, which is intended for use as a robotaxi or roboshuttle.

Before the end of this year, the first 500 vehicles for projects in Europe and the US are scheduled to be manufactured. Series production of the ID. Buzz AD is set to begin in 2027, Volkswagen said in a release on its website in March.

As Europe ramps up its push into autonomous driving, Chinese and European players are largely operating in a complementary way, Zhang Xiang, a visiting professor in the engineering department of Huanghe Science and Technology University, told the Global Times on Thursday.

Zhang explained that the two sides hold distinct core strengths that underpin this complementary relationship. Chinese companies boast mature autonomous-driving technology, robust iteration capabilities, and extensive hands-on experience operating in complex traffic scenarios, while European companies hold an edge in advanced vehicle manufacturing technologies.

Even as local carmakers including Volkswagen develop their own robotaxi services, they are still in a catch-up position in core autonomous-driving technology, with a notable gap between their capabilities and those of leaders in China and the US, Zhang noted. For Chinese firms looking to operate in compliance with local regulations in the European market, local partnerships - particularly with established automakers - are essential to meet the region's strict regulations, data compliance rules and operational standards, Zhang added.

By 2035, about 120,000 robotaxis will be on the streets of European cities, according to an analysis by Boston Consulting Group. 

"We expect that the US and China will dominate initial growth, due to supportive regulations, infrastructure investments, and market conditions. In our base scenario, we estimate that the US robotaxi fleet will grow to about 350,000 vehicles by 2035, while China will have about 850,000 vehicles. Under a more optimistic scenario in which adoption is high, these numbers can go up to about 3 million vehicles globally," read the analysis.