On September 10, 2024, I had the opportunity to attend the seminar “Comprehensively Deepening Reform and Promoting Cooperation between China and Romania”, organized by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Romania and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). This event provided a valuable platform to explore bilateral relations and prospects for collaboration in key areas such as emerging technologies and economic modernization. As a researcher at the Institute of Quality of Life Research, specializing in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI), I had the chance to analyze how Romania and China could cooperate in these strategic fields.

Key Messages from the Discussions

The seminar was opened by Ms. Hua Yafang, a senior diplomat at the Chinese Embassy, who emphasized the long-standing and strong relations between China and Romania, built on cooperation and mutual respect. Ms. Yafang highlighted how both countries supported each other during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and underscored the considerable potential for future cooperation in areas like science, technology, and education.

Presentations by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences reflected China’s commitment to ongoing economic reforms and technological modernization. Mr. Tian Dewen, Deputy Director of the Institute of Russian, Eastern European, and Central Asian Studies, detailed how these reforms have rapidly advanced the Chinese economy, creating a favorable environment for technological innovation, including AI. Mr. Tian emphasized the importance of long-term strategic planning in China and the need for collaboration with Europe for shared prosperity and peace. His key message was clear: “China is a partner, not a rival, and Europe stands to gain from collaboration. The narrative of fear is unjustified, and Europe must engage with globalization in a constructive manner for the benefit of all.”

Mr. Tian Dewen’s Response to My Question on AI and European Legislation

During the Q&A session, I personally asked about the challenges faced by European researchers in implementing AI, particularly in healthcare and education. I raised the issue of how European research projects are often delayed by complex bureaucratic regulations, such as GDPR, or the processes required to obtain ethical approvals, which can significantly slow development, in contrast to the faster pace seen in China and the U.S. In the era of artificial intelligence, time is a vital resource, and I feel that it is being consumed unproductively in the European context.

Mr. Tian Dewen provided a comprehensive response that addressed the entire philosophy behind the issue. He explained that in China, technological development follows a different approach, focused on community cohesion and strategic planning. While Europe places great emphasis on managing ethical dilemmas and balancing diverse opinions, China prioritizes a more integrated and strategic approach, allowing for the rapid implementation of new technologies. This fundamental difference gives Chinese researchers the ability to accelerate processes and avoid the administrative bottlenecks that can hinder innovation. In China, AI is already widely applied in critical sectors such as healthcare in a much shorter time frame.

Romanian Contributions and Perspectives

Mr. Viorel Isticioaia-Budura, former Romanian ambassador to China, provided a valuable historical perspective on bilateral relations, highlighting an often-overlooked aspect: the Romanian media space is predominantly influenced by Western sources, which can create a skewed perception of global events. This imbalance, exacerbated during the pandemic, limits the ability to maintain a neutral and objective view of international realities. Mr. Isticioaia-Budura stressed the need to diversify information sources to ensure a more balanced and nuanced interpretation of the geopolitical landscape, noting that such an approach would lead to a better understanding of international dynamics and facilitate bilateral and strategic cooperation, including with important partners like China.

Mr. Andrei Rădulescu, Director of Macroeconomic Research at Banca Transilvania, presented relevant statistics on the evolution of trade and other economic aspects between Europe and China, emphasizing the importance of strengthening cooperation between these two powers. He highlighted the considerable potential for economic collaboration between Romania and China, focusing on the transfer of knowledge and expertise, particularly in infrastructure and the digital economy. Mr. Rădulescu noted that this collaboration could significantly stimulate Romania’s economic growth and help bridge the technological gap with more advanced economies, opening new opportunities for the development of the digital sector and critical infrastructure.

Reflections on Future Cooperation

One of the main conclusions of the seminar was the recognition of the need to deepen cooperation between China and Romania, particularly in strategic areas such as AI and emerging technologies. The Belt and Road Initiative was presented as a major opportunity for collaboration in infrastructure and research. It was emphasized that Romania could learn from China’s model of rapid technology implementation and overcoming administrative obstacles, adopting a more efficient innovation model.

In conclusion, the seminar highlighted the need for continuous dialogue between China and Romania, focusing on opportunities for collaboration in the economic, social, and technological fields. The emphasis was on the scientific and technological partnership between researchers and institutions from both countries, which can stimulate innovation and shared progress. At the same time, economic cooperation between China and Romania opens new perspectives for the development of infrastructure and the digital economy, contributing to the modernization of both nations. On a social level, the partnership can facilitate cultural and academic exchanges, strengthening bilateral ties and promoting sustainable and balanced development. Thus, the strategic collaboration between China and Romania has the potential to support technological progress, drive economic growth, and bring significant benefits in the social sphere.