China honored 50 foreign experts with the prestigious friendship award at a ceremony in Beijing on September 30. The award recognized their outstanding contributions to the nation’s development. The event, held at the Great Hall of the People, underscored the value China places on international collaboration and talent exchange.
Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin presided over the ceremony and presented the 2025 Chinese Government Friendship Award. She congratulated the recipients and praised their efforts in advancing China’s modernization and global cooperation. According to Shen, the contributions of these foreign experts will be remembered by the Chinese people for generations.
She emphasized that the friendship award symbolizes China’s commitment to international partnerships and high-level innovation collaboration. Moreover, Shen highlighted the country’s confidence in achieving long-term, stable development. She noted that such progress brings fresh momentum and opportunities to the global economy.
During her address, Shen outlined China’s future plans for talent development and international cooperation. She pledged to promote high-level opening-up, enhance innovation partnerships, and improve systems that attract overseas experts. Additionally, China will continue to welcome high-caliber foreign talent to work, innovate, and launch businesses in the country.
The ceremony reflected China’s broader strategy to integrate global expertise into national growth. Analysts said the friendship award fosters mutual understanding, strengthens international relations, and supports scientific, technological, and cultural exchange. Experts also noted that it encourages innovation and collaborative problem-solving between domestic and foreign professionals.
Recipients of the friendship award come from diverse fields, including science, education, engineering, and public health. Their work has directly contributed to China’s modernization drive, economic development, and global competitiveness. Observers said recognizing these experts publicly signals China’s openness and appreciation for international collaboration.
Furthermore, the award highlights the importance of global talent in shaping China’s strategic development. Analysts predict that continued engagement with foreign experts will accelerate innovation and create long-term benefits for both China and its international partners.
Finally, the 2025 friendship award ceremony reinforced China’s vision of cooperative development and shared global progress. By honoring foreign experts, the country demonstrates a commitment to building lasting partnerships and advancing collective prosperity.

