Sixth Session of the Online Internship Program, “Evolving China in the Modern World” jointly organized by Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad and Communication University of China, Beijing

On 13th November 2020 the sixth session of the Online internship Program, “Evolving China in the Modern World” was held. This internship program is initiated jointly by the Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad, and the Communication University of China, Beijing.
The theme for the sixth session of this internship was related to China Leading the World in Technological Advancements and it was conducted by, Prof. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmed, Member Board of Experts, CGSS and Assistant Professor, Department of Politics & IR, University of Sargodha.
Prof. Dr. Ashfaq comprehensively explained the topic and highlighted that according to World Bank 850 million people have been lifted out of extreme poverty in China. Its share of global economy increased from 1.8% in 1978 to 18.2% in 2018 thus becoming the world’s second largest economy and today it is the world’s largest economy.
He stated that, China is one of the most advanced countries and it is playing a leading role in every walk of life in the contemporary world. Beijing has achieved major milestones in every aspect of life. China is developing key technologies and it has made extraordinary progress. Genuinely innovated products are coming out of China.
He discussed some major technological advancements that have been initiated by China including, high speed rail network that accommodates 1.5 billion people annually, world’s largest telescope to study the universe, and Facial recognition systems that have played their part during the pandemic as well. In the wake of outspread of Covid-19 cameras have been equipped with AI based temperature detection technology in Chia to detect people affected with Covid-19. Affected passengers are stopped from travelling to prevent the further spread of virus.
Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Ashfaq highlighted China’s advance military technology, military might and advance weapons system.
He stated that, Chinese military and defense industry is investing in robotics, swarming and other applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Prof. Dr. Ashfaq also discussed various theoretical perspectives and frameworks including, Neo-Liberalism, Thucydides Trap and Offensive Realism.
The session was moderated by Ms. Laraib Fatima Hassan, Communication & Coordination Manager, CGSS. It is notable that scholars and students from across Pakistan, China and Tanzania have enrolled in this internship program to study and learn about Evolving China in the Modern World.