In a striking display of technological innovation and soft power, a Chinese humanoid robot became the center of attention at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) reception held in Tianjin on Monday. The event, gathering diplomats and officials from SCO member states, showcased China’s advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) as the robot engaged with attendees, delivering speeches and answering questions.
The humanoid, designed to resemble a young professional, demonstrated its language processing capabilities by fluently conversing in Mandarin and English. “This robot symbolizes the fusion of technology and diplomacy, reflecting China’s vision of AI playing a pivotal role in international relations,” said Liu Wei, a robotics expert involved in the project. The robot’s presence was met with curiosity and enthusiasm, serving as a conversation starter among participants.
During the reception, the humanoid addressed topics such as AI cooperation, regional development, and digital connectivity—key themes for SCO member countries. Its performance underscored China’s commitment to promoting technology-driven collaboration within the organization, which includes Russia, India, Pakistan, and several Central Asian nations.
Experts suggest that integrating AI into diplomatic events could transform how countries communicate and cooperate in the future. “While AI cannot replace human diplomacy, it can enhance efficiency and provide real-time data insights,” commented Dr. Anjali Kapoor, an international relations analyst. The Tianjin reception marked a pioneering moment for AI integration in diplomatic forums.
As interest in AI continues to grow globally, the SCO event demonstrated China’s readiness to lead in both technological innovation and diplomatic engagement, signaling potential shifts in international cooperation dynamics.
