China will deliver broad-based growth

Q3 DeepSeek has been a buzzword and surprised the world starting this year. AI technology has been deeply integrated with various industries around the world. What opportunities do you foresee for your business from AI technology? What's your view on China's ability to sustain innovation in breakthrough technologies in the coming years?

XU: At Rio Tinto, we've been utilizing artificial intelligence for many years, and we are one of the world's largest users of automated systems in the mining sector. Our geologists, for instance, are leveraging advanced data analytics to uncover insights that were previously beyond our reach due to limitations in analytical power. With AI, we are unlocking new possibilities and enhancing our ability to optimize operations and make more informed decisions. AI also drives the need for substantial data centers, which in turn increases the demand for energy. As a result, there is growing demand for essential metals and minerals, including copper, aluminum and lithium. This not only brings greater efficiencies to our operations, but also fuels increased demand for the critical resources that our business provides.

ZHU: We are excited to see the recent progress in this wave of AI-led innovation. Chinese companies have quickly picked up the signal and mobilized themselves to harness the use of such technologies. We anticipate more innovation and application happening across industries and functions, from R&D to manufacturing, from customer interface to warehousing, and from upskilling to sustainability. With more Chinese companies surveyed expecting their generative AI solutions to be adopted at scale within their organizations this year, we are here to help businesses unlock measurable, enterprise-wide impact through leading with value, building an AI-enabled digital core, reinventing talent, embedding responsible AI and driving continuous reinvention.

YOSHIDA: As the entertainment industry transforms, we see AI as a key enabler for business growth. AI enhances content creation efficiency and enriches user experiences. By combining our world-leading sensing technology with AI, we can improve our ability to "perceive and interact with the real world". Our research and development center in China is at the forefront of AI research, and many of our technological achievements have already been integrated into Sony products globally. Additionally, we're collaborating with universities to explore how AI can be applied to social projects, especially those supporting vulnerable populations.

ZHANG: Artificial intelligence is transforming industries globally, and China's vast industrial data, R&D investments, and policy support are driving new paths for AI development. This year, we launched "3D UNIV+RSES," integrating various generative AI technologies into the core of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. It combines modeling, simulation and virtual twin technologies, helping customers across industries leverage AI throughout the entire life cycle — from design and manufacturing to operations. This enables them to predict potential issues, optimize resource allocation, improve product quality, shorten time-to-market, and ultimately enhance user experience. We believe China's strong innovation ecosystem and focus on breakthrough technologies will continue to drive rapid progress and create a thriving environment for AI-powered growth. We look forward to further collaboration with our Chinese partners to bring these technologies to life.