Chongqing – On May 19, delegations from around the world toured Chongqing’s industrial heartland, getting a first-hand look at the city’s robotics and new energy vehicle (NEV) sectors. The visits offered a glimpse into how the southwest Chinese metropolis is transforming itself into a powerhouse of high-tech innovation and international cooperation.
The site visits featured Sevnce Robotics, a national-level specialized and innovative “little giant” in the robotics industry, and Changan Global R&D Center. The event drew a wide range of international representatives, including delegations from the United States, Brazil, New Zealand, Hungary, Cambodia, Mongolia, South Africa, Spain and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Secretariat.
At Changan’s massive R&D center, the delegations inspected a new generation of Chinese NEVs that the automaker plans to export to Europe and other global markets. The visitors, many of whom were seeing these models for the first time, responded with expressions of admiration.
On May 19, the car on display at the Changan Global R&D Center. (Photo/Deng Nan)
“These cars are superb, fantastic,“ said Ádám Karácsony, Vice President of the Pest County, Hungary. “They are made of quality materials. They are spacious – so there are places for six passengers – and really equipped with high-level technology. So I really like them.“
On May 19, Ádám Karácsony, Vice President of Pest County, Hungary, took photos while experiencing a Changan vehicle. (Photo/Deng Nan)
Karácsony noted that while Europeans are becoming more interested in electric vehicles, they are also paying closer attention to the full life cycle of EV batteries, including the raw materials used and what happens once batteries are retired. When asked whether Hungary might attract a Changan factory in Europe – as fellow Chinese automaker BYD has already done in Hungary – Karácsony responded enthusiastically: “If Changan is open to establishing new factories in Europe, I think Hungary is the best place for setting this factory.“
On May 19, a delegation of international friendship cities visited the Changan Global R&D Center and was drawn to the cars on display. (Photo/Deng Nan)
Sir David Carter, Former Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament and Current National Patron of the New Zealand China Friendship Society, was equally captivated. While acknowledging that New Zealand has a relatively small market, with a population of just 5.5 million, he said drivers are “in awe of what‘s been achieved in the EV market.“
On May 19, Sir David Carter, former Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament and current National Patron of the New Zealand China Friendship Society, took a photo in front of the displayed car. (Photo/Deng Nan)
Carter, who drives a Chinese-made gasoline vehicle, was impressed by the technology packed into Changan‘s latest NEVs. “What we‘ve seen today is another step up in technology, in safety equipment, and in the speed of charging the batteries,“ he said. “There is huge potential for more cooperation between New Zealand and Chongqing in this area.“
Asked if his next personal vehicle would be electric, Carter replied: “Without doubt, I would buy an EV.”
On May 19, a member of the international friendship cities delegation experienced multiple Changan models at the Changan Global R&D Center. (Photo/Deng Nan)
From NEVs to robotics, the delegations also visited the headquarters of Sevnce Robotics. Founded in 2010, the company has established itself as a national leader in special-purpose robots. It has amassed nearly 400 patents and expanded business to countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Brazil, Canada, and Malaysia.
On May 19, special-purpose robots on display at Sevnce Robotics. (Photo/Deng Nan)
Karácsony, who had already visited Chongqing twice before, was impressed by how much the city has progressed. “It was amazing to see how much development you have improved here, especially in the field of robotics and the automotive industry,“ he said. “High-tech innovation and education can make our lives safer, better and protect our environment as well.“
On May 19, Ádám Karácsony, Vice President of Pest County, Hungary, took photos to share while at Sevnce Robotics. (Photo/Deng Nan)
One aspect particularly impressed Karácsony: how far Chinese robotics has come in matching and, in some areas, surpassing Western competitors. “As our guide mentioned many times, Boston Dynamics is a well-known company from the United States,“ Karácsony said. “But what’s really nice to see is that you guys in China do the same or even better. So it‘s nice to compete globally with high-tech innovation.“
On May 19, the international friendship cities delegation listened to a product introduction from a presenter at Sevnce Robotics.(Photo/Deng Nan)
During a question-and-answer session, delegates probed the technical details of Sevnce Robotics‘ robot lineup. One asked whether a quadruped robot could automatically recover its posture if it fell in an emergency. Company representatives explained that the robot‘s motion-posture monitoring system would promptly issue a warning to the backend, allowing maintenance personnel to handle the situation on site.
On May 19, a member of the international friendship cities delegation asked technical staff at Sevnce Robotics about technical details. (Photo/Deng Nan)
The site visits were a prelude to the main event: Chongqing International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference 2026 (CIFC 2026), which officially opens on May 20 and is themed “Sub-National Cooperation for Common Development.“ The biennial conference has drawn 38 cities from 29 countries, including 28 mayors or governors, representatives from nine international friendship organizations, and foreign consular officials and business association representatives.
The conference aims to move beyond ceremonial friendship toward tangible outcomes. Highlights include International Friendship Cities Economic and Trade Cooperation Matchmaking Session, “Charming Friendship Cities” Culture and Tourism Promotion, Chongqing International Friendship Cities Food and Culture Carnival, and Across Mountains and Seas · Chongqing Meets the WorldChongqing International Friendship Cities Exchange Exhibition.
(Dong Baoxu, as an intern, also contributed to this article.)