UN official hails China's exponential leaps in tech

In a recent interview with China Daily, Siddharth Chatterjee, the United Nations resident coordinator in China revealed his personal health journey and shared insights on China's progress in technology, environmental protection, and business environment over the past years in China.

The coordinator, a sports and health enthusiast, who weighed over 85 kilograms and faced serious health challenges including high blood pressure and prediabetes in March 2020, lost 25 kilograms over five years through adopting practices from Daoism, Confucianism, Buddhist traditions, and yoga pranayama. His resting heart rate now matches that of elite athletes at 35-40 beats per minute.

"This transformation showed me we're capable of rewiring our brain and health," he said, emphasizing that his improved wellbeing has positively impacted his work. "Without adequate health, progress does not happen."

Regarding China's development, he noted "exponential progress" in technology, particularly praising Chinese advancements in artificial intelligence such as DeepSeek, semiconductors, quantum computing, fintech, and powertech. "China is doing incredibly well in these areas that represent the future of human progress," he stated.

The UN official outlined three key collaboration areas with China: demographic transition and the "silver economy" opportunities, addressing declining fertility rates, and advancing health initiatives. He particularly highlighted the importance of China's 2030 carbon peaking and neutrality agenda, noting its potential to create win-win collaborations for green transition in developing countries.

Reflecting on his UN career since 1997, from a junior security officer in Bosnia to his current role, he emphasized perseverance: "The sky is not the limit - the universe is limitless for young people today."