UK and Chinese scientists and academics came together at the China UK Technology Summit this weekend. It was the event's fifth edition since it was launched following Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to the UK back in 2015.

This year's theme was Re-imagining the Impossible and focused on cutting-edge technologies and innovation, featuring various forums exploring areas such as health, the environment and artificial intelligence.

Tomas Lindahl, the Swedish-British Scientist specializing in cancer research, was the summit's keynote speaker. He said the event is vital to improve both countries' knowledge of different areas.

"The great significance is that it improves international exchange or research," he said to CGTN. "It's important to improve the interaction of Chinese scientists with people in the west as much as possible, both sides will gain from this."

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China and the UK have endured a complex relationship in recent decades. While China is one of the UK's biggest trading partners, there have been disagreements between the two nations over geopolitical issues. But science and technology are proving to be vehicles for collaboration. 

Professor Sai Gu, from the University of Warwick, said: "Regardless of differences we need to find a way forward and I believe the science is the best way to bridge the differences across the religion, the border and geopolitics. And being together I think we can make a difference."

He added: "This summit provides an opportunity for academics and scientists to meet and exchange ideas but the vast majority of those attending this event are Chinese students based at universities in the UK."

The relationship between technology and human beings was a common theme throughout the summit. Extend Robotics, a UK-based company that builds 3D virtual reality interfaces that enhance the control of robot systems, aims to empower people through the use of robotics rather than replace them.

The company uses mass-market virtual reality headsets to enable people to control robot arms remotely, carrying out manipulation tasks as if they were physically there. Azmat Hussain, a Business Development Manager at the firm, says the company is hoping to bring its technology to the Chinese market.

He said: "We are here because we want to show our technology across the world and China is a big industry and I think our technology could be useful for a lot of Chinese companies out there and we want to build and help contribute in the collaboration world for the UK."

Scientific exchanges like these may become more difficult in the United States, which is considering ending its longstanding science and technology agreement with China. But in the UK partnerships are flourishing, with the government inviting China to participate in next month's AI Global summit in London.

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Cover image:/CGTN