On March 26, Chen Dexin, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Chairman of China Minmetals, met with Wu Lixin, a member of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and director of Laoshan Laboratory. The two sides discussed ways to further strengthen technological innovation and deepen cooperation. Those present at the meeting included Li Hongbing, Deputy Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Deputy Director of the Standing Committee of the Qingdao Municipal People’s Congress; Han Shijun, Member of the Party Leadership Group of the Qingdao Municipal Government and Assistant Director of Laoshan Laboratory; and Wang Xingquan, Member of the Party Leadership Group and Deputy General Manager of China Minmetals.

Chen Dexin welcomed Wu Lixin and his delegation and extended congratulations to Laoshan Laboratory on its remarkable achievements in marine science in recent years. He stated that China Minmetals is committed to "ensuring the supply and security of national metal mineral resources", adding that the development of deep-sea mineral resources has become a core pillar in establishing a system of resource security. Laoshan Laboratory has deep technological expertise and strong research capabilities in deep-sea science and related fields. These closely align with, and fully resonate with, China Minmetals' industrial strengths and strategic direction. It is hoped that the two sides will prioritise the sustainable development of deep-sea mineral resources and strengthen their collaboration in areas such as technological innovation, joint platform development, talent cultivation and the implementation of research outcomes. Leveraging their respective strengths to create complementary synergies will enable the two sides to expand the depth and breadth of their cooperation, promote the high-quality development of the marine economy, and support the national strategy more effectively.

Wu Lixin noted that the ocean is a strategically important area for high-quality development. As a key component of the country’s scientific and technological capabilities, the research focus of Laoshan Laboratory aligns closely with the deep-sea mineral resource development efforts of China Minmetals. He stressed the significant opportunities for collaboration between the two entities in promoting the deep integration of technological and industrial innovation. It is hoped that this exchange will provide an opportunity to strengthen communication and coordination further, deepen practical cooperation and forge synergies, with the aim of making greater contributions to the development of a strong maritime nation and enhancing the country’s resource security capabilities.

Before the meeting, the two sides paid a joint visit to the China Minmetals Metallurgical Technology Achievement Exhibition and viewed a promotional video. During the exhibition tour, the two sides discussed ways to promote the integration of technological and industrial innovation.

Relevant personnel from Laoshan Laboratory and Qingdao Municipality, along with heads of relevant departments and subsidiaries of China Minmetals and its chief technology experts, attended the meeting.