Li Hua is a name well known to anyone familiar with English exams in China. For years, he was the go-to character for writing letters to friends around the world. Today, Li Hua has grown into a university student majoring in intellectual property (IP). The only thing that hasn't changed is his love of replying to his international friends.
When China's 2026 government work report was released during the "Two Sessions," Li Hua's inbox quickly filled up. His IP friends from around the world were eager to know more. They were curious about how IP relates to the key terms mentioned in the report, such as new quality productive forces, high-standard opening up, and distinctive rural industries. So Li Hua decided to do what he does best: write back to share the latest developments in China.
Dear Jim,
Long time no see, my friend! You often ask about the latest developments in China's cutting-edge technology. The truth is, technology evolves so fast that I'm constantly learning to keep up. China's high-speed trains have surpassed speeds of 450 km/h, and humanoid robots can now talk—and even dance. What excites me most is that technological innovation is becoming part of our everyday lives. China is fostering emerging pillar industries such as integrated circuits, aviation and aerospace, biomedicine, and the low-altitude economy, while nurturing industries of the future such as future energy, quantum technology, embodied AI, brain-computer interfaces, and 6G technology. We are also advancing and expanding the AI Plus Initiative.
In my previous letter, I mentioned the concept of "new quality productive forces." To support their growth, China is promoting the development of producer services such as financial services, modern logistics, IP services, and inspection and testing. These sectors help drive deeper industrial transformation and continuously power innovation. According to the Global Innovation Index 2025 released by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), China ranked 10th globally, entering the top ten for the first time. As more Chinese innovations move quickly from the lab to real-world application, the benefits are increasingly shared around the world. I'm sure that during your next "China Travel," you'll get to experience even more of these fascinating technologies firsthand!
All the best,
Li Hua
Dear Lucy,
I hope you're doing well! You mentioned in your last letter that you're writing a paper on global IP protection systems. If so, you'll find China's approach to IP protection in emerging fields particularly interesting.
New industries and business models are emerging at an astonishing pace, bringing with them high levels of knowledge and technological complexity. Because many involve cross-disciplinary technologies, they often don't fit neatly within traditional IP protection frameworks. Strengthening IP protection in emerging fields has therefore become a shared priority for innovators across China. Patent examination standards for AI are continuously improving, and rules for data-related IP are becoming more refined. As China works toward building a responsive and well-balanced IP protection system for emerging fields, each step forward has been steady and deliberate. China's 2026 government work report emphasizes the need to further develop pilot-scale testing platforms, improve IP protection systems in emerging fields, and see that major technological advances are applied with greater speed and efficiency. These measures will help chart the path for future innovation.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic.
Best wishes,
Li Hua
Dear William,
Congratulations! I was thrilled to hear that you've joined an international trading company after graduation.
If your company is considering expanding into China, you might want to explore opportunities at the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP). Since the launch of island-wide independent customs operations last December, the Hainan FTP has been aligning with high-standard international trade rules and creating more favorable conditions for foreign businesses. A series of measures—including the establishment of specialized IP protection regulations and national-level IP protection centers—has further strengthened the Hainan FTP's appeal as an open and innovation-friendly destination.
Meanwhile, with the steady operation of China-Europe freight trains and the accelerated development of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, economic and trade exchanges between China and countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative have become increasingly dynamic. The initiative has also gained broad recognition in the field of IP, with numerous international cooperation projects producing fruitful results. I am confident that in the near future, more Chinese brands and innovations will gain popularity worldwide. When that happens, don't forget to share the news with me!
Yours sincerely,
Li Hua
Dear Lily,
During your previous visit to China, you were amazed by the dramatic changes taking place in rural areas. I'm writing to tell you that rural China continues to improve—and the momentum is only growing.
Across the country, villages are nurturing distinctive rural industries and boosting the intensive processing of agricultural products through brand building and geographical indication (GI) protection, while pursuing integrated development of agriculture, culture, and tourism. These efforts help sustain rural income growth. One inspiring example is Gengdian Village in Liaocheng, Shandong Province. Back in 2002, the village's per capita annual income was less than 3,000 yuan. Today, every family lives in modern housing and owns a car. This remarkable transformation has been driven by the development of modern facility agriculture and the creation of distinctive agricultural brands. GI protection has also helped many Chinese rural products such as Yingde Black Tea and Wine in Helan Mountain East Region step onto the global stage, contributing to regional economic and social development.
Next time you come to China, I'll take you to visit more villages where you can enjoy breathtaking scenery and taste delicious local food.
Keep in touch,
Li Hua