SHANGHAI – China is rapidly approaching global mathematical supremacy, with projections indicating the nation will reach the pinnacle of mathematical achievement within the next five to ten years. This bold forecast came from Fields Medal laureate Shing-Tung Yau during his address at the 10th Triennial International Congress of Chinese Mathematicians (ICCM), which commenced in Shanghai on Saturday.
Professor Yau, the first Chinese-born recipient of mathematics’ most prestigious honor and founder of the ICCM in 1998, expressed unwavering confidence that Chinese mathematicians are poised to claim top international awards, including Fields Medals, in the coming decade. His declaration underscores China’s remarkable transformation into an emerging mathematical powerhouse.
The congress has attracted thousands of participants from across the globe, including Fields Medalists, distinguished researchers, academic professionals, and promising students. This gathering represents one of the most significant international mathematical conferences, creating a dynamic platform for scholarly exchange and collaboration.
Throughout the five-day event, more than 300 high-level academic presentations and discussions will explore cutting-edge developments in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, and interdisciplinary fields including artificial intelligence and biomedicine. The comprehensive program reflects mathematics’s expanding role in addressing complex scientific challenges.
Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining emphasized the city’s commitment to fostering scientific innovation during his opening ceremony remarks. “Shanghai is dedicated to enhancing innovation capabilities and building an open, inclusive, world-class innovation ecosystem,” Chen stated, highlighting the city’s ambitions to become an international science and technology innovation center.
Chen specifically recognized Chinese mathematicians as crucial advocates and practitioners within this innovation ecosystem. He called for strengthened collaboration in exploring mathematical frontiers, nurturing young talent, expanding international cooperation, and creating fair innovation environments that serve global communities.
The event, organized by the Shanghai Institute for Mathematics and Interdisciplinary Sciences with support from the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission and Yangpu district government, demonstrates China’s strategic investment in mathematical sciences as a foundation for technological advancement and scientific leadership.