Image Credits - The Yomiuri Shimbun
The grand stage of the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo is being meticulously prepared, and amongst the participating nations, China’s proactive stance stands out like a beacon. While many countries lag, China has secured the largest plot in the international section, held a groundbreaking ceremony for its pavilion, and exuded an air of determination that transcends mere participation.
Amidst whispers of an economic slowdown and navigating the complexities of its relationship with Japan, China sees the Osaka Expo as an opportunity to reshape its global narrative. The pavilion, designed to resemble ancient bamboo-slip books, represents not just a physical structure, but an aspiration to be a “beautiful business card” presenting China’s “style, spirit, and power” to the world. This proactive approach signals a conscious effort to shed negative perceptions and project a positive image on the international stage.
Beyond image-building, China intends to leverage the Expo as a platform to showcase its advancements in environmental technology. Having historically utilized global events like the Olympics and Expos to display its economic prowess, China now seeks to highlight its commitment to sustainability.
This ambition can be understood through a confluence of factors: the desire to improve its image, showcase its environmental technology, and potentially lay the groundwork for a future World Expo bid. This shift in focus reflects a growing international consciousness towards environmental issues, and China aims to position itself as a leader in this crucial domain.
By presenting its green technologies at the Expo, China hopes to foster partnerships, and collaborations, and potentially attract investments in this burgeoning sector. However, some speculate that China’s ambition extends beyond mere participation. Whispers of a potential bid for the 2035 World Expo swirl around its proactive involvement.
With the 2030 Expo already awarded to Riyadh, 2035 presents an opportunity for an Asian host, and China, with its economic might and technological prowess, is a natural contender. Winning the bid would be a significant coup, further solidifying its position on the global stage and potentially unlocking economic benefits associated with hosting such a prestigious event.
While China has not officially expressed interest in the 2035 Expo, the suggestion of a joint bid with Hong Kong and Shenzhen, floated by the pro-China Hong Kong newspaper Takungpao, adds fuel to the speculation. This potential collaboration could leverage the unique strengths of both regions, presenting a formidable contender for the hosting rights. Additionally, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Li Jiachao, expressing a “worth considering” stance towards the bid further underscores the underlying ambition.
However, China’s path to Expo glory is not without hurdles. The success of its endeavours hinges on making a strong impression at the Osaka Expo. The pavilion design, its exhibits, and overall participation need to resonate with the international audience, garnering positive reviews and showcasing China’s commitment to the Expo’s theme of “Transforming Our World through Life.”
Additionally, navigating the complexities of its relationship with Japan will be crucial. Despite ongoing challenges, maintaining a positive and collaborative approach will be essential to ensuring a successful Expo experience.
In conclusion, it represents a strategic move to improve its image, showcase its environmental technology, and potentially pave the way for a future World Expo bid. The success of this endeavour hinges on the effective execution of its plans, garnering positive international attention, and maintaining a collaborative spirit with all participating nations. The spotlight shines brightly on China at the Osaka Expo, and how it utilizes this platform will shape its global narrative for years to come.