Chinese President Xi Jinping has publicly commended Andrew Chi-Chih Yao, chief scientist of the Conflux network and professor at Tsinghua University, in an open letter dated June 12. The letter celebrates Yao’s significant contributions to education and innovation in China over the past two decades.

"In the 20 years since you returned to China to teach, you have turned your patriotism into a journey of serving the country," Xi wrote. "You have devoted yourself to Tsinghua University and made great achievements in teaching and educating people and scientific research innovation. I would like to express my sincere greetings to you."

President Xi encouraged Yao to continue exploring innovative talent training models, promoting interdisciplinary and cutting-edge research, and building high-level talent and technological innovation bases. Xi emphasized his support for Yao's efforts in "building a strong country in education and science and technology."

Conflux is a layer-1 blockchain operating on a hybrid proof-of-work and proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, managed by the Conflux Foundation, also known as the Shanghai Tree-Graph Blockchain Research Institute. Supported by the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, Conflux is distinguished as the “only regulatory-compliant public blockchain in China.”

On April 1, the Chinese government unveiled the “Ultra-Large Scale Blockchain Infrastructure Platform for the Belt and Road Initiative,” led by Conflux Network. This platform aims to provide the foundational blockchain infrastructure for cross-border applications along the Belt and Road Initiative.

“The main focus of the project is to create a public blockchain infrastructure platform that will support the implementation of cross-border cooperation projects along the Belt and Road Initiative,” the government stated.

Conflux’s operation stands out in China, which has enforced strict bans on initial coin offerings (ICOs) and crypto trading in recent years. Despite these regulations, Conflux operates its own token, trading at $0.1947 with a fully diluted market capitalization of $975 million as of the time of publication.

President Xi's letter underscores a broader vision for China’s technological future, emphasizing self-reliance and innovation. His recognition of Yao highlights the importance of pioneering research and education in driving the country’s scientific advancements, signaling China’s commitment to fostering homegrown talent and leading in the global technological landscape.