Xi Jinping says China must quicken pace of tech self-reliance to prevent being ‘strangled by foreign countries’
- China should strive to become a global leader in scientific and technological fields, President Xi Jinping tells Politburo group study
- Xi says the nation must accelerate the construction of a ‘new development pattern’ or it risks being contained by foreign countries
President Xi Jinping has said China must accelerate efforts to achieve self-reliance in science and technology to cement its footing in the global supply chain and counter US decoupling efforts.
“We must quicken the pace of tech self-reliance to prevent being strangled by foreign countries,” he said at Tuesday’s Politburo group study.
“China should strive to become a global leader in important scientific and technological fields, a pioneer in cutting-edge interdisciplinary areas, and a major scientific centre and innovation hub for the world.”
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Beijing has long wanted to shift the focus of economic growth to the domestic market and home-grown technologies, but deteriorating relations with the West have propelled self-reliance to the top of the policy agenda.
“Only by accelerating the construction of a new development pattern can we consolidate the foundation of our economic development, enhance security and stability, and improve our viability, competitiveness, development power and sustainability in foreseeable and unpredictable storms,” Xi said.
China is going all out to revive its coronavirus-battered economy, but overseas headwinds, including a potential recession in key export markets and Washington’s intensified endeavours to contain China’s technological advancement, have cast a long shadow over recovery.