China’s Xi signals tech ambitions in 5-year plan with tour of Beijing innovation park
Visit comes as Beijing prioritises tech-driven development and achieving self-reliance in its latest socio-economic blueprint
Xi inspected the National Information Technology Application Innovation Park in Beijing’s Yizhuang area on the capital’s southern outskirts, where he met business leaders, including Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun, state media reported.
According to state-run news agency Xinhua, Xi “attached great importance to innovation – the primary driving force” behind the Chinese economy. While the world’s second-largest economy met its 5 per cent growth target last year, it continued to grapple with a years-long property slump and weak investor and consumer confidence, among other challenges.
During the tour, Xi viewed cutting-edge achievements and spoke with researchers and representatives from technology enterprises, Xinhua reported.