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Five-year plan: China moves to technology self-sufficiency

  • Rolling coverage of Beijing press conference outlining China’s economic and political goals after crucial plenum
  • Five-year plan: China officials flesh out details from plenum communique

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Chinese officials are attending a press conference in Beijing this morning to provide more detail on the country’s plans for the future. Photo: Reuters

China will have to rely more on self-sufficiency in technology as a key factor in managing the fast-changing international environment, a senior Chinese government official said, at a press conference outlining more details on China’s future development plans on Friday.

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Wang Zhigang, Minister of Science and Technology, said that, as China entered a new development phase, it would need a new development concept. “It is the first time that a five-year plan has dedicated a specific chapter to technology,” he said.

But Wang said that driving self-sufficiency in technology did not mean China would shut its doors to the world.

“We are willing to work with the world on climate change, energy change, public health, and support global experts on their studies, complete China’s legal environment, better protect intellectual property and try to create a friendly environment for technology innovation in China,” he said.

Wang is among a number of key Chinese officials outlining more details on China’s future development plans this morning, after Communist Party leaders wrapped up a crucial four-day closed-door meeting in Beijing on Thursday.

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What happened at the Chinese Communist Party’s major policy meeting, the fifth plenum?

What happened at the Chinese Communist Party’s major policy meeting, the fifth plenum?
A communique issued at the end of the Central Committee’s fifth plenum, as the meeting is known, outlined the party’s key economic and political goals for the next five years, as well as a vow to achieve “technological self-reliance” and strengthen the domestic market while continuing to open up to foreign investment.

Hong Kong support outlined

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