China Targets Key Cities as Global Tech Hubs in Self-Reliance Push
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China is intensifying efforts to establish Beijing and other major city clusters as international technological innovation centres, a move supporting the nation's drive for tech self-sufficiency. Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang announced this initiative at the Zhongguancun Forum in Beijing.
Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang stated that the country aims for high-level self-reliance in science and technology. This strategy involves cultivating several city clusters to pool resources and support China's ambition of becoming a global technological powerhouse.
Ding, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee of the ruling Communist Party, specified the "Jing-Jin-Ji" region as a major source of innovation. This region encompasses Beijing, the port city of Tianjin, and Hebei province.
The Yangtze River Delta, covering Shanghai and surrounding cities, will also be included in this initiative. Additionally, the Greater Bay Area, spanning southern Guangdong province, Hong Kong, and Macau, is part of the plan.
Ding highlighted Beijing's distinct advantages, noting its more than 90 universities and colleges. The capital also boasts over 1,000 research facilities and laboratories.
He stated, "We support Beijing in fully leveraging its leading role, with Zhongguancun as the primary hub, to strengthen coordinated innovation and industrial collaboration with Tianjin and Hebei to develop the region into a world-class science centre and innovation highland."
Zhongguancun hosts several top research universities and many leading tech companies' offices. It is central to China's effort to create its version of Silicon Valley.
The state-backed Zhongguancun Forum, held annually since 2007, showcases technological advancements and promotes collaboration. Chinese government agencies and affiliates, including the Ministry of Science and Technology, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, organise the event.
This year's forum runs from March 25 to March 29, focusing on the integration of technological and industrial innovations. The focus aligns with Beijing's accelerated push to apply new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and humanoid robots, to real-world uses.
More than 1,000 guests from over 100 countries and regions are expected to attend. Over 100 events are planned, covering topics like AI and humanoid robotics advancement, worldwide digital health, and investments and innovations by women in technology.
President Xi Jinping, who has previously sent videotaped speeches, was not present at the forum. Communist Party Secretary of Beijing Yin Li thanked Xi for his "concern and emphasis on using technological innovation to boost the development of productive forces."
Li also credited Xi's guidance in promoting the forum as a platform for global technological innovation and collaboration. The event follows China's 15th five-year plan, a blueprint of key projects from 2026 to 2030.
The 15th five-year plan highlighted artificial intelligence, frontier technology, and the buildout of new, technologically complex, and environmentally friendlier infrastructure. Li said the forum aims to gather expertise from all sectors.
Li added that the forum seeks to chart the critical path from technological strength to industrial applications. It also aims to strengthen the momentum for high-quality economic growth.
He stated, "[We will] have technological innovation drive prosperity and development while strengthening international exchange and cooperation in scientific and technological innovation at the same time."
China also presented 10 of its most important research results from the previous year at the forum. These achievements ranged from space exploration, semiconductor breakthroughs, and innovative medical research.
China designated Beijing, the Jing-Jin-Ji region, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Greater Bay Area as international technological innovation centres.
Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang detailed the initiative at the Zhongguancun Forum, emphasising tech self-reliance.
Beijing's strengths, including over 90 universities and 1,000 research facilities, were highlighted.
Source: SCMP