Xi Jinping of China: "Focus on Core Technologies... Must Leverage the Advantages of Socialism"

Xi Jinping Chairs Meeting of Central Committee for Deepening Overall Reform
Orders Nationwide System Improvement Aimed at Countering US

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Kim Hyunjung] Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for innovation in core technology sectors and nationwide system improvements. This is interpreted as an expression of determination and the importance of technological self-reliance in response to the US moves to exclude China from the semiconductor supply chain under the pretext of national security.

According to China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency on the 7th, President Xi chaired the 27th meeting of the Central Committee for Deepening Overall Reform the day before, where he reviewed and approved the "Opinions on Improving a New National System to Break Through Difficulties in Major Core Technologies under the Conditions of Socialist Market Economy." At the meeting, Xi emphasized nationwide system improvements and optimal resource allocation for core technologies, stating, "We must fully leverage the advantages of the socialist system in concentrating efforts on major undertakings and strengthening the Party and state leadership over key scientific projects."

He continued, "We should fully utilize technological innovation and the role of market mechanisms, and optimize the allocation of innovation resources according to the country’s strategic needs," adding, "We must gain advantages in key fields and secure strategic leadership." As specific measures, he mentioned, "Focus on system improvements and resolving current issues, improve the quality of scholar selection, properly fulfill their roles, and enhance (social) honor."

Furthermore, Xi advocated for an organic integration of government, market, and society to improve the nationwide system handling core technologies. He said, "We must scientifically establish the system, optimize mechanisms, adhere to the direction of national strategic goals, and clearly define the main attack directions and breakthroughs for core technologies." He also stressed, "We must strengthen the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee and establish an authoritative decision-making command system," repeatedly emphasizing the Party’s strong authority and role over core technologies.

These remarks by President Xi appear to be in response to the US moves to counter China through the "Chips and Science Act," a semiconductor support law. According to the US Department of Commerce, if semiconductor production facilities are expanded or newly built in countries deemed a threat to US national security, they will not be eligible for US government support. In particular, to receive government subsidies, no investment in advanced facilities at Chinese factories is allowed for ten years. The purpose is clearly to exclude China from the supply chain.

Meanwhile, at the meeting, Xi also stressed the importance of resource conservation from a security perspective. He emphasized raising public awareness of energy saving and carbon reduction and mentioned the need to foster a social atmosphere opposing extravagance and excessive consumption. The meeting was also attended by Premier Li Keqiang, Wang Huning, Secretary of the Communist Party Central Committee Secretariat, and Vice Premier Han Zheng.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.