One secret to the economic success of China's northeastern city of Dalian is innovation, especially sci-tech innovation. The local government encourages independent research and development to create more "Made in Dalian" items. 

In 2018, the city spent almost 20 billion yuan on research and development. That's nearly three billion U.S. dollars. Sci-tech innovation has contributed 57 percent to Dalian's economic growth. And officials say the government is committed to pressing ahead with the goal of "Made in Dalian."

"Since 2014, we have successively introduced some financial policies to support the innovation and development of the industry, including design and even product promotion, which is the whole transformation process of scientific and technological achievements, to make scientific and technological innovation move forward," said Liu Renfei, head of equipment department at Dalian Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology.  

On June 22, the world's first intelligent very large crude carrier (VLCC), named "New Journey", was successfully delivered from Dalian. Aside from this, the city has produced many original works and independent intellectual property rights.  

"A few years ago, we followed foreign technology. But now, we can lead the technology. Especially for the VLCC ship, we can proudly say that we are at the forefront of the international market. Even Japan and South Korea have yet to release the 300,000-ton tanker fitted with sails," said Niu Shuhong, the director of science and technology management department at China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC). 

Under pressure from China-U.S. trade tensions, many enterprises in Dalian have already manufactured products via homegrown technology. Ruan Sanya, vice general manager of Dalian Gona Technology Group, said their tools and techniques are already more advanced than those in some foreign countries.

"Once the China-U.S. trade war begins, or when foreign countries try to suppress our high-end manufacturing, we cannot easily buy a ready-made product to use. Foreign countries will limit us or prevent us from using core functions, but it allows China's original enterprises to promote our original products," said Ruan.

One official commented that trade tensions place a negative impact on technological exchanges, but China always welcomes cooperation from other countries. 

"We need to stay committed to innovation and openness. The trade war does not mean that we will shut the door to the outside world. We will continue to pursue openness and innovation," said Jiang Sijin, inspector of Dalian Science and Technology Bureau. 

Experts believe Dalian will keep promoting technological innovation in its backyard, and at the same time keep the door open to the outside world.