Xi underscores sci-tech innovation to advance China's modernization

Scientific and technological modernization is key to Chinese modernization, with the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030) marking a critical stage in China's drive to become a global science and technology powerhouse.

Since the beginning of the year, Chinese President Xi Jinping has made a series of major decisions and policy measures centered on scientific and technological innovation, accelerating efforts to achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology as the country embarks on the 15th Five-Year Plan period.

Building China into a leading science and technology powerhouse and achieving high-level self-reliance in science and technology by 2035 are strategic goals set by the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

The extent of scientific and technological breakthroughs largely determines the speed, breadth and depth of the development of future industries, Xi said at a meeting at the beginning of this year.

During an inspection tour of the National Information Technology Application Innovation Park in Beijing's E-Town (Yizhuang) area on February 9, Xi reviewed developments in information technology innovation and examined exhibitions showcasing advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.

He said that self-reliance and strength in science and technology are the keys to building China into a great modern socialist country, calling for the integration of high-quality innovation resources to tackle core technologies and accelerate efforts to overcome key bottlenecks in pursuit of the country's strategic goals.

On July 8, at a meeting in Beijing that brought together the National Science and Technology Award Conference, the general assemblies of the members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) and the 11th National Congress of the China Association for Science and Technology, Xi described the country's scientific and technological workforce as an important force in building a modern socialist country.

He called on scientists and researchers to carry forward the tradition of serving the nation and benefiting the people and to make greater contributions to China's goal of becoming a global science and technology leader.

Strong international influence and leadership are hallmarks of a science and technology powerhouse. China is accelerating its transformation from a contributor to global scientific and technological development to a pioneer and leader, becoming one of the world's fastest-rising innovation hubs.

On July 17, Xi attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai and delivered a keynote speech outlining China's vision for advancing global AI development and governance.

He said that in China's view, all countries should take a people-centered approach and develop AI for the positive and for good. We should ensure that AI is an important driver for shared prosperity and common security. We should join hands to build a just and equitable system for global AI governance.

With the joint efforts of all parties, the World AI Cooperation Organization was officially established in Shanghai, marking a major milestone in the development of AI. At the conference, Xi also announced a series of major initiatives to support global AI development, underscoring China's commitment as a responsible major country.