One secret to the economic success of China's northeastern city of Dalian: innovation, especially that of the scientific and technological kind. Local government there now encourages independent research and development to create more "Made in Dalian" items. CGTN's Jen Kwan has more.

In 2018, the Dalian government spent almost 20 billion yuan on research and development. That's nearly 3 billion U.S. dollars. And officials say the government is committed to continuing supporting the goal of "Made in Dalian".

LIU RENFEI, HEAD OF EQUIPMENT DEPARTMENT DALIAN MUNICIPAL BUREAU OF INDUSTRY AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY "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."

On June 22nd, the world's first super-large intelligent crude oil vessel was successfully delivered from Dalian. But aside from this, the city has produced a number of original works and independent intellectual property rights.

NIU SHUHONG, DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CSIS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT "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."

Under pressure from China-U.S. trade tensions, many enterprises in Dalian have already built products using homegrown technology. Ruan Sanya from the Dalian Gona Technology Group says their tools and techniques are already more advanced than those in a few foreign countries.

RUAN SANYA, VICE GENERAL MANAGER DALIAN GONA TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD "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."

One official says trade tensions place a negative impact on exchanges of techniques, but China always welcomes cooperation from other countries.

JIANG SIJIN, INSPECTOR DALIAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BUREAU "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."

Experts say Dalian will keep promoting its technological innovation in its backyard, but at the same time, keep an open door to the outside world. Jen Kwan, CGTN, Dalian.