Xi Jinping Champions Hi-Tech Autonomy During Strategic Visit to Hefei’s Science Hub

During a visit to the science hub in the formerly impoverished city of Hefei, China's Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of advancing high-tech development. The president stated that such progress cannot simply be requested, highlighting the transformation of the Anhui capital into a center of innovation.

"Xi emphasized the essential role of science and technology in driving China's unique form of modernization during his visit on Thursday to Hefei Binhu Science City, a leading research and innovation center located in the capital of Anhui province."

"Advanced technology cannot simply be solicited; we need to hasten the achievement of sophisticated technological independence and enhancement," the state news agency Xinhua reported Xi as stating during his visit, which occurred as a segment of an inspection journey in the province.

Xi also encouraged Anhui to keep advancing its position as a major center for technological innovation, a focal point for new industries, a leader in reform and opening up initiatives, and as an area committed to a thorough green transformation in its economic and social development.

Xi's comments arrive at a time when China is intensifying its focus on technological development, pivoting towards what it terms "new quality productive forces" and moving away from its former export-driven growth strategy. This shift occurs amidst an ongoing technology conflict with the United States, which has been trying to limit China’s access to advanced technology.