6/26/2024–|Last updated: 6/26/202409:50 AM (Mecca time)
Chinese President Xi Jinping called on his country to strengthen its innovative capabilities to confront the technological dominance of other countries. Ping’s statements come amid escalating tensions with the United States over semiconductor technology, according to Bloomberg.
Speaking at a national science conference, Xi acknowledged China’s significant progress in science, but highlighted continuing challenges.
“The ability for original innovation is still relatively weak; some core technologies are controlled by others,” he said, stressing that there is a shortage of scientific and technological talent.
These comments – according to Bloomberg – emphasize the importance of these technologies in China’s broader strategy to build a strong technological infrastructure by 2035.
“We must overcome these challenges to support the overall leap forward in economic strength, national defense strength, and comprehensive national strength,” Xi said.
Xi’s call comes at a time when the US Treasury Department proposed new rules aimed at restricting foreign investment in technologies critical to the next generation of military, intelligence, surveillance and cyber capabilities, citing national security risks.
These proposed controls, along with existing export restrictions, represent a major escalation in the technology battle between Washington and Beijing, according to Bloomberg.
Responses and future goals
Bloomberg said that in response to the proposed restrictions on investment in the United States, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce urged America to respect fair competition and abandon the proposed measures.
The ministry also stated – according to Bloomberg – that Beijing reserves the right to take the necessary countermeasures, at a time when tension and competition between the two countries for technological superiority is increasing.
Despite these challenges, Xi reiterated China’s commitment to its long-term goals, saying: “Our nation will stick to its goal of building a country strong in science and technology by 2035.”
