China's Ambitious Leap: Xi Jinping Pledges to Drive Technological Innovation and Economic Resilience
As China continues to push forward with its ambitious modernization agenda, President Xi Jinping has been emphasizing the need for reform and innovation across various sectors. In a series of recent speeches and meetings, Xi has highlighted the importance of driving technological breakthroughs, industrial upgrading, and economic resilience through innovation.
7 August 2025
According to Xi, state-owned enterprises can succeed, small and medium-sized enterprises can achieve great things, and innovation should not be judged by one's background. These statements have sparked widespread attention and are seen as a call to action for various sectors to push forward with reforms and innovation to advance Chinese modernization.
At the heart of Xi's message is a focus on technological and industrial innovation. This includes developing "new quality productive forces" through scientific and technological innovation, fostering strategic emerging industries, and achieving advancements in areas like 6G, Beidou navigation, and domestic large aircraft. The push for "scientific and technological innovation driving industrial innovation" means a concerted effort to move away from traditional manufacturing towards high-tech and high-value-added sectors.
Industry-academia-research collaboration is also a key area of focus, with an emphasis on enterprise leadership and accelerating the translation of scientific research into practical applications and commercial products. This collaboration is seen as crucial for sustained economic vitality and addressing risks to ensure stable growth.
The implications of Xi's message on reform and innovation extend beyond industry, with significant effects on society and politics. Improved livelihoods and quality of life are expected outcomes, as innovation translates into improved products and services. Talent development and education reform are also critical, as China seeks to nurture talent and reform education to meet the demands of a high-tech economy.
In terms of politics, Xi's emphasis on reform and innovation underscores the central role of the Communist Party of China in steering the country's reform and innovation agenda. The establishment of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as a guiding principle provides the ideological framework for these reforms. This indicates that innovation efforts will be pursued within a specific political and ideological context, emphasizing elements like Chinese characteristics.
The timeline of recent developments reveals a continued focus on deepening reforms across various sectors. Key themes include top-level planning, economic reform, institutional strengthening, cultural and ideological development, party building and learning, and an emphasis on innovation. The upcoming Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in July 2024 will specifically focus on further deepening reforms and advancing Chinese modernization.
As China continues on its path towards modernization, Xi Jinping's message on reform and innovation signals a strategic, top-down drive to transform the country into a technologically advanced, economically robust, and globally influential nation. With its far-reaching implications for industry, society, and politics, this agenda is set to shape the course of China's development for years to come.
