Xi Jinping calls for China’s provincial powerhouses to lead on tech at ‘two sessions’ | South China Morning Post

VirtualRichDream · 2026-03-05T13:32:48+00:00

President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for China's major provinces, particularly Jiangsu, to lead in technological innovation and enhance resilience against external shocks at the NPC. He urged breakthroughs in core technologies, upgrading industries, boosting domestic strength, and promoting employment while enforcing party discipline.

VirtualRichDream

2026-03-05 13:32:48

Abstract generation in progress

President Xi Jinping urged China’s major provincial economies to take the lead in technological innovation and strengthen their resilience to external shocks over the next five years, part of the annual meeting of the National People’s Congress (NPC) – the country’s top legislature – which began in Beijing on Thursday.

Addressing deputies from the eastern province of Jiangsu, Xi said the region should be at the forefront of developing “new quality productive forces” – the emerging industries Beijing views as potential drivers of long-term growth – which he deemed crucial to China’s economic sustainability and competitiveness, according to a report from state broadcaster CCTV.

Xi called on the coastal province, a manufacturing hub that hosts thousands of small, specialised producers known as “little giant” firms, to achieve breakthroughs in tackling core technologies and to search for new paths to “facilitate the efficient transformation and application of scientific and technological achievements”.

The province should also work to upgrade traditional industries, expand emerging sectors and make “forward-looking arrangements” for those yet to be discovered, Xi said.

The president also urged Jiangsu’s NPC deputies to adopt a “bottom line mindset” – preparing for worst-case scenarios – when guarding against potential risks.

Leading provincial economies like Jiangsu must strengthen their resilience to external shocks to help stabilise China’s overall economy, Xi said, calling on the province to boost its domestic economic strength, integrate more fully into the national market and expand global trade ties.

Xi also asked the deputies to focus on boosting employment and incomes while strengthening Communist Party discipline and anti-corruption efforts.

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.