In a significant gathering that underscored the central role of scientific advancement in national development, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a comprehensive address on Wednesday, July 8, calling for accelerated efforts to achieve high-level self-reliance in science and technology. Speaking at a major conference in Beijing that combined the national science and technology award ceremony with the general assemblies of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Xi outlined a strategic vision for the coming decade. His remarks emphasized leveraging technological innovation as the primary engine for Chinese modernization, setting the tone for the critical 15th Five-Year Plan period from 2026 to 2030.
The meeting served as both a celebration of past achievements and a roadmap for future challenges. Xi presented the nation’s highest scientific honors to Chen Liquan, a researcher at the Institute of Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Ben De, a researcher at the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation. Both are academicians of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. The presentation of medals and certificates was followed by handshakes and congratulations from the President, symbolizing the state’s deep respect for scientific contribution. Alongside other top Party and state leaders, including Li Qiang who presided over the session, Xi recognized hundreds of other recipients, highlighting the breadth of talent driving China’s scientific ecosystem.
Xi noted that China is currently undergoing a profound transition in its global scientific standing. No longer merely a participant or contributor, the nation is evolving into a pioneer and leader in various fields. This shift is evidenced by a rapid growth in innovation capacity that places China among the fastest-moving nations in the global scientific landscape. Over the past two years, the country has secured a series of remarkable breakthroughs that have captured international attention. These include the historic Chang’e-6 mission, which completed humanity’s first-ever sample return from the far side of the moon. In the realm of artificial intelligence and robotics, smart robots and drones have made significant strides in both research and development and industrial application. The pharmaceutical sector has also seen a leap from imitation and follow-on research to the development of world-first innovative drugs. Additionally, domestically bred crop varieties now cover more than 95 percent of the country’s farmland, ensuring food security through agricultural innovation.
Despite these successes, Xi offered a candid assessment of the obstacles that remain. He pointed out that gaps in original innovation capacity still exist, alongside an imbalanced talent structure and inefficient use of scientific investment. These issues demand serious attention and resolution if China is to meet its ambitious goals. The President stressed that the new round of scientific and technological revolution, coupled with industrial transformation, is profoundly changing the way humanity produces and lives. This global shift requires China to adapt to new situations and requirements with forceful measures. The goal is clear: to make steady progress toward becoming a leading country in science and technology by 2035.
A central theme of Xi’s address was the need for stronger coordination in strategic planning. He called for improved mechanisms in deploying and organizing major national scientific tasks, emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency in scientific infrastructure. Major projects should be planned holistically across frontier fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and life sciences. Priority sectors like integrated circuits and advanced manufacturing were highlighted, as were strategic domains including deep sea, deep space, and deep earth exploration. This holistic approach aims to ensure that resources are directed toward areas that offer the greatest strategic advantage and long-term benefit to the nation.
Xi also emphasized the deep integration of scientific innovation with industrial innovation. He argued that channels must be opened to accelerate the transformation of scientific achievements into real productive forces. Scientific innovation should highlight an application-oriented approach, while industrial innovation should raise scientific questions that drive further research. To facilitate this, the national technology transfer system must be strengthened. The creation of diversified application scenarios and high-level industrial clusters will help promote the application and iterative upgrading of self-developed technologies and products. This synergy between lab and factory is seen as essential for turning theoretical breakthroughs into tangible economic and social benefits.
Supporting this ecosystem requires robust institutional frameworks. Xi called for improvements in the intellectual property protection system and the construction of a financial system compatible with scientific innovation. Protecting intellectual property encourages creativity and ensures that innovators are rewarded for their contributions. Meanwhile, a supportive financial system provides the necessary capital for high-risk, high-reward research endeavors. These structural reforms are designed to create an environment where innovation can thrive without unnecessary bureaucratic or financial hurdles.
The cultivation of young talent was another focal point of the President’s speech. Xi pointed out that research should be integrated with education, providing greater support to researchers as they overcome practical challenges. Efforts must be made to identify and nurture the interests, specialties, scientific literacy, and experimental skills of teenagers. By inspiring promising youth to pursue careers in science and technology, China can ensure a steady pipeline of talent for the future. This focus on early education and mentorship is crucial for maintaining long-term competitiveness in a knowledge-driven global economy.
Xi also addressed the effectiveness of innovation investment. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, from 2021 to 2025, China’s total research and development spending grew by an average of 10 percent annually. While this growth is impressive, Xi noted that problems such as wasteful spending and inefficient duplication in investment still persist. He called for improved systems and management to ensure that every penny is not only spent right but spent well. The goal is to match greater investment with greater efficiency, ensuring that financial resources translate directly into scientific progress. Enterprises were encouraged to increase their research and development spending, and broader social resources were mobilized to support scientific innovation.
Reforms in scientific evaluation were also deemed necessary. Xi described the evaluation system as a conductor’s baton, guiding the direction of scientific effort. Project reviews, institutional assessments, and talent evaluations should all be guided by innovation capability, quality, actual effect, and contribution. This shift away from purely quantitative metrics toward qualitative impact aims to foster a culture of meaningful innovation rather than mere output volume. By aligning incentives with true scientific value, the system can better reward those who make substantial contributions to national strength.
Governance of scientific ethics and security was another critical area addressed by the President. Xi stressed that science and technology should pursue positive and ethical progress, maintain security and controllability, and deliver benefits to the people. Ethical standards and guidelines for key areas must be clarified, and the assessment, monitoring, and early warning of scientific security risks should be enhanced. Emergency response mechanisms must also be strengthened to handle potential crises. This focus on ethics and security reflects a growing awareness of the dual-use nature of many technologies and the need to ensure that scientific progress serves societal well-being.
Xi urged the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering to rally the nation’s scientific community. These institutions are tasked with keeping abreast of the new scientific revolution and scaling new heights in global science. The China Association for Science and Technology was required to go all out to serve researchers, support innovation-driven development, enhance public scientific literacy, and aid sound policymaking by the Party and government. These organizations play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between scientific expertise and public policy, ensuring that decisions are informed by the latest scientific understanding.
Li Qiang, in his remarks, pointed out that Xi’s speech fully affirmed the nation’s major scientific achievements in recent years. He noted that the address analyzed the new situation facing scientific development and laid out clear requirements for implementing the Party Central Committee’s plans during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. The meeting honored 258 projects and 11 scientific and technological experts, including 51 projects receiving the State Natural Science Award, 58 projects receiving the State Technological Invention Award, and 149 projects receiving the State Scientific and Technological Progress Award. Additionally, nine foreign experts were conferred the China International Science and Technology Cooperation Award, recognizing the importance of global collaboration in scientific advancement.
As China moves forward, the emphasis on self-reliance does not imply isolation. Rather, it signifies a desire to build a robust internal capacity that can withstand external pressures while contributing to global scientific knowledge. The integration of scientific innovation with industrial application, the focus on ethical governance, and the commitment to nurturing young talent all point toward a comprehensive strategy for sustainable development. The 15th Five-Year Plan period will be a test of China’s ability to execute this vision, balancing ambitious goals with practical implementation.
The path ahead involves tackling tough challenges in building up the country’s strength in science and technology. By seizing historic opportunities and rising to the challenges of the times, China aims to secure its position as a global leader in innovation. The recognition of scientists like Chen Liquan and Ben De serves as a reminder of the human element behind these grand strategies. Their work, along with that of hundreds of other researchers, forms the foundation upon which Chinese modernization is being built. As the nation accelerates its transition from participant to pioneer, the world will be watching closely to see how these ambitions translate into reality. The commitment to high-level self-reliance, coupled with a focus on efficiency, ethics, and talent, suggests a mature and thoughtful approach to scientific development. This approach promises not only to benefit China but also to contribute to the broader advancement of human knowledge and well-being.
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