China: Plans for Technological Self-Sufficiency | Wired Italy

Put an evening in Politburo Chinese Communist Party, headed by Xi Jinping To chair a study session on The search for self-sufficiency In the science and technology. China Accelerate the pace on the frontTechnological self-sufficiency. And it does so in a critical political emergency, both from the point of view and from the outside point of view. The Second Plenary Session of the Twentieth Central Committee of the Communist Party of China paves the way for “two sessions“, began the most important annual legislative appointment of political life in China Between 4 and 5 March. In just a few weeks, you’ll get the full picture of all the state’s nominations, following the party nominations announced at the XX Congress in October. Xi is ready to receive the third position of president of the People’s Republic after receiving it Secretary General from the Communist Party. Not only. The laws that characterize China 2023 will be licensed, displayed and announced.

Among the fronts where there are greater expectations, there is undoubtedly that technologicalwith Beijing, which will try to respond to the new pressures and restrictions it has imposed United State In a number of sectors, starting with Semiconductors And artificial intelligence. During the study session (conducted by the President of Peking University Gong Chihuang), and are instrumental in improving China’s technology strategy, Xi stressed that achieving self-sufficiency is “The only way to build one Global scientific and technological strengthThe Secretary-General called on all party organs to increase funding and direct participation in scientific and technological research and development projects.

More money, but also more parties in the tech sector

According to official Chinese data, in 2022, the gross domestic spending Research and development in China has arrived 3.09 trillion yuan ($449 billion), crossing the three trillion yuan threshold for the first time. Among them, basic research spending reached 195.1 billion yuan in 2022, 3.9 times higher than in 2012, accounting for 6.32% of the total annual R&D spending. In some sectors, Beijing has already put the arrow on the US, but feels it must hurry so as not to see the winds of technological decoupling hinder its rise. Of particular concern is the latest restrictions on Semiconductorswith Japan And Holland Who have complied with US requests to increase export controls on advanced technology to China. For this reason, large new investments in the sector can be announced during the “two sessions”.

Already in his political report to XX Conference He noted areas that reaffirmed the commitment to centralizing resource mobilization and allocation, with the promise of strengthening the system national laboratories and reward “original and pioneering” research in strategic sectors. Even more after his last speech, a launch can be expected Multiple strategic plans and major projects in areas deemed critical, to which key industry players will be invited to contribute. In his speech to the Politburo, Xi did indeed reiterate that science and technology should be the same compact with the main ones national strategic needs and economic and social development goals.

Ergo: The government should not only increase efforts and investments to stimulate scientific and technological self-sufficiency, but also Directing the other components of the company Civil society such as research institutes, universities and private companies: all are called upon to cooperate closely and under the guidance of the political sphere. However, attention should be paid not only to the most highlighted techniques. “The country will improve the structure of core disciplines, support the development of major, emerging, less popular and weak majors, and promote integration and interdisciplinary research. He said something.in order to build a system of high-quality disciplines with complete and balanced development“.

China wants to lead the era of “big science”

It will not be an easy feat, but it is considered crucial by the Chinese leadership who believe that the world has entered an era.”great science. The common belief is that whoever wins a technology challenge can aspire to win it all. But in any case, he will be able to stand on his own. From innovative production to use army One of the latest technology, match is strategy. That is why the party must play it in the first person. “It is necessary to manage the relationship between The new national system and market mechanism, Improve the system of science and technology evaluation and incentivesShi warned.

The goal is not just to spend and launch new projects, but to build an effective and extensive network of training and research talent. China recognizes that, for example on the microchip front, it may find it more difficult in the near future to gain performance foreign experts Given the pincer maneuver that the White House has undertaken in this sector. Party officials and officials are also called upon to participate in this learning path. Ask them all.”Learn scientific and technological knowledge, carry forward the scientific spirit, and take the initiative to solve the problems of science and technology workersCertainly not a coincidence, given that Xi has shown a willingness to do so surround yourself with technocrats, As evidenced by the appointments to the last XX Congress which favored personalities with a strong scientific background. In China under Xi Jinping, the priority is safetya condition that is no longer considered achievable without technological self-sufficiency.