Breakthroughs will be key driver of China's economic growth, experts say
The ongoing two sessions and this year's Government Work Report highlighted China's breakthroughs in core and frontier technologies, which will be a key driver of the nation's continuing quality economic growth, experts said.
Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan, executive director of the Islamabad-based Center for South Asia and International Studies, called the report delivered by Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the opening meeting of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing last week, a "good omen".
The report "vividly reflected its strategic priorities, mainly innovation, modernization, qualitative industrialization, and scientific intensification for breakthroughs in core tech in key fields", Khan said.
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He singled out research and development advancements in frontier and disruptive technologies alongside the acceleration of forward-looking planning for major science and technology projects.
These would add value in terms of high-quality development and can be a cornerstone of China's further opening-up in the future, he said.
Khan said China's strong emphasis on the strategic emerging sectors — biomanufacturing, quantum technology, and 6G — and service-oriented manufacturing can consolidate its manufacturing capacity, export volumes, and GDP growth this year and beyond.
Moreover, the integration and promotion of artificial intelligence across emerging industries will further unleash the potential of the digital economy, he said.
Noting the two sessions pledged to bolster tech innovation by improving the market ecosystem and increasing support for AI applications, Khan said the policy was innovative, futuristic, and in the right direction.
The Government Work Report reinforces its strategic vision of becoming a global innovation powerhouse, said Moiz Farooq, executive editor of Pakistan Economic Net and Daily Ittehad Media Group.
A key takeaway from the report is China's growing emphasis on high-tech innovation, said Farooq, noting the country's success in landmark projects, such as the Chang'e-6 lunar mission and expanded domestic chip manufacturing capabilities.
He said such success signifies not only scientific progress but also the determination to overcome technological barriers imposed by Western restrictions.
Farooq said by prioritizing self-reliance, China is solidifying its position as a major player in the global technology race.
Moreover, China's R&D strategy is deeply integrated with its green development and digital transformation goals, he added.
"Critically, while Western narratives often attempt to frame China's technological rise as a threat, the reality is that China's advancements serve as a force for global progress," Farooq noted.
Plato Yip Kwong-to, founding partner and CEO of Real See International Intelligent Technology, said it is encouraging that the report emphasized achieving technological self-reliance and global leadership in frontier technologies.
Notable progress
"We have also witnessed notable progress in areas such as integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum technology, and deep-sea and space exploration," the private equity investor from Hong Kong said.
The government's AI Plus initiative and its emphasis on integrating digital technologies with China's manufacturing and market strengths could be another niche for value-driven economic development, he said.
"In addition, I am particularly encouraged by the fact that China is now leading the global energy transition by providing innovative solutions in solar and wind power, energy storage, electric vehicles, low-emission fuel alternatives, and hydrogen production technologies," Yip said.
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Yip said the integration of education, scientific research, and talent cultivation into its innovation agenda will also help sustain this momentum.
Lawrence Loh, director of the Centre for Governance and Sustainability at the National University of Singapore's Business School, said that together with breakthroughs in market reforms and coordinated talent development, the strong focus on frontier technologies will position China well for a bright future of new possibilities.
Innovations will provide job opportunities and enhance people's lives which will in turn promote societal harmony and cohesion, he said.
"Amid the global geopolitical tensions, China's critical commitment to technology for good will benefit Asia and the world," Loh added.
