Xi Jinping's Vision for China's Technological and Military Self-Reliance

Chinese leader Xi Jinping emphasized the need for self-reliance and strength in science and technology to better compete with the West in military preparedness, economic growth, and other areas. The eight-day National People's Congress meeting confirmed Xi's third term in power and elevated his loyal lieutenant Li Qiang into the No. 2 role. Xi pledged to "build the military into a great wall of steel" to safeguard national sovereignty and security. The government emphasized self-reliance as key to achieving China's goals in every arena, including technological innovation.