Published: 6:45pm, 29 Apr 2025Updated: 6:47pm, 29 Apr 2025
President Xi Jinping urged China to focus on technological self-reliance and closer ties with the Global South as he visited Shanghai on Tuesday – his first inspection trip since sweeping US tariffs prompted an escalation of the US-China trade war.
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The selection of the financial and industrial powerhouse as his first stop highlights China’s determination to strengthen its core advantages to tackle external pressures, while reaffirming its long-term strategy of advancing innovation and self-reliance.
Although Xi did not mention the trade war, his remarks underscored Beijing’s commitment to the hi-tech push that is pivotal to this development strategy.
Xi also highlighted China’s advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and urged more support for the rapidly evolving technology, while calling on Shanghai to speed up its efforts to become a leading source of cutting-edge innovation and a globally influential tech hub.
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During a visit to an industrial park for AI start-ups, Xi said: “China boasts abundant data resources, a comprehensive industrial system, and vast market potential, providing a promising outlook for the development of AI.”
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