On the afternoon of October 17, General Secretary Xi Jinping conducted an inspection at the Hefei Binhu Science City in Hefei, Anhui Province. He took the opportunity to learn about local efforts to advance innovation in scientific and technological systems and mechanisms, as well as to accelerate the transformation of technological achievements.

As the nation rises, technology takes the lead. This year, from domestic inspections to important meetings, Xi has been strategically laying the groundwork for promoting self-reliance and strength in technology.

Shortly after the National People’s Congress, Xi visited the BASF Shanshan battery materials company in Changsha, Hunan Province. He listened to reports on the local efforts to accelerate the development of advanced production capabilities and expand high-level foreign openness. In recent years, Hunan has seen rapid growth in its advanced energy storage materials and power battery industries, establishing a comprehensive and influential industrial chain at the national level.

Just over a month later, the General Secretary traveled to Chongqing to explore the city’s technological innovation and industrial development achievements. By enabling traditional industries through digital development, Chongqing has vigorously advanced the digital economy while promoting the integration of digital and real economies, pushing the manufacturing sector to upgrade into “smart manufacturing.” This reflects a solid step forward in the modernization of the new Chongqing.

In May 2024, on his first stop in Shandong, the General Secretary visited the Rizhao Port, where he observed fully automated operations for loading and unloading, horizontal transportation, and yard operations. Today, Rizhao Port stands as one of the youngest major ports in the world, handling a throughput of 500 million tons, ranking seventh globally among coastal ports, and is continuously demonstrating dynamic momentum toward becoming a world-class marine port.

Technology is the foundation of national strength, and innovation is the soul of national progress. Technological innovation injects strong momentum into the development of new productive forces, serving as the “largest increment” for high-quality development.