China vows to step up tech ‘self-reliance’ drive

Beijing’s new five-year plan pushes for technological independence amid a deepening trade war with the US

China has vowed to accelerate the push for technological self-reliance, stepping up a long-running drive that has gained new urgency amid the escalating trade war with the United States.

The pledge came in a communique released by the ruling Communist Party on Thursday after it approved a draft of the country’s next five-year development plan. The party listed “substantial improvements in scientific and technological self-reliance and strength” among its main objectives for the period of 2026–2030.

Washington has been gradually tightening restrictions on China’s access to semiconductors and other advanced technology vital for numerous sectors, including artificial intelligence, while imposing tariffs on Chinese goods. In January, President Donald Trump backed a $500 billion federal initiative to secure American leadership in advanced AI systems, a move seen in Beijing as part of a broader campaign to contain its technological rise.

Read more

President Xi Jinping has said China aims to achieve “superiority in AI” and strengthen domestic production of chips and software as part of its modernization drive.

Beijing has retaliated with export curbs on rare-earth metals essential to US high-tech industries, in what Trump last week openly called a “trade war.” 

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has framed Beijing’s strategy as part of a broader vision for “an equal and orderly multipolar world,” stressing that it “will always commit to self-confidence and self-reliance.” It has also repeatedly accused Washington of economic bullying.

READ MORE: Trump outlines key demands for China

Trump is expected to meet Xi at next week’s APEC summit in South Korea in an attempt to reach what he described as a “fair” trade deal.