Premier Li calls for greater self-reliance in sci-tech sector

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Friday called for realizing self-reliance in science and technology at a high level and improving the ability of innovation-driven development.

Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made an inspection tour in the eastern province of Anhui on Friday.

Li first visited two research institutions, where he learned about the progress of scientific research in key areas. He underscored the importance of foresightedness in scientific and technological development, and pointed out the importance to gain an upper hand in accurately grasping the dynamics and tendencies of sci-tech development at the forefront.

He emphasized the need to leverage the traction role of national sci-tech strategies, and constantly scale up investment in basic research.

Li called for bold breakthroughs in deepening the reform of the sci-tech system, and building platforms for industries, universities, research institutes, and end-users to have closer collaboration, so as to better transform scientific and technological achievements into tangible productive forces.

Noting it is imperative to focus on the role of talent as the first resource, Li called for efforts to nurture and attract the best minds in every possible way, and create better conditions for them to devote themselves to scientific research.

When visiting local companies, Li said it is necessary to give full play to the role of enterprises as the main body of innovation, thus creating an ecological environment conducive to the innovation and development of enterprises.

Efforts should be made to gather various resources and support enterprises in enhancing their core competitiveness, Li said.

He stressed to consolidate the foundation of the modern industrial system of traditional manufacturing while accelerating digital transformation to promote the technological upgrading and make it higher-end, smarter, and more eco-friendly.

Li also urged Anhui to deepen scientific and technological and industrial innovation, foster new drivers of growth, and make greater progress on promoting high-quality development.

Premier Li calls for greater self-reliance in sci-tech sector

Lai Ching-te has sent a dangerous signal of seeking "Taiwan independence" and making provocations to undermine cross-Strait peace and stability in his first speech upon assuming the role of Taiwan region's new leader on Monday, according to scholars and commentators.

Many in China's Taiwan region have pointed out that while Lai Ching-te's speeches have repeatedly emphasized the importance of peace for Taiwan, they see no concrete action on how to achieve it.

"He does not listen to public opinion and displays great arrogance. He blatantly intends to continue pursuing the 'two states' theory and will attempt to solicit U.S. support for 'Taiwan independence'. [He] disregards the desire of Taiwan for easing the situation in cross-Straits relations, which will create new factors that could lead to tensions in the Taiwan Strait," said You Zixiang, a professor at Shih Hsin University.

"After listening to his entire speech, I feel that not only did he fail to express any genuine intentions for peaceful coexistence and common prosperity, but he used the concept of peaceful coexistence and common prosperity as a cover and disguise for creating a 'peaceful division'," said Wang Bingzhong, a commentator in the Taiwan region.

In the Taiwan region, there is growing concern across various sectors that future opportunities for communication between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait will become increasingly scarce.

"[The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities] are deepening the roots of political hatred. I think that since Taiwan has already experienced the tragic 'White Terror' in the past, why should we embark on a journey of 'Green Terror'?" said Chi Chia-Lin, president of the Reunification Alliance Party.

"I'm actually very concerned. Lai Ching-te's staffing arrangements have revealed his extreme ideology, and it seems that he will continue to put stress on cross-Strait relations," said Shi Xueqin, a student at Chi Nan University in Taiwan.

Lai sends dangerous signal in first speech as Taiwan's new leader: scholars, commentators