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Technology key to China’s vision for the future as a world leading power

  • Ambitious road map unveiled at National People’s Congress to transform the country by 2035
  • Strategy presented along with five-year plan with focus on encouraging innovation and technological breakthroughs

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China’s ambitious plans for the future rest on technological innovation and scientific research. Pictured a crossroads in Lujiazui financial district in Pudong, Shanghai, on the day of the opening session of the National People‘s Congress (NPC) on Friday. Photo: Reuters

China has for the first time unveiled an ambitious road map for its plans to transform into a world-leading power by 2035.

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Technology innovation and scientific research are key to the Vision 2035 development strategy, unveiled soon after Premier Li Keqiang delivered the annual government work report on Friday, along with the next five-year plan.

The strategy outlines how China intends to become a leading global innovation engine, catch up to the average income level of developed countries, and display world class strengths in economy, global governance and soft power, as well as green development.

To achieve its goals, China will recalibrate its reform strategy, putting greater emphasis on the quality, rather than quantity, of future growth, with technology innovation and scientific research as key.

Greater attention will also be given to livelihood and environmental issues, to shore up the ruling Communist Party’s legitimacy and mandate at a time when China faces a “once in a century” window of opportunity as well as challenges.

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For the first time in decades, the five-year plan does not include a specific growth target, instead setting the country’s economic growth at a non-binding “reasonable range” before 2025. The 50-page policy blueprint laid down targets in areas Beijing sees as indicative of an emphasis on high-quality growth.

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