As tensions rise between the United States and China over cutting-edge semiconductors and artificial intelligence, Chinese President Xi Jinping has appointed Deputy Prime Minister Liu He to oversee China’s science and technology policy.
The state-run Xinhua News Agency reported on the 25th that “The Chinese Science and Technology Conference was held in Beijing, and Liu, who also serves as the head of the Party’s Central Science and Technology Committee, attended and gave a speech.”
Liu instructed attendees at the conference to follow Xi’s directive to build a strong nation in science and technology. He emphasized the need to utilize all national resources to speed up research on cutting-edge tech.
This is the first time Liu’s new role as head of the Central Science and Technology Committee has been made public.
The Chinese government hinted at Xi’s intention to oversee areas of science and technology, stating that “The Party and state organs will be reformed to enhance the leadership of the Party Central Committee in science and technology.”
Bloomberg News pointed out that Xi appointed his former chief of staff, Liu, to find a breakthrough in these key technology fields amid escalating tensions with the U.S. over advanced semiconductors and AI.
Liu served as Xi Jinping’s de facto Chief of Staff, holding the position of Head of the Presidential Office from the beginning of Xi’s reign in 2013 until just before joining the Standing Committee in 2022.
This is not the first time Xi has used his right-hand man for technological innovation. In 2021, Xi appointed then-Deputy Prime Minister Liu He as his economic adviser to oversee competition with the U.S. in semiconductors.
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