Cai Qi Urges Science Workers to Pursue Tech Self-Reliance

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau and the Secretariat of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, addressed the second plenary session of the 11th national congress of the China Association for Science and Technology on July 8, 2026. Speaking at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, he called upon the nation's science and technology workers to maintain a steadfast commitment to serving the country through continuous innovation.

During his address, Cai emphasized that achieving greater sci-tech self-reliance and strength is a critical mission for these professionals. He argued that such efforts are necessary to bolster national capabilities and ensure the country can withstand external pressures or technological gaps. The directive positions the scientific community as a primary engine for national security and economic stability.

The call for self-reliance suggests a strategic shift toward reducing dependence on foreign technology, reflecting a broader policy goal to secure indigenous breakthroughs in critical sectors. By framing innovation as a service to the state, the address aligns scientific research with the political objectives of the Communist Party of China, signaling a period of intensified state-led coordination in research and development.