Core technology depends on one's own efforts: President Xi

In a panel discussion with deputies from Guangdong Province at this year's National People's Congress, President Xi Jinping said that human capital is China's primary resource and the development of innovation is its driving force.

Since 2012, President Xi has highlighted the importance of scientific innovation and mastering core technology. His message has been that there are hidden risks that come with core technologies not being mastered domestically.

Here are some of President Xi's statements on technology innovation in recent years.

"We must accelerate the development of our own domestic plans, set up safe and controllable information technology systems, push forward and make breakthroughs in the research and development of high-performance computing, mobile communication, quantum communication, and core chips and operation systems."

-- The 36th group study session of the Political Bureau of the 18th CPC Central Committee, October 9, 2016

Core technology depends on one's own efforts, says President Xi

"Our dependence on core technology is the biggest hidden trouble for us; therefore, having a good command of core Internet technology is our mission. Heavy dependence on imported core technology is like building our house on top of someone else's walls: No matter how big and how beautiful it is, it won't remain standing during a storm."

-- Symposium on cyber security and informatization, April 19, 2016

Core technology depends on one's own efforts, says President Xi

"It is hard for China at this stage of development to acquire crucial core technology from other countries, because Western countries believe that the master will starve if he passes on his knowledge to his apprentice. So we must focus on our own innovation."

-- Panel discussion with deputies from Shanghai at the third session of the 12th National People's Congress, March 5, 2015

Core technology depends on one's own efforts, says President Xi

"Our scientific innovation still lags behind that of advanced countries. We have to continue to rely on ourselves, and develop our own core technology."

-- Inspection tour at Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, February, 16, 2015

Core technology depends on one's own efforts, says President Xi

"Only by mastering crucial core technologies with our own hands can we truly seize the initiative in competition and development, and fundamentally safeguard our national economic security, national security, and security in other areas. You can't always rely on the scientific and technological development of others to improve your own level of development. We shouldn't always follow in the footsteps of others."

-- The biennial conference of the country's two top think tanks, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Engineering, June 9, 2014

Core technology depends on one's own efforts, says President Xi

"China is the largest aircraft market in the world. In the past, it was believed by some that we'd be better off buying or even renting aircraft rather than building them. Now is the time to reverse this approach. We should spend more developing our own aircraft."

-- Comment made during a visit to Shanghai Aircraft Design and Research Institute, May 23, 2014

"We can't gain any political power without the strength in core technology. We should put great efforts into key areas. The same is true in the military sector."

-- Listening to report on the work of the Ministry of Science and Technology, August 21, 2013

Core technology depends on one's own efforts, says President Xi

"You can never acquire core technology by buying it. As an old saying goes, 'those measures that help a country thrive should never be shown to others'. We can only promote China's international competitiveness with great technological innovation capacity."

-- Comment made during a visit to the Chinese Academy of Sciences, July 17, 2013

Core technology depends on one's own efforts, says President Xi

"We should stop the illusion that we can bring in new high technology from overseas. Money can't buy us core technology, especially when it is related to national defense. How could other countries offer us what they are anchored by and rely on? We should master our own crucial technologies to compete with other countries as well as to safeguard our national security."

-- Discussion with CPPCC members from China Association for Science and Technology and those in the tech sector during the first session of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), March 4, 2013