Premier Li Qiang’s domestic trips highlight sci-tech focus
Premier Li Qiang has taken a hands-on approach to promoting the tech sector.
On Wednesday, Li toured Hebei province, visiting two tech companies along the way:
- China Satellite Network Group, which is developing a Starlink-like mega satellite constellation
- Synlight Semiconductor, which produces chip materials
A clear pattern has emerged: Of the 29 domestic trips Li has undertaken since becoming Premier last March, 21 of them have included visits to tech companies.
These stops have strongly favored a small collection of industries. He's logged:
- Nine visits to semiconductor companies
- Seven to energy vehicle or renewables firms
- Five to AI and autonomous driving companies
On seven occasions, his trips have included inspections of local government sci-tech development policy efforts, including talent pool development, education system reforms, and R&D.
Li's sci-tech focus contrasts with his predecessor, Li Keqiang, whose trips highlighted a wider array of economic and social issues.
- Of the 11 trips the former Premier took between March 2021 and November 2022 (a comparable chunk of time), he touched on tech and innovation four times.
The other thing that stands out: Premier Li is spending way more time on the issue than China’s supposed "tech czar," Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang.
- Ding has hit tech on only three of his eight domestic trips since taking office.
Get smart: The new Premier's increased focus on tech during his domestic trips reflects its rise as a core strategic issue.
- It also suggests that Li is the true owner of the tech policy portfolio.