“To advance modernisation in the Chinese style, science and technology must take the lead, with technological innovation being the necessary path to follow,” Xi said during a visit on Thursday to Hefei Binhu Science City, a flagship research and innovation hub in the Anhui provincial capital.

“Hi-tech development cannot be begged for; we must accelerate the realisation of high-level technological self-reliance and self-improvement,” state news agency Xinhua quoted Xi as saying during the visit, which was part of an inspection trip to the province.

Xi also urged Anhui to continue to improve its role as a significant centre for technological innovation, a hub for emerging industries, a new high ground for reform and opening up, and as a region pursuing comprehensive green transformation in economic and social development.

Xi’s remarks come as China doubles down on technological advancements amid a strategic shift towards what it calls “new quality productive forces”, away from the previous export-oriented growth model. It also comes amid a prolonged tech war with the United States, which has sought to curb China’s hi-tech access.