China’s Politburo has long been dominated by economic technocrats. But a recent change in its composition indicates an important new direction in the policy intentions of China’s political leadership, with a much greater focus on science and technology.
The promotion of a new generation of scientists to the 24-member Politburo – five of 11 newly appointed members are from distinguished scientific backgrounds – reflects President Xi Jinping’s ambitions to boost the country’s economic and technological self-reliance.
In this discussion, speakers draw upon Chatham House’s research paper The new scientists: The emerging Chinese leaders behind Xi Jinping’s drive for technological self-reliance to decipher the professional and political track record of these new Politburo members and consider what these appointments might mean for Beijing’s drive for technological self-reliance.
- Who are the five ‘new scientists’ and what have they achieved in their respective fields of scientific research?
- To what extent do these appointments mark a fundamental shift in Beijing’s economic policymaking and foreign relations?
- Amid intensifying friction between China and the West, will China be able to achieve scientific breakthrough by relying on its homegrown talent?
