Leaders study at 'Silicon Valley'

Capital's technology hub offers insights into scientific innovation

China's top leadership held a group study Monday in a Beijing technology hub known as China's Silicon Valley, the first time such a study has been held outside the central authority's seat at Zhongnanhai.

Analysts said the move signaled the Chinese top leadership's determination to keep in close contact with the masses and seek innovation-driven development.

Members of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee on Monday morning visited the Zhongguancun Science Park, which after 20 years of development boasts about 20,000 hi-tech companies.

Situated in northwest Beijing, Zhongguancun is known as a technology hub and is often referred to as the Silicon Valley of Beijing.

Led by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, the Political Bureau members viewed world-class innovative products at Zhongguancun.

They talked with executives and scientists about research and implementation of new technologies such as additive manufacturing, cloud computing, nano materials, bio-chips and precise crop breeding.

After Wan Gang, minister of Science and Technology, explained the general situation of China's scientific and technological innovation, the Political Bureau members discussed the innovation-driven development strategy.

Presiding over the group study, Xi stressed the importance of science and technology in enhancing national strength, saying that innovation is a global trend as well as a need inside the country.

"We must enhance awareness of unexpected challenges and grab the opportunity of the scientific and technological revolution. We cannot wait, hesitate or slacken," Xi said.

China should focus on the integration of innovation with economic and social development, enhance the capacity for independent innovation, improve talent development, build a favorable policy environment and expand opening-up and international cooperation in science and technology, Xi said.

The group study is a system China's top leadership uses to study major issues. Since 2002, more than 100 experts and scholars have delivered lectures in Zhongnanhai, the seat of the top leadership.

It was the ninth group study of the 18th Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and the first time that the top leadership held a group study outside Zhongnanhai.

Xin Ming, a professor at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, said it was a change in learning style.

"Wherever the developmental priority is, that is where the classroom should be," Xin said.