China’s cabinet of new scientists and its drive for technological self reliance

Who are the new generation of scientists promoted to China’s Politburo and what does their appointment mean for Beijing’s policymaking?

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.

The event discusses:

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?

Will China be able to achieve scientific breakthrough by relying on its homegrown talent?

Thumbnail image: The Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Photo credit: Kevin Frayer/Stringer/Getty Images.