China targets hi-tech pillars by 2030 to fuel economic growth

Beijing has vowed to develop emerging industries such as 6G and robotics into new drivers of economic growth by the end of the decade, while pledging renewed efforts to curb cutthroat competition in the domestic automotive industry.

Vice-minister of Industry and Information Technology Xin Guobin outlined plans through 2030 to develop a range of hi-tech industries as new pillars of the economy and sources of future growth, from next-generation 6G communications and quantum technology to brain-computer interfaces and nuclear fusion.

“We will focus on developing new quality productive forces and integrating technological and industrial innovation to promote high-quality development,” Xin said at a press conference hosted by the State Council Information Office on Wednesday.

As part of the efforts, the ministry said it planned to accelerate the commercialisation of artificial intelligence in manufacturing, with officials highlighting embodied AI – systems that allow robots and automated machines to perceive, learn from and interact with their environment – as a crucial area of development.

Liu Yulin, head of the ministry’s information and communications development department, said next-generation 6G communications would be a “top priority”. The ministry would fast track core technology research, run technology trials and develop industry standards to prepare for eventual commercial roll-outs, Liu added.

The comments come as Beijing pushes to sustain growth through technological self-reliance and industrial upgrading amid mounting economic challenges.

Domestically, sluggish consumer spending, a prolonged property sector slump and industrial overcapacity in sectors like electric vehicles (EV) continue to weigh on the economy. Internationally, China is navigating intense competition in advanced technologies and foreign scrutiny of its booming export sector, including clean energy products.