As 2025 draws to a close, China is doubling down on innovation to power its next stage of growth. Over the course of the year, Beijing has pushed to foster new productive forces as part of its strategy for high-quality development.
At the heart of this push is Shanghai. Chinese President Xi Jinping has said that Shanghai carries a historic mission: to become a globally influential center of scientific and technological innovation. This vision is reshaping the city's urban landscape, attracting startups, investors and top talent from home and abroad.
But Shanghai does not act alone. The wider Yangtze River Delta region – home to major cities such as Hangzhou, Nanjing and Suzhou – is emerging as a vital engine for China's high-quality development. Together, these cities are forging deeper integration in research, manufacturing and digital services, creating a supercluster that spans finance, advanced manufacturing, biotech and green energy.
Local governments in the Yangtze River Delta have rolled out policies to streamline cross-city collaboration, boost R&D spending and nurture innovation ecosystems. These measures aim to lift the entire region's competitiveness and deliver sustainable growth that benefits the national economy.
Looking ahead to 2026, all eyes will be on how Shanghai and its neighboring delta cities translate policy ambition into real-world breakthroughs – from homegrown tech champions to next-generation infrastructure. For young professionals, entrepreneurs and investors, the Yangtze River Delta’s rise offers both inspiration and opportunity in China's dynamic landscape.
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Shanghai, Yangtze River Delta power China's next growth engine
cgtn.com
