When President Xi Jinping landed in Shanghai on Tuesday, he stepped into the beating heart of the Chinese mainland's economic and innovation scene. This wasn't just a ceremonial stop – it was a signal that the city's role as a global tech hub remains central to the nation's modernization drive.
During his inspection, Xi hailed Shanghai's 'historic mission' to become a world-class center for scientific and technological breakthroughs. 'We must seize strategic opportunities, serve the national agenda and strengthen our leading edge,' he said, laying out a clear roadmap for original innovation and high-end industries.
In Xuhui District, Xi visited the Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center, where over 100 startups and established firms are building next-generation large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) models. Here, labs buzz with the promise of AI that can revolutionize sectors from healthcare to clean energy.
For young entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts, the hub's rapid growth is a call to action. Xi stressed that Shanghai must set the standard not only in AI development but also in governance – ensuring innovations are safe, secure and socially responsible before scaling them nationwide.
Beyond tech, the visit underscores a broader message: modern leadership means staying close to innovation ecosystems. By personally engaging with local players, Xi aims to inspire a new generation of changemakers who will drive sustainable growth and global impact.
Reference(s):
Xi's Shanghai inspection: Unleashing innovation; inspiring the youth
cgtn.com
