Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official Cai Qi visited leading experts during their summer retreat in Beidaihe, Hebei Province, on Sunday, underscoring Beijing's commitment to fostering innovation and academic collaboration. The visit, conducted on behalf of CPC Central Committee General Secretary Xi Jinping and the State Council, highlighted China's strategic focus on integrating scientific advancement with national development goals.
Cai, a member of the CPC Central Committee's Political Bureau Standing Committee, emphasized the critical role of experts in high technology, philosophical studies, and basic research during discussions. The annual Beidaihe retreat – a tradition since the 1950s – brings together elite thinkers to exchange ideas, with this year's cohort including rising stars in quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and cross-disciplinary social sciences.
"Your work forms the bedrock of our nation's modernization," Cai told attendees, urging them to "carry forward the scientist spirit" in addressing challenges from technological self-reliance to sustainable development. The dialogue comes as China intensifies efforts to build world-class research capabilities, with R&D spending growing at 7% annually since 2020.
Analysts note the gathering's timing ahead of key policy meetings signals heightened attention to innovation-driven growth strategies. The participation of young researchers – comprising 40% of this year's attendees – reflects evolving priorities in China's talent development framework.
