Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged universities and institutions to prioritize strategic innovation in education, science, and talent development, emphasizing their role in advancing China's modernization goals. The remarks came in a letter addressed to four leading universities—Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Southwest Jiaotong University, and Beijing Jiao Tong University—as they jointly celebrate their 130th anniversaries this year.
Xi, who also serves as general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, highlighted the need for independent sci-tech breakthroughs and deeper collaboration between academia, industry, and research sectors. He praised the universities' historical contributions and called for renewed efforts to cultivate skilled professionals capable of addressing China's evolving challenges.
The directive aligns with China's broader 2026 strategic objectives, which prioritize reducing reliance on foreign technologies while fostering homegrown innovation. Analysts suggest this push could accelerate advancements in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing—fields where China aims to establish global leadership.
This year's anniversary celebrations at the four institutions will include new partnerships with tech firms and expanded research funding, according to university representatives.
