In a notable display of China's policy direction ahead of the Lunar New Year, President Xi Jinping visited a technology innovation complex in Beijing, while Premier Li Qiang inspected a rare earth research facility in Jiangxi province. These visits are indicative of China's prioritization of advanced technology and strategic minerals as central to its national capabilities, with a clear message that technological self-sufficiency and mineral resources will remain essential components of the country's strategy through 2026.

The high-tech sector and critical minerals have transcended traditional economic policy, becoming geopolitical assets for China. Industries such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing are at the heart of the U.S.-China technological competition. During this tour, Xi emphasized the importance of humanoid robots and AI, viewing them as pivotal to the nation’s future; significant investments and supportive policies are being funneled into these sectors to bolster national interests. Li’s showcase of rare earths highlights their indispensable role in the supply chains of modern advanced manufacturing, having applications ranging from electric vehicle batteries to military equipment.

The recent discussions by Dan Wang in "Breakneck" describe China as a nation of engineers, where the leadership is acting with a level of speed and scale that quickly builds industrial foundations. His characterization of China's political structure as 'Leninist technocracy' suggests that the fusion of strong Communist Party control with effective technical bureaucratic execution is a critical element of governance. As technological capabilities grow, so too does the control of the Party, further intertwining innovation with political oversight, including within anti-corruption campaigns that target high-ranking officials in sensitive sectors such as nuclear engineering and military procurement.