Xi Pushes China to Close Tech Gap with US, Emphasizing Innovation and Military Upgrades
• Xi Jinping focuses Two Sessions on push for home-grown technology and "new quality productive forces"
• Premier Li Qiang scales back public presence and role compared to past years
• Xi urges scientists and military to integrate hi-tech with capabilities to "comprehensively enhance strategic capabilities"
• China aims to catch up with US in critical technologies like EVs, batteries, quantum tech, hydrogen, pharmaceuticals
• Experts say China should leverage private sector more to boost innovation while expanding military's use of AI and robotics