China’s leaders invited dozens of scientists and technology experts to their annual summer retreat as they look to accelerate the country’s AI ambitions in the face of fierce competition with the US.
Beijing is trying to control the entire supply chain in its AI stack — including developing advanced lithography machines, a major breakthrough — to prevent chokepoints from hindering development in order to meet the government’s goal of achieving “self-reliance and strength in science and technology” by 2030.
Leaders are also expected to draft plans for greater fiscal support to boost the world’s second-largest economy, which is slowing: GDP grew just 4.3% year-on-year in the second quarter, missing Beijing’s target of 4.5-5%.