context: Analysts have varied perceptions of what China should learn from the trade war. Authors like Li embrace a nationalist approach, arguing that Trump's chaotic approach to China conveys the fragility of a US-led order. &&& The US–China trade war and US protectionism have pushed China to embrace self-reliance, says President Xi Jinping, a development ‘that’s not a bad thing’.
China’s long history of self-reliance, writes Li Daren 李达仁 People’s Daily contributing author, includes
- increasing efforts to promote self-sufficiency following the 18th National Congress of the CPC
- ‘historic leaps’ forward
- including feats in engineering and construction, such as the Three Gorges Dam and the indigenous C919 aircraft
In the future, independent innovation is the only way for the PRC to become a global leader in science and technology. In food production, the real economy, and manufacturing, China must rely on itself, says Xi. These self-reliances can be driven by confidence in the superiority of the PRC system and China’s national spirit. China’s socialist system promotes efficiency and policy efficacy, writes Li, limiting the pressure of promoting self-reliance. As long as the Chinese people are united and self-reliant, Li continues, China can achieve its goal of national rejuvenation.