Xi Jinping Stresses Accelerating the Development of a Globally Influential Hub for Scientific and Technological Innovation During Inspection Tour in Shanghai

On April 29, while conducting an inspection in Shanghai, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the People’s Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, emphasized that Shanghai bears the historic mission of building an international center for scientific and technological innovation. He urged the city to seize opportunities, take serving national strategies as the driving force, continuously strengthen its role as a source of scientific and technological innovation and its leading position in high-end industries, and accelerate the development of a globally influential hub for scientific and technological innovation.

On the morning of the 29th, Xi Jinping, accompanied by Chen Jining, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee, and Mayor Gong Zheng, visited the “Moshu Space” Large-Model Innovation Ecosystem Community in Xuhui District to conduct an inspection.

“Model Speed Space” is a specialized incubation and acceleration platform for large-scale AI models established by the Shanghai Municipal Government, currently hosting more than 100 resident enterprises. Upon his visit, Xi Jinping viewed a video briefing on the development of Shanghai’s AI industry, examined demonstrations of large-model products from key incubated companies, and listened to briefings on related technological R&D as well as corporate production and operations. He commended Shanghai’s tangible achievements in actively developing artificial intelligence. He emphasized that AI technology is accelerating its iterative evolution and is now poised for explosive growth, and that Shanghai should systematically summarize its successful experiences—such as fostering the AI industry through a robust ecosystem centered on large models—intensify its exploratory efforts, strive to take a leading position in all aspects of AI development and governance, and set an exemplary standard.

On the third floor of “Model Speed Space,” a salon themed “The Autonomous Evolution of Next-Generation Intelligent Agents” was underway. Xi Jinping joined the event with great enthusiasm and engaged in cordial exchanges with the young innovators in attendance. Participants eagerly shared with the General Secretary their insights and achievements in conducting research on artificial intelligence technologies and applying them across various industries. Xi Jinping told them that AI is both a youthful endeavor and a cause for the younger generation. As we comprehensively advance the great undertaking of building a modern socialist country and realizing national rejuvenation, this is precisely the right time for the younger generation to showcase their talents and make significant contributions. The realization of the Chinese nation’s great dream rests on the shoulders of young people. You must nurture patriotic sentiments, aspire to serve the country, and strengthen your capacity to contribute to the nation; closely link your personal aspirations with the future and destiny of the country; carry forward the baton of history; and let your vibrant youth shine brightly on the broad stage of advancing Chinese-style modernization.

Subsequently, Xi Jinping visited an AI product experience store. On the display counters, a dazzling array of innovative products—including smart glasses, intelligent children’s toys, and smart musical instruments—were on full display. Xi Jinping carefully examined the functions and market trends of these products and even tried on a pair of smart glasses with great interest. He stated that China boasts abundant data resources, a well-established industrial system, and vast market potential, making the prospects for AI development exceptionally promising. He emphasized the need to strengthen policy support and talent cultivation, and to strive to develop more safe, reliable, and high-quality AI products.

As they departed, researchers and corporate employees from the Innovation Ecology Community loudly greeted the General Secretary and welcomed him to visit again. Xi Jinping repeatedly waved in return, wishing everyone a happy International Labor Day and encouraging them to continue achieving new accomplishments and making fresh contributions.

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, accompanied the inspection.

He Lifeng and leading officials from relevant departments of the CPC Central Committee and State Council accompanied the inspection.