During a meeting of the Central Commission for Integrated Military and Civilian Development (CCIMCD) on Friday, Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed the importance “defense, science and industry” will play in the integration of the private sector and China’s military, according to an official release from Xinhua.
Last January, Xi was named the chairman of CCIMCD, which aims to cut costs and integrate civilian technologies and services into the PLA.
Xi’s speech underscored the importance private sector companies will play in the development of China’s defense industry, and the priority given to fast-tracking China’s efforts to become a leader in technological innovation.
“Defense science, technology and industry are key areas for integrated military and civilian development, and play a vital role in boosting the country’s innovation-driven development and supply-side structural reform,” read a Xinhua translation from a statement released after the meeting.
The commission adopted a plan for the development of “defense science, technology and industry” (as translated by Xinhua) during the period under the 13th five-year plan (2016-2020), as well as guidelines on advancing integrated military and civilian development in the areas.