[Revival of Deputy Prime Minister for Science and Technology] China's Rise in Science and Technology Driven by Xi Jinping's Closest Aide, Vice Premier

AI Leadership: Establishing a Deputy Prime Minister for Science and Technology in Korea
China's Example of the Deputy Prime Minister for Science and Technology
Vice Premier Ding Xueshang Oversees Policy Coordination
Demonstrating Scientific Advancement in Response to the United States

As South Korea sees active discussions on reinstating the position of Deputy Prime Minister for Science and Technology ahead of the presidential election, major countries around the world are already strengthening their national competitiveness through high-level positions that oversee science and technology policy.

China is a prime example. In response to the United States' advanced technology control strategy, China has focused on fostering science and technology. Last year, Ding Xueshang, a close aide to President Xi Jinping, member of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party, and Vice Premier of the State Council, was appointed as Director of the Central Science and Technology Commission. His official title is now Vice Premier and Director of the Central Science and Technology Commission. Vice Premier Ding has a background in science and engineering, holding a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Northeast Heavy Machinery Institute.

At the "Two Sessions" (the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference) held in March 2023, China announced the establishment of a Science and Technology Commission, stating that the Communist Party would strengthen its management of science and technology. This was effectively a declaration that President Xi would directly oversee the science sector.

Vice Premier Ding oversees science and technology policy and coordinates related ministries, including the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the Ministry of Education. He plays a key role in driving the "Made in China 2025" and "Building a Science and Technology Powerhouse" strategies. He determines the direction of research and development (R&D) investment and leads policies to foster strategic industries such as next-generation artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and aerospace.

Ding Xueshang, Vice Premier of the State Council of China and Director of the Central Science and Technology Commission. Yonhap News Agency

Vice Premier Ding has repeatedly emphasized the necessity of China's "rise in science and technology" in response to the United States since the inauguration of the Trump administration. At the opening keynote speech of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference held in March, he declared the acceleration of self-reliance in science and technology. The fields he highlighted included artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technology.

At the China Science and Technology Work Conference held in Beijing in January, Vice Premier Ding also emphasized the goal of making China a "science and technology powerhouse by 2035."

Singapore, which has emerged as a global AI hub, oversees its science and technology policy through the Future Economy Council chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat. Deputy Prime Minister Heng leads this council, spearheading advanced research and development and industrial innovation. The council coordinates with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Communications and Information, and the National Research Foundation, operating implementation groups for each major technology sector. In particular, it leads focused investment in strategic industries such as AI, biomedical, and Smart Nation initiatives.

Israel, which has become a center for advanced innovation technology development, is also noted for having its Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology hold a status equivalent to Deputy Prime Minister. This minister leads the National Research and Development Council under the Prime Minister's Office. Israel's powerful venture ecosystem and defense technologies have been built up with the support of this deputy prime minister-level position.