CHINA

China Overhauls Top Engineering Academy Leadership With Tech Self-Reliance Focus

Published: Jul. 13, 2026 7:03 p.m. GMT+8

00:00

00:00/00:00

Listen to this article 1x

Zhang Yuzhuo

China has appointed a new leadership team to its top engineering and technological advisory body, naming former state-owned assets chief Zhang Yuzhuo as president. The overhaul installs a younger generation of scientists to guide Beijing’s strategic technology initiatives.

The reshuffle at the China Academy of Engineering, announced July 11, comes just days after President Xi Jinping addressed a major scientific congress, urging the nation’s top minds to pioneer technological frontiers and secure self-reliance.

You've accessed an article available only to subscribers

Subscribe today for just $.99.

VIEW OPTIONS

Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.

Save an extra $50. Introductory offer for new readers. Subscribe now.

Share this article

Open WeChat and scan the QR code

DIGEST HUB

Digest Hub

Back

Explore the story in 30 seconds

Zhang Yuzhuo named president of China Academy of Engineering, replacing Li Xiaohong.
Four new vice presidents appointed, all born in the 1960s, marking a generational shift.
The changes follow Xi Jinping’s address on technological self-reliance.

AI generated, for reference only

What Happened When

2018：: Chemical engineer Chen Jianfeng served as the academy’s secretary-general.

2020：: Epidemiologist Chen Wei awarded the national honorary title of People’s Hero for pivotal work during the Covid-19 pandemic.

late May 2026：: Zhang Yuzhuo transitioned from director of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission to the China Academy of Engineering’s Communist Party chief.

July 8, 2026：: National Science and Technology Award Conference and biennial academicians’ congress held in Beijing; President Xi Jinping addressed the congress.