Enhancing the Resilience of China’sIndustrial Chain in the Context ofMajor-Power Rivalry: Intrinsic Logicand Implementation Pathways

Xiao Hao, Jia Zhen, and Lai Mingyong*

School of Economics & Trade, Hunan University, Changsha, China

Abstract: The report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China(CPC) proposes to “focus on enhancing the resilience and security level of industrial andsupply chains”. At present, the intensification of major-power rivalry, compounded bygeopolitical factors, is an accelerator of the restructuring of global industrial chains, posinga severe threat to the security and stability of China’s industrial chains. This paper analyzesthe historical and present logic underpinning China’s industrial security and development,providing recommendations for enhancing the resilience of China’s industrial chain. Bycombining the characteristics of major-power rivalry and phased development goals, wediscuss the four stages in the construction of the industrial system over the Party’s centennialjourney, revealing the historical logic of independence and self-reliance in relation toindustrial chain resilience. Focusing on the current rivalry in industrial chains, particularlyin key intermediate products, core technologies, long-term scientific and technologicalcompetitiveness, partnership relations, and governance, we clarify the practical logic ofenhancing industrial chain resilience to meet the needs of a modernized industrial system,explain short-term risks, and interpret long-term governance dialogue. Finally, we proposeways to enhance the resilience of China’s industrial chain by strengthening industrial chainrisk management and early warning, achieving breakthroughs in key core technologiesthrough scientific and technological innovation, expanding the “circle of friends” inindustrial chain cooperation, and participating in global industrial chain governance.

Keywords: Major-power rivalry, industrial chain resilience, independence and selfreliance,

JEL Classification Code: F02, F63

DOI: 10.19602/j.chinaeconomist.2023.11.04