Once the world’s factory, Beijing’s relentless focus on R&D means the country has become the world’s laboratory, allowing it to compete against – and potentially beat – the West.
As part of Xi Jinping’s pursuit of technological self-sufficiency, R&D in China largely focuses on addressing shortcomings in the real economy. Harry Afentoglou
Cruising along a raised highway in eastern China, Marcus Hafkemeyer takes his hands off the wheel and smiles as the car indicates, brakes softly and changes lanes itself. “I’m very proud,” he says.
The German engineer is demonstrating Volkswagen’s rapid progress in offering assisted driving functionality to customers in China. Later, in an underground car park, the vehicle remembers its designated space and reverses effortlessly into the spot.
