Sydney | China's President Xi Jinping has embarked on a tour of the country's high-tech hubs and special economic zones in the south as state media suggest he is preparing to unveil a new round of economic reforms to shore up the country's slowing economy and counter growing pressure from the United States.

Mr Xi will visit the city of Shenzhen, the home of telecom giant Huawei, on Wednesday morning to celebrate the 40th anniversary of China's first special economic zone, launched by his father Xi Zhongxun.