China, looking post-virus, to push tech autonomy at Congress

Beijing: Chinese leaders are shifting focus from the coronavirus back to long-term goals of making China a technology leader at this year’s highest-profile political event, the meeting of its ceremonial legislature, amid tension with Washington and Europe over trade, Hong Kong and human rights. The National People’s Congress, which opens Friday, has no real power.

But the ruling Communist Party uses the gathering of 3,000-plus delegates to showcase economic and social plans.

The party-appointed delegates, who don’t represent the public, endorse decisions already made by party leaders.