On the afternoon of March 6th, the Hubei delegation convened its third plenary session during the Fourth Session of the 14th National People’s Congress. The session—held as a media-open event—focused on deliberating the draft Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) and welcomed domestic and international journalists for comprehensive coverage.
On March 7, CCTV’s “Morning News” featured Academician Xu Weilin in its special report titled “Revitalizing Traditional Industries: Hubei Forges a Strategic Pivot in Central China.” In the segment, Academician Xu addressed how Hubei—a province with deep roots in traditional manufacturing—can transition toward specialization, refinement, distinctiveness, and innovation (the “Zhuan Jing Te Xin” model), emphasizing that industrial vitality stems not from sectoral classification but from technological advancement.
Academician Xu underscored that “no industry is inherently obsolete—only technologies may become outdated.” He stressed that sustained integration of cutting-edge technologies, advanced materials, and intelligent systems can rejuvenate traditional sectors. Illustrating this vision, he cited concrete achievements: Hubei’s steel industry—once characterized by energy-intensive, heavy-asset production—now manufactures ultra-thin, globally competitive non-grain-oriented silicon steel sheets thinner than standard A4 paper; meanwhile, new energy vehicles accounted for nearly 50% of Hubei’s total automobile output in 2024—marking a structural shift toward high-value, low-carbon mobility. These developments exemplify Hubei’s coordinated, three-tiered industrial strategy: upgrading legacy industries, scaling emerging sectors, and prospectively cultivating future-oriented industries.
In recent days, authoritative media—including CCTV News, China Daily, Hubei Daily, Changjiang Cloud, and Jiemu News—have published in-depth reports on Academician Xu’s policy proposals and legislative contributions. Coverage titles include: “Charting the 15th Five-Year Plan: Hubei Signals High-Quality Development to the World”; “From the Lunar Flag to Smart Textiles: Academician Xu Weilin on Industrial Transformation in Hubei”; “From Basalt to Protective Fibers: How Stone-Derived Materials Are Reinventing Fire-Resistant Apparel”; and “Telling Hubei’s Pivot Story to the World.” Collectively, these reports reflect Academician Xu’s steadfast commitment to people-centered governance and highlight the pivotal role of university-based scientists and educators in advancing national innovation, industrial modernization, and sustainable development.
