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BEIJING (Reuters) – The former president of the Aviation University of China, sanctioned by the Trump administration for his ties to the People’s Liberation Army, has become deputy director of the ministry responsible for promoting technological innovation in China.
Shan Zhongde, 54, was appointed vice minister of industry and information technology by the State Council on Friday, state media reported.
In June 2020, Shan Jixiang became the president of Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. In November last year, he took office as secretary of the party committee of the school.
In May 2020, former U.S. President Trump banned Chinese graduate students from Chinese military-affiliated universities from entering the country because of concerns that these students might steal intellectual property and sensitive technology to benefit the People’s Liberation Army. China denies all accusations of theft.
Students from seven universities known as China’s “Seven National Defense Sons”, including Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, were targeted. These institutions are supervised by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
China and the United States are increasingly fierce technological rivals. Washington has restricted the export of some advanced technologies and know-how to China due to concerns about national security. Beijing responded by accusing the United States of stifling its economic development.
U.S. restrictions have prompted China to seek greater self-reliance in advanced technology, especially in manufacturing, as the world’s second-largest economy turns to artificial intelligence and smart factories.
Mr. Shan’s expertise in mechanical engineering and background in next-generation manufacturing, including aerospace technology, will be beneficial to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s initiatives to promote innovation in China’s manufacturing industry.
“Smart manufacturing is the deep integration of new generation information technology, digital technology and manufacturing,” Shan told Chinese state media last month.
(Reporting by Ryan Woo; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
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