Innovation 'key to solving challenges'

International collaboration crucial during 'gold rush' era, expert says

The assembled cast at this year's two sessions shows how central innovation is to China's development strategy.

Some of the most high-profile figures at the ongoing first session of the 13th National People's Congress, China's top legislative body, and the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the top advisory body, are not politicians but entrepreneurs - Baidu's Robin Li, Tencent's Pony Ma, Xiaomi's Lei Jun, and JD's Richard Liu.