China, once seen as an imitator when it came to technology, is now looking to take the lead in areas from blockchain to artificial intelligence (AI), much-hyped technologies that are seen as critical to the future. Despite the U.S.-China trade war, experts say the world’s second largest economy will continue pushing its domestic technology sector. The future of AI, blockchain, financial technology and smartphones will be among the topics discussed at East Tech West — CNBC’s technology conference held in the Nansha district of Guangzhou, China. Here’s a look at what China is doing in some of the key technology areas. ... (full story)