self-reliance

"For more than 70 years, China has always relied on self-reliance and hard work for development… it has never relied on anyone's gifts and is unafraid of any unreasonable suppression," he said this month.

Society associates masculinity with traits like self-reliance, independence and not showing vulnerability, says social psychologist Prof Brendan Gough of Leeds Beckett University.

But in a turbulent, increasingly protectionist era, India's instinct for self-reliance may oddly serve as a short-term shield.

Xi has repeatedly declared "technological self-reliance" a key goal, which means China wants to create its own advanced chips, to make up for US export restrictions that could hinder its plans.

"While the private sector remains a critical pillar of China's economic ambitions, it must align with national priorities - including self-reliance in key technologies and strategic industries."