Abstract:China leaders have been always emphasizing both openness and self-reliance over the past decades. However, it is challenging for institutes and researchers to properly deal with the two requirements which are considered to be unachievable at the same time. In this study, we propose four openness modes as well as two principles for handling openness and self-reliance in the development of science and technology. This paper presents the case study on how Chinese computer pioneers made strategical decisions on the openness and self-reliance in the very early age of Chinese computer history. We also retrospect the practice of openness in the history of the development of science and technology in China. Finally, we discuss the feasibility of adopting the opensource mode to achieve both openness and self-reliance in the processor area.