BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping called on Wednesday (Oct 18) for more efforts to turn China into a country of innovators as well as reach frontier areas of science and technology, reported China's official Xinhua news agency.
Mr Xi made the remarks in a report to the 19th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Innovation is the primary force driving development, and it is the strategic underpinning for building a modernised economy, Mr Xi said.
"We will strengthen basic research in applied sciences, launch major national science and technology projects, and prioritise innovation in key generic technologies, cutting-edge frontier technologies, modern engineering technologies, and disruptive technologies," he said.
Efforts in these areas will provide powerful support for building China's strength in science and technology, product quality, aerospace, cyberspace, and transportation, as well as for building a digital China and a smart society, he added.
The President also stressed the importance of fostering a culture of innovation. At the same time, the country must strengthen the creation, protection, and application of intellectual property.
It is also important for China to have a large number of top-notch scientists and technologists in strategically important fields.
More scientific and technological leaders, young scientists, engineers, and high-performing innovation teams are also needed, noted Mr Xi.
