Subscribe to EIR Online

FROM EIR DAILY ALERT


Xi Jinping Makes Case for China To Become a Leader in Science and Technology

May 28, 2018 (EIRNS)— President Xi Jinping addressed the opening of the 19th Meeting of the Academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the 14th meeting of the Academicians of the Chinese Academy of Engineering in the Great Hall of the People today. He returned to a leitmotif of his thought in urging his listeners to spare no efforts in transforming China into a major contributor to world science and technology. Underlining the importance of the “two-wheel drive” of the Chinese economy in scientific and institutional reform, he said that China’s scientists should direct their efforts toward pushing for major breakthroughs in science and technology, daring to overcome all obstacles and gearing the research and educational system to promoting creative talents. China’s scientists “must dare to take the road that no one traveled before,” he told the 1,300 people in the audience.

“They should not be complacent or self-important, and should be bold in attacking difficulties, pursuing excellence, winning victories, and actively seizing technological competition and the commanding heights of future development.”

Xi also referred to some of the drawbacks in the Chinese system, in which scholars are evaluated by the number of papers they write or patents they submit.

“Through reforms, changes in the one-sided practice of using papers, patents, and funds as talent evaluation, standards must not allow scientists to tie their hands and feet to ‘red tape,’ and must not allow scientists’ energy to be delayed by endless reports and approvals.”

Xi also stressed the importance of providing sufficient resources for the scientists for their own livelihood and encouraging a healthy competition in achieving results.

And similar to the message he delivered at the 19th Party Congress, he said that China must open up more.

“It is necessary to participate in global scientific and technological governance, contribute Chinese wisdom, and strive to build a community of human destiny. Independent innovation is innovation in an open environment,”

Xi said.

“We must not close the door to it. Instead, we must gather the energy of the four seas and borrow the power from all eight points of the compass. We must deepen international exchanges and cooperation in science and technology, promote independent innovation at a higher starting point, proactively allocate and actively use international innovation resources, strive to build partnerships for win-win cooperation, and jointly cope with future development, food security, energy security, human health, and climate change. While focusing on these common goals, we will at the same time benefit other countries and people while promoting our own development and promote balanced growth on a global scale. We must adhere to a global perspective to plan and promote scientific and technological innovation, actively integrate into global science and technology innovation networks, increase the level of opening up in our national science and technology plans, actively participate in and lead international scientific plans and projects, and encourage Chinese scientists to initiate and organize international scientific and technological cooperation programs.”

Back to top

clear
clear
clear