Chinese President Jiang Zemin met Monday with scientist Stephen Hawking who is attending an international conference on string theory in Beijing.
Jiang spoke highly of Hawking's great contribution to scientific development.
Hawking is believed to be one of the greatest scientists alive. He made remarkable achievements in the study of black holes and the universe by using quantum theory and general relativity.
During a meeting with Hawking and other world renowned scientists, Jiang stressed that the Chinese government respected the unique sensitivity and creativity of scientists and encouragedthem to be engaged in creative research, believing that discovery of scientific laws would greatly impel the development of social productivity.
Hawking said that he was impressed by the rapid progress that China had made since his first visit 17 years ago.
China needed to maintain and further its tradition of developing fundamental sciences, because fundamental sciences could enhance the interest in youngsters in scientific research, he said.
He said that he believed China would become a leading country in scientific development in the next 50 years.