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China's Premier Urges Pushing Forward for Scientific Innovation
China's Premier Urges Pushing Forward for Scientific Innovation
Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji Monday expressed congratulations to a group of outstanding Chinese scientists, including mathematician Wu Wenjun and agronomist Yuan Longping who won China's highest state-level award.
The establishment of the State Supreme Science and Technology Award aims to nurture a favorable social environment of respecting knowledge and science, Zhu told the audience at the awards ceremony held in Beijing Monday, February 19.
Both Wu and Yuan won a prize of five million yuan for their outstanding work in mathematics and hybrid rice.
The award reflects the Party and government's appreciation of the creative work and contribution of science workers and the fine tradition of the Chinese nation to respect knowledge and talent, the premier said.
It is also aimed at encouraging scientists to make contribution to the nation's development, he added.
Premier Zhu called for the whole of society to hold high the scientific spirit. The scientists received their prizes not only for their high sense of responsibility for national and social development, but also for their inflexible pursuit of science and truth.
He quoted President Jiang Zemin as once pointing out that innovation is the spirit of a nation's progress and the power of a country's development, thus it counts for much of China's future.
In today's world, innovation in science and technology has become the major force of economic and social development, and a key point in international economic competition and overall national strength.
Zhu also noted that the fundamental task of China's scientific and technological circles is to stimulate scientific progress and innovation, and provide a powerful drive for economic and social development.
"The coming five to ten years is a key period for China's economic and social development, as well as for strategic improvement of the economic structure and industrial upgrading," said Zhu.
The key to realizing the strategic goal in the new century is to push forward science and technology as a powerful engine for the country's economic and social progress, he added.
An urgent task of scientific development is to nurture a large number of excellent scientists and technicians, especially academic leaders, Zhu pointed out, demanding that a more favorable environment be prepared for science workers.
He asked China's scientists and technicians to play greater roles in promoting the country's social progress and modernization drive.
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