President Jiang Meets Eminent Scientists

President Jiang Zemin Meets with Experts

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Chinese President Jiang Zemin said Tuesday the issue of talent and human resources is of vital importance, as it concerns the stability and long-term development of the country.

Jiang made the remark at a meeting with some eminent social scientists and experts on national defense science and technology at this tourism resort in north China.

He said intellectuals have contributed a great deal to the development of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in its past 80 years. With their whose number increasing to more than 30 million from less then 50,000 before the founding of New China in 1949, Intellectuals play a crucial part in the modernization and revitalization of China.

The contribution of the experts on national defense science and technology has made it possible for China to establish by itself a modern and efficient national defense system. Scientists and research staff have striven hard to gain for the country some core items of technology and achievements.

The president said that the government will improve the standard of living of scientists and give strong support to their research.

Research into philosophy and the other fields of social sciences is equally important for the nation, Jiang noted, as `` society needs news ideas and innovative theories."

The president suggested that all the institutes and companies be broad-minded and offer a wide stage for talents of all kinds.

Premier Zhu Rongji, Vice-President Hu Jintao and Vice-Premier Li Lanqing were present at the meeting.

The meritorious experts and scientists are on vacation at Beidaihe at the invitation of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council.