Scholars answer Xi's call to play key role in rejuvenation of country

Scholars at Nanjing University with overseas study experience have expressed their hopes of helping the nation's rejuvenation after being encouraged to do so by a letter from President Xi Jinping.

On Sunday, more than 400 scholars and students with overseas study experience, along with officials, attended a forum at the university in Jiangsu province to discuss ways to play a greater role in building the nation's self-reliance, especially in science and technology, and strengthening cultural confidence.

In May 2022, Xi sent a letter to 120 young scholars at the university who had returned to China after studying overseas. In the letter, Xi expressed his hope that the students will help the nation build up self-reliance in science and technology, set an example of firm cultural confidence, tell China's story well to the world, and contribute to the building of a modern socialist country in all respects.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, in the letter, offered his congratulations to faculties, students and alumni of the university, which celebrated its 120th anniversary.

Ding Zhongli, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and president of the Western Returned Scholars Association, said the history of studying abroad, which has taken place for more than 100 years, has a close connection with China's modernization.

"People with overseas study experience should take the lead and set an example in promoting China's modernization," he said at a forum held by the WRSA and Nanjing University on Sunday.

Chen Xu, vice-minister of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, said that scholars with overseas study experience are valuable assets of the country. They are also the backbone that helps implement China's strategy of rejuvenation through development of science, education and innovation and cultivation of talent.

The WRSA and the university will also jointly establish a research center to tell China's stories well. Chen said the center will help promote communication between China and the rest of the world in a meaningful way.

Good use of the research center should be made and people who have studied overseas should use it to share their knowledge and experience to tell China's stories, Chen said.

Liu Limin, vice-president of the WRSA, said that studying abroad is one of the most important ways for different cultures to share exchanges and learn from each other.

"Encouraging studying abroad is also an important indicator of a country's opening-up and inclusiveness," said Liu, adding that it is the "golden key" for the world to become more closely connected. It's also a way for China to boost its integration into the world and move closer to the center of the global stage.

Wang Jiayi, vice-minister of education, said the country needs education, science and talent more urgently than ever in today's world, which is undergoing great changes and witnessing profound adjustments in the balance of international power.

He said the country will strive to provide a good environment for talent, promote opening-up in education and encourage cooperation in education, science and technology as well as international exchanges of talent.

Guo Jun contributed to this story.