Independent innovation only way to reach science and technology peak

AT 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 Beijing on Monday, President Xi Jinping expounded on the importance of science, technology and innovation for the country. People's Daily comments:

In his speech, Xi grasped the international development trends for science and technology, saying that the country that rides the crest of the wave of the latest technological revolution will gain a competitive advantage.

He said that although China has achieved some breakthroughs in science and technology, there is still a long way to go for it to become a world leader and many problems remain unsolved. The country must catch up, and strive to surpass those currently at the forefront of science and technology. "We must make great efforts to develop science and technology and strive to become the main center of science and innovation highland in the world," he urged.