Xi encourages young scholars to build up nation's strength

President Xi Jinping has encouraged young scholars at Nanjing University who have returned to China from studying overseas to help the nation build up its self-reliance in science and technology and set an example in firming up cultural confidence.

In a letter on Wednesday replying to 120 young scholars at the university with overseas study experience, Xi expressed his hope that they would further align themselves with the goal of serving the nation and the people.

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

He expressed his pleasure that the young scholars have followed the example of late Chinese scientists, including Li Siguang, a noted geologist, and Cheng Kaijia, a well-known theoretical physicist, in returning to the motherland after studying overseas and dedicating themselves to research and teaching.