Xi: Step up innovation in defense sci-tech sector

President Xi Jinping on Friday called for accelerating independent innovation in the national defense science and technology sector in an effort to achieve goals set for the centenary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army and open up a new chapter in the modernization of national defense and the armed forces.

Independent innovation should strive to play an important role in implementing strategies that aim to strengthen the military through science and technology and personnel training, said Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission.

Xi made the remarks in a letter extending congratulations to faculty, students and alumni of the National University of Defense Technology as the university marks its 70th anniversary.

Founded in 1953 as the Military Academy of Engineering in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, the institution moved to Changsha, Hunan province, in 1970 and changed its name to the current one in 1978.

In the letter, Xi acknowledged the great contribution made by the university over the past seven decades. He said that the university has nurtured excellent graduates, achieved cutting-edge scientific and technological breakthroughs and made progress in the research and development of weaponry and equipment.

Looking to the future, Xi said that the National University of Defense Technology should take the 70th anniversary of its establishment as a new starting point.

He expressed his hope that the university will cultivate high-caliber and professional military personnel and set its sights on the global frontiers of military and science and technology.

Xi called on the university to strive to play an important role in strengthening the military through science and technology and personnel training.

Zhang Youxia, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice-chairman of the CMC, read out Xi's letter at an event commemorating the anniversary in Changsha on Friday.