Vice-Premier Liu Yandong stressed implementing the spirit of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, to build China into a moderately prosperous society and modernized country.

She was speaking at a symposium on Oct 31 held during an inspection of innovative achievements by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) since the 18th National Congress of CPC.

As a national science and technology power, CAS has overcome difficulties, made breakthroughs in many fundamentals, gained huge achievements and developed in several fields, which greatly contributed to China’s economic and social development since 2013, said Liu.

Learning and carrying out the spirit of the 19th National Congress of CPC is and will always be the political task of the country, and CAS should learn and understand Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and implement the goals set at the congress, according to Liu.

She also asked CAS for its efforts in cutting-edge technology, making breakthroughs in fundamental research, original achievements, key and disruptive technologies.

CAS should also speed up the implementation of huge science and technology tasks, optimize layouts, deepen reform and strengthen integration and science, and education, opening-up and cooperation, said Liu.

The vice-premier also urged building a strong cadre of academicians, cultivating science and technology talent and high-level innovation team, and encouraging their vitality to build China into an innovation-driven country.