Chinese vice premier stresses implementation of sci-tech undertakings' arrangements

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Thursday called for making every effort to ensure the implementation of the various arrangements made by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on sci-tech undertakings.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, also urged efforts to accelerate the advancement of high-level self-reliance and strength in science and technology in his speech at the second plenary session of the general assemblies of the members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering in Beijing.

Ding said that it is necessary to seize the historical opportunities and challenges of the times, be more determined to follow the path of independent innovation with Chinese characteristics, and firmly hold the initiative in innovation and development in hands.

Noting that the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030) is a crucial and critical stage for building China into a strong country in science and technology, Ding said efforts should be made to strengthen basic research to lay a solid foundation, and continuously produce major original and revolutionary scientific and technological achievements.

He urged efforts to enhance the vitality and impetus of scientific and technological innovation through integrated development, highlight the driving role of sci-tech innovation supply and industrial demand, promote the integrated development of education, science and technology, and talents, and accelerate the cultivation and development of new quality productive forces.

He also stressed the importance of artificial intelligence in empowering scientific research, expanding application scenarios, leading the transformation of scientific research paradigms, and accelerating scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs.

Ding said it is necessary to further improve the academician system, enhance the quality of academician selection, provide good services and management for academicians, and better leverage their roles.

At the meeting, Ding and other leaders presented Tan Kah Kee Science Award, Tan Kah Kee Young Scientist Award and Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Award to representatives of recipients.

Chinese vice premier stresses implementation of sci-tech undertakings' arrangements

A fire broke out at a footwear factory in east China's Fujian Province on Thursday, causing major casualties and leaving several people trapped on a building rooftop.

The blaze erupted at the factory in Jiangtou Village of the Chendai Township in Jinjiang City at around 12:00 local time.

Local fire and rescue teams have deployed some 183 personnel and 35 vehicles to the scene, while firefighting efforts are still ongoing.

China's Ministry of Emergency Management, together with the National Fire and Rescue Administration, has dispatched a joint work team to Jinjiang to guide rescue and response efforts. Since the incident was reported, the ministry has maintained round-the-clock coordination and dispatch, calling for all-out efforts to extinguish the fire, search for and rescue those trapped, and treat the injured.

It also urged relevant authorities to identify the cause of the fire and take effective measures to prevent similar accidents.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has made important instructions following the fire, urging all-out efforts to carry out search and rescue operations, identify the cause of the accident and hold those responsible strictly accountable.

Footwear factory fire breaks out in east China's Fujian