Xi calls for stronger strategic focus on basic research, boost to original innovation

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for strengthening the strategic, forward-looking, and systematic planning of basic research, urging greater support for scientists and researchers to produce more original innovations.

Xi, who is also General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a recent instruction regarding the work of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC).

Highlighting the foundation’s role over the past four decades, Xi acknowledged its contributions to advancing basic research and cultivating scientific talent. He urged the NSFC to seize opportunities arising from a new wave of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation.

The Chinese president emphasised the need to deepen reforms in the science funding system, further improve the funding framework and enhance efficiency in the allocation of research grants.

Xi also called for fostering a sound research ecosystem and expanding international scientific cooperation, enabling researchers to achieve greater breakthroughs in original innovation.

He stressed that such efforts would contribute to China’s broader goal of achieving greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology.

Established in February 1986, the NSFC has since become a key channel for national funding of basic research in China.