CPC press conference: China to stress science & education

Chinese Education Minister Zhou Ji (2nd. L) and Vice Minister of Science and Technology Li Xueyong (2nd. R) attend a news conference held in the Media Center of the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China(CPC), in Beijing, China on Oct. 16, 2007. (Xinhua Photo/Li Tao)

Chinese Education Minister Zhou Ji( L) and Vice Minister of Science and Technology Li Xueyong(R) attend a news conference held in the Media Center of the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China(CPC), in Beijing, China on Oct. 16, 2007. (Xinhua Photo/Li Tao)

For the past five years, China has made great strides in education as well as in science and technology. At a press conference on Tuesday in Beijing, government officials vowed to put even more efforts in these areas to enrich the country's human resources.

Developing the country by promoting science and education has long been one of China's main goals. Since the 16th CPC National Congress 5 years ago, China has made great progress in expanding education all across the country.

Zhou Ji, Minister of Education said "Priority has been given to enhancing rural education. Great efforts are also being made to advance the two basic programs: making the 9-year compulsory education available to all kids, and eliminating illiteracy in the western region. "

The minister emphasized that China will continue to push for educational reform and provide everyone with the opportunity to go to school. It's the best way to develop the country's vast human resources.

Zhou said "The report delivered by Hu Jintao to the 17th Party Congress outlines the important goal of putting education first, and building a strong nation with a rich pool of human resources. I believe these are important tasks to fulfill the goal of revitalizing China through science and education."

The past 5 years is also a watershed era for China's progress in science and technology, especially in the high-tech arena.

Li Xueyong, Vice Minister of Science & Technology said "Currently, 35 million Chinese people are working in the field of science and technology, making China rank first in the world. Meanwhile, governmental expenditure on science and technology continues to grow. In 2006, the total national investment in R and D reached 300.3 billion yuan. Its share in GDP rose to 1.42 percent, from 0.9 percent in 2000."

Li Xueyong also pointed out that China's technological development still lags behind a number of other countries, and that there is still some way to go before it can completely catch up, and become known for its technological innovations and scientific contributions to the world.

China has ethical guidelines for research on stem cell, genetic modification

BEIJING, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- China has worked out bio-safety and ethical guidelines to regulate the research on stem cell and genetic modification, said Vice Minister of Science and Technology Li Xueyong on Tuesday.

"We attach great importance to moral and ethical issues in the research on stem cell and genetic modification," said Li, a delegate to the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), on the sidelines of the five-yearly CPC conference.

China hopes to join Int'l Space Station project

BEIJING, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- China hopes to become the 17th nation joining the International Space Station (ISS) project, Vice Minister of Science and Technology Li Xueyong said on Tuesday.

"China sincerely wants to cooperate with the United States in space exploration and join the International Space Station project that has already involved 16 nations," said Li, a delegate to the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), on the sidelines of the event.

The Chinese government has been pursuing a policy of peaceful use of airspace, Li said.