AT THE 19TH MEETING of the Academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the 14th Meeting of the Academicians of the Chinese Academy of Engineering in Beijing on Monday, President Xi Jinping expounded on the importance of science, technology and innovation for the country. People's Daily comments:

In his speech, Xi grasped the international development trends for science and technology, saying that the country that rides the crest of the wave of the latest technological revolution will gain a competitive advantage.

He said that although China has achieved some breakthroughs in science and technology, there is still a long way to go for it to become a world leader and many problems remain unsolved. The country must catch up, and strive to surpass those currently at the forefront of science and technology. "We must make great efforts to develop science and technology and strive to become the main center of science and innovation highland in the world," he urged.

As he said, China needs to be a strong country in science and technology now more than at any other time in history.

To realize the objective of making China a great power in science and technology, the country has no option but to adhere to the path of independent innovation. Experience reminds us the core technologies cannot be obtained through demanding, begging or buying. With core technologies controlled by other countries, it is impossible for China to guarantee its economic and national security except through endogenous innovation. Only by mastering the core technologies can China firmly hold the initiative in science and technology.

Yet independent innovation does not mean China should work behind closed doors. Instead, China should further improve its institutional environment for innovation, make better use of international cooperation and pay more attention to protecting intellectual property rights.