Xi stresses sci-tech modernization, innovation

BEIJING, June 24 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday underscored the importance of sci-tech modernization and innovation in pursuing Chinese modernization and high-quality development.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, presented China's top sci-tech award and made the remarks at a meeting conflating the national sci-tech conference, the national science and technology award conference, and the general assemblies of the members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE).

Xi presented medals and certificates for the country's top sci-tech award to Li Deren, an academician of CAS and CAE from Wuhan University, and Xue Qikun, an academician of CAS from Tsinghua University. He then shook hands with the two scientists and extended his congratulations.

Xi and other Party and state leaders, together with the two winners of the top sci-tech award, presented certificates to other award recipients.