China's Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) will adhere to self-reliance in science and technology, and strengthen strategic support for science and technology, said Wang Zhigang, minister of MOST.

A view of Shanghai, China. (Photo: CFP)

The country will accelerate the establishment of national laboratories and the implementation of major science and technology projects, and create a number of internationally competitive regional innovations, Wang said.

MOST is speeding up the construction of three comprehensive national technology innovation centers respectively in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, according to Wang.

These centers will focus on technological innovation and achievement transformation to break through the major scientific and technological problems that restrict the development of industry in China.

China made significant progress in technological innovation during the 13th Five-Year Plan (FYP) period (2016-2020), and basically realized the goal of becoming an innovative country, said the minister.

In terms of plans for the 14th FYP period (2021-2025), Wang said that the ministry's main goal is to strengthen China's scientific and technological capabilities and speed up the development of the 10-year action plan on fundamental research.