国内英语新闻:Senior CPC leader stresses scientific literacy

BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) leader Liu Yunshan on Sunday called for spreading scientific knowledge among the public to support China's drive to become a leading power in science and technology (S&T).

Liu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks while attending activities in Beijing for National Science Popularization Day.

China's achievements in spaceflight are encouraging, and the spirit of aerospace workers should be valued and serve as a force for the country's innovation drive, Liu said.

He also stressed the key role of businesses in implementing the strategy for innovation-driven development.

Governments and S&T associations at all levels should continue to promote scientific literacy among the Chinese public, Liu noted, adding that S&T, education and media workers as well as science writers should make their own contributions in this regard.

Liu was joined by other senior officials including Liu Qibao, head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, Li Yuanchao, Chinese vice president, and Wan Gang, minister of science and technology.

Since 2003, the China Association for Science and Technology has organized National Science Popularization Day activities on an annual basis.

National Science Popularization Day is observed during the third weekend of September. This year's theme is "innovation launches dreams; science leads the future."