Zhongguancun Forum hears his call for joint action on world's major challenges

China will strengthen international exchanges on science and technology with a more open attitude, proactively take part in the global innovation network and jointly move forward with fundamental research, President Xi Jinping said on Friday.

In a speech delivered via video link at the opening of the 2021 Zhongguancun Forum in Beijing, Xi reaffirmed the nation's commitment to scaling up protection of intellectual property rights, creating a top-notch climate for innovation and fostering the concept of using technology for good purposes.

With the broad and far-reaching influence of the COVID-19 pandemic and severe challenges facing global economic recovery, it is even more important for different nations to step up openness and innovation in science and technology and jointly explore pathways and methods to solving key global issues with innovation, he said.

The president also stressed the need for a joint response to current challenges and jointly promoting the noble cause of peace and development of mankind.

A global vision is a prerequisite to developing science and technology in today's world, and it is important to grasp the pulse of the times and closely focus on the new requirements of production and life, he said.

China attaches great importance to innovation in science and technology and remains committed to promoting global coordination in this regard, he said, adding that the nation will continue to promote the transformation of scientific and technological outcomes and foster new engines of economic growth.

Xi also underlined the importance of improving global governance in science and technology and further enhancing the well-being of mankind.

He pledged to support Beijing's Zhongguancun, the nation's first demonstration zone for independent innovation, in conducting a new round of pilot reform and expediting steps to develop itself into a leading global tech park.

The president expressed hope that participants at the forum－a national platform for global exchanges and cooperation in scientific and technological innovation－will conduct in-depth exchanges and contribute their wisdom to global innovation in science and technology and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

The forum, under the theme of Intelligence, Health and Carbon Neutrality, runs from Friday through Tuesday.

Jia Jingdun, director of the Torch High Technology Industry Development Center under the Ministry of Science and Technology, noted that this year's forum was hosted at a much higher level, and its representatives have focused on cutting-edge technological breakthroughs.

He said that the forum is an opportunity to take opening-up to a higher level, and the partnerships and exchange mechanisms forged at the event will have a much deeper influence in the future.

Pan Jiaofeng, dean of the Institutes of Science and Development at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said it's important to bring together global resources and gather wisdom.

"In the forum, scientists could apply more open methods to give full play to the advantages of professional think tanks and conduct research on future technology industry models, which will play a supporting role in decision-making on future industry development strategies," he said.