China cements place in scientific elite

China will also raise the number of international exchanges and deepen cooperation in science, and make new contributions to tackling common challenges and facilitating progress worldwide, he said.

The country will also undertake a range of reforms to nurture and unleash the full potential of homegrown talent, attract high-quality foreign experts and improve research ethics and academic honesty, he added.

"We need greater courage, resolve and tenacity to overcome bottlenecks in science and development," Bai said.

"This will enable deeper integration between science and the economy, thus opening the path for China to transition into a stronger nation."