China’s Xi calls for conquering tech and reform challenges as People’s Republic turns 75
President Xi Jinping makes rallying call while awarding state honours to leaders in space, science and military to mark founding anniversary
Chinese President Xi Jinping has issued a rallying call to overcome challenges in reforms and technology, urging the country to learn from heroes and role models as he awarded state medals and honorary titles on Sunday as part of celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China this week.
Three others were also awarded the Medal of the Republic: Wang Zhenyi, a pathophysiologist renowned for breakthroughs in the treatment of leukaemia, Li Zhensheng, a geneticist specialising in wheat breeding, and war hero Huang Zongde – who fought in the Chinese civil war and the Korean war.
The science honours come as China spearheads technological advancement to power economic growth and gain an edge in its tech rivalry with the United States.
“The whole nation should take role models as examples, unite and forge ahead, and gather a mighty force to jointly promote the great cause of a strong country,” Xi told Chinese and foreign dignitaries gathered at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
“We should create extraordinary achievements in ordinary positions and continuously make progress in solving development challenges, overcoming reform difficulties, and maintaining social harmony and stability.”
