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Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and also a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, delivers a speech at a meeting held to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) in Beijing, capital of China, May 30, 2018. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

BEIJING, May 30 (Xinhua) -- A senior Party official on Wednesday urged scientists to study Xi Jinping's latest instructions on innovation in science and technology and work to develop China into a world leader in this area.

It is vital to understand the important instructions made by Xi, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and willingly and firmly carry them out, said Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, at a meeting to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST).

Xi delivered a key speech at the opening of the 19th Meeting of the Academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the 14th Meeting of the Academicians of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) Monday.

Scientists should have a stronger sense of responsibility and urgency, make progress in cutting-edge research areas, better serve economic and social development, enhance international cooperation, and further build the country's strength in science and technology, Wang said.

He also asked the CAST to better lead and serve scientists.