Photo: CFP

 
China will accelerate the construction of world-class universities and advantageous disciplines with Chinese characteristics, Chinese Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng told a press conference on Friday, following a key Party meeting.

The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) adopted a resolution on further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization at its third plenary session held in Beijing from Monday to Thursday.

In supporting all-around innovation, the Party will deepen comprehensive reform in education, structural scientific and technological reform, and institutional reforms for talent development, according to a readout.

Huai said China will optimize the layout of higher education and accelerate the building of a world-class talent center and innovation hub.

This includes promoting reforms in universities based on different categories, guiding different types of universities to shape and leverage their strengths in various fields to make technological breakthroughs in key areas, Huai said.

China will also adjust and prioritize university disciplines to align with the country's most urgent needs, national strategies, and technology development trends, Huai said.

Additionally, efforts will be made to strengthen young technology talents and support a group of young university teachers with strong patriotism and outstanding innovative abilities to challenge the unknown field of technology. China will also continue to promote the two-way flow of talent between universities and enterprises, and support the development of new productive forces, Huai said.

China has achieved significant milestones in higher education, with a population of 250 million people receiving higher education. The country has built the world's largest education system, with levels of education reaching or surpassing those of middle to high-income countries. The gross enrollment rate in higher education has exceeded 60 percent.

China also has the highest number of research and development personnel in the world. The country ranks second globally in terms of total expenditure on research and development, with a strong emphasis on basic research and innovation. 

Global Times