Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called for greater efforts and concrete measures to strengthen basic research, enhance the capability of original innovation and consolidate the foundation for building China's strong scientific and technological power.

Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during a symposium on strengthening basic research in Shanghai.

He stressed that basic research is the beginning of the entire scientific system and a key element for solving all technological problems. He also pointed out that the new wave of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is accelerating and global competition is increasingly focused on frontier areas of basic research.

In his view, it is necessary to seize opportunities, face challenges and prioritise basic research in the long term in order to achieve continuous results.

Xi Jinping called for strengthening overall planning and strategic design in basic research, for clearer definition of priorities and key areas, and for strengthening the role of national research institutions and top universities. He also stressed the promotion of new forms of research and development institutions.

In his view, deeper integration of industry, academia, research and business-led applications is also important to streamline the innovation chain from basic research to commercialisation.

He also highlighted the development of basic and applied sciences and their coordination, as well as the link between education, science, technology and talent.

Xi Jinping stressed the need to systematically build scientific capacity, expand basic research funding and create a multi-source investment system.

He also called for the development of large scientific infrastructures, intelligent research platforms and the introduction of evaluation systems appropriate to the specificities of basic research.

He said it was also necessary to improve the working and living conditions of scientists, promote an open and tolerant innovation environment and strengthen scientific integrity.

Finally, he stressed the importance of international cooperation in basic research and China's involvement in global innovation networks, including jointly tackling issues such as climate change, energy, environment and health.

CMG