What they say

China will continue its rigorous research into COVID-19 and other major infectious diseases to better protect the long-term health and safety of the people. We cannot forget the pain after the wound has healed. It is important to establish a mechanism to support and sustain long-term research into diseases with epidemic potential, so that when the next epidemic comes, China will be better prepared. This will also require China to bolster its basic research on core technologies. Wang Zhigang, minister of science and technology

China should continue to reform its education evaluation system and reduce the competitiveness at schools to promote students’ psychological health. More efforts are needed to promote personalized development, strengthen group cooperation, and guide students to love themselves and appreciate others. Authorities should also regulate online content for underage students, promote research and development of mobile devices for youngsters, and limit the time they spend online. Tao Kaiyuan, CPPCC National Committee member, vice-president of the Supreme People’s Court

We should build a new pattern of land and space development by scientifically compiling territorial and spatial plans and optimizing the distribution of land used for production, living and environmental benefits. We need to promote the economical and efficient use of land by deepening the reform of the land supply system and strictly controlling nonagricultural construction on high-value farmland. Cao Weixing, CPPCC National Committee member, vice-chairman of Central Committee of the China Democratic League

My effort and training won me an award at the 43rd WorldSkills competition, reinforcing my recognition of craftsmanship. Now I have new understanding of the craft, which encourages me to bravely accept challenges and pursue perfection with patience. What I want to say to my peers is to love whatever job you’ve taken up and grow to be a fine craftsman to contribute to realizing the Chinese dream. Zou Bin, NPC deputy, project quality manager from the China Construction Fifth Engineering Bureau

Thanks to the persistent efforts in environmental protection along the Yellow River, the city I’m living in has witnessed tremendous change in the past decades. I used to be a sanitation worker and have spent a lot of time finding new ways to save water. My suggestion to the NPC this year is to set up a Sanitation Workers’ Day, encouraging the whole of society to care more about the group. Zhang Jinhai, NPC deputy, chief mechanic at Dongying City Wetland Construction Center in Dongying, Shandong province

Efforts to amend and upgrade laws on intellectual property rights in recent years have provided stronger legal support for IP owners and encouraged innovation of enterprises. Due to years of intensified legislative work, a legal system for IPR protection has been established in our country. As an NPC deputy, I’m proud that I witnessed the IPR-related legislation, and it was also my honor to participate in some legislative activities. Ma Yide, NPC deputy, professor from School of Public Policy and Management at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences

2010: The State Council, China’s Cabinet, issues a decision on accelerating the fostering and development of strategic emerging industries. It also proposes plans to nurture and promote the development of such industries. 2012: The Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council issue opinions on deepening the reform of science and technology, and speeding up the building of a national innovation system. January 2015: The State Council issues an opinion on promoting cloudcomputing innovation and the information technology industry. May 2015: The State Council issues a guideline on pressing ahead with international cooperation on both production capacity and equipment manufacturing. September 2015: The State Council publishes a notice on the implementation of an action plan to promote big data development. 2017: The State Council issues a guideline on developing artificial intelligence, setting the goal of becoming a global innovation center in the field by 2030. 2018: President Xi Jinping calls for efforts to develop China into a world leader in science and technology. As China strives for prosperity and rejuvenation, it needs to devote great energy to promoting science and technology, Xi says at the opening of the 19th meeting of the Academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the 14th meeting of the Academicians of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. 2019: The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology rolls out commercial 5G licenses, a crucial step in the technology’s commercial use. August 2020: The State Council issues a circular to further optimize the development of the integrated circuit and software industries. October 2020: The fifth plenary session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China issues a communique saying the country will focus on building a modern industrial system and boosting its industrial upgrading under the dual circulation strategy over the next five years.