The Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) announced Thursday the top 25 engineering achievements of Chinese scientists, technology specialists and engineers in the 20th century.

The 25 achievements are involved in the technologies of the atom bomb, hydrogen bomb and man-made satellite; informatization of Chinese characters and the printing revolution; oil development;agricultural production; prevention of infectious diseases; electrification; harnessing and development of big rivers; railwayconstruction; ship building; iron and steel production; family planning; telecommunications; geological exploration and exploitation; stockbreeding and aquiculture; radio and television broadcasting; computer science; road construction; mechanization; aviation; the inorganic chemical industry; surgical diagnosis and treatment; exploitation and application of rare metals and advanced materials; urbanization; the textiles and light industry;and coal mining.

At the request of the CAE, scientific and technological societies, ministerial departments, enterprises and academicians from the CAE as well as the Chinese Academy of Sciences recommended candidates for the selection.

Song Jian, CAE president, said that the Chinese technologists and engineers have made great contributions to the country's technological upgrading. They helped the country to construct a comprehensive and self-sufficient modern industrial system.

In the 21st century, China needs more and more talented peopleworking in technological and engineering sciences, Song said. The purpose of selecting and publicizing the great engineering achievements is to encourage more young people to work in the fields.

Most of the engineering goals have been achieved since the nation's adoption of the reform and opening-up policy.

(People’s Daily December 20, 2001)