Vice-Premier Li Lanqing emphasized the need for educational innovation in higher education during an inspection tour of four Beijing-based universities on Monday.
Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, noted that President Jiang Zemin spoke at length about the importance of educational innovation in his September speech on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the founding of Beijing Normal University. President Jiang's speech clearly defined the future orientation of China’s higher education.
Li said more complete reforms must be undertaken in order to strengthen China's higher education. He urged higher education institutions to continue their efforts to improve the quality of higher education and to create an environment conducive to the cultivation of creative talents and achievements.
Li also called for further exchange and cooperation between Chinese universities and also between Chinese universities and universities abroad.
(Xinhua News Agency October 21, 2002)
