Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan has urged oceanographers to persevere in advancing marine science and technology by showing more innovation, speaking at a national conference on Marine Science and Technology on Monday.

Zeng said frontier technology in key areas had to be mastered and breakthroughs were essential in the exploration of marine resources, environmental protection, engineering equipment, and fundamental ocean sciences.

Jointly held by the State Oceanic Administration, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Commission of Science Technology and Industry for National Defense, the conference aims to install a five-year plan for the country's marine sci-tech development and to be a forum for future innovation.

(Xinhua News Agency September 5, 2006)