Xu described as a sacred mission the tasks of increasing awareness in society, accurately grasping public demand for the sciences, disseminating scientific knowledge to the public and enhancing the scientific spirit of society.

Popular science is an important component of sci-tech work, Xu noted, saying that "we should attach importance to spreading advanced culture and promoting the development of mankind in order to reach the goal of 'rejuvenating the nation with the use of science and technology'."

Xu also said sci-tech popularization and scientific creation are two basic embodies of scientific progress and two wings of the bulk of science and technology. Thus, scientific development must be carried out in accordance with the principles of "creation" and "popularization." The Ministry of Science and Technology would take measures to closely link scientific creation and popularization, Xu said.

Meanwhile, the scientific writing and publishing courses have become prosperous, he noted. Each year, the published scientific reading materials can reach to the 7000-8000 types each year, Xu said.

(Xinhua News Agency December 19, 2002)