Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang Tuesday urged scientists to push forward polar and oceanic exploration to serve the country's modernization drive and benefit the human society as well.

Li made the remarks after meeting with members of China's 25th Chinese Antarctic expedition team, the 20th oceanic expedition, and scientists working in the country's Antarctic and Arctic stations via telephone.

Li first conveyed greetings to the scientists on behalf of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council for conducting research despite all kinds of difficulties away from their homeland and families, and inquired about their health and lives.

He said the oceans had become an important source of natural resources, and would play an important role in China's modernization.

Polar and oceanic researches were of great importance to tackle global climate changes, maintain a sustainable development, and exploit and protect the oceanic resources, thus benefiting the human society, Li said.

He urged the scientists to deepen their researches while expanding international cooperation.

Authorities must make full use of the achievements made in the explorations, create good working conditions for the scientists and take good care of the lives of the scientists and their families, he demanded.

(Xinhua News Agency January 21, 2009)