The Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Finance jointly issued a circular on the support of key national labs just during the annual sessions of lawmakers and political advisors.

"The circular allows scientists with the key labs to do research according to their own will," the minister said.

So far some regional innovation systems with their own characteristics have been established and have contributed to such major projects as those for renovation of machine building in northeast China, the first phase of the lunar exploration project, the Three Gorges project and the Qinghai-Tibet railway, he disclosed.

(Xinhua News Agency March 13, 2008)