China will map out a medium- and long-term plan on the development of science and technology.

Speaking at a meeting of the State Council on Aug. 20, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao put forward guidelines on the drafting of the plan:

-- development of science and technology should serve China's modernization drive, the all-round, coordinated and sustainable economic and social development, and the development of new-type industrialization.

-- identifying priorities.

-- making enterprises the main entity in technological innovation.

-- creating a sound environment for the work of scientists. China will employ outstanding scientific and technological personnel from around the world.

-- making use of international resources as much as possible.

Wen called on the whole society to seize the opportunities to push forward China's scientific and technological development.

(Xinhua News Agency August 24, 2004)