China establishes advanced science research centers

China has begun establishing five innovation centers that will unite the country's leading talents for research in advanced science and technology fields, according to the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The five centers focus on the fields of quantum information and technology, Tibet plateau and Earth system science, particle physics, brain science and thorium molten salt reactors, CAS president Bai Chunli said Thursday at a meeting. With CAS-endowed autonomy in research and management as well as independent evaluations from global experts, the five centers will unite China's top scientists and represent the country's most advanced progress in these fields, according to Bai. Bai said they hope to build the five centers into world-class research centers with their own characteristics and significant international impact. According to Bai, these centers aim to shoulder major science and technology missions, achieve innovations in various fields, and unite and offer steady support for leading talents. The Chinese government has repeatedly stressed innovation in various science fields and industries as the key fuel for the country's development. While meeting space scientists and engineers behind the successful Chang'e-3 lunar probe mission earlier this week, President Xi Jinping urged deepening reform and innovation in science and technology to enhance national strength.