Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. The NPC, China's national legislature, held a press conference on Monday, one day ahead of the opening of its annual session. [Photo by Zheng Liang/China.org.cn]

China believes that open cooperation is the right direction in exploring the frontier of science and advancing scientific development, a spokesperson said on Monday.

Addressing a press conference held ahead of the opening of the annual "two sessions" scheduled for March 5, Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), warned that attempts at decoupling or severing supply chains and building "small yards and high fences" would only impede scientific and technological advances globally, undermining global industrial development and widening the development gap.

Lou cited the example of China's BeiDou Satellite Navigation System to emphasize the importance of self-reliance in technological advancement. Despite initial setbacks in international cooperation, China successfully developed a world-class navigation system through decades of persistent efforts. This underscores that with determination and dedication, no obstacle is insurmountable.

"For any known technology, no one can put a stranglehold on us," the spokesperson said. "It's just a matter of time before we develop it."

He stressed that by building strength in science and technology, China is not attempting to conduct research behind closed doors. Instead, it is committed to global innovation, collaboration and actively participating in global partnership. 

"We aim to collaborate with all countries to advance basic research, utilize research results, and cultivate new drivers of economic growth to promote the well-being of humanity," he said.

The NPC and its Standing Committee have actively supported scientific and technological development by enacted three laws: the Law on the Progress of Science and Technology, the Law on Promoting the Utilization of Scientific and Technological Achievements, and the Law on Popularizing Science and Technology.

In 2023, the NPC Standing Committee carried out law enforcement inspections of the Law on the Progress of Science and Technology, the spokesperson said.

Looking forward the future, Lou affirmed the NPC's commitment to promoting legal frameworks for scientific and technological advancement. "We will make more legislative efforts in future innovation, particularly in addressing important ethical, moral, and security issues in frontier areas such as artificial intelligence and other technologies," Lou said.

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