CPC chief Xi Jinping has been taking part in this year's CPPCC sessions, stressing the importance of innovation in making China an economic heavyweight.

The general secretary of the CPC Central Committee has made the suggestion during a panel discussion with the country's top political advisors from the science and technology sector.

"As the global competition in national strength is heating up, we should unswervingly go down the path of innovation with Chinese characteristics. We should strengthen confidence in innovation and reform the ways in which research and development systems are managed. We should also accelerate the building of a pool of scientific talents."

CPPCC member, Wang Guangqian with the Chinese Academy of Sciences says there needs to be a favorable environment to cultivate young minds.

"Young scientific talents should be given more recognition. Their current academic recognition is low and is being referred to as 'academic immigrant works.' We should make some changes to the status quo."

The panel discussions are part of the ongoing annual session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, which is the country's top political advisory body.

It will be making recommendations to the National People's Congress, which opens later today here in Beijing. (CRI)