Shen Wenqing, director of the Shanghai branch of the Chinese Academy of Sciences: Jiang Zemin's report stressed the importance of the strategy of rejuvenating the nation by relying on science and education.

By putting science and education in a primary position in the development of the economy and society, our nation aims at enhancing its technological strength and improving people's scientific and technological levels.

Since the strategy was adopted, unprecedented achievements have been made in science and education in this country.

The strategy is the road we must take to build a "well-off" society. Science, technology and well-educated labourers are all essential to realizing the target for a well-off society that should be developed not only in terms of economy, but also in society and culture.

Therefore, the priority of education must be ensured. Measures should be taken to further the reform of the education system, modify the education structure and improve the management of education.

To take a new road to industrialization as Jiang pointed out in the report, we must give full play to the role of science and technology as the primary productive force.

We should enhance research in basic science and high technology, encourage technological creation and innovation and try to achieve development by strides in technologies.

Zhan Tao, president of Shandong University: To develop China's universities in an all-round and opening way raises high requirements and new challenges to their presidents.

In a bid to build a "well-off" society and push forward the great cause of rejuvenating the Chinese nation, universities in China must shoulder greater responsibilities. And both universities and their presidents are thus facing new requirements and challenges.

The president of a university should have a global vision and take an active part in cultural and academic exchanges between the West and East.

There is now a misunderstanding prevailing that the humanities are not important. But actually, studies in this field are essential. More attention should be attached to the study of practical social problems. A scholar should fulfil his responsibilities in both academic and social fields.

China needs professional presidents for its universities. Now, most university heads in China are involved heavily in both research and management work.

In developed countries, however, this post is usually held by professionals, who not only know about rules of academy and education, but also know how to manage a university.

It is difficult to require a president to be an outstanding scholar and at the same time an excellent manager.

Wang Shengjun, secretary-general of the Committee of Politics and Law under the CPC Central Committee: Jiang Zemin raises a higher requirement for our work in legal building when he talks about establishing a well-off society in his report.

As Jiang points out, we should improve grassroots democracy, maintain a sound social environment and make people live and work in peace.

A good social environment is of remarkable significance to realizing the target of building a well-off society.

Without a good social environment, it is impossible for us to expect a well-off society, which is advanced in the terms of economy, democracy, science and technology and culture.

To build a sound and stable social environment is also in line with the theory of the "Three Represents."

An important part of the social environment is the social order. Only after we crack down on crimes and maintain sound social and economic order, can we promote the development of the advanced productive forces effectively.

Only after we improve people's awareness of law and morality, can we stimulate the progress of advanced culture.

And only after we efficiently protect the security of people's lives and wealth, can we defend the fundamental interests of the overwhelming majority of the people.

(China Daily)

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