Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for a stronger focus on the country's major strategic needs, urging new contributions to building China's strength in education, science and technology, and talent development.

In a reply letter to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Southwest Jiaotong University and Beijing Jiaotong University, Xi noted that the four universities are connected by their shared roots, and are jointly celebrating their 130th founding anniversaries this year. He also extended congratulations to faculties, students and alumni.

CGTN spoke with faculty representatives from the four universities about the President's letter.

LI YONGBING Director, Institute of Thin-walled Structures Manufacturing Shanghai Jiao Tong University "President Xi's reply letter has pointed the way forward for our research endeavors. In the future, our institute will focus on the development needs of high-end equipment – such as lightweight design, high-speed operation, and heavy-load capacity – striving to develop disruptive technologies and resolve more critical bottlenecks. We are committed to accelerating the construction of a technological and manufacturing powerhouse, and to supporting high-level self-reliance and strength in science and technology."

Original link: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-04-08/VHJhbnNjcmlwdDkwMDQy/index.html