Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission, called on military scientists on Wednesday to conduct high-quality studies and provide strong support for fulfilling the goal of strengthening the military in the new era.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and president, made the remarks while visiting the People's Liberation Army Academy of Military Science in Beijing. The academy, established in 1958 and headed by Lieutenant General Yang Xuejun, is the largest and highest-level research institute of the PLA.

Military science is a key force in guiding military practices and reforms, Xi said. China needs to speed up its development in modern military sciences, and build high-quality research institutions.

During his visit to the academy's military medical institute, Xi said he was pleased to know it had produced many world-leading achievements, and he urged scientists to continue to work hard.

Xi pays great attention to talented researchers. He said academicians from the Chinese academies of sciences and of engineering working at the military academy are "a valuable treasure for the Party and PLA".

Xi urged attracting talent in new, unconventional ways and creation of highly capable military researchers.