Liu Zheng, a senior engineer with China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, said on Saturday that innovation and self-reliance are key to the success of the nation's space industry.

"From following others to taking the lead, some of China's space technological innovations have entered uncharted territory. With no ready path to follow, only independent innovation can secure the initiative in international competition in the new space era," Liu said at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing before attending a plenary meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Liu is a member of the CPPCC National Committee, the country's top political advisory body.

"In recent years, we have stepped up efforts in independent innovation and continued striving for key technological breakthroughs," he said. "Led by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, we have pooled strengths from domestic universities, machine tool manufacturers and other institutions to jointly develop new techniques and equipment.

"We have successfully developed China's first special compound processing machine tool for rocket barrel sections, equipped with China's own numerical control system. This has doubled the efficiency and precision of rocket barrel section processing, while placing core technologies firmly in our own hands," he said.

Looking ahead, Liu said he will continue working with colleagues to focus on core technologies related to reusable space vehicles and intelligent manufacturing, and will uphold the spirit of innovation to contribute to making China a space power.