By Yew Lun Tian

BEIJING (Reuters) – President Xi Jinping wants to increase the talent pool of scientists and intellectuals in China who have the “correct political inclination” and are imbued with patriotic feelings to serve their nation, state news agency Xinhua said on Tuesday.

China is the second largest economy in the world and aims to increase its investment in research-and-development by 2025, and to foster domestic talent by 2030. Xinhua quoted comments from Xi during a two day conference in Beijing.

China’s priority is to encourage intellectual talent especially in sciences. The United States has been closing down its doors to Chinese students, scholars, and researchers studying sensitive topics, and limiting the technology export to its strategic partner.

Xi was quoted by Xinhua as saying that he had confidence and determination in nurturing his talent in the country during the two day gathering in Beijing to develop manpower.

Xi said, “We must insist on correct political inclination and continuously improve intellectuals’ work, inspire talented people with a deep patriotism to forge ahead, serve the country …,”.”

Xi, who was elected president of China in 2013, has reaffirmed the supremacy of China’s Communist Party in every area of Chinese life. He also took a stronger position on the international stage and clashed with America on a variety of issues, including Asian security, trade and human rights in China.

Washington has accused Chinese authorities for intellectual piracy and stealing American ideas since the 1970s, which Beijing strongly denies.

Tuesday’s quote by Xi stated that China hoped to be the leader in “strategic science” by 2034.

The Chinese state media define “strategic scientists” as research areas that will benefit the country’s national long-term interest.