Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has highlighted the important role played by scientific progress and innovation in better promoting China's socialist modernization.

He called for unswervingly advocating and implementing a scientific view of development and the strategy of developing the nation by science and education.

Hu, who is also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks at a panel discussion held by the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on Monday.

In his speech, Hu reiterated that the science and technology are the first productivity and a major driving force behind the economic and social development. China should take a road of scientific innovation with its own characteristics, Hu stressed.

At the panel discussion, Sun Honglie, a researcher from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Professor Wan Gang, with the Tongji University, gave lectures on the topic.