Chinese Vice Premier Huang Ju met Wednesday with physicists from across the world who are attending events in Beijing marking the World Year of Physics 2005, the theme of which is to commemorate Einstein.

The physicists include Chen Ning Yang and Tsung Dao Lee, two eminent Chinese American physicists who are known worldwide Nobel Prize winners.

Huang said the theory of special relativity, written a century ago by Einstein at age 26, created a basis for the development of science and technology for subsequent generations.

"The reason we commemorate Einstein is not only to remember his great attainments, but to arouse creativity and enthusiasm for science among the young people," said Huang when addressing the physicists.

China, he said, must embrace innovation if it is to develop its science and technological sectors, which are playing an increasingly critical role in strengthening the economy.

"I believe our physicists will contribute more to improving China's capacity to innovate in the future," he said.

Huang said he hopes that great scientists, like Einstein, will emerge among the Chinese in the near future.

Chen Zhili, Chinese state councilor; Xu Kuangdi, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference; and Zhou Guangzhao, president of the China Association for Science and Technology, were, among others, present at the meeting.

The World Year of Physics 2005 is a United Nations-endorsed worldwide celebration of physics created by the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics.