Chinese State Councilor Chen Zhili called on the whole society to step up its efforts to create a favorable environment for innovation.

Chen made the appeal at the opening ceremony of China's sixth National Science Week on Sunday.

"We should advocate the spirit of science, which is a powerful driving force for building an innovation-oriented country," Chen said.

Chen also called for more activities on popular science so that common Chinese citizens will support innovation.

This year's theme for science week is to "join hands in building an innovation-oriented country". More than 1,000 scientific activities will be carried out around the country.

Source: Xinhua