China used to manufacture simple goods with its cheap labor, but today it has increased the technical contents of these products, he said.

Berger noted a large number of core technologies are still under the control of Western countries, and in this regard China should take advantage of technological advances to change its mode of economic growth.

The 17th national congress of the Communist Party of China in October, 2007 set the goal of building an innovative nation, indicating a new mode of development for China, he said.

The Chinese leadership has realized the country has to narrow down the gap with the West in many key areas of science and technology so as to ensure a smooth economic and social transition in this century, he added.

On cooperation between Russia and China in science and technology, Berger said the two countries have great potential in this regard and scientists of both countries have interest in bilateral cooperation.

The two sides are carrying out fruitful cooperation in such areas as aviation, energy, environmental protection, gene engineering, biological medicine and energy conservation, which will further expand the basis of cooperation, he said.

China also maintains cooperation with many other countries and such interaction facilitates the advancement of science and technology in the world, he said.

Editor:Zheng Limin