BEIJING - Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Monday urged boosting innovation-powered development in order to make China an economic heavyweight.

Xi made the remarks while participating in a panel discussion with political advisors from the science and technology sector at the ongoing annual session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, the country's top political advisory body.

Xi said implementing a strategy of innovation-driven development will be fundamental in accelerating the transformation of China's growth pattern, solving deep-rooted problems concerning economic development and enhancing economic vitality.

Xi said Chinese people should strengthen confidence in innovation and reform the ways in which research and development systems are managed.

Yu Zhengsheng, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, also participated in the discussion.