BEIJING, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Tuesday hailed China's latest achievements in space exploration and stressed the importance of scientific innovation in the field.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks while meeting astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong and others involved in research and testing for the Tiangong-2 and Shenzhou-11 space missions.

"The universe is vast and exploration of it will never end," Xi said, as he talked with Jing and Chen about their work and health, expressing his appreciation of their endeavors.

"I heard that you celebrated your birthday in orbit, and have been to space three times. Moreover, it's a General who has done this. I hope you continue your good work," Xi told Jing.

"You appear in good spirits, how is your health now?" Xi asked.

"It is the 32nd day since we returned to Earth. Our physical indicators are very good, and we are able to play basketball now," Jing answered.

Noting that China is implementing an innovation-driven development strategy, Xi said the strategy matters to China's future.

Space is an important field of progress and innovation, Xi said, adding that achievements in this regard are also important symbols of a country's scientific and technological strength.

"The success China has achieved in space science has greatly encouraged Chinese people's confidence in innovation," he said.

【国内英语资讯:Xi meets Shenzhou-11 astronauts】相关文章：

★ 巴克莱纳普：2013年美股将先抑后扬

★ 让骨髓活检不再痛苦的发明

★ 商学院寻求扩大政治视野

★ 米塔尔与法国政府举行紧急磋商

★ 双语阅读：Old Testament

★ 中国汽车销售逆势高增长

★ 资讯人物：华尔街的“不倒翁”

★ 现代人压力过大 睡梦中发短信电邮（双语）

★ 泰国反政府集会凸显总理英拉面临的挑战

★ 德意志银行率先出台严厉奖酬规则