World's stargazers cluster in Beijing for conference_美文

World's stargazers cluster in Beijing for conference

"Science goes beyond national borders," Xi said, calling for more pragmatic international cooperation to develop the science and technology field.

Astronomers from around the world will discuss the most recent discoveries about the universe at the IAU meeting.

"The contributions of Chinese astronomy to human knowledge and our understanding of the cosmos have been of historical significance, from the earliest to modern times," said IAU President Robert Williams.

"The participants will have an opportunity to experience the wide range of astronomical activities now taking place in China that include new projects, facilities, and institutes, " Williams said.

The International Congress of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics began a day earlier than the IAU conference and will continue until Friday in Beijing.

The event has attracted 1,500 industry representatives from 66 countries, Xinhua News Agency reported.

"The congress is a milestone for China's development in the field," Hu Haiyan, president of the Chinese Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, the chief sponsor of the congress, told Xinhua.

China has made constant advancements in terms of the quality of mechanical research in recent years, using the breakthroughs to boost economic development, Hu said. He cited the role of mechanical engineers in ensuring the success of the Three Gorges project, as well as the country's manned space missions and lunar exploration program.