Senior Chinese leader Jia Qinglin has urged the country's aerospace science workers to strive for more breakthroughs in core technologies by taking an independent innovative approach.

Jia, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks Friday while inspecting the China Aerospace Science & Industry Corp. (CASIC).

"Promoting world peace and safeguarding the country's sovereignty, security and interests demand a strong economic and national defense foundation. As a military industry group, the CASIC... plays an irreplaceable role in doing that for our country," Jia said.

After hearing a report on the company's reform and development course, Jia hailed its long-term achievements on major science and technology projects.

Jia, also chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, urged the CASIC to accelerate the country's industrial transformation and upgrade and make more efforts to boost strategic emerging industries.

In addition, Jia called for improved management systems to foster more talents as the foundation for boosting the country's aerospace science and technology sectors.