A research team led by Wan Gang, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), visited Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region from July 29 to Aug 1 to conduct survey on promoting the construction of the Sichuan-Tibet Railway through strengthening independent scientific and technological innovation.

The team from the Committee on Education, Science, Health and Sports of the CPPCC National Committee paid visits to construction sites and research institutions, and held meetings to learn about the project's progress.

Wan pointed out that the railway, which is of great significance, not only poses huge challenges to China's sci-tech capabilities and overall national strength, but also demonstrates the country's rapid sci-tech development and deep technological accumulation.

He said the project will play an important role in enhancing ethnic solidarity, safeguarding national unity and consolidating stability in border areas. It will also expedite the region's social and economic development and demonstrate the Chinese socialist system's advantage of concentrating resources to accomplish large undertakings, said Wan.

It's necessary to build the railway in an eco-friendly, innovative and scientific way, and encourage leading organizations in Sichuan province and Tibet to join forces in order to stimulate the collaborative innovation of industries, universities and research institutes, Wan said.