BEIJING -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has encouraged workers from an assembly factory of aero engines to promote the ethos of model workers and high standards of craftsmanship, and contribute to the country's realization of greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology.

Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a letter replying to eight representatives of staff and workers from the assembly factory affiliated with Aero Engine Corporation of China.

China has made substantial advances in the field of aero engines, exploring a new path of independent innovation and development in recent years, Xi noted in the replying letter, saying that receiving the letter reminded him of the moments when talking with the workers at their workshop 10 years ago.

Stressing that the aero engine is an important manifestation of a country's scientific and technological strength and capacity for innovation, Xi urged them to strive for breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields and accelerate the pace of independent research in this regard.

In their letter to Xi, the eight representatives reported the achievements made in technological innovation and the development of aero engines in the past decade, expressing their determination to contribute to building China into a leading country in aviation.