Chinese scientists are committed to producing technological breakthroughs in pressurizer nuclear plants, new-type rockets and large transport planes to meet the needs of national economic development.

These civilian hi-tech fronts will get reinforcements from the country's defense industry, which has been seeking to shift its technology to civilian uses.

This was revealed at a two-day national defense science and technology industry convention, which closes today in Beijing.

To satisfy the country's mounting demand for electricity, scientists are working on the key technologies with regard to pressurized water reactor nuclear plants. Such nuclear plants, together with others being built or in operation, will contribute up to 5 percent of the entire electricity generation capacity by 2010, said spokesman Wu Weiren.

Chinese scientists are also developing a new family of carrier rockets, powered by liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen and refined kerosene, which produces powerful propulsion and leaves no pollution or poison, according to the meeting sources.

Wu did not specify a timetable for both the nuclear and rocket projects.

But he said China welcomes international cooperation in a series of key hi-tech projects, including the development of plane engines and advanced shipbuilding expertise.

(China Daily December 10, 2003)