Scientists honored top National Award

Two Chinese scientists, physicist Xie Jialin and architect Wu Liangyong, won China's top science award Tuesday morning.

The two scientists, both members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, were each conferred the State Top Scientific and Technological Award and a bonus of five million yuan (794,900 U.S.dollars) at a ceremony held in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

The ceremony was attended by state leaders, including President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao, as well as senior leaders Li Changchun and Li Keqiang.

China has given the annual award to elite scientists and researchers for twelve consecutive years since 2000.