Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong has called on Chinese scientists to be more open to cooperation in science and technology.
Liu made the remarks during an inspection tour in southwest China's Guizhou Province which took her to the 500-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST), which was officially put into use Sunday. She also inspected Guizhou's big data industries and local vocational education institutions.
FAST is the world's largest and most sensitive radio telescope.
Work on the project started in 2011. The main structure -- a 4,450-panel reflector as large as 30 football pitches -- was finished early July.
Liu said the installation of any large scientific device is only "the beginning." As the goal is "to bring the device into full play."
She urged scientists to explore high-level international cooperation, and strive for "original results" in the fields of astronomy and space.
Authorities should also promote institutional innovation to improve the way talent is used and appraised, Liu said.
