CHINA plans to strengthen its protection and research of cultural relics with science-and-technology-led innovation over the next five years, Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism Li Qun said Wednesday.

China’s State Council recently approved guidelines on cultural relic protection and technological innovation during the nation’s 14th Five-Year Plan, a blueprint for economic and social development formulated for 2021-2025.

Speaking at a news conference, Li, who also heads China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA), said the government plans to build a longterm mechanism for securing the safety of relics, and balance protection and development.

The State Council guidance has, for the first time, incorporated technological applications into the conservation and research of cultural relics. According to the plan, the country will increase the number of research officers by 25 percent by 2025. (Xinhua)