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BEIJING, May 26-- Science fiction carries an important mission of revving up the scientific spirit and interest in China, a senior official with the China Association of Science and Technology (CAST) has said. Speaking at the just-concluded Another Planet Science Fiction Convention, Bai Xi, head of the CAST's department of science popularization, praised Hugo Award winner Liu Cixin and other Chinese writers for setting off a sci-fi fever that is inspiring the nation's youth. Bai highlighted the important role of sci-fi in popularizing science, especially as China strives to become an innovative country. "Science fiction is entrusted with promoting the scientific spirit and thinking in society," he said in a speech to sci-fi writers and fans attending the event in Beijing. The official said only 16.1 percent of Chinese children wish to become scientists when they grow up, citing a People's Daily survey, a figure he said was even lower than the 22 percent in 1978. China has set the goals of pushing the scientific literacy rate from 8.47 percent in 2018 to 10 percent by 2020, and to reach an advanced level globally by 2035, and a leading position by 2050, according to Bai. "To complete this challenging task, we can't just rely on those specializing in science popularization. We are inviting writers, artists and even the 91 million science and technology practitioners to join this cause," Bai said. | 
