Chinese State Councilor Chen Zhili on Tuesday called for more resources and staff for research in fundamental areas so as to enhance China's innovative capability.

"Research in basic areas lays the foundation for technological innovation and application, and the National Natural Science Foundation serves as the main channel to support such research," said Chen during a visit to the foundation.

Mostly government-funded, the foundation is the official body responsible for allocating research money to organizations and individual applicants for critical research areas of natural science.

Last month China's State Council approved the Regulations on National Natural Science Foundation to discourage fraud and ensure funds are properly spent.

With the implementation of the regulations, Chen said, China would continue to create a favorable environment for scientists to concentrate on basic research.

The government will earmark 4.3 billion yuan for the foundation this year, up 20 percent from 2006.

(Xinhua News Agency March 28, 2007)