Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a stronger focus on the country's major strategic needs, urging new contributions to building China's strength in education, science and technology, and talent development.

In a reply letter to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Southwest Jiaotong University and Beijing Jiaotong University, Xi noted that the four universities are connected by their shared roots, and are jointly celebrating their 130th founding anniversaries this year. He also extended congratulations to faculties, students and alumni. CGTN spoke with faculty representatives from the four universities about President Xi's letter.