Vice-Premier Liu Yandong issued a four-point proposal on Monday to reform China's higher education system during a visit to Chicago.

Addressing 22 university presidents from China and the United States, Liu said, "To realize the 'Chinese dream', talent and education are fundamental."

Liu said China should reform how talent is identified and trained to improve the development of skills and to expand scientific research, social services and innovation.

She said the country also needs to support higher education in the less-developed central and western regions and improve the national financial aid system for China's poverty-stricken population.

Thirdly, China should effectively utilize its labor force by placing people with different specialized talents in the right sectors and in the right regions, Liu said. To achieve this, the country needs to develop universities to enhance their ability to serve economic and social development, she added.

Lastly, Liu said, China should build a modern university system by streamlining administration and delegating power to lower levels. The country will encourage universities to operate autonomously and practice democratic management.

Chicago is the first leg of Liu's visit to the US. She and US Secretary of State John Kerry will co-chair the fourth China-US High-Level Consultation on People-to-People Exchange this week. China and the US launched the consultation in 2010. Under the joint cooperation, the two countries have made achievements in the areas of education, science and technology, culture, sports, women's rights and the development of youth.

Xinhua