LONDON - Innovation is the "secret" behind China's decades of fast growth and will lead the way for future development, Chinese ambassador to Britain Liu Xiaoming said on Wednesday night.

China now "needs to move on with an even stronger will to innovate," the ambassador said in a speech to the teachers and students at Imperial College London.

He introduced China's plan on institutional innovation through economic, political and social reforms and its diplomatic innovation in further exploring the path towards peaceful development.

The ambassador put the focus on China's determination in scientific and cultural innovation, including its plan to invest more in developing frontier technologies in information, bioscience, material engineering and space, and building top-rate research institutes, high quality universities and globally competitive R&D centers.

Liu said China would build on its cultural heritage and absorb the best of other civilizations, in order to foster a new culture and a culture influence that "fits well with China's global profile."

In his speech, Liu quoted the motto of Imperial College London: 'Scientia imperii decus et tutamen' (knowledge is the adornment and protection of the empire).

Rector of Imperial College London Sir Keith O'Nions said China's open attitude to ideas, flow of people and innovation is "an extraordinarily welcomed message" to all nations.

"We are very proud that 10 percent of all the Imperial college students come from China. They are fabulously important part of our community," he added.