The third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has set the stage for a new era of scientific and technological advancement in the country. According to the official communique released on July 18, China is poised for a technological revolution and a modern industrial transformation that will redefine its position on the global stage.
Central to China's strategy is the emphasis on education, science and technology, and talent as foundational pillars for modernization. The communique highlights that without strong Party support and substantial investments, achieving high-quality development and modernization goals would be unfeasible. This strategic focus underscores the critical role that scientific and technological progress plays in shaping China's future.
China's commitment to research and development (R&D) is evident in the impressive statistics released. In 2023, total R&D spending reached a staggering 3.33 trillion yuan (approximately $455 billion), marking a 280 percent increase over the past decade. Investments in high-tech industries surged by 10.3 percent compared to the previous year, reflecting an accelerated pace in embracing modern technologies.
The global influence of Chinese scientific research continues to expand. In 2022, Chinese scientists published 360,000 articles in peer-reviewed international journals, earning 649,600 citations and ranking first worldwide. The nation's prowess in intellectual property is also on the rise, with 921,000 invention patents issued in 2023 alone, bringing the total to 4.99 million valid patents.
China's digital economy is another area of rapid growth, reaching 50.2 trillion yuan in 2022 with a year-on-year growth rate of 10.3 percent. These figures not only highlight China's dynamic investment in R&D and technology but also its commitment to fostering an environment where innovation can thrive, driving the country's modernization and economic transformation forward.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
