Chinese President Xi Jinping commended the Science and Technology Daily for its four decades of contributions to advancing scientific discourse in a congratulatory letter marking the newspaper's 40th anniversary on January 1, 2026. Founded in 1986, the publication has become a cornerstone of China's science communication ecosystem.
In his letter, Xi emphasized the paper's role in "disseminating cutting-edge scientific knowledge and fostering a powerful spiritual force for innovation." He urged the outlet to continue supporting national strategies, including the development of "new productive forces" and breakthroughs in core technologies, to bolster China's global competitiveness.
The anniversary comes as China intensifies efforts to achieve tech self-reliance, with R&D spending reaching 3.2% of GDP in 2025. Analysts note the Science and Technology Daily serves as both a policy compass for researchers and a window into China's innovation landscape for international observers.
With over 500,000 daily subscribers and partnerships with 43 academic institutions, the newspaper remains a key platform for translating complex scientific developments into accessible reporting. Its recent special series on quantum computing applications drew attention from global tech leaders and APEC member economies alike.
