China’s recent Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has highlighted the nation’s strategic focus on accelerating scientific and technological innovation. The official communique from the four-day meeting underscores the country’s urgency in developing its innovative potential amidst a rapidly changing global landscape.
According to the communique published on July 18, China is on the cusp of a new wave of technological revolution and modern industrial transformation. The decisions made at this pivotal meeting stress the immediate need for action to ensure the success of the country’s modernization efforts.
The communique places particular emphasis on the foundational role of education, science and technology, and talent in driving Chinese modernization. This focus signals the gravity of China’s commitment to shaping its future through these critical areas. Large-scale investments and Party endorsements are deemed essential to steer the nation toward modernization and high-quality development.
China’s prioritization of scientific and technological progress over several decades has yielded impressive results. In 2022, Chinese scientists published 360,000 articles in peer-reviewed international journals, amassing 649,600 citations and ranking first globally. The country’s achievements in intellectual property are also noteworthy, with 921,000 invention patents issued in 2023, bringing the total number of valid invention patents to 4.99 million.
Investment in research and development (R&D) continues to surge. In 2023, China’s total R&D spending reached 3.33 trillion yuan (approximately $455 billion), marking a 280 percent increase over the past decade. Investment in high-tech industries grew by 10.3 percent compared to the previous year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Additionally, China’s digital economy expanded to 50.2 trillion yuan in 2022, with a nominal year-on-year growth of 10.3 percent.
The Third Plenum’s emphasis on science and innovation reflects China’s strategic determination to lead in the next wave of global technological advancement. By bolstering education, fostering talent, and investing heavily in research and development, China aims to solidify its position as a global leader in innovation and drive its modernization efforts forward.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
