China now hosts nine of the world's top 10 academic institutions for high-quality scientific research, according to a Nature Index analysis highlighted by CNN's Fareed Zakaria. While Harvard University retains the top spot, the U.S. faces growing competition as China accelerates its contributions to global academia.
Zakaria warned that former U.S. President Donald Trump's policies targeting institutions like Harvard risk undermining America's historical dominance in research and innovation. 'China is making strategic, long-term investments in science,' he noted, pointing to its rapid advancements in fields from artificial intelligence to renewable energy.
The shift reflects broader trends in Asia's growing influence across global research networks. Analysts suggest this could reshape international collaborations, funding patterns, and talent mobility, with implications for businesses, investors, and policymakers worldwide.
