China has significantly accelerated its scientific and technological innovation over the past five years, stated Yin Hejun, the country’s Minister of Science and Technology, during a press conference held on Tuesday at the State Council Information Office.
In 2025, China’s research and development (R&D) expenditures surpassed 3.92 trillion yuan—accounting for 2.8 percent of GDP—thereby exceeding the OECD average for the first time. Having ranked first globally for years in PCT international patent applications and high-level international journal papers, China also boasts the world’s largest education system and R&D workforce.
Major technological breakthroughs span a diverse range of fields. The “Jiuzhang” quantum computer series has repeatedly broken global records. Its latest generation, Jiuzhang 4.0, demonstrated “quantum computational advantage” on a specific mathematical task, solving it over 10 to the power of 54 times faster than the world’s fastest supercomputer.
The Tianwen-1 Mars orbiter remains operational and captured rare images of an interstellar object in 2025, while the newly launched Tianwen-2 is currently en route to collect samples from a near-Earth asteroid. Furthermore, the Tianwen-3 mission is scheduled to execute a Mars sample-return operation around 2031.
Progress has also been achieved in chips, open-weight large AI models, new energy vehicles, robots, innovative drugs, and novel crop varieties. According to Yin, China now ranks ninth worldwide in national innovation capability and stands out as one of the fastest-rising innovators globally.
Addressing reporters, Yin noted that the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030) represents a crucial stage in establishing China as a powerhouse in science and technology. The ministry will prioritize strategic and original basic research, support young scientists, diversify funding channels, and strengthen research platforms.
The strategy involves tackling core technologies in AI, quantum technology, and advanced chips. It will promote demand-driven industrial innovation—with enterprises leading collaborative efforts among industries, universities, and research institutes—while accelerating commercialization. Additionally, the initiatives aim to enhance public livelihoods through advancements in health, agriculture, and environmental protection, as well as strengthen the synergy between education, science, and talent to empower young researchers to take the lead.
China will continue supporting joint research initiatives addressing global challenges such as climate change and energy, actively participate in international science programs, and encourage global scientific organizations to establish branches within the country. Yin concluded that China is rapidly transitioning from a participant in global science into a pioneer and leader.