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China’s Science and Technology Ministry Lays Out Plans for 2019

Jan. 10, 2019 (EIRNS)—At the National Science and Technology Work Conference in Beijing today, Wang Zhigang, the Minister of Science and Technology, laid out a 10-point plan for the development of science and innovation in the coming year. First, strengthen long-term strategic planning, form a systemic layout for medium- and long-term scientific and technological innovation; second, speed up key core technology research, seek the commanding heights in strategically contested areas; third, continue to strengthen basic research and its applications; fourth, optimize the construction of innovation bases and build national strategic scientific and technological strength; fifth, strengthen the integration in depth of science and technology with the economy and society, and strongly support and lead in high-quality development; sixth, accelerate the construction of a highly efficient national innovation system; seventh, strengthen the coordination of the regional pattern of innovation, foster innovation growth points, growth poles, and growth belts; eighth, stimulate the creative activity of researchers and accelerate the cultivation of high-level talents; ninth, deepen innovation and open cooperation: raise the level of scientific and technological innovation to a higher platform; tenth, vigorously promote the scientific spirit and culture of innovation, and create a good innovation ecology.

Wang stated that the major technological breakthroughs of the past year had been landing Chang’e-4 on the far side of the Moon; the completion of the BeiDou-3 satellite system; the creation of a single chromosome eukaryotic cell. In quantum computing, China succeeded in achieving a 3-qubit logic gate; and it built and put into operation its first Spallation Neutron Source. Wang said that the proportion of R&D expenditure is expected to be 2.15% of total GDP. The total number of R&D personnel is expected to reach 4.18 million, ranking first in the world. The number of invention patent applications and authorizations ranked first in the world. The contribution rate of scientific and technological progress is expected to exceed 58.5%, and the country’s comprehensive innovation capability ranks 17th in the world.

Earlier this week President Xi Jinping awarded leading scientists for their efforts. The two scientists that were particularly highlighted in the ceremony had made major breakthroughs in advanced radar technology and on underground nuclear bunkers and underground tunneling. While both of these technologies have major civilian applications, the two scientists had made the breakthroughs in defense technology.

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