President Xi Jinping has called for greater efforts and more solid measures to strengthen basic research, enhance China’s capacity for original innovation, and further solidify the foundation for building the nation’s strength in science and technology. Global technological competition is increasingly focusing on fundamental cutting-edge fields, he said, adding that the importance of developing original and groundbreaking innovations is becoming more prominent. China has been paying greater attention to boosting basic research in recent years, in order to realize the nation’s scientific and technological self-reliance and strength amid intensifying global competition. The new whole-nation innovation model has paid dividends, enabling the country to funnel vast resources into key sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies and semiconductors.
While addressing a symposium in Shanghai, President Xi underlined the need for coordinated planning and top-level design to optimize the systematic layout of basic research, and to further identify the main directions and key areas of basic research. It is important to strengthen the leading role of national research institutions and high-level research universities as well as encourage and regulate the development of new types of research. Xi highlighted the importance of promoting the deep integration of industry and academia, led by enterprises, thereby linking the innovation chain – from basic research to application development – until research achievements are fully transformed into industrial applications.
President Xi said that the nation will allocate a greater proportion of its science and technology expenditures toward basic research. This year’s Government Work Report indicates a strategic shift in funding for basic research. China’s total R&D investment exceeded CNY3.92 trillion in 2025, accounting for 2.8% of its GDP. Basic research funding last year hit nearly CNY280 billion, accounting for 7.08% of total R&D spending, making it the first time the funding surpassed the 7% threshold. Government officials noted that investing in basic research is vital for addressing both current and future challenges, particularly in fields such as renewable energy, AI, biotechnology and materials science.
Analysts said this strategic shift underscores a commitment to building a robust research ecosystem that supports not only academic research, but also promotes collaboration between universities, research institutions and the private sector, the China Daily reports.
