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China’s central government is projected to allocate over CNY400 billion (approximately USD58 billion) to science and technology in 2026, marking a record high. The focus will increasingly be on fundamental research as the country accelerates investments to foster innovation and bolster technological independence.
The official budget for science and technology has grown by 10% this year, reaching CNY426.42 billion (about USD61.7 billion), according to the latest budget report from the Ministry of Finance. This increase significantly outpaces the overall government spending rise of 5.5% and represents the fastest growth among central government expenditures, which include fiscal allocations exceeding CNY100 billion (around USD14.4 billion).
Most of the science and tech funding continues to prioritize basic and applied research. Notably, investment in basic research has surged by 16.3% year over year, totaling CNY116.9 billion (USD16.9 billion). Conversely, funding for applied research has decreased by roughly 13.3%, falling to CNY156.9 billion.
The boost in basic research funding this year is driven largely by increased laboratory investments and central government support. The decline in applied research expenditures is partly due to last year’s completion of the previous five-year social and economic development plan, which resulted in a higher baseline. As the country begins its new five-year plan, some projects are still being finalized.
Within the basic research segment, allocations for specialized projects have increased by 44.2%, reaching CNY22.8 billion (USD3.3 billion). Funding for the Natural Science Foundation has risen slightly by 6.1%, to CNY41.9 billion, while other basic research investments have surged by 50.2%, totaling CNY20.5 billion.
One of the key priorities outlined in this year’s government work agenda is advancing high-level, autonomous scientific capabilities. This involves bolstering original innovation and overcoming critical technological challenges. The country aims to utilize its national system advantages to push breakthroughs across the entire industrial chain, execute significant scientific and technological projects, expand its presence in frontier fields, and generate more original innovations. Additionally, increasing the proportion of funding dedicated to fundamental research and ensuring long-term, stable support remain central objectives.
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