China budgets over 13 bln yuan for research programs in 2018
CGTN
["china"]
China has budgeted over 13 billion yuan (two billion US dollars) for major research and development programs this year, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) revealed on Friday.
The programs consist of 40 special projects and more than 600 minor projects, covering four major fields including social development, high-tech research, agricultural science and technology, and fundamental research.
According to MOST, social development will receive the most funds, with 41.7 percent of the total projects and 34.8 percent of the whole budget. Risk control in public security and technical equipment for emergencies are the two areas with the most funds under social development.
According to MOST, social development will receive the most funds./ VCG Photo

According to MOST, social development will receive the most funds./ VCG Photo

In addition, medical research is set to get another big chunk of the budget. Five special projects, such as control and prevention of non-communicable diseases, will get 1.2 billion yuan in total. From 2016 to 2018, medical research has already received 30 percent of the budget for social development.
Projects related to high-tech research account for 25.2 percent of national programs, receiving 4.4 billion yuan, close to the total amount for social development. In the field of high-tech research, new energy automobile manufacturing, additive and laser manufacturing will be the main focuses.
China has budgeted over 13 billion yuan (two billion US dollars) for major research and development programs this year./ VCG Photo

China has budgeted over 13 billion yuan (two billion US dollars) for major research and development programs this year./ VCG Photo

According to Li Hongjun, a researcher from China Agricultural University, the budget allocation for research programs reflects the country's emphasis on certain industries.
From 2016 to 2018, the budgets for research on air pollution control and causes, as well as for deep-sea technology and equipment, reached 2.2 billion yuan. It shows the country’s focus on people's health and becoming a strong sea power, Li said. 
Source(s): Xinhua News Agency