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 Achievements
in Scientific and Technological Undertakings
For the whole year, the expenditure on research and development (R&D)
activities for the whole country was 184.3 billion yuan, up 19.7 percent
over 2003, accounting for 1.35 percent of the national GDP. Of this, 10.2
billion yuan went toward basic research. At the end of 2004, there were
27.163 million professionals and technicians working in state-owned
enterprises and institutions. The count ry
implemented 824 projects under the National Key Technologies R&D Program
and 1,071 projects under the Hi-tech Research and Development Program (863
Program). A total of 333 new demonstration projects were launched for the
application of hi-tech research outcomes. The year 2004 also saw the establishment
of 10 national engineering research centers and the initiatio n
of 40 projects on updating key national laboratories. The government gave
support to the development of innovative ability in technical centers in
53 selected enterprises. The number of validated enterprise-based technical
centers at national level reached 332 by the end of the year. Through the
year, a total of 31,000 scientific research results were recorded at and
above provincial or ministerial level. Some 354,000 patent applications
were received from domestic and overseas applicants, while 190,000 patents
were authorized, up 14.7 percent and 4.4 percent, respectively. A total
of 265,000 contracts on the transfer of technology were signed, involving
a transaction value of 133.4 billion yuan, up 23 percent year on year. China
also successfully launched eight satellites in 2004.
At the end of 2004, there were 18,983 institutions in China responsible
for the inspection of manufactured products, including 263 national inspection
centers. There were 169 institutions involved in the certification of product
quality and systems, which totally certified products from 310,000 enterprises.
China had 4,098 authorized measurement inspection institutions that enforced
compulsory inspections for 34 million measuring instruments. A total of
893 national standards were formulated or revised, including 458 new standards.
The country had 255 meteorological observatories with radar installations
and 382 satellite cloud map receiving stations. There were also 1,253 seismological
monitoring stations and 30 remote monitoring network stations. Marine observation
and monitoring spots numbered 2,706. Surveying and mapping departments published
1,767 kinds of maps and 430 titles of surveying books.
Significant Progress in Stem Cell Research
At the beginning of 2005, an injection of primitive mesenchymal stem cells
developed by Chinese scientists to help leukaemia was approved for the first
phase of clinical experimentation, marking a milestone in stem cell research.
This shows that China is at the forefront of stem cell research worldwide.
Peaceful Utilization of Nuclear Energy
The year 2004 witnessed the 50th anniversary of the founding of nuclear
undertakings in China, as well as the 20th anniversary of China's membership
of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant in Zhejiang Province, the first of its kind
designed and constructed by China itself, was completed and put into production
in 1991, ending the country's history of absent nuclear power. The Daya
Bay Nuclear Power Plant, which went into operation in 1994, is a successful
example of cooperation with other countries to build nuclear power plants.
Since 1996, China has independently designed and constructed the second
phase of Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant, Ling'ao Nuclear Plant in Guangdong
Province, the third phase of Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant and Tianwan Nuclear
Power Plant in Jiangsu Province in cooperation with other countries. Up
to July 2004, nine nuclear power generating units had been put into operation,
with a total capacity of 7.01 million kw. With the completion of Tianwan
Nuclear Power Plant in late 2005, the total installed capacity of China's
nuclear power plants will climb to 9.13 million kw.
Apart from developing nuclear power, China has also been actively engaged
in the research of other forms of nuclear utilization. It has successfully
finished the experimental study of low-temperature nuclear heating projects
and is now carrying out research in using nuclear energy to desalinate seawater.
Isotope and radiation technology has been widely used in various fields
such as medical health, industry, agriculture, environmental protection
and public security. By the end of 2003, there were more than 300 organizations
throughout the country engaged in the application of nuclear technology,
with a total output value of about 40 billion yuan.
China has attached much importance to international cooperation in the peaceful
utilization of nuclear energy. Especially since 1984, when the country joined
the IAEA, China has been actively participating in international cooperation
that is aimed at promoting the peaceful utilization of nuclear energy and
preventing nuclear proliferation. It has made its due contributions. In
2004, China formally joined the Nuclear Suppliers Group and implemented
a thorough safety guarantee on nuclear exports, winning high praise from
the international community.
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