China has made a major breakthrough in plasma display panel (PDP) technology, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Chinese companies have not only grasped the shadow mask (SM) PDP technology with homegrown intellectual property but have also successfully developed 34-inch SM PDP high-definition and united-color monitors, said a ministry official.

The development of 42-inch display technology is also in process, said the official.

The newly developed SM PDP technology combines low cost, high definition and united color, and creates a good opportunity for Chinese companies to catch up with the world pace of developing low cost PDP products so as to significantly improve their competitiveness in global markets.

In recently years, China's color TV set production has grown rapidly, but low-price cathode ray tube products have suffered from various trade barriers in the world market, including antidumping charges.

(Xinhua News Agency October 2, 2004)