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China’s rise is the story of the century in science. Its scientific output has already overtaken that of the United States , but on measures of quality, such as articles published in the high-quality journals tracked by the Nature Index, it still has a big gap to close. Some exceptional disciplines, though, are leading the way to overcoming the quality deficit.
China now publishes more scientific research than the United States, but on measures of quality, including publication of articles in the top-notch journals tracked by the Nature Index, it still falls short, with some notable subject exceptions.
The discipline’s historic prominence in China is underpinned by its crucial value to industrial processes. Committed funding sees it leading the way in emerging areas, such as nanomaterials.
In line with the Belt and Road Initiative, Shanghai is broadening its international reach and seeing its research and technologies taken up across the world.