China ranks second in the world in number of scientific papers produced, and is the world's second-most-cited source, behind only the United States. However, a popular criticism of China's technological advancement is that the country falls far short in basic research. All the achievements being trumpeted about, such as quantum satellite launch and the probe landing on the far side of the moon, are largely the fruits of applied research. This is exemplified by the dearth of Chinese Nobel laureates in pure science. This critical deficiency is an important barrier to China's advancement as a great power.

The nettle is finally being grasped. China is launching a Science Plan 2021-35, with a road map to beef up the nation's basic research capabilities and governing ecosystem. Early details are contained in a China Daily article of 11 January, 2016.