When it comes to China's economic development, the country's government has decided that advances in science and technology are essential, reports ScienceInsider's Mara Hvistendahl. In a draft budget released at the opening session of the annual National People's Congress, Premier Wen Jiabao announced China has earmarked $5.14 billion for basic research in 2012, a 26 percent increase from 2011, Hvistendahl says.