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Chinese Scientists Celebrate

Mar 07, 2012

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. Overall spending on science and technology will rise 12.4 percent to $36.23 billion, and funding to two projects that funnel money to universities will rise 24 percent.

In a speech to the congress, Wen said the government would try to "more closely integrate science and technology with the economy."

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