China's share of global basic research publications rises to 32.6%

According to the China Basic Research Report (2026), China's share of the world's total basic research publications has grown from 0.9% in 1985 to 32.6% in 2024. The report, produced by a strategic research center at Wuhan University with support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), analyzed long-term changes in knowledge production and scientific influence across 24 major countries and regions.

In terms of global citations received, China's share increased from 0.6% in 2000 to 20.8% in 2024. The report notes that while the United States and Europe remain significant hubs, countries such as China, India, Brazil, South Korea, and Singapore have expanded their roles in the global scientific landscape.

China's investment in basic research rose from $16.5 billion in 2018 to over $30 billion in 2023. Additionally, the number of researchers engaged in research and development activities, measured in full-time equivalents, increased from 1.21 million in 2010 to 3 million in 2023.