**Interview Feature: Celebrating 75 Years of New China – A Journey Towards Becoming a Global Tech Power**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for being here today. As New China marks its 75th anniversary, what are your thoughts on the significant changes our nation has undergone?
**Expert:** It’s truly been an extraordinary journey. Seventy-five years ago, when New China was founded, the country was in the midst of rebuilding. At that time, our technological capacity was nearly non-existent, with fewer than 50,000 scientific professionals and just about 600 engaged in research. We had over 30 research institutions, but hardly any advanced scientific equipment. Fast forward to today, and we’ve made incredible progress. By the end of 2023, we can proudly say that we have 7.24 million R&D personnel—a figure that has kept us at the top globally for 11 years running. We have established a collaborative innovation system primarily driven by technology companies, research institutes, and universities.
**Interviewer:** That’s a striking transformation. What core principles have guided us on this path to becoming a technological leader?
**Expert:** At the core of our strength and advancement lies science and innovation. We’ve moved from just “marching towards science” to understanding that “science and technology are the primary productive forces.” Each pivotal moment has evidenced the Central Committee’s dedication to innovation. Since the 18th National Congress, under Xi Jinping’s leadership, the focus has been on scientific innovation, leading to comprehensive planning to propel continuous advancements in our technology sector.
**Interviewer:** How have systemic reforms contributed to this innovation momentum?
**Expert:** Systemic reforms have indeed been pivotal to our progress. Take, for instance, the landmark National Science Conference in 1978, where the idea that “science and technology are productive forces” was highlighted, fundamentally changing our approach to technological development. Over the years, significant reforms have streamlined research funding and management processes, optimized technological planning, and improved policies for translating scientific achievements into real-world applications. These steps have significantly accelerated our innovation efforts.
**Interviewer:** Can you share some recent achievements in the science field?
**Expert:** Certainly! Just recently, on September 22, the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science announced that Chinese scientists created a water-cooled magnet capable of generating a steady magnetic field of 420,200 gauss, setting a new world record and surpassing the previous record held by the U.S. In addition to this, we’ve celebrated numerous breakthroughs, including the launch of the “Tiangong” space station and “Chang’e” lunar missions, as well as advancements in quantum technology and regenerative medicine. Each of these successes is a testament to decades of hard work and persistence.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what do you foresee for China’s future in scientific innovation?
**Expert:** The outlook is incredibly promising! We’re making substantial investments in key sectors like biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and sustainable energy. China is already the largest global manufacturer and installer of renewable energy technologies. Moreover, initiatives like the Beidou satellite system are transforming various industries, enhancing navigation, and improving agricultural practices to boost food security.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like technology is becoming deeply integrated into our everyday lives at a rapid pace.
**Expert:** Absolutely, and this integration is crucial for our economic and social progress. In agriculture, for example, farmers are utilizing the Beidou system for precise navigation, which dramatically reduces labor costs and boosts efficiency. In the past 75 years, we’ve transitioned from a largely agrarian economy to become the world’s largest industrial power. Each innovation not only reshapes industries but also significantly impacts people’s lives.
**Interviewer:** What message do you want to convey to the younger generation in this context?
**Expert:** The torch has been passed to the younger generation, and it’s vital for them to embrace this responsibility. With the ongoing technological revolution and shifts in the global landscape, there are tremendous opportunities to influence the future. We must continue to pursue innovation in our quest to become a global technological powerhouse, empowering our nation and contributing positively to the world.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights today. It’s truly inspiring to envision the bright future that awaits China in the realm of science and technology!
