Economist Podcasts Rocketing science: China’s newest superpower
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Jun 24, 2024 
Ainsley Johnston, a data journalist specializing in China's scientific achievements, and Lane Green, The Economist's correspondent in Spain, dive into China's rapid ascent as a scientific superpower, exploring its research advancements and implications for global collaboration. They also discuss the Mediterranean's unique factors contributing to longevity, including diet and community connections. Additionally, the podcast spotlights the intriguing emergence of cicadas, exploring their life cycles and the impact of climate change on their behaviors.
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China's Scientific Strengths
- China's rise as a scientific superpower is evident in its dominance in physical sciences, like chemistry and material science.
- While excelling in applied research, China lags in basic, curiosity-driven research.
China's Rapid Progress
- China rapidly expanded science production through massive R&D spending and targeted investments.
- This includes funding top universities and providing advanced equipment, attracting scientists back to China.
China's Rise: Threat or Opportunity?
- China's scientific rise poses a double-edged sword, with the West concerned about technological dominance.
- Collaborations, like the rapid COVID test development with Oxford, show mutual benefits.