From BigGo Finance · BigGo Finance · · 1m 10s
China's R&D Spending Hits Record High
China's R&D spending reached 780 trillion won in 2025, with basic science and university funding growing at double-digit rates while US research budgets face cuts.
In brief
China's R&D spending reached 780 trillion won in 2025, with basic science and university funding growing at double-digit rates while US research budgets face cuts. China's R&D spending rose 8.2% to 780 trillion won in 2025, surpassing OECD average R&D intensity and outpacing US budget cuts for NIH and NSF. Originally…
China's R&D Spending
China's research and development spending rose 8.2% year-over-year to 780 trillion won in 2025, marking an all-time high.
Basic Science Growth
Basic research funding increased 13.3% to 56.4 trillion won, accounting for 7% of total R&D spending.
University R&D Spending
University R&D spending climbed 11% to 67.8 trillion won, with coastal cities leading investment.
Corporate Dominance
Corporations accounted for 77% of R&D spending, totaling 596.6 trillion won in 2025.
US Budget Cuts
The Trump administration proposed 39% cuts to NIH and 55% cuts to NSF funding in fiscal 2026.
China's R&D Intensity
China's R&D intensity surpassed OECD average at 2.8%, ranking 12th globally in 2025.
Future Implications
China's sustained R&D investment may strengthen its position in semiconductor and AI technology competition.
The short version
China's R&D spending rose 8.2% to 780 trillion won in 2025, surpassing OECD average R&D intensity and outpacing US budget cuts for NIH and NSF.
