China is training way more scientists. For instance, in 2020 Chinese universities awarded 7 times (!) more engineering degrees than the US.

So what proves that China has now become the world's foremost scientific power?

Firstly, China has now overtaken both the US and entire EU in number of high-impact scientific papers produced each year, including in the Nature Index which is virtually impossible to game. pic.twitter.com/dueMhBIWEj

— Arnaud Bertrand (@RnaudBertrand) June 14, 2024

Looking by discipline, China leads 8 out of the 14 main scientific disciplines, including maths and physics.

In some disciplines like materials science, chemistry or engineering, it completely dominates the discipline with 70% to 80% of all high-impact papers published. 

Looking at people and education, two crucial points: 1) Contrary to popular belief, China is a net importer of scientists: "since the late 2000s, more scientists have been returning to the country than leaving"

2) China is training way more scientists. For instance, in 2020 Chinese universities awarded 7 times (!) more engineering degrees than the US. And by 2025, Chinese universities are expected to produce nearly twice as many PhD graduates in science and technology as the US.