A watchdog committee was officially established to supervise scientists' work in the implementation of China's vital Plan-863 science and technology project.
Nine leading and highly reputed scientists were selected for the supervision group to oversee the implementation of the project.
The committee, under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), is open to receive public reports on negative actions undertaken under the aegis of Plan-863.
The Plan-863 is named after the date when it was formally launched -- March 1986.
In spring 1986, four prominent Chinese scientists, Wang Daheng, Wang Ganchang, Yang Jiachi and Chen Fangyun, wrote to the central government suggesting the launch of a project to promote research and development in high technology.
Hundreds of scientists are involved in the projects promoted by the Plan-863 including bio-technology, information technology, aerospace, laser technology, automation, energy and new materials.
The projects are believed to have significantly narrowed the gap between China and the rest of the world in a wide range of research areas and "in certain areas, (China) has taken the lead,'' according to a report from MOST.
The report also noted that about 60 per cent of the new technologies have either come up to or are close to top international levels while 25 per cent, although still lagging behind the rest of the world, have improved greatly.
To date, 5.7 billion yuan (US$688 million) has been invested in research on technology for civil use, feeding over 5,200 programmes under 230 subjects, according to statistics released by the ministry.
More than 2,000 technological improvements or innovations have been patented.
(China Daily August 31, 2002)
