China is developing its research base faster than any other country in history. According to China's Institute for Science & Technology Information, in 2006 China became the No. 2 country in terms of volume of research publications, with 8.4% of the total. In Physical Sciences and Engineering, China has already drawn level with the G8 industrialized countries. China has already overtaken Japan in terms of publications per unit of research spending.

Godwin said his office is working with partner agencies in China to overcome the big differences in the two countries' research support systems and structures. The office is helping to identify obstacles that hinder top quality researchers in both countries from working together.

He told China.org.cn: "If we can bring the two countries' research systems into better alignment, joint UK-China research activity will grow by leaps and bounds. Our office is here to oil the wheels."

He also explained that in 2008 the RCUK China Office had organized the first ever UK-China Summer Schools competition. Out of more than 50 applications, ten were selected for funding in 2008. Annual competitions will support more Summer Schools in future years.

"Our aim in supporting Summer Schools is to help strengthen existing co-operation between UK and Chinese research institutions, and enable young researchers and students to make contact with the best researchers from both countries at the start of their professional careers. This should provide a good training experience and make the participants more willing to engage in international partnerships in future," he said.

Mentioning the launch of China's Shenzhou 7 Spacecraft, he expressed his hope that the two sides could enhance cooperation in this field, particularly in robotic equipment and remote control technology.