Nation sets sights on better science literacy

Guideline puts country on course to become technology powerhouse

China aims to have 15 percent of its citizens become scientifically literate by 2025 and increase this figure to 25 percent by 2035, according to a new national guideline on promoting the popularization of science released on Sunday.

The guideline is the latest influential government document aimed at strengthening public understanding and support of science and technology, which would facilitate China's transformation into a science and technology powerhouse, officials said.

Released by the general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, China's Cabinet, the guideline said science popularization is as equally vital as scientific and technological innovation, a notion first highlighted by President Xi Jinping in 2016.