China’s R&D spending crosses 3.9 trillion yuan, rises 8.2% in 2025

China’s R&D spending keeps up steady rise as No 1 US seeks further funding cuts

China’s total investment in research and experimental development crossed 3.9 trillion yuan in 2025, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics.

Spending grows amid US research cuts

China’s R&D investment grew by 8.2 per cent last year, with double-digit growth in fundamental science and university funding contributing to the increase.

The rise contrasts with deep budget cuts across the US research sector.

The National Bureau of Statistics said the total investment of 3.9 trillion yuan, equivalent to US$583 billion, was “maintaining a trajectory of steady growth”.

The data was released on Friday.

The figures underline the continued expansion of China’s research base even as the US faces further pressure on funding for research.

Five-year growth rate reaches 10 per cent

State news agency Xinhua said China’s R&D spending grew at an average annual rate of 10 per cent in the five years to 2025.

That pace placed China “at the forefront of the world’s major economies”, Xinhua noted.

The latest increase therefore reflects both the scale of China’s research spending and the steady pace at which it has expanded over several years.

The growth in fundamental science and university funding also points to the areas that helped drive the increase recorded in 2025.

Source: South China Morning Post