China's 'Two Sessions' – the yearly plenary meetings of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislative body, and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the top political advisory body – took place in Beijing, from 3-11 March.

This year's meetings outlined a significant increase in science and technology funding, with the central government budget dedicating CNY 371 billion (GBP 40.5 billion) in funding for science and technology, up ten per cent compared to the previous year. WIthin this, funding for basic research will reach CNY 98 billion (GBP 10.7 billion) in 2024.

The major output of the Two Sessions is the Government Work Report, which sets out the country’s achievements in the last year and sets priorities for the coming 12 months. This year’s Work Report pledged to continue to strengthen the quality of China’s education system and build up China’s domestic university capacity. China aims to accelerate the development of world-class universities and dominant disciplines and to enhance the educational strength of universities in central and western China, which is in line with the country’s previous policies in this area.

One area of education highlighted in the Work Report was digital literacy, with the Ministry of Education emphasising the cultivation of digital literacy among teachers and the integration of AI technology throughout the educational process. This includes enhancing high-level talent training in AI-related disciplines, signaling a key focus on digital and AI capabilities.

Talent development was also a focus, with an emphasis on cultivating “top-notch innovative talents” in Engineering and technical fields, and on strengthening connection between higher education and basic education.  This is again in line with previous government policy.

From a broader economic point of view, the Work Report emphasised China’s progress in renewable energy and zero-carbon technology. The government's focus for 2024 is on boosting ecological civilisation and advancing green, low-carbon development. Key goals include improving ecological governance, promoting a green economy, and working towards carbon peaking and neutrality.

Analysis/Implications

Most of the education-related policies set out in the Two Sessions are broadly in line with previous Chinese government policy. However, the increase in funding for both basic and applied research may create new opportunities for joint research between UK and Chinese higher education institutions. China’s continuing focus on renewable and environmentally-friendly technologies may point towards potential cooperation opportunities in this field, which is also a priority for the UK.

The government’s strong push for digital education and AI reflects a significant trend towards online and blended learning models. Collaboration in developing digital learning resources and platforms that cater to the evolving needs of Chinese students and breaking boundaries of unbalanced education resources through on-line education to create open, interconnected and intelligent learning spaces. An example of UK-China cooperation in digital education is the World Digital Education Alliance, launched in January 2024, which some UK institutions and organisations are already engaged in; the Chinese side aims to attract more involvement in this alliance from partners across the world.

Sources

Government Work Report 2024 (in Chinese and English): 2024全国两会｜《政府工作报告》（中英全文） (qq.com)

China promises more money for science in 2024 (Nature): https://nature.com/articles/d41586-024-00695-4