China has achieved a remarkable milestone in education, with 44 percent of adults aged 16 to 69 now meeting the nation’s basic standards for scientific literacy. This equates to an impressive 440 million people, according to a survey released by the China Association of Science and Technology (CAST) on Wednesday.
This surge in scientific literacy represents a vast reservoir of human capital ready to drive economic and technological advancement. Notably, 15.37 percent of the population has achieved full scientific literacy, while 2.30 percent are classified as highly literate.
The progress aligns with China’s updated science literacy framework, introduced in 2021. The framework uses a 100-point scale across four dimensions: knowledge (40 points), methodology (20 points), critical thinking (20 points), and practical application (20 points). Incorporated into national statistical reporting since 2022, this system enables precise policy adjustments.
The survey highlights a shift toward practical application, with people scoring highest in applying scientific reasoning (79 out of 100) and embracing evidence-based thinking (80 out of 100). These scores suggest a growing public alignment with modern scientific values.
These significant gains underscore China’s progress toward its 2035 goal of becoming a knowledge-driven society. As scientific literacy continues to rise, the nation is poised to harness innovation and technology for future growth.
