Nikkei:

China's basic research funding nearly doubled during the 13th Five-Year Plan period. Does the Ministry of Science and Technology have any growth goals for it during the 14th Five-Year Plan period? Will it be more than doubled?

Ye Yujiang:

In recent years, China has attached great importance to basic research. Its basic research funding practically doubled during the 13th Five-Year Plan period, reaching 133.6 billion yuan in 2019, surpassing 6% of the total R&D expenditure for the first time. It is expected to exceed 150 billion yuan in 2020. The overall growth rate reached into double digits at 16.9% during the 13th Five-Year Plan period. We will take further measures to increase investment in basic research during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. First, the central government will continue to increase investment. Second, we will guide companies and society to invest more in it. In this regard, we will formulate some motivating policies. Thank you.