1. The annual Nobel Prize announcements are underway, recognizing scientists for achievements such as light-gated ion channels and optogenetics, contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctica, and solving the homochirality puzzle in chemistry. These accomplishments deepen humanity's understanding of nature and will eventually improve human welfare. Notably, several scholars of Chinese descent or nationality appeared on prediction lists ahead of this year's announcements. [para. 1][para. 2]
2. Since Tu Youyou and other Chinese laureates received Nobel Prizes, China's long-standing Nobel fixation has eased, yet the prize remains a widely recognized gauge of a nation's capacity for original scientific research. Chinese scientists have made substantial progress, closely tracking frontier research and joining the first rank in several fields. However, becoming a major Nobel power will require sustained and difficult work. A calmer view of the prizes would help assess China's position in global science objectively. [para. 3][para. 4]
3. What matters more than winning Nobel Prizes is producing Nobel-level research, which requires a more open and accommodating research environment, greater vitality among research institutions, and stronger international scientific exchange. China's economic growth and educational advances have created important conditions for this push. Research-and-development spending reached 3.6 trillion yuan ($537 billion) in 2024, ranking second globally behind the U.S. The 2025 China Statistical Report on Scientific Papers found China ranking first worldwide in the number of papers published in the most influential journals, high-quality international journal papers, and citation counts. [para. 5][para. 6][para. 7]
4. Nobel-level breakthroughs, however, do not follow simply from higher aggregate spending or larger research output; they depend on original capacity in basic research. Since reform and opening-up, Chinese science has generated many achievements, but as technological change accelerates, those gaining an early lead in basic research are more likely to define the course of technological and industrial development. Nobel laureate Chao Chung Ting observed that natural science is inherently competitive: "Only the first counts. There is no second." Originality is central, and this serves as a warning in today's global scientific competition. [para. 8][para. 9][para. 10]
5. Strengthening basic research requires freeing researchers from the constraints of excessive focus on papers, academic titles, credentials, and awards, granting them greater autonomy to unleash their creativity. Breakthroughs rarely emerge from meticulous planning alone; they require long-term pursuit of difficult questions and sometimes flashes of insight. China's authorities have called for streamlining honorary talent labels, which should not become prerequisites for research projects, promotions, or awards. Quantitative metrics such as publication counts and project totals should not be mechanically tied to performance pay. The core of a better talent-evaluation system should be innovation, quality, practical results, and contribution. [para. 11][para. 12][para. 13][para. 14]
6. Companies also deserve greater attention in raising China's basic-research capacity. Corporate researchers have repeatedly won Nobel Prizes, and some prominent companies have produced multiple laureates and reshaped technology. Corporate research has natural advantages: it is closer to industry and its innovative energy can be vigorous. Businesses are already one of the principal forces in Chinese research, and far-sighted companies are investing heavily in basic science. The future priority should be directing more innovation resources toward companies and removing bottlenecks in the movement of research talent, benefit distribution, and commercialization of results. [para. 15][para. 16][para. 17]
7. International exchange and cooperation are equally necessary. China's technological progress has benefited deeply from global flows of information and talent, and its support for international scientific cooperation has been consistent. In AI, rapid advances have produced both competition and collaboration among scientists worldwide. Fields Medal recipients Wang Hong and Deng Yu offer a compelling example that "small yards and high fences" may obstruct exchange temporarily but cannot cut it off entirely. Academic exchange and scientific collaboration should remain an important part of international people-to-people engagement. [para. 18][para. 19][para. 20]
8. China's economic and social development calls for an increasing number of Nobel-level research achievements. The country should deepen reform and strengthen basic research with greater determination and practical measures so that this demand can be met as fully as possible. [para. 21]
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