China welcomes international cooperation in scientific and technological research, especially in new energy sectors, said a senior science official here Nov 11.

"We expect more foreign experts in scientific and technological research will join in China's development of new strategic industries," said Chinese Minister for Science and Technology, Wan Gang, in an interview with Xinhua.

The new strategic industries include alternative energy, biotechnology, new-generation information technology, high-end equipment manufacturing, advanced materials, alternative-fuel cars and energy-saving and environmental protection, according to a statement issued by the State Council, or China's Cabinet, last month.

There is great potential in China's new energy market and the country welcomes more international cooperation in this sector's scientific innovation, Wan said.

In order to promote electric vehicles, China announced in June that it would subsidize the purchase of green cars to bolster the new industry and reduce vehicle emissions.

A subsidy of up to 60,000 yuan (9,000 U.S. dollars) will be given to the buyer of a completely electric vehicle in cities like Shanghai, Changchun, Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Hefei where the policy is undergoing a trial run.

"Both domestic and foreign companies can participate in and benefit from the program," Wan said.

The minister also emphasized the country's opening-up in scientific innovation, saying "we equally urge all companies, no mater foreign or domestic, in setting up research and development centers in China."

The number of foreign research centers in China has increased from several hundred five years ago to more than 3,300 today, among which 346 were set up by the world's top 500 enterprises.

Foreign business has also taken an active part in China's scientific innovation process. For instance, China opened its first high-speed railway linking Beijing and Tianjin in 2008 in cooperation with the German firm, Siemens.

"China's scientific innovation also plays an important role in boosting the world economy," Wan said.

Statistics from the ministry showed that last year the total number of patent applications in China increased by 30 percent and transactions of technologies increased by 15 percent.

"This means intellectual property protection is improving and contributing to the country's scientific and technological development," Wan said.

But, he also noted that China's scientific innovation faces challenges from the credibility of research findings.

"Scientific research could tolerate failure, but not cheating," he said.

He promised strict supervision of researchers and severe measures against cheating.

The minister also expected the development of science will benefit common people's lives.

Source: Xinhua

Editor: Xie Fang