Embracing a Golden Age of Great Promise -- New Year's Address from the China Association for Science and Technology, 2026
By Wan Gang and He Junke
Time flows like a river; mountains and rivers renew with each passing day. Bathed in the first rays of sunlight of 2026, we, on behalf of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), extend our warmest New Year greetings to scientists, engineers, and all technology professionals across the nation.
The past year witnessed China marching forward with unwavering resolve as the cause of Chinese modernization gathered unstoppable momentum. Grand commemorative events marked the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The 14th Five-Year Plan concluded successfully, and the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee charted an ambitious course for the future.
In 2025, China’s scientific community pressed ahead through wind and rain, working tirelessly day and night. Their relentless efforts have left indelible footprints in history:
China's Tianwen-2 launches to unravel the mysteries of a shapeshifting solar system;
Manned deep-sea submersibles ventured into Arctic waters, exploring the ocean’s myriad wonders;
The high-speed rail network continued its expansion, connecting every corner of this vast land;
New energy vehicles led the global market, racing ahead with unmatched vigor;
Artificial intelligence advanced profoundly, synthesizing the world’s boundless streams of information;
Quantum technologies accelerated their evolution, unraveling the intricate fabric of the microscopic world;
Innovations in seed science and agricultural biotechnology strengthened food security, benefiting countless rural communities;
Advanced national defense capabilities stood firm as a shield of peace, safeguarding the safety and prosperity of millions of households.
Each breakthrough embodies the dedication of those who strive -- and together, they form the mighty current of China’s scientific progress.
History is written through perseverance; the future unfolds through bold navigation.
2026 marks the inaugural year of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. At a time when the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, and as China advances steadily toward national rejuvenation, science and technology have never been more vital to the nation’s destiny, people’s well-being, and the advancement of human civilization. Never before have China’s scientists and innovators shouldered such lofty expectations from the Party and the people.
With the goal of building China a world leader in science and technology firmly in sight, the CPC Central Committee has laid out strategic priorities for innovation during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. The path is clear, and the journey ahead is open. A golden age -- an era brimming with unprecedented opportunity for China’s scientific community -- is unfolding with tremendous force.
In this golden age, the top-level design of China’s national innovation system grows ever sharper, with comprehensive strategies to address weaknesses and reinforce strengths. Education, science, and talent development are being integrated cohesively. A new generation of young scientists is stepping confidently onto the stage, carrying forward the torch of innovation in a vibrant, dynamic ecosystem. Innovation chains and industrial chains are merging deeply, with diverse actors collaborating to create a thriving landscape where countless initiatives flourish side by side.
To scale the global peaks of science and technology, China must stay firmly on the path of independent innovation. To realize the vision of a world leader in science and technology, our innovators must stand at the forefront of this transformative era. Facing the surging tide of a new global scientific and industrial revolution, we must focus on frontier fields, persevere with long-term commitment, boldly venture into uncharted “zero-to-one” breakthroughs, and overcome critical bottlenecks in core technologies.
In this grand historical moment, only through self-confidence, self-reliance, and self-strengthening can China’s scientific community deliver achievements worthy of our times and the trust of our people.
As the old year fades like an arrow released from a bow, we spur our horses onward into a new one. Let us unite even more closely under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Let us vigorously uphold the Spirit of Chinese Scientists and the ethos of scientific inquiry, fully leverage CAST’s role as a bridge and bond, embrace our historic mission, and strengthen our resolve for self-reliance. Together, let us strive unremittingly for building China into a modern socialist country in all respects and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation!