(EST Pub Date) Science and Technology in Communist CHINA Through 1970

Approved for Release: 2018/01/30 C00659420
; TCS 4425/65
48. During the period through 1970, techno-
logical progress in industry is not likely to speed
up from the slow pace of the past few years un-
less China receives technical assistance on a scale
at least as large as that of the first decade of
Communist rule on the mainland. Technological
advance probably will be at a slow rate and will
be centered on a small group of industries. In a
few fields, especially those related to the advanced
weapons program, a high priority in the allocation
of scarce resources probably will yield notable im-
provements in technological capabilities.
DISCUSSION
I. Introduction
ATTITUDE OF THE REGIME TOWARD
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
49. China’s leaders have consistently emphasized
the key role played by science and technology in
helping to build China into a powerful state. Mod-
ern science and technology get equal billing as
prime national objectives along with modern agri-
culture, modern industry, and modern national de-
fense. Premier Chou En-lai restated this position
at the December 1964 National People’s Congress
and said further that “we cannot take the beaten
track traversed by other countries in the develop-
ment of technology and travel behind them at a
snail’s pace” but “must break away from conven-
tions and do our utmost to adopt advanced tech-
niques.” Such exhortations for the promotion of
science and technology are directed not only at
planners, managers, and research scientists dealing
with advanced techniques but toward all personnel
who in any way are connected with scientific and
technical matters, including farmers and industrial
workers. The application of scientific experimental
methods is urged on all. .
The objectives being the
improvement of working methods, tools, and prod-
ucts at the production level, and the advancement
of scientific and technological capabilities all along
the line up to the more complex technological de-
velopments and advanced fundamental research.
The latter being acknowledged by the Chinese as
necessary for success in putting China abreast of
the rest of the world in scientific and technological
capabilities. In China, scientific experimentation,
technical innovation, and technical revolution are
Communist watchwords.
FOREIGN RELATIONS IN SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY
50. The Chinese view science and technology
as an important factor in their foreign relations.
First, they need the scientific and technological
information and materials to be found in other
countries, particularly the more advanced countries.
Second, they can use science and technology to
improve access to less developed countries and
thus promote friendly relations.
51. Until mid-1960, China had the kind of rela-
tion with the Soviet Union whereby China’s needs
could be satisfied to a large degree. Two basic
agreements were involved: the Scientific and Tech-
nical Agreement which was signed in October 1954
and the Scientific Cooperation Agreement in ]anu-
ary 1958. The latter agreement provided particu-
larly for close relations between the academies of
sciences of the two countries. During 1960, the
agreements were abrogated but for the sake of ap-
pearances were revised and reinstituted in 1961.
F ormalities have been followed, but little of sub-
stantive value to China has resulted. Recently, the
lack of normal activity connected with the agree-
ments indicates that they have both become mori-
bund. China has not discontinued all relationships
with the USSR, however, but has continued such
contacts as participation in scientific conferences in
the Soviet Union, afliliation with the ]oint Institute
for Nuclear Research at Dubna, USSR, and mem-
bership in the Fisheries Research Commission for
the Western Pacific, made up of Communist coun-
tries. Some contacts in the technological field
A
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for Release: 2018/01/30 C00659420
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