South Korean media: China's scientific research capability surpasses the U.S. for three consecutive years
According to a report by South Korea's *Chosun Ilbo (Japanese edition)* on June 17, in the representative indicator of national scientific research capability—the "Nature Index"—China has ranked first for three years in a row, further widening its lead over the United States.
The U.S. restrictions on semiconductor exports to China and limitations on technological exchanges have paradoxically spurred China’s scientific achievements. Given that scientific publications serve as leading indicators for future technology commercialization, some analysts believe the balance in the competition for technological supremacy between China and the U.S. may now be shifting toward China.
Korea ranks seventh globally, unchanged from last year, but failed completely to enter the top 50 institutions this year. The highest-ranked Korean institution, Seoul National University, dropped to 58th place—six spots lower than last year.
China accounts for 90% of the top 10 institutional rankings. The publisher of the international multidisciplinary academic journal *Nature* announced this year’s Nature Index ranking on the 10th. This ranking compiles contributions from countries and institutions based on high-quality research papers published in major global academic journals and scholarly societies.
China leads the world with 52,735 contributions, more than double the second-place U.S. total of 26,006 papers. China’s contribution grew by 22.4% year-on-year, while the U.S. saw only a 4.2% increase.
The institutional ranking more clearly demonstrates China’s dominance. The Chinese Academy of Sciences ranks first, Zhejiang University second, and Harvard University third—down one spot from last year. Institutions from China occupy positions four through ten.
The international scientific community analyzes that pressure from the United States has actually accelerated China’s independence in its research ecosystem.
In recent years, the U.S. has restricted exports of advanced semiconductors, AI accelerators, and equipment and technologies related to quantum computing.
China, much like a “cornered rat,” has experienced external pressures that have produced an opposite effect—strengthening the Chinese government’s connections with universities and research institutions, and accelerating the independent development of its research ecosystem.
This year’s most symbolic shift occurred in university rankings, where Zhejiang University surpassed Harvard University. Zhejiang University is also the alma mater of Liang Wenfeng, founder of Deepseek.
Since the inception of the Nature Index in 2015, Harvard University had held the top position in university rankings (excluding CAS) for ten consecutive years until last year, when it fell to second place for the first time. Zhejiang University is seen as a representative case of China’s rising technological ecosystem.
For years, China has implemented a “talent black hole” strategy to attract top global talent. To lure international scholars, China has offered special arrangements including permanent residency, high salaries, generous research funding, and professorships without mandatory retirement ages—inviting renowned academics such as Nobel and Fields Medal winners.
Meanwhile, other U.S. universities have seen their rankings decline due to legal disputes with Harvard, as well as increasing pressure and cuts in research funding. Stanford dropped from 13th to 14th, and MIT fell from 18th to 21st.
Korea ranks seventh globally overall and third in the newly established category of applied sciences. Korea has firmly established itself in industrial technology-related research fields such as semiconductors, batteries, and advanced materials.
However, in natural sciences—characterized by strong fundamental research—it ranks only eighth.
In individual university rankings, Seoul National University fell six places from 52nd last year to 58th this year. Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) rose slightly from 82nd to 80th. Korean science and technology experts emphasize that to gain an edge in strategic technologies such as AI semiconductors, next-generation batteries, quantum technologies, and small modular reactors (SMRs), Korea must strengthen both its applied science advantages and foundational scientific capabilities.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1868200757018698/
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