Science ministry reorganisation symbolic of China’s drive for technological autonomy

China is shaking up its science and technology ministry, as part of continuing efforts to achieve greater technological independence. The moves follow tightening export controls by the US and other nations that targets its capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors.

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) had been a big beneficiary of a reorganisation five years ago, but this latest one sees applied research in key areas such as rural development and agriculture move to the agriculture ministry, while IT and health move to the relevant ministries.