摘要：作者简介: 泽米尔·阿万是巴基斯坦中国问题专家，曾在中国求学。担任外交官推动中巴科技合作，现是巴基斯坦国立科技大学中国学研究中心副主任。他积极推动中巴经济走廊建设、教育与青年交流及抗疫合作，高度认可中国发展模式，获“巴中友谊使者”荣誉称号。

作者简介: 泽米尔·阿万是巴基斯坦中国问题专家，曾在中国求学。担任外交官推动中巴科技合作，现是巴基斯坦国立科技大学中国学研究中心副主任。他积极推动中巴经济走廊建设、教育与青年交流及抗疫合作，高度认可中国发展模式，获“巴中友谊使者”荣誉称号。

（下边有中文翻译请继续看到底。 谢谢。）

In the late 1970s, under the visionary leadership of Deng Xiaoping, China embarked on an ambitious and far-sighted journey to modernize its education system and scientific landscape. At the heart of this strategy was a bold initiative: sending thousands of young Chinese scholars to study in the world’s leading universities, particularly in the United states and Europe. This move, though costly in terms of financial resources, was aimed at acquiring the advanced knowledge and skills necessary for national development. Today, over four decades later, China is reaping the rewards of this strategic investment, having transformed itself into a global leader in education, scientific research, technological innovation, and economic power.

The Bold Educational Strategy of the 1980sRecognizing the imperative to bridge the gap between China and the developed world, the Chinese government made a pivotal decision in 1978 to expand the scale of sending students and scholars abroad. This was part of a broader vision to accelerate the country’s modernization and catch up with leading global powers in science and technology.

Between 1978 and 1983, approximately 26,000 Chinese students were officially sponsored to study abroad, primarily in Western countries. Many of these students enrolled in top-tier universities, gaining exposure to cutting-edge research and innovative teaching methodologies. The goal was not just individual academic success but the long-term transformation of China’s own educational and scientific institutions upon their return.

While some critics at the time questioned the feasibility and risks of this strategy—especially the possibility that many students might choose to remain abroad—the Chinese government remained steadfast in its commitment. A well-structured framework encouraged scholars to return home and contribute to national progress. Today, history has vindicated this policy.

Transforming the Domestic Educational Landscape

The returning scholars brought back not only knowledge but also a new academic ethos. They played a crucial role in reforming China’s universities, integrating international best practices into domestic institutions. These foreign-educated experts introduced contemporary curricula, cutting-edge research methodologies, and global academic collaborations. As a result, Chinese universities rapidly evolved into research-oriented institutions that met international standards.

With the introduction of rigorous research programs, funding mechanisms, and an emphasis on innovation, China created an ecosystem that could nurture future generations of scientists, engineers, and thought leaders. The country invested heavily in infrastructure, faculty development, and collaboration with international institutions, setting the stage for the rapid rise of Chinese universities in global rankings.

The Ascent of Chinese Universities in Global Rankings

China’s efforts to enhance its higher education sector have yielded remarkable results. The latest Nature Index rankings, covering the period from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024, highlight China’s dominance in high-quality research output. Nine of the world’s top ten academic institutions are from China, with Harvard University being the only non-Chinese institution in this elite group. Notably, the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) secured the second position worldwide, producing an impressive number of high-impact research publications.

This achievement reflects the effectiveness of China’s long-term investment in higher education and research. The rise of Chinese universities is not merely a statistical milestone but a demonstration of the country’s ability to create world-class institutions capable of competing with the best in the world.

China’s Dominance in Scientific Research and Publications

China has not only built strong universities but has also emerged as a global leader in scientific research and publications. In 2022, China contributed nearly one-third of all academic papers published in the most influential international journals, surpassing the United States for the first time. This achievement underscores the country’s robust research infrastructure, substantial funding, and a growing cohort of research-oriented faculty.

The country’s strengths are particularly visible in fundamental sciences such as chemistry, physics, and engineering, where Chinese researchers are producing groundbreaking work. With an emphasis on high-impact research, China is shaping global scientific discourse and contributing significantly to the advancement of human knowledge.

Leadership in Patent Filings and Emerging Technologies

Beyond academic publications, China has made extraordinary progress in innovation and patent filings. According to international reports, China has been the world’s top filer of patents for several years, far outpacing other leading nations. In 2023, Asia accounted for nearly 70% of global patent applications, with China leading the charge.

China’s leadership in patents is a testament to its commitment to translating research into tangible technological advancements. This is particularly evident in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and renewable energy. Chinese AI systems, for instance, are now competing with and even surpassing Western-developed models, demonstrating the country’s growing expertise in cutting-edge technologies.

China’s strong research and development (R&D) ecosystem is supported by both the government and the private sector. Companies such as Huawei, Alibaba, and Tencent have played a significant role in pushing the boundaries of innovation. At the same time, state-funded research institutions continue to produce groundbreaking work in various scientific disciplines.

China’s Emergence as a Scientific and Geopolitical Power

China’s ascent in science and technology has had far-reaching implications beyond academia and industry. The nation has positioned itself as a formidable geopolitical power, leveraging its scientific and technological capabilities to strengthen its global influence. China’s ability to integrate into the global economy while maintaining an independent innovation ecosystem has redefined international dynamics.

The country’s leadership in sectors such as 5G, green technology, and high-speed rail has reinforced its status as a key player in shaping the future of global industry. Moreover, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has facilitated technology transfers and research collaborations with countries worldwide, further expanding its influence.

China’s investments in space exploration, biotechnology, and semiconductor manufacturing also highlight its ambitions to lead in next-generation technologies. These strategic initiatives ensure that China will not only remain competitive but will continue to shape global innovation trends for decades to come.

Net Outcome

China’s deliberate and strategic investment in education, science, and technology since the late 1970s has been nothing short of transformative. From sending students abroad in the 1980s to building world-class universities and leading global scientific research, China has demonstrated the long-term benefits of a well-planned approach to national development.

The nation’s researchers are now at the forefront of global scientific advancements, its universities rank among the best in the world, and its technological innovations are setting new benchmarks. As China continues to reap the rewards of its foresight and dedication, the global community stands to benefit from enhanced scientific collaboration and technological breakthroughs.

China’s rise as an educational, scientific, and geopolitical power serves as a lesson in vision, planning, and perseverance. What once seemed like an ambitious gamble in the 1980s has now paid off in full measure, affirming that investments in knowledge and innovation yield immeasurable long-term benefits. The future promises even greater advancements, as China remains committed to its mission of scientific and technological leadership.

这一战略的核心是一项大胆的举措：派遣数千名年轻的中国学者到世界一流大学，特别是美国和欧洲的大学学习。这一举措虽然在财政资源方面代价高昂，但其目的是获得国家发展所必需的先进知识和技能。40多年后的今天，中国正在收获这一战略投资的回报，已成为教育、科学研究、技术创新和经济大国的全球领导者。

20世纪80年代大胆的教育战略认识到缩小中国与发达国家差距的必要性，中国政府在1978年作出了一项重大决定，即扩大出国留学的规模。这是加速国家现代化和赶上全球科技领先大国的更广泛愿景的一部分。

1978年至1983年间，大约有26,000名中国学生被官方资助出国留学，主要是在西方国家。这些学生中的许多人进入了一流大学，接触到尖端的研究和创新的教学方法。他们的目标不仅仅是个人的学术成就，还包括他们回国后中国自己的教育和科学机构的长期转型。

尽管当时一些批评人士质疑这一战略的可行性和风险，尤其是许多学生可能选择留在国外的可能性，但中国政府仍然坚定地履行了自己的承诺。一个结构良好的框架鼓励学者回国，为国家的进步做出贡献。今天，历史证明了这一政策是正确的。

改变国内教育格局

归国学者带回的不仅是知识，还有一种新的学术风气。他们在改革中国大学、将国际最佳实践融入国内机构方面发挥了关键作用。这些在国外接受教育的专家介绍了当代课程、前沿研究方法和全球学术合作。因此，中国的大学迅速发展成为符合国际标准的研究型机构。

通过引入严谨的研究项目、资助机制和对创新的重视，中国创造了一个能够培养下一代科学家、工程师和思想领袖的生态系统。中国在基础设施建设、师资队伍建设以及与国际院校的合作方面投入了大量资金，为中国大学在全球排名中的迅速上升奠定了基础。

中国大学在全球排名中的上升

中国加强高等教育的努力取得了显著成效。最新的自然指数排名涵盖了2023年12月1日至2024年11月30日，凸显了中国在高质量研究产出方面的主导地位。世界排名前十的学术机构中有九所来自中国，哈佛大学是这个精英群体中唯一一所非中国的机构。值得注意的是，中国科学技术大学（USTC）在全球排名第二，发表了大量高影响力的研究论文。

这一成就反映了中国在高等教育和研究方面的长期投资的有效性。中国大学的崛起不仅是一个统计上的里程碑，而且表明中国有能力创建世界级的大学，与世界上最好的大学竞争。

中国在科学研究和出版方面的主导地位

中国不仅建立了强大的大学，而且在科学研究和出版物方面也成为全球领导者。2022年，在最具影响力的国际期刊上发表的所有学术论文中，中国贡献了近三分之一，首次超过美国。这一成就凸显了该国强大的研究基础设施、大量的资金和不断增长的研究型教师队伍。

中国的优势在化学、物理和工程等基础科学领域尤为明显，中国研究人员在这些领域取得了突破性的成果。中国强调高影响力的研究，正在塑造全球科学话语，并为人类知识的进步做出重大贡献。

在专利申请和新兴技术方面的领导地位

除了学术出版物，中国在创新和专利申请方面也取得了非凡的进步。据国际报道，中国几年来一直是世界上申请专利最多的国家，远远超过其他主要国家。到2023年，亚洲占全球专利申请的近70%，其中中国领先。

中国在专利方面的领先地位证明了它致力于将研究成果转化为切实的技术进步。这在人工智能（AI）、量子计算和可再生能源等新兴领域尤为明显。例如，中国的人工智能系统现在正在与西方开发的模型竞争，甚至超过西方开发的模型，这表明中国在尖端技术方面的专业知识越来越多。

中国强大的研发（R&D）生态系统得到了政府和私营部门的支持。华为、阿里巴巴和腾讯等公司在推动创新方面发挥了重要作用。与此同时，国家资助的研究机构继续在各个科学学科领域取得突破性成果。

中国作为一个科学和地缘政治大国的崛起

中国在科学技术上的崛起已经对学术界和工业界产生了深远的影响。中国将自己定位为一个强大的地缘政治大国，利用其科技能力加强其全球影响力。中国在保持自主创新生态系统的同时融入全球经济的能力重新定义了国际格局。

中国在5G、绿色技术和高速铁路等领域的领导地位，巩固了其作为塑造全球工业未来的关键角色的地位。此外，中国的“一带一路”倡议促进了与世界各国的技术转让和研究合作，进一步扩大了其影响力。

中国在太空探索、生物技术和半导体制造方面的投资也突显了其引领下一代技术的雄心。这些战略举措确保中国不仅保持竞争力，而且将在未来几十年继续塑造全球创新趋势。

净结果

自20世纪70年代末以来，中国在教育、科学和技术方面的深思熟虑和战略性投资一直是变革性的。从20世纪80年代的出国留学到建设世界一流大学和领先全球的科学研究，中国已经展示了一个精心规划的国家发展方式的长期效益。

中国的研究人员现在处于全球科学进步的前沿，其大学在世界上名列前茅，其技术创新正在树立新的标杆。随着中国继续收获其远见卓识和奉献精神的回报，国际社会将从加强的科学合作和技术突破中受益。

中国作为一个教育、科学和地缘政治强国的崛起，给我们上了一堂关于远见、规划和毅力的课。在20世纪80年代，这似乎是一场雄心勃勃的赌博，现在已经得到了充分的回报，证实了对知识和创新的投资会产生不可估量的长期利益。

( 注意： 本文是用AI翻译的，或有误差。请以原版英文为准。谢谢。)

来源：时代传媒1号一点号