The National Conference on S&T Work opened in Beijing on January 29. Science Minister XU Guanhua said in the work report that in 2006 the science community stuck to the principle of indigenous innovation with Chinese characteristics and strived for an innovative state. They took a down-to-earth approach and explored new areas with prominent accomplishments. According to preliminary statistics, China's total R&D spending in 2006 reached a record 300 billion yuan (38.5 billion U.S. dollars), accounting for 1.4 percent of GDP, jumped by 22% over the previous year. The public spending on science and technology increased steadily, among which the central government appropriated 71.6 billion yuan, a yearly increase of 19.2%.

Minister XU reviewed the achievements and experience in S&T work in 2006 and arranged for the work in 2007.