The Programme Strategic Scientific Alliances (PSA) between China and the Netherlands is China's first long-term bilateral cooperative program on strategic research with western developed countries. The intended duration of this programme is 15 years. After joint assessment and selection this year, six projects have entered the planning stage (2008-2012). 

To ensure smooth implementation, the Department of International Cooperation convened in Beijing a working conference on PSA projects at the planning stage. Principal investigators of the six projects and representatives from project contractors attended the meeting. 

Since PSA serves long-term strategic cooperation, 2 to 3 projects will be selected for the strategic alliance stage after the five-year planning phase. The vision is to forge a scientific alliance of international influence.