China’s State Council announced today a set of measures aimed at boosting funding for basic research and encouraging greater foreign investment in advanced manufacturing sectors. The cabinet unveiled the policies during a meeting that was broadcast by state television CCTV.
According to the meeting readout, officials intend to increase government investment in fundamental scientific research. The announcement said the aim is to deepen support for long-term research efforts that underpin technological development, while also attracting more foreign capital into areas of advanced manufacturing.
As part of the initiative to foster innovation, the State Council set out plans to expand the domestic start-up ecosystem. The cabinet said it seeks to nurture a larger pool of start-ups and to cultivate additional unicorn companies within the country’s designated key sectors. To support that objective, state investment funds will take a guiding role, providing direction and backing for priority projects and enterprises.
The readout also conveyed a note of caution from officials on project approvals. Authorities warned against rushing project sign-offs, indicating a preference for more measured review processes rather than hasty green lights.
In addition to measures focused on research and capital flow, the State Council outlined policies to strengthen employment support. The package includes commitments to bolster assistance for targeted worker groups and to promote more flexible employment arrangements. The cabinet said these steps will be paired with improvements in protections for workers’ rights as part of the broader policy bundle.
The measures announced today combine direct financial support for research, active deployment of state-directed investment funds, and labor-market policies intended to support workers and flexible employment. The meeting's broadcast on CCTV served as the public vehicle for the release of these plans.
Summary
The State Council plans to raise investment in basic research, attract more foreign capital to advanced manufacturing, support the growth of start-ups and unicorns with guidance from state investment funds, urge careful project approvals, and expand employment supports while improving worker protections.