The science and technology progress plan published recently by the State Council plans to increase the proportion of scientifically-literate citizens nationwide to 10 percent by 2020 from 6.2 percent in 2015.

Currently, the proportion of scientifically-literate citizens in China is on the low side compared to many developed countries in the West. Scientific literacy in the United States stood at 28 percent in 2008 and was 35 percent in Sweden in 2005.

Like Us on Facebook

In contrast, China's scientific literacy nationwide was only 6.2 percent in 2015. This percentage, however, was almost double that in 2010 when it came to 3.27 percent, said the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST).

Major cities fared better, said CAST. Scientific literacy in Shanghai, Beijing and Tianjin was 18.7 percent, 17.5 percent and 12 percent, respectively. These results, however, were similar to levels in the U.S. and Europe at the end of the 20th century.

The plan targets youngsters, farmers, migrant workers and public servants as the key groups in the science promotion campaign.

"It is time to educate scientific and technological minds," said Li Zhimin, director of the Science and Technology Development Center under the Ministry of Education.

He noted that science-related websites, digital museums, and digital libraries should all play their part in the campaign. Li also pointed out efforts to draw more private funds to the cause.

In 2014, public spending made up 76 percent of the $2.25 billion U.S. dollars spent popularizing science.

A CAST survey found that over 53 percent of Chinese obtain scientific knowledge online. This figure rises to over 91 percent for those with a better scientific understanding. With an online population of 710 million, the Internet is now the preferred channel for Chinese to obtain science information.

Aside from boosting scientific knowledge among more ordinary Chinese, especially those in the countryside, scientific understanding also requires citizens to have the relevant thinking ability.

"For example, when an earthquake or an emergency happens, people need to have the basic ability to save themselves or others," said Qiu Chengli, an official with the science popularization section of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Last April, Beijing issued national standards to measure Chinese citizens' scientific understanding.

Chen Zhiwen, chief editor of the education website www.eol.cn, called for changes in the science education of young Chinese.

Tagsscientifically-literate citizens, china, State Council, China Association for Science and Technology