China's scientific literacy surges: 44% of adults meet basic standards

About 44 percent of China's adult population – 440 million people aged 16 to 69 – now meet the country's basic standards for scientific literacy, according to a survey conducted by the China Association of Science and Technology (CAST) released on Wednesday.

This group forms a vast human capital reservoir for economic and technological advancement, with 15.37 percent having achieved full scientific literacy and 2.30 percent classified as high-level literate.

China's updated science literacy framework, introduced in 2021, categorizes people using a 100-point scale across four dimensions: knowledge (40 points), methodology (20), critical thinking (20) and practical application (20).

This system, part of national statistical reporting since 2022, enables precise policy adjustments.

The survey also highlights a shift toward practical application – people scored highest in applying scientific reasoning (79/100) and embracing evidence-based thinking (80/100), suggesting growing public alignment with modern scientific values.

These gains underscore progress toward the country's 2035 goal of a knowledge-driven society.