China now ranks as the most influential country in four of eight core scientific fields, tying with the USA, according to the Japan Science and Technology Agency; it took the top 10% of the most referenced studies in each field, and determined the number of authors who were affiliated with the USA, Germany, UK, France, China or Japan.

China ranked first in computer science, mathematics, materials science and engineering while the USA led the way in physics, environmental and earth sciences, basic life science and clinical medicine.

China’s progress has been rapid in the field of computer science. While the country accounted for only 3% of the most referenced studies in 2000, this figure surged to 21% by 2015. It has also had the fastest super-computer in the world since 2013 — and the two fastest in 2016.

China is also rapidly catching up in physics, where the USA has long dominated. It is currently spending more than $6 billion to build the world’s largest particle accelerator, which will put it at the forefront of particle physics.

China has spent heavily to get into this position; it has also presided over an extensive campaign to attract talent. Indeed, China’s public and private spending on research was double Japan’s in 2014 and is fast approaching the American tally of $460 billion.

It is also making efforts to bring home Chinese researchers who have trained abroad — and connect with overseas talent through overseas study programmes and temporary placements.