BEIJING, June 19-- China is achieving landmarks in science and technology at breakneck speed. The country's Tianzhou-1 cargo spacecraft completed its second docking with Tiangong-2 space lab on Monday. Chinese scientists announced they have realized satellite-based distribution of entangled photon pairs over a record distance of more than1,200 kilometers Friday, a major breakthrough that could be used to deliver secure messages. In the same week, China successfully launched its first X-ray space telescope to study black holes, pulsars and gamma-ray bursts, receiving its first package of data. In May, China's first home-grown large passenger jet C919 made its maiden flight; Chinese scientists announced they had built world's first quantum computing machine; and China's manned submersible Jiaolong conducted more dives in the sea. In April, China launched its first domestically-built aircraft carrier. Such a string of achievements shows the country's innovation-driven development strategy is paying off. The latest Global Innovation Index showed that China rose three spots to 22nd place on the list of the world's most innovative nations in 2017, the only middle-income country to join the top 25 innovative economies. However, China stepping closer to becoming an innovative power has aroused fear and skepticism, with some arguing that its progress poses a threat to other countries. |