For thousands of years thinkers have grappled to understand the origins of the universe. Now, this question has been included, alongside more terrestrial topics such as agriculture, in China's new economic and social development plan.
In the draft outline of the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020), which was presented to the Fourth Session of the 12th National People's Congress for review on Saturday, the evolution of the universe was given pride of place on the scientific research list. It was followed by material structure, the origins of life, and neurology.[Special coverage]
"This is the first time China has included the origins of the universe in its medium- and long-term plan," Han Song, a Chinese sci-fi writer, said.
"So, like the ancient philosophers Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu more than 2,000 years ago, modern thinkers are deliberating the ultimate question of existence," Han said.
"Fundamental questions, like this, have the power to influence solutions to some of the most prominent problems faced by society, and the world at large," said Han.
According to the draft, China will launch projects exploring quantum communication, deep space exploration, water saving and irrigation, and pollution control -- areas that have been identified as having far reaching consequences.
With economic downward pressure forecast to continue over the coming five years, China is committed to fostering new development momentum through innovation.
Zhang Xinmin, a researcher with the Institute of High Energy Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and also a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said that the inclusion of research into the 13th Five-Year Plan shows that the country is beginning to value basic science.
Zhang, who is involved in research into primordial gravitational waves in Ali, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, said research is the origin of innovation. Without it, innovation on a large scale is unachievable.
Study on universe evolution seems unrelated to solving more pressing issues, such as lifting tens of millions of people out of poverty by 2020.
However, Hugo Award-winning author Liu Cixin, said many problems rely on advances in science and technology.
Currently, about five percent of research investment is channelled to fundamental research. Whereas in the United States and Germany, that figure is 40 percent and 28 percent.
