China's Secret Scientific Megaprojects

An anonymous reader writes "The Diplomat reports on the 2006 National Medium to Long-term Plan (MLP) for the Development of Science and Technology, China's most ambitious national science and technology plan to date. The MLP consists of sixteen megaprojects — both civilian and military — that serve as 'S&T vanguard programs designed to transform China's science & technology capabilities in areas such as electronics, semiconductors, [and] telecommunications.' Thirteen of the megaprojects are listed in the MLP, while three are classified for national security reasons. The three classified megaprojects are likely the military components of the Shenguang Laser Project (used for thermonuclear weapons), the Beidou 2 Satellite Navigation System, and the Hypersonic Vehicle Technology Project."

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The list

[CODiNE]

The 13 published Megaprojects.

  Core electronic components, high-end general use chips and basic software products
  Large-scale integrated circuit manufacturing equipment and techniques
  New generation broadband wireless mobile communication networks
  Advanced numeric-controlled machinery and basic manufacturing technology
  Large-scale oil and gas exploration
  Large advanced nuclear reactors
  Water pollution control and treatment
  Breeding new varieties of genetically modified organisms
  Pharmaceutical innovation and development
  Control and treatment of AIDS, hepatitis, and other major diseases
  Large aircraft
  High-definition earth observation system
  Manned spaceflight and lunar probe programs