China R&D spend hits record 2.8% of GDP, surpasses OECD average

China's R&D expenditure reached 3.92 trillion yuan (US$584.8 billion) in 2025, equaling 2.8% of GDP, surpassing the OECD average for the first time. The increase reflects Beijing's push for technological self-reliance amid global competition, with analysts expecting the trend to continue. This marks a milestone in China's innovation drive, though the quality and commercial impact of the spending remain uncertain.