Now they just have to start following that whole human rights thing.

I am not entirely aware, but isn't China's educational system incredibly focused on work and no play? Isn't science more about people who are inspired and happy to do their work messing around and making unexpected discoveries?

You don't hear about a Bill Gates, or a Steve Jobs, or Stephen Hawking, coming from China. I will believe they are pulling ahead when they start actually doing things.

This is expected for a country that is industrializing and moving forward. They are becoming a modern nation, and that includes having science. They also have four times the people, they are obviously going to have more scientists and publish more papers.

But I'd imagine the culture and outlook on science, along with the people's ability to invent and innovate is just as important. People don't innovate when they can't say the wrong things about their country without risk of going to jail, and they can't innovate when they are expected to get perfect A's on every last one of their pre-written tests.

I may be wrong though, and correct me if I am.