BEIJING, April 21-- China launched the second phase of a national research project to transform the country into a manufacturing power on Tuesday, according to the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE).

The joint project by the CAE and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology began in 2013 and is looking for ways to raise the quality of Chinese products and reshape the country as a manufacturing power.

Zhou Ji, president of the CAE and head of the project, said the second phase will focus on an index system for manufacturing nations, a roadmap for China's pillar industries, smart manufacturing, quality, brands, green production and manufacturing services.

The research team will consider areas like 3D printing and robots.

According to the research team, China should become a manufacturing power by 2025, reach a medium level among the world's best manufacturers by 2035, and rank near the top of the league table by 2045.