China to Speed Up Development of Advanced Particle Accelerator Device

China to Develop Advanced Particle Accelerator Device

The State Council has approved plans for the development of advanced particle accelerator and high-energy physics submitted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

At the seventh meeting of the Science and Technology Leading Group of the State Council held in Beijing, plans for 12 important high-tech programs in the following five years were also approved.

The meeting was presided over by Zhu Rongji, China's premier and the head of the group.

The 12 high-tech programs include construction of a high-speed information network, super computers, a digital high-density television system, biological chips, and a high-speed railway.

A State Council official said that the development of advanced particle accelerator and high-energy physics is vital for raising the level of science and technology in China.

He said the government will solicit advice on how to carry out the projects from Chinese and overseas experts.

The official said now that feasibility studies have been completed by the State Development Planning Commission and other departments, and the 12 high-tech programs are expected to be listed in the draft of China's 10th five-year development plan from 2001 to 2005.