Better planning, services required for continuous progress

To expand China's scientific outreach, the nation will need stronger government planning and support, as well as better management and services to overcome cultural and legal barriers overseas, experts said.

Fostering greater recognition and trust in China's scientific capabilities in other countries will be key for future scientific cooperation, they added.

In November, the Chinese Academy of Sciences launched the Alliance of International Science Organizations, the first organization created to connect the scientific communities of participants in the Belt and Road Initiative, with the goal of improving scientific cooperation, sharing knowledge and promoting sustainable development.