Float proves just how vital science, tech are to country

On New China's 70th birthday, of all the parade floats showcasing China's historical changes since the 18th Communist Party of China National Congress in 2012, the one about science and technology was the first to meet the audience, and as a science reporter I thought to myself: what a time to be alive.

The float is intricately designed. It is a three-stage, rocket-like amalgamation that has the head of the Fuxing bullet train in the front, with China's most powerful supercomputer Sunway TaihuLight on top.

The rocket's body has sets of solar panels protruding like wings. It also serves as the foundation, carrying China's C919 passenger jet, Shenzhou rocket, Chang'e 4 moon rover and the Micius quantum communication satellite.