China overtakes US to lead global R&D spending, hitting $615bn

ScienceCorporate, university expenditures for 2024 include computers, electronicsChina's jump in R&D spending was driven by corporate investment in computers and electronics. © ReutersKENTO FUKUIAugust 8, 2026 00:19 JSTTOKYO -- China has surpassed the U.S. to become the world leader in R&D spending by companies and universities, new Japanese data shows, as Beijing works to counter Washington's export restrictions on chips by accelerating development.