The relationship between scientific research and technology in China is seriously flawed - as not only do basic researchers often ignore technological development, but also, technologists can ignore the important role of scientific research. In 2010, nearly 130,000 Chinese papers were included in the Science Citation Index - the second highest number in the world. But China was ranked only eighth in the world in the number of citations for these papers. It is a discrepancy that should lead us to consider how much of original Chinese research is respected and used by others.

As things stand in China, it is difficult to imagine a researcher and a laboratory technician receiving the same benefits or professional status. This is the product of a social system dominated by a feudal mentality. It is understandable, but unfair, that administrative power has this influence over our professions. Ultimately, it is a loss for China's capacity for lasting and important scientific achievements, which depends on research and technical personnel cooperating with each other. New ideas need to be tested with new methods and instruments developed by technicians.