China's scientific and technological strength reaches a new level in 2025: minister

China's science and technology sector made rapid progress in 2025, with the country's scientific and technological strength reaching a new level and a host of achievements emerging, said Yin Hejun, minister of science and technology on Thursday.

During a group interview at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing following the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), Yin offered an overview of China's sci-tech development and achievements in 2025.

"China's sci-tech sector has witnessed rapid development, with its scientific and technological strength ascending to new heights. The country has climbed to the 10th position in the global innovation ranking. China's gross domestic research and development spending in 2025 exceeded 3.92 trillion yuan (about 568 billion U.S. dollars), with the spending intensity reaching 2.8 percent. Basic research investment approached 280 billion yuan (about 41 billion U.S. dollars), accounting for 7.08 percent of the total -- topping 7 percent for the first time and hitting a historic high," said the minister.

Yin also highlighted the bounty of breakthroughs in China's sci-tech sector over the past year.

"A flourishing array of scientific and technological achievements has emerged. Humanoid robots dazzled audiences at the 2026 Spring Festival Gala, evolving from performing Yangge folk dance and twirling handkerchiefs last year to turning somersaults and starring in comedy skits this year, showcasing a versatile repertoire of skills. China's open-source large language models now lead the world, and new breakthroughs have been made in chip research and development. Moreover, and innovative drugs have seen robust growth. A total of 76 innovative drugs were approved last year, with cross-border out-licensing deals exceeding 130 billion U.S. dollars. Technology has empowered industries across the board, significantly improving people's quality of life," he said.

The fourth session of the 14th NPC kicked off on Thursday and is set to conclude on March 12.

China's scientific and technological strength reaches a new level in 2025: minister

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Friday urged Iranians to wage an "economic battle" and a "cultural battle" to defeat the country's "enemies," according to a message carried by Iranian media.

In the message marking the Workers' Day and Teachers' Day, which fall on Friday and Saturday, Khamenei said that after over 47 years of struggle, Iran has demonstrated its military capabilities against enemies and "must also disappoint and defeat them in the economic and cultural battles."

He described teachers and workers as the most effective elements in these battles, calling them "the backbones" of the cultural and economic spheres.

Khamenei also urged prioritizing the consumption of domestic products.

The Navy of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Friday that new regulations for managing the Persian Gulf will be implemented based on a "historic" directive from Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

In a statement made via the social media platform X, the IRGC Navy said that, leveraging its dominance over nearly 2,000 kilometers of Iran's coastline in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, it aims to transform the body of water into a source of income and power for the Iranian people, while promoting security and prosperity in the region.

On Feb. 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities, resulting in the deaths of Iran's then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior commanders, and civilians. In response, Iran carried out waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and U.S. assets across the Middle East, along with energy and civilian infrastructure in several Gulf nations, while asserting strict control over the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire between the parties was reached on April 8.

Iran's supreme leader urges economic, cultural battles to defeat 'enemies'