China is expanding bilateral and multilateral scientific programmes over the next two years, sources from the Ministry of Science and Technology said.

Its main targets include joining international basic research programmes, high-tech projects, space technology and high-energy physics studies.

The country will also nurture some powerful domestic companies, universities and research institutions as backbone international co-operation centres, according to the ministry.

China’s Spark Programme - a scientific plan initiated in 1986 to boost agriculture and rural economy through advanced technology - will seek international co-operation, including assisting other developing countries.

In its latest Five-Year Scientific Plan (2001-05), the ministry for the first time included international scientific co-operation as an important part.

Sources from the ministry’s Department of International Co-operation said earlier this year that China will kick off several international scientific programmes, including:

Galilei Project, the largest scientific programme between China and the European Union (EU) since EU and China established official relations in 1975. The two sides will collaborate in satellite navigation and industrial manufacturing technology.