Recently exposed corruption in Chinese science research funding has prompted the government to take action. The State Council has issued guidelines to increase transparency in the distribution of funds. In addition, the Central Commission for Discipline and Inspection will make more inspections, with attention specifically on the Ministry of Science. Funding for R&D is considerable, accounting for 1.98% of the GDP in 2012. R&D spending in that year was $168 billion, up from $10.8 billion in 2000. Over 50 officials are believed to have accepted bribes to award millions of dollars in grants and subsidies to research groups. In one city, Foshan, 30% of the funds intended to support research was used for bribes.

Source: The Economist