Asymmetric catch-up in strategic battlefields: Historical controversy on cutting-edge science and technology during early years of the People’s Republic of China and its enlightenment

Along with the development of science and technology and the transformation of the world pattern, the international scientific and technological competition is becoming increasingly competitive, which has an increasingly important impact on the comprehensive national strength. Consequently, the value of the country’s self-reliance in science and technology is emphasized. The history is reviewed of the cutting-edge science and technology that is crucial to national destiny during the early years of the People’s Republic of China, when facing complex international situations and severe domestic production and living pressures, and the historical controversy on the project. Based on such review, this study emphasizes the positive correlation between country’s self-reliance in strategic battlefields of science and technology and national independence, which enlightens the public to deepen their understanding on China’s scientific and technological strategy.