During the ongoing Two Sessions, which are the annual meetings of China’s top legislature and top political advisory body, several scientists have shared exciting updates regarding the country's significant science and technology infrastructure projects.

These facilities, which include massive telescopes and deep underground laboratories, are entering a new phase of development during the country's 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).

China has emphasized the significance of these facilities in the draft outline of its new five-year plan, advocating for their ongoing construction and more efficient utilization.

Wang Chi, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress and an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, noted a significant shift in how these projects are being planned in an interview.

"The approach to laying out our major science infrastructure has entered a new stage," he said, explaining that the focus has moved from being primarily for basic research to serving both basic and applied needs.

Good news came from several prominent projects. Wang, who also leads the Chinese Meridian Project-Phase II, noted that this project successfully passed national acceptance inspection in March 2025, marking the establishment of the world's most comprehensive ground-based regional monitoring network for space weather.

Looking ahead, plans are in place to use this network as a core for broad international collaboration, aiming to create a comprehensive monitoring chain around the globe.

During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the goal is to deepen the integration of the project's phases, improve its operational efficiency, and expand its applications to provide more accurate space weather warnings for spacecraft.

Jiang Peng, an NPC deputy and the chief engineer of the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope, also provided updates regarding this renowned "China Sky Eye."

Since becoming fully operational in 2020, the telescope has consistently produced important scientific findings.

Looking toward the future, Wang Chi believes that the field of space science will undergo a crucial phase of strategic transformation concerning its major scientific and technological infrastructure.