point In the orientation of science and technology development In China. During October of that year, Chinese Premtor Zhao Zhlyang put forward and elaboratd a new guide I lne that science and tech­ nology must serve economic development while economic development must rely on the advances In science and technology and the two ~hould develop In a coordinated manner. This new guideline Incorporates five major aspects: 1. science and technology must develop In harmony with social and economic development and regard the latter as the key objective; 2. priority should be given to the research relating to production technology; to the correct selection of technology, and to create a rational techno­ logy mix; 3. efforts must be made to strengthen the development end extension of technologies that have a direct bearing on Industrial end agricultural development; 4. steady and gradual development of fundamental research must be ensured; 5. the study. Presented by Yao Erxln digestion and assimilation of foreign technologies taken as an Important means for aeveloplng China's science and technology. should be endogenous In the light of this new guideline and drawing on the lmporu tant concepts of the VIenna Programme of Action, a better linkage has been fostered between soclat.· economic and political sectors and the scientific circle. Science and technology Is now regard~ ed as of strategic priority in the national economic development. PROGRESS ACHIEVED The People's Republic of China was founded In ~949. At ~hat time, China only had 30 to 40 research Institutes and some 50,000 scientific and technologlcai research personnel, of whom only a few hundred were actually engaged In scientific research. There was a serious shortage of research facilities, and research funds. As soon as new China was established, the Government of China devoted much efforts to the development of science and technology. 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the orientation of science and technology development in China, its importance for economic development, and the progress achieved in this field. It highlights the government's efforts to develop science and technology, the guidelines for its development, and the importance of coordination between science, technology, and economic development.

**Category**
Economic development, Science and technology