China has decided to launch a nationwide campaign to spread basic scientific knowledge among its 1.3 billion people. Many Chinese know little about science, according to a spokesman with the China Association for Science and Technology in Beijing on Wednesday.

A recent survey by the association shows that only 1.4 percent of the population have the basic scientific knowledge as set by international criterion, which could hinder China's progress in the modern world.

Many people do not know about such things as black holes in space, the Big Bang, or even any thing about the theory of evolution.

The campaign will use exhibitions, training courses, and popular books to fight against superstition, pseudo-science and to explain unusual phenomenon to the public.

The association has suggested that every province and city build a science museum and that universities and research institutes are urged to play a vital role in this regard.

(People’s Daily January 26, 2002)