As American imperialism and its racist European allies continue to create havoc across the globe—seeking wars and conflicts to distract from the failures of capitalism and turning America and Europe into homes of widespread marginalisation, dehumanisation, destitution, unhappiness and  inherent culture of pessimism amid a global climate crisis—Chinese science is revolutionising its research efforts, promoting a culture of hope not only for the Chinese people but also for the world. Chinese scientists at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) and Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a solar-powered reactor that produces green jet fuel using air, sunlight, and water. The solar-powered reactor mimics the photosynthesis found in nature, converting carbon dioxide and water vapor into aviation jet fuel using solar energy. While this progress deserves recognition and celebration, it is equally important to understand, acknowledge, and appreciate the Chinese model of development shaped by the Chinese people, their state, society, and government under the leadership of the Communist Party of China.

Chinese scientists and researchers have already succeeded in producing one litre of aviation fuel per day now, and they plan to accelerate production of this environmentally sustainable jet fuel. This breakthrough has the potential not only to eliminate the reliance on fossil fuels but also to transform the aviation industry permanently through clean energy. It could fundamentally challenge the dominance of the petrodollar in the global energy market—a system that has fuelled capitalism while damaging the environment. This scientific breakthrough by Chinese scientists can help reduce emissions, protect the environment, and enable sustainable, decentralised production of green jet fuel to meet the energy needs of people around the world. It will also help to reduce the oil-dependent costs of everyday essential goods and services. Therefore, the social, economic, and environmental impact of this scientific development is not only positive but also profound, as it empowers people by addressing their energy needs for sustainable development.

However, the question remains: how did Chinese scientists manage to achieve such a great feat while their counterparts in US and UK universities face precarious working conditions? The answer lies in the academic freedom and strong research funding that Chinese scientists enjoy, supported by the Chinese state and government. This support ensures policies that provide funding, facilities, freedom, research infrastructure, and a teaching and learning environment concomitant with the needs of scientific innovation.

The governing and non-governing elites in the US, Britain and Europe have undermined universities, research institutes, and spaces of higher learning by promoting the marketisation of education and politically motivated curriculum in the name of employability within a culture of profit-oriented research. This approach has eroded the critical and free spaces necessary for a healthy teaching and learning environment. Today, many American, British, and European universities operate like degree-selling supermarkets, where both education and employability are compromised in the pursuit of profit. The precarious working conditions within this capitalist framework of higher education have further damaged the research culture, allowing profit to dictate the nature and scope of innovation.

In contrast, China has been massively increasing its investment in scientific research and higher education over the past four decades. The Chinese government ensures substantial funding for research and development. Institutions such as the Ministry of Science and Technology, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences continue to fund research aimed at advancing knowledge for human development and emancipation. This ethos fundamentally differentiates China from the capitalist Western model, where profit-driven research and development policies often prioritise financial gain at the expense of human well-being.

The capitalist failure to keep pace with people led Chinese model of development has fuelled all kinds of anti-China propaganda, often without a shred of evidence. As China continues to advance along its path of development, it becomes increasingly important to demystify capitalist propaganda and expose the anti-people trajectories of Western states and governments. This is essential for achieving both short term development for human survival and the long-term emancipation of people from imperialist hegemony and capitalist dominance.

Science for human progress forms the foundation of China’s research and development ethos, whereas science for profit is central to the capitalist model of development. The choice is therefore clear: from achievements in poverty reduction to the development of the Chinese space station, the work of Chinese scientists and researchers demonstrates the strength of this model. Through these accomplishments, the Chinese working people embody the best traditions of working-class skill, dedication, and political commitment. It is time to celebrate Chinese working people, skills and development model and their decentralised and bottom-up democratic politics. Such a celebration is essential for advancing the progress, peace, and prosperity of working people. Let science and working-class politics emancipate people from a profit driven capitalist system that undermines scientific temper and human progress.