About 87 percent of professionals regarded as top talent in the science and engineering field have chosen to emigrate out of China, News.cn reported, citing sources with the Office of Central Talent Work Coordination Group.

A survey released by the Chinese Academy of Sciences shows that many personnel in Chinese science and technology sectors, especially in the fields of physics, mathematics and computer sciences, have served in high positions in world organizations.

Nearly 1 million Chinese overseas students returned to China through the Recruitment Program of Global Experts (1,000 Talent Plan), including 20,000 highly qualified overseas professionals.

The report quotes a senior official with the office as saying that China needs more flexible talent development policies and mechanisms to attract more talent coming back.