As a basic science, mathematics is often obscure and seems a far cry from everyday life. However, mathematicians stress the importance of basic sciences. 

China has developed advanced mathematics since ancient times. The country is believed to have been the first to employ a decimal place value notation system—about 1,000 years before any other civilization. In early 2018, China's State Council issued several new policies to boost basic science research in the country.

There is no doubt that social development demands many mathematical talents. For instance, Huawei constructs math centers around the world; Alibaba organized the first global math competition back in 2018 and funded the prize-winners.

Chinese tech giants are keen on recruiting new math talent and the students who major in mathematics are more likely to get a higher paycheck. This means that knowing mathematics is an advantage and also a crucial part in the development of today's technological world.

International mathematicians also underlined the importance of the discipline to modern science development.

According to Shing-Tung Yau, a celebrated international mathematics master, it is necessary to enhance communication between China and the rest of the world.

In the future, more energy should go into the creation of more substantial measures to expand pure mathematical research and promote the cultivation of new talent.

This is an edited excerpt of an article originally published in China Newsweek on April 12    

(Print Edition Title:Power of Math)