Science and national defence: Special editions on the National Defence Science Movement during the Anti-Japanese War

Abstract

In 1941, Chiang Kai-shek put forward the proposition that ‘National defence is built upon science and technology, and the strength of a country is secured by national defence’, marking the official start of the National Defence Science Movement (国防科学运动). Attempting to answer the call, a number of journals and newspapers published special issues dedicated to the movement, including many contributions from senior political officials and technological influencers. The papers explored the meaning and role of science, scientific research, science popularization, science-related awards and similar topics. The writers underscored the value of science, publicized the idea of ‘saving the country by means of science’ (科学救国), highlighted the value of basic science and social science, and explained how different disciplines could play their part in national defence. They envisaged postwar reconstruction plans in fields as diverse as telecommunications and forestry and called on young people to study science and take the initiative by devoting themselves to scientific research. The publication of these special issues raised the status of science, especially the basic and social sciences, while playing a positive role in encouraging young people to engage in scientific research.