Chinese articles stands second in science publications

China has rocketed into second place in the number of articles published in international science magazines, according to a report released by the Royal Society in London.



While the top 10 is filled with major Western powers, their share of research papers published is falling, while nations such as China, Brazil and India are growing.



Also on the rise but further behind are Iran and Turkey.



China has shot up from sixth place in the period 1999-2003 (4.4 per cent of the total) to second place behind the United States with 10.2 per cent over the years 2004-08, overtaking Japan.



The United States remains in the top spot, but has seen its share shrink from 26.4 per cent to 21.2 per cent.



Japan has slipped from second to fourth, falling from 7.8 per cent to 6.