A new study by Britain's national science academy has concluded that "China is on track to overtake the United States in scientific output as early as 2013." 

The study finds that in 1996, the U.S. published 292,513 papers, more than 10 times China's output. But by 2008, U.S. output had increased only slightly, while China's jumped more than sevenfold.

Some of China's advances in science and technology are due to predatory trade practices on the part of Beijing.  Two examples:

• On September 9, 2010, the United Steelworkers (USW) filed a Section 301 trade petition documenting China’s multiple illegal trade practices on clean energy and other green technologies. The 5,800 page petition details the more than 80 Chinese laws, regulations and practices that violate international trade agreements and have adversely impacted U.S. clean energy manufacturing and green technology.
• News reports indicate that China is now blocking the export of rare earth minerals to the United States.  China produces more than 90% of the world’s supply of these minerals which are needed for the manufacture of solar panels, wind turbines, advanced batteries and energy efficient lighting. 

Read more on China's rising scientific prowess.