CHINA ranks second globally in STEM education development, trailing only the United States, according to a new index released Sunday by the Tongji University STEM Education think tank in Shanghai. The Global STEM Education Development Index 2025, billed as the world’s first comprehensive evaluation tool for national and regional science, technology, engineering and mathematics education development, placed the U.S. in the top position with 86.50 points. China followed closely with 85.46 points. Switzerland, Singapore and Denmark rounded out the top five countries. The index, developed with academic guidance from the Chinese Society of Educational Development Strategy and data from Elsevier, systematically assessed the STEM education development levels of 40 major countries and regions worldwide. It established 22 indicators across three dimensions: policy and resources, educational processes, and outcomes and impacts, aiming to provide a scientific benchmark for optimizing national STEM education strategies. A representative from Tongji University highlighted the increasing global technological competition, stating that STEM education has become a core pillar supporting national innovation capacity and high-quality development. The U.S. top ranking was attributed to its strong institutional and resource advantages, particularly in education funding as a percentage of GDP, its per-student expenditure and abundant education resources. Among emerging economies, India produced the world’s largest number of STEM graduates at 3.34 million. However, its per-student funding amounted to only 17% of U.S. levels, leading to a lower overall ranking of 30th place. (SD-Agencies) | 