China was the 1st to pioneer the hybrid rice program, or the "Super Rice", which enabled China to meet majority of its food supply for its growing population.

http://www.lifesciencesfoundation.org/events-Chinas_super_rice.html

The Chinese scientist, Professor Yuan Longping, China’s “Father of Hybrid Rice” pioneered the hybrid rice production system back in the early 1970's.

China is now helping many third world nations in developing their own Super Rice programs.

Furthermore, unlike major Ag Corporations, China never patented its "Super Rice" technologies.

Removed for violating rules on soapboxing/leading questions, and seeking poll/trivia answers.

I wanted to goto technology, but they do not allow text posts. I am curious about the sociopolitical developments in modern China that have moved them from a nation of invention and innovation in the Han dynasty era, to now a nation that only focuses on social innovation (modern and efficient labor force) rather than technological, as there are no significant modern (post Mao) inventions mentioned in any list I have seen.

If this isn't appropriate for history, I don't know where it would be.

You guys are kidding me right? China invented one of the most important things the world has ever seen. Maybe not everyones favorite, for its invention put the world on a slippery slope and has done a lot of bad, good, and a hell of a lot of actions have stemmed from it that are in a moral grey area. I will give you a couple of hints, it is black and it goes BOOM! Gunpowder boys. It is agreed by scholars that gunpowder found its origin in China in the ninth century. The earliest written formula for gunpowder came from the eleventh century Song Dynasty. This also led to China inventing and producing the first fireworks and gunpowder weapons. This means on one side, every time you fire off a firecracker or go watch a fireworks show on the fourth of july, new years, or any other celebration even outside of the US. You are watching a technology that found its roots in China. Not to mention the gun or artillery. Any gun or Artillery piece ever fired since they came around shares its history with the gunpowder weapons that China invented. Even before the Chinese produced their first guns or weapons that resembled modern fire arms they made bombs, mines, flamethrowers, and rockets. Do not count China out ladies and Gentlemen, their invention of gunpowder changed the world and the course of history in a major way.