The transformation of China, a country that was once on the periphery of the world economy, into one of the leaders of the latter in a historically short time is of great scientific interest. The factors of strengthening the Chinese economy are diverse, but one of the most important is the development of the country's scientific and technological potential, which the PRC authorities regard as the foundation for the formation of a competitive economy. The strengthening of scientific and technical potential is largely facilitated by the cooperation of Chinese researchers with their foreign colleagues. The purpose of this article is to show how international scientific and technical cooperation is linked to the strategic goals of the social and economic policy of the PRC. In the course of work on the article, scientific publications on the problems of international scientific and technical cooperation were studied, official documents defining the regulations and content of cooperation were analyzed, as well as information about it posted on the websites of departments and organizations, summarized information contained in statistical reports and media reports on the relevant topic. On the basis of this material, the evolution of the motives, goals and content of international scientific and technical cooperation on the part of China was revealed. The change in the role of China in the global network of scientific and technical ties is shown as its scientific and technological potential and economy are strengthened: from a «follower» it turns into a leading player - the initiator and organizer of new projects of scientific and technical cooperation, in which takes the position of the leader.