They are building the EmDrive which apparently converts electrical energy into thrust via microwaves, without violating any laws of physics. Not everyone agrees that this is possible some say this is yet another manifestation of a perpetual motion machine.
Still the chinese think there is something in this and are developing prototypes. If it does work then they will have a years head start on a technology that will dominate space (they reckon a solar powered EMdrive could get to mars with no need for any fuel in 41 weeks). Course if it doesn't work as most scientist believe the chinese will have wasted a lot of money and get laughed at by a load of smug scientists.