Since its invention, the laser has developed tremendously; stimulated important breakthroughs in numerous related fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, and information science; and played crucial roles in fundamental science and technology application research. The National Science Foundation of China compiles statistics on the funding of Key Programs, Major Programs, Research Programs of National Major Research Instruments, General Programs, and Youth Science Foundation Programs. Based on the statistics compiled between 2017 and 2021, this study analyzes hot words in titles and keywords of previously funded projects to summarize the key developments and challenges of laser science and technology in China and propose topics requiring further research and discussion.