S&T evaluation has been a key part of S&T management in many countries. The results of the evaluation are often a major reference in S&T policy-making, planning and programs. Since the end of World War II, Japan has steadily strengthened its support of science, technology and development activities, improved its S&T evaluation system, and introduced S&T evaluation policies at various levels. This article presents the development of Japan’s S&T evaluation policy. Noting China’s present condition, the article makes suggestions for improving China’s S&T evaluation by focusing on the following aspects: improving relevant laws and regulations, promoting capacity building in S&T innovation, strengthening evaluation methodology studies and attaching importance to evaluation results.