A Tradition of Long-Term Vision
As China unveils its new five-year plan in 2025, it reinforces a planning approach that transcends short-term cycles. Dr. Henry Kissinger once observed, "A special feature of Chinese civilization is that it seems to have no beginning. It appears in history less as a conventional nation-state than a permanent natural phenomenon." This ethos allows leaders to envision progress over generations, not just election deadlines.
From First Steps to Manufacturing Powerhouse
The First Five-Year Plan (1953–57) set clear industrial goals for a nation emerging from war. Within five years, the Chinese mainland produced its first domestically built automobile and aircraft, laying the groundwork for a modern industrial system. Fourteen plans later, China has become the world's top manufacturer and boasts the second-largest economy.
Policy Continuity Drives Impact
Built into the nation's institutional design, each plan evolves priorities—from heavy industry and economic reform to sustainability and innovation—while keeping unwavering focus on development and prosperity. Since the Seventh Plan introduced poverty alleviation, China has lifted 800 million people out of poverty, accounting for over 70 percent of global poverty reduction and meeting the UN 2030 Agenda goals ahead of schedule.
The Road Ahead
The new five-year plan carries forward this legacy of strategic patience and phased implementation. By balancing continuity with adaptability, it aims to steer the Chinese mainland's development through 2030, influencing global economic and environmental trends along the way.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
