Imagine over 3.11 million voices coming together to shape the next chapter of a nation's journey. That's exactly what happened during China's recent online campaign, where citizens chipped in ideas for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). The initiative ran from May 20 to June 20, collecting insights on everything from economic growth to social welfare.
In an instruction marking the campaign's wrap-up, Chinese President Xi Jinping – also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission – highlighted how these netizen suggestions embody whole-process people's democracy. He urged government bodies to study the feedback closely and weave it into the strategic blueprint.
Five-year plans have been China's compass since the 1950s, mapping out national goals, major tasks and policy directions across sectors. With this digital-first approach, the 15th edition aims to bridge policymakers with everyday realities. Xi encouraged Party committees and governments at all levels to tune into the public pulse – listening, learning and responding to citizens' aspirations for a better life.
For global citizens and entrepreneurs alike, this move signals a shift toward more inclusive governance in the digital age. The flood of suggestions – from tech innovation ideas to social welfare proposals – offers a data-rich foundation for the upcoming plan. And as the world watches, China's experiment could offer lessons for other nations seeking to merge public input with strategic policymaking.
Whether you're a young professional tracking economic trends, a changemaker focused on participatory democracy, or a traveler curious about the policies shaping your next destination, the 15th Five-Year Plan's online crowdsourcing sets a new standard for public engagement. Stay tuned as China turns millions of netizen voices into its roadmap for 2026-2030.
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Xi urges studying online opinions in formulating 15th Five-Year Plan
cgtn.com
