China is laying the groundwork for its 15th Five-Year Plan, covering 2026–2030. President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has steered strategic discussions since early 2025.
In April, during an inspection in Shanghai, Xi presided over a symposium on economic and social development. He stressed that China must manage its affairs well and pursue high-standard opening up, adapt to a changing global landscape, and integrate development with security.
On July 30, Xi chaired a Political Bureau meeting that set the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee for October. There, proposals for the 15th Five-Year Plan will be studied alongside other agenda items. The plan aims to implement a new development philosophy, maintain progress with stability, and forge a new development paradigm toward socialist modernization by 2035.
Technology-Driven Growth
Key to high-quality growth are new quality productive forces. Xi highlighted the need for:
- Transforming and upgrading traditional industries
- Developing emerging industries and future technologies
- Strengthening basic research and original innovation
- Coordinating education, technology, and talent
These priorities are designed to build a modern industrial system anchored by the real economy and driven by global scientific frontiers.
People-Centered Approach
The CPC tradition of grassroots research shaped the plans drafting. An online campaign from May 20 to June 20 collected 3.11 million suggestions on issues from social services to infrastructure. Ideas ranged from using AI for elder care monitoring to building more community sports facilities and boosting science education.
Xi called for public feedback to be thoroughly studied and integrated. He urged Party committees and governments at all levels to listen widely, understand peoples needs, and meet their aspirations for a better life.
Reference(s):
President Xi Jinping charts course for China's 15th Five-Year Plan
cgtn.com
