China Unveils Recommendations for 15th Five-Year Plan, Charting Course for 2026-2030

CPC Central Committee Adopts Key Recommendations

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has officially released its recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan, outlining the nation's policy priorities for economic and social development from 2026 to 2030. These recommendations were adopted during the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, held in Beijing from October 20 to 23, 2025. The official document, titled 'Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development,' was made public on October 28, 2025.

The plan is positioned as a 'crucial link' in China's journey towards achieving socialist modernization by 2035, navigating a period characterized by increasing global volatility and domestic challenges. The final version of the 15th Five-Year Plan is anticipated to be formally released and implemented in March 2026, following its adoption by the National People's Congress (NPC).

Focus on Industrial Modernization and Domestic Demand

A central tenet of the recommendations is the commitment to building a modernized industrial system. This involves a strategic shift towards high-quality, innovation-driven growth, prioritizing the modernization of traditional industries while vigorously fostering emerging sectors. Key areas of focus include:

• Advanced manufacturing
• High-tech industries
• Green energy
• Digital and AI-driven services
• New energy and materials
• Aviation and aerospace
• Low-altitude economy

This approach aims to move China's economy up the value chain and strengthen the foundations of the real economy. Concurrently, the recommendations emphasize cultivating a robust domestic market and significantly increasing domestic demand. This strategy seeks to boost consumption, expand investment, and build a unified national market, positioning it as the principal engine of economic growth.

High-Standard Opening-Up and Technological Self-Reliance

The recommendations also underscore a commitment to high-standard opening-up, aiming to strengthen foreign investors' confidence. This includes expanding institutional opening-up, aligning with high-standard international economic and trade rules, and creating greater space for two-way investment cooperation. Specific measures involve focusing on the opening up of the services sector and removing market access restrictions for foreign investors in manufacturing.

Another critical priority is achieving substantial improvements in scientific and technological self-reliance and strength. The plan calls for increased investment in research and development (R&D) and emphasizes turning laboratory breakthroughs into scalable, high-value production capacity.

Broader Objectives and Vision for 2035

Beyond economic restructuring, the 15th Five-Year Plan recommendations encompass broader objectives for sustainable and inclusive development. These include:

• Green development, with stringent climate targets such as peaking carbon emissions before 2030 and promoting clean energy.
• Strengthening social services and improving the overall quality of life for citizens.
• Further advances in strengthening the national security shield.

The plan serves as a strategic blueprint for China's development over the next five years, aiming to lay a solid foundation for achieving the long-term goal of socialist modernization by 2035.