China has made industrial modernisation and the strengthening of the real economy the core of its upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan. The recommendations, adopted by the Communist Party of China (CPC), outline a strategy to expand high-tech and traditional industries in parallel.
Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), said the plan focuses on building new industrial pillars in new energy, aerospace, new materials, and the low-altitude economy. These sectors are expected to create trillion-yuan-scale markets and drive high-tech growth over the next decade.
Future-Oriented Technologies to Power Growth
The roadmap also highlights quantum technology, bio-manufacturing, brain-computer interfaces, and 6G as future growth engines. “This expansion will effectively build a new high-tech industry within ten years,” Zheng noted, adding that these sectors will inject lasting momentum into China’s economy.
Upgrading Traditional Industries
Alongside innovation, China plans to upgrade traditional sectors that still contribute around 80% of its manufacturing value. The strategy includes improving quality and competitiveness in chemicals, machinery, and shipbuilding, while developing advanced manufacturing clusters.
According to Zheng, this initiative could add 10 trillion yuan to the economy over the next five years and significantly improve livelihoods.
Strengthening Homegrown Innovation
Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Yin Hejun said the plan emphasises technological self-reliance. By mobilising national resources, China aims to achieve breakthroughs in semiconductors, machine tools, and high-end equipment manufacturing.
He added that upcoming science and technology programs will strengthen basic research and innovation capabilities. “In five years, China’s scientific strength will make a major leap, with innovation driving new productive forces,” Yin stated.
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