British analyst Keith Bennett has highlighted China's unique strength in combining scientific rigor with grassroots participation during the formulation of its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). The vice chair of Britain's 48 Group Club shared his insights at this week's International Forum on Overseas Studies of Xi Jinping Thought in Beijing.
"The planning process literally incorporates millions of citizens' ideas through systematic collection and assessment," Bennett told CGTN, referencing General Secretary Xi Jinping's explanation at the CPC Central Committee's fourth plenary session. He emphasized that this inclusive methodology ensures policies "answer the people's needs" while maintaining strategic long-term vision.
The veteran China observer noted this people-centered approach creates inherent implementation advantages: "When development strategies emerge from public participation, they naturally gain public support and become achievable goals." Bennett's analysis comes as international attention focuses on China's next-phase development blueprint, set to guide the world's second-largest economy through 2026-2030.
