As China enters the first year of its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), the world's second-largest economy remains a critical engine for global growth, contributing approximately 30% to worldwide economic expansion according to IMF analysis. This strategic blueprint prioritizes technological self-reliance, green transformation, and higher-level opening-up amid ongoing global uncertainties.
Policy Continuity Drives Stability
President Xi Jinping's emphasis on "pursuing progress while maintaining stability" continues to guide economic policy. Recent reforms include the establishment of China's first fundamental law supporting private enterprises in April 2025 and the removal of all foreign investment restrictions in manufacturing. These measures build on 2025's 5% GDP growth and nine consecutive years of foreign trade expansion.
Innovation at the Core
With over 6,000 AI companies and a core AI industry exceeding 1.2 trillion yuan ($172 billion) in early 2026, China's technological ambitions are materializing. The country maintains global leadership in renewable energy infrastructure and new energy vehicle production, having manufactured 16 million NEVs in 2025 alone.
Sustainable Growth MomentumLiu Shangxi of the China Macroeconomics Society highlights China's "comprehensive competitive edge" through its vast market, industrial ecosystem, and green transition progress. Energy efficiency improvements since 2020 have reduced carbon emissions by 1.1 billion tonnes, aligning with long-term climate goals.
As global businesses and investors watch China's reform trajectory, the 15th FYP's focus on modern industrial systems and new quality productive forces aims to sustain both domestic development and international economic stability through 2030.
