Science and technological advancement has become the cornerstone of China’s modernization strategy, with innovation playing a central role in the country’s long-term vision for high-quality development and national rejuvenation.
The launch of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) marks a pivotal stage in the country’s drive to become a global scientific and technological powerhouse. Since the beginning of the plan this year, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has introduced a series of major policy initiatives aimed at accelerating breakthroughs in scientific and technological innovation and strengthening China’s capacity for independent innovation.
At the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the country set the strategic objective of achieving high-level scientific and technological self-reliance by 2035 and building a world-leading science and technology nation. With nine years remaining to achieve that goal, China views innovation as the fundamental pillar and principal driving force behind its Chinese modernization strategy.
During the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held its first collective study session focusing on the development and strategic planning of future industries.
Presiding over the meeting, Xi Jinping emphasized that the pace, scale and depth of future industrial development will be determined by advances in scientific and technological innovation. He called for approaching the issue from the strategic perspective of national rejuvenation and building a strong country, making full use of China’s comparative advantages while pursuing steady progress to achieve new breakthroughs in future industries.
At a symposium on strengthening basic research held in Shanghai in April, Xi stressed that enhancing fundamental research and original innovation capacity is one of the most important objectives of the 15th Five-Year Plan. He underscored the importance of reinforcing basic research, expanding innovation capabilities and consolidating the foundation for building a global science and technology leader.
On July 8, Beijing’s Great Hall of the People hosted the National Science and Technology Awards Conference, the general assemblies of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, as well as the 11th National Congress of the China Association for Science and Technology, marking the official launch of the 15th Five-Year Plan in the science and technology sector.
Xi Jinping, together with other senior Party and state leaders, attended the event and presented awards to recipients of the nation’s highest science and technology honors and other distinguished scientists.
Addressing the gathering, Xi called for giving top priority to implementing key science and technology policies throughout the 15th Five-Year Plan period. He described the initiative as passing the “relay baton” to a new stage in China’s journey toward becoming a global science and technology powerhouse.
Shanghai also hosted the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance on July 7. Delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony, Xi presented China’s proposals on global AI development and governance, advocating the responsible, inclusive and people-centered development of artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity.
With the joint efforts of participating countries and institutions, the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization was officially established in Shanghai, a milestone widely regarded as a significant development in the history of global AI governance.
At the conference, Xi also announced a series of initiatives to promote international cooperation in artificial intelligence, highlighting China’s commitment to contributing to global technological progress and reinforcing its role as a responsible major country.
From strengthening capabilities in core technologies and accelerating AI development to expanding basic research and planning future industries, China’s leadership has adopted a long-term strategic approach at the outset of the 15th Five-Year Plan.
These initiatives are expected to provide fresh momentum for China’s scientific and technological advancement, strengthen its innovation-driven development model and accelerate the country’s transformation into a world-leading science and technology powerhouse.
Source: China Media Group (CMG).