Xi calls for innovation-driven growth as China charts course for 2030 modernization goals

BEIJING, Oct 28 (Xinhua) – China has approved the guiding framework for its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), setting the stage for a new phase of innovation-led growth and social modernization. President Xi Jinping urged policymakers to seize what he described as a “window of opportunity” to strengthen national competitiveness amid a shifting global landscape.

The plan, endorsed at the fourth plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held from October 20 to 23, outlines the country’s development roadmap through 2030. It builds on the achievements of the 14th Five-Year Plan and forms a crucial link in China’s broader strategy to achieve “socialist modernization” by 2035.

China enters a decisive development phase

Xi told the session that the next five years represent a decisive period for consolidating gains and overcoming structural bottlenecks. “It is important that we seize this window of opportunity to consolidate our strengths, remove development bottlenecks, and secure the strategic initiative amid international competition,” he said.

The recommendations emphasize the pursuit of high-quality growth, scientific innovation, and balanced regional development as the central themes for the upcoming plan. They also reaffirm China’s long-term goal of aligning per capita GDP with that of mid-level developed economies by 2035.

Officials said the 15th Five-Year Plan will serve as a blueprint to ensure steady, sustainable growth while safeguarding national resilience.

Focus on innovation, technology, and real economy

According to the official communiqué, China aims to achieve major breakthroughs in technological self-reliance, digital transformation, and industrial modernization during 2026–2030. The plan calls for strengthening indigenous innovation capabilities, advancing the “AI Plus” initiative to integrate artificial intelligence into industrial processes, and investing equally in physical and human capital.

Xi underlined that the concept of “new quality productive forces” will define China’s future growth model. These, he said, should be developed “in line with local resource endowments and real-world feasibility,” avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach.

The document also commits to building a “modern industrial system” driven by advanced manufacturing and innovation, while maintaining a stable share of manufacturing within the national economy.

From poverty elimination to modernization

The CPC’s planning tradition has long shaped China’s transformation. Under the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), the country achieved landmark goals, including the eradication of extreme poverty and the completion of a moderately prosperous society.

As China transitions to its next stage, the focus shifts toward structural reforms, sustainability, and social inclusion. Xi called the upcoming plan a “critical stage for reinforcing foundations and pushing ahead on all fronts toward the 2035 modernization goal.”

Despite external pressures and domestic headwinds, China’s economy has demonstrated resilience. In the first three quarters of 2025, GDP exceeded 100 trillion yuan (around US$14.1 trillion), growing 5.2 percent year-on-year. Officials say maintaining such steady growth will be essential for achieving the modernization benchmarks.

Enhancing social well-being and inclusive services

The 15th Five-Year Plan also places strong emphasis on social progress and improving public welfare. Xi reaffirmed that the “immutable goal” of China’s modernization is to meet people’s aspirations for a better life.

The policy blueprint pledges to strengthen inclusive and safety-net public services, ensuring equal access to healthcare, education, housing, employment, childcare, and elderly care. It also calls for enhancing citizens’ “sense of gain, happiness, and security,” reinforcing the people-centered development philosophy that runs throughout the CPC’s governance model.

Grassroots representatives attending the plenum described the document as both visionary and people-oriented. “It is not only a grand blueprint for national progress, but also a promise of better lives for ordinary citizens,” one participant said.

Balancing growth, sustainability, and security

The plan highlights the need for a balanced approach that integrates economic dynamism with environmental sustainability and national security. It commits to deepening the “Beautiful China Initiative,” strengthening environmental governance, and enhancing the country’s security architecture.

Analysts say the 15th Five-Year Plan reflects China’s intent to navigate global uncertainty through innovation, reform, and social cohesion. By aligning economic modernization with social welfare, China seeks to position itself as a resilient, high-value economy ready to compete globally while maintaining domestic stability.

This story was originally published by Xinhua.