Xi Jinping Promotes High-Quality Planning for China's 15th Five-Year Economic Strategy

High-Quality Planning for the 15th Five-Year Plan

On May 19, 2025, in a significant announcement covered by Xinhua News Agency, President Xi Jinping underscored the importance of establishing a well-structured and law-based decision-making process for China's forthcoming 15th Five-Year Plan. This plan, crucial for national economic and social development, will span from 2026 to 2030.

Xi, serving multiple significant roles including the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, emphasized that the success of this five-year plan is vital for realizing the strategic goals articulated during the 20th CPC National Congress, alongside fostering advancements in Chinese modernization. He highlighted the need for a robust integration of top-level design with wide-ranging public consultation, ensuring that feedback from various sectors is harnessed to achieve broad consensus.

As China gears up for the implementation of this plan, the CPC Central Committee is currently overseeing the drafting of proposals, engaging with officials, the general public, and experts to gather valuable insights through diverse channels. Historically, China's five-year plans have served as foundational guides for medium-to-long-term advancements across different sectors, setting broad objectives and defining major tasks. This approach has evolved since the first plan was introduced in the 1950s, blending centralized leadership with democratic participation.

Notably, Xi previously led the drafting group for the 14th five-year plan in 2020, conducting multiple symposiums to solicit input from a wide range of societal representatives. Analysts suggest that the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan is particularly pivotal; it aims to lay the groundwork for achieving the goal of realizing basic socialist modernization by 2035. According to Xi, the emphasis during planning should be on adaptive strategies that align with changing circumstances, significantly driving national rejuvenation while managing high-quality development.

In discussions led by Xi, he urged a strong focus on fostering productive capabilities tailored to local conditions. During an April 30 symposium on economic and social strategies for the upcoming five years, Xi reiterated that despite improvement in China's economy, the potential for external shocks remains a concern. Therefore, preparing to confront these risks while stabilizing key areas such as employment and market expectations is essential, he noted.

Experts like Li Changan from the Academy of China Open Economy Studies affirm that China's economic expansion continues, bolstered by significant strides in quality development. The new five-year plan is expected to tackle ongoing challenges while leveraging emerging opportunities, especially in technology sectors such as artificial intelligence and digital transformation. Su Wei from the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee School emphasized that enhancing the manufacturing sector will fortify the basis for sustainable development during this plan's duration. Improving living standards remains a crucial goal, encompassing strategies aimed at raising incomes, boosting consumption, and supporting private enterprises.

Amid these developments, the 15th Five-Year Plan must maintain a dual focus on development and security. As highlighted in a CPC meeting, a thorough evaluation of both domestic and international risks is crucial for consolidating the foundation of China's economic recovery. Experts stress that managing external environmental uncertainties while ensuring substantial growth domestically can occur if the plan is executed meticulously. Xi’s address included insights into the heightened global geopolitical landscape, suggesting that changes in international dynamics could also offer new opportunities for China's domestic market.

The directors of international institutes, such as Kin Phea from Cambodia, echoed sentiments that the 15th Five-Year Plan's long-term directions will stabilize economic relations, offering predictability for stakeholders both within China and on the global stage. This plan is projected to align closely with China’s modernization aspirations and its commitment to achieving sustainability goals by 2060.

In conclusion, the ongoing formulation of China's 15th Five-Year Plan signifies a systematic approach to navigating present challenges while positioning the country as a significant player in the global economic landscape. With its clear objectives and strategic foresight, this planning process not only aims to uphold domestic stability but also fosters international cooperation that benefits a wide range of stakeholders.