This week, Beijing hosts a pivotal gathering of China’s top leaders, as the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party convenes for its annual Plenum. The discussions will lay the groundwork for the next Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), a strategic blueprint guiding the world’s second-largest economy. While the full plan will be unveiled next year, key insights are expected to emerge shortly after the meetings. Neil Thomas of the Asia Society Policy Institute notes, ‘China’s policy-making operates on planning cycles, unlike the election-driven frameworks of the West. Five-Year Plans articulate national goals, signal leadership direction, and mobilize state resources toward predefined outcomes.’ Historically, these plans have had profound global repercussions, reshaping economies and industries worldwide. The 1978 ‘reform and opening up’ policy under Deng Xiaoping marked a turning point, transforming China into an economic powerhouse and altering global trade dynamics. Subsequent plans have focused on strategic emerging industries, such as green technology and high-tech innovation, positioning China as a leader in renewables, electric vehicles, and rare earth supply chains. Recent shifts emphasize ‘high-quality development’ and ‘new quality productive forces,’ aiming for technological self-sufficiency and reduced reliance on Western innovation. As China seeks to dominate sectors like AI and chip-making, its policies continue to influence global economic and geopolitical landscapes.
China will soon have a new Five Year Plan. Here’s how they have changed the world so far
