As evening falls, the illuminated buildings of Beijing’s Central Business District dazzle against the backdrop of the golden hued twilight sky on September 1, 2024.
By the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) period, the world’s second-largest economy is expected to reach RMB 140 trillion, contributing roughly 30 percent of global growth. Beyond sheer scale, the plan has catalyzed important breakthroughs: R&D intensity nears OECD levels, green electricity now powers one in three kilowatts, and over 95 percent of Chinese citizens enjoy universal healthcare and pension coverage. From its undisputed manufacturing leadership to the planet’s largest 5G network, China has cemented its role as a pillar of global stability and growth.
Looking ahead, the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) will assume profound significance. Positioned midway on the path to 2035’s modernization goal, this pivotal quinquennium must navigate complex headwinds, including heightened geopolitical friction, domestic demand challenges, and the urgency of nurturing new quality productive forces. Early signals point to such priorities as strengthening technological self-reliance and innovation while strategically expanding domestic consumption.
China’s planning paradigm offers unique insights for global governance: Setting clear, long-term national objectives (like carbon neutrality) provides crucial stability amid uncertainty; balancing economic dynamism with social welfare and environmental sustainability offers a holistic development model; and mobilizing resources across governmental tiers and sectors towards prioritized goals builds strong execution capacity.
The five-year plan’s core function – translating national vision into coordinated action – resonates deeply in an era demanding structured responses to transnational challenges like climate change and technological disruption. This issue’s Special Report delves into the tangible impacts of China’s planning on smart industries, digital cities, people’s livelihoods, and global engagement, while exploring its shared lessons for long-term governance worldwide.
