China Q&A | How to seize opportunities of the 15th Five-Year Plan and drive high-quality development through sci-tech innovation?

By Gan Tian, Chen Tianhao

(ECNS) -- As China is entering the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), experts are asking how the country can better integrate empathy, compassion, and altruism into the development of emerging technologies. They also emphasize the need for people-oriented and environment-focused approaches to guide innovation and support high-quality growth.

Edson Prestes, full professor at the Institute of Informatics of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, raised some questions in the latest episode of China Answers.

In response, Xu Feibiao, researcher and director of the Center for BRICS & G20 Studies of China, Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR), provided an in-depth analysis.

Xu noted that according to the Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development, one of the major objectives is "substantial improvements in scientific and technological self-reliance and strength".

This not only charts the course for China's scientific and technological advancement but also sends a strong signal of its commitment to open cooperation and mutual benefit, said Xu.

The Chinese professor further emphasized that one of the guiding principles for economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year Plan is upholding high-quality development. This means guiding progress with a new development philosophy to achieve sustained economic health and comprehensive social advancement.

"From the perspective of scientific and technological development, China is not pursuing progress behind closed doors, but with open doors, practicing true altruism," Xu added.

Moreover, Xu pointed out that the recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan highlights developing green manufacturing, fostering emerging pillar industries, and building a Beautiful China, all reflecting an emphasis on green production and lifestyles.

By adhering to a philosophy that focuses on innovation, coordination, green development, openness and shared benefits, China will inject strong momentum into its high-quality development and contribute Chinese wisdom to global sustainable development, Xu further explained.

Overall, the recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan outline a clear development pathway, expanding high-standard opening up and creating new prospects for win-win cooperation, and charting a comprehensive sci-tech development path that benefits both China and the world, Xu concluded.