Overview: A New Chapter on the Path to Modernization
The 14th Five-Year Plan marks the first step in China’s new journey toward building a modern socialist country and advancing toward the second centenary goal. Faced with a volatile global landscape and complex domestic challenges, China has pursued a strategy of high-quality development, open reform, and resilient growth. Guided by strong leadership and a commitment to people-centered progress, the nation has achieved a series of landmark results across the economy, innovation, the new development pattern, and the lived experiences of its people.
Economic Scale and People’s Prosperity: A Solid Foundation for Modernization
During the five-year period, China’s GDP surpassed key thresholds, underscoring the country’s vast economic heft and growing international influence. By 2024, GDP had exceeded 134 trillion yuan with steady annual growth, and per capita income rose to a level that places China among upper-middle-income economies. Labor productivity climbed, health indicators improved, and the size of the middle class expanded—evidence that the drive for modernization is translating into tangible improvements in everyday life.
On the international stage, China emerged as a robust engine for world growth while maintaining stability and resilience. The country’s economy contributed a substantial portion to global expansion, reflecting the enduring strength and reliability of its development model.
Innovation-Driven Development: Building New Growth Engines
Central to the 14th Five-Year Plan is an unwavering focus on innovation. R&D investment remained among the highest globally, with the total expenditure reaching trillions of yuan and the nation climbing in global innovation rankings. Breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, advanced computing, and critical components have accelerated, paving the way for China to shift from a global manufacturing hub to a global innovation center.
Application of innovation has also accelerated. A surge in high-value patents and the rapid commercialization of new technologies—especially in smart manufacturing, green tech, and digital services—have underpinned the growth of modern industries. The plan supports the formation of robust national advanced manufacturing clusters and a surge in “specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative” small and medium enterprises, signaling a healthier, more diverse industrial ecosystem.
Domestic-International Dual Circulation: A Balanced, Open Development Path
The 14th Five-Year period deepened China’s commitment to the new development pattern that emphasizes both domestic expansion and higher-level opening up. Domestic circulation, driven by consumption, services, and advanced manufacturing, has become the mainstay of growth. Simultaneously, open economy initiatives expanded, with coordinated inbound and outbound trade and investment, more global supply chain resilience, and a broader network of international economic cooperation. Trade and service sectors demonstrated strength, reinforcing China’s role as a reliable global trading partner.
Reform and Opening Up: Strengthening the Market Economy and Attracting Global Investment
China continued to refine its market-driven framework, expand access for private and foreign investment, and improve the rule of law and business climate. The unified national market advanced digital and data governance, logistics efficiency, and energy market reforms, while free trade zones and the new Hainan project served as laboratories for deeper liberalization and innovation in governance. These reforms boosted productivity, efficiency, and global competitiveness, reinforcing China’s commitment to a high-standard, open economy.
Green Transition and Ecological Civilization: A Brighter, Cleaner Future
Energy structure and environmental policies took center stage, with a rapid scale-up of renewables and significant efficiency gains. The share of non-fossil energy rose, energy intensity fell, and ecological restoration progressed. Green industries—solar, wind, battery technology, and related sectors—helped form a new cornerstone of growth, ensuring sustainable development alongside rapid economic expansion.
People-Centered Development: Expanding Social Welfare and Opportunities
Jobs, education, healthcare, and social security were elevated as core responsibilities of governance. The plan prioritized stable employment, higher living standards, and improved public services. A broad, inclusive education system, a comprehensive social protection net, and expanded cultural and health resources contributed to rising living quality and a stronger sense of security and well-being among citizens.
Security and Risk Management: A Steady, Resilient Foundation
With growing economic complexity, strengthening security in food supply, energy, and critical industries became essential. The plan stressed risk prevention, supply chain resilience, and macroeconomic stability, ensuring that development remains sustainable under a wide range of scenarios and global shifts.
Looking Ahead: Toward the 15th Five-Year Plan
As China moves toward the next five-year cycle, the advantages of its socialist market system, the scale of its domestic market, the strength of its industrial base, and its talent pool will continue to propel ambitious goals. The journey toward high-quality development, scientific self-reliance, and peaceful regional leadership will be pursued within a framework of reform, opening up, and green transformation—paving the way for a more modern, prosperous, and resilient China.
