China Highlights Technology and Domestic Demand in 15th Five-Year Plan

April 28, 2026
China's economy showed strong performance at the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan, with significant growth in high-tech manufacturing, AI, and semiconductor industries, according to CGTN. The plan emphasizes innovation, self-reliance, and expanding domestic demand to support sustainable development.

Chinese Government is emphasizing technology, innovation, and domestic demand as key drivers of growth in the first year of its 15th Five-Year Plan, according to a press release by CGTN. The report highlights steady economic performance supported by reforms that focus on self-reliance in science and technology and the strengthening of industrial capacity.

During the January to March period, high-tech manufacturing profits rose 47.4 percent, contributing 7.9 percentage points to overall industrial profit growth. Industries related to AI and semiconductors recorded sharp increases, including optical fiber manufacturing, which grew by 336.8 percent. Optoelectronic and display device sectors also saw notable gains.

The plan also advances China's policy of opening up through 23 pilot free trade zones that account for about one-fifth of the country's foreign investment and trade. The negative list for foreign investment has been reduced to 29 items, with all restrictions on manufacturing lifted. The government is focusing on institutional openness and improved market access.

At a briefing on April 17, the National Development and Reform Commission announced a special action plan to expand domestic demand from 2026 to 2030. The initiative aims to strengthen consumption and domestic circulation as foundations for more balanced and sustainable economic growth.

We hope you enjoyed this article.

Consider subscribing to one of our newsletters like AI Policy Brief or Daily AI Brief.

Also, consider following us on social media:

AI Safety & Regulation AI Brief AI Brief (X)

More from: Regulation

04/28
Paradigm Health and FDA Begin Collaboration on Real Time Clinical Trial Review
04/28
National Safety Council and Wolters Kluwer Enablon Report Finds Rapid AI Adoption in Workplace Safety
04/28
Federal Court Grants Preliminary Injunction Against OpenAI, Altman, and Ive in iyO Trademark Case
04/28
Keys Inc. to Present AI Locksmith Platform at Startup Grind Global Conference
04/28
OpenAI Revises Microsoft Partnership, Gains Multi-Cloud Flexibility

Subscribe to AI Policy Brief

Weekly report on AI regulations, safety standards, government policies, and compliance requirements worldwide.

AI Token Webinar

Whitepaper

Stanford HAI’s 2025 AI Index Reveals Record Growth in AI Capabilities, Investment, and Regulation

The 2025 AI Index by Stanford HAI provides a comprehensive overview of the global state of artificial intelligence, highlighting significant advancements in AI capabilities, investment, and regulation. The report details improvements in AI performance, increased adoption in various sectors, and the growing global optimism towards AI, despite ongoing challenges in reasoning and trust. It serves as a critical resource for policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to understand AI's rapid evolution and its implications.

Read more

You May Also Like