An important turning point in China’s policy and governance orientation was reached this week as the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held its fourth plenary session in Beijing.
The recommendations of the CPC Central Committee for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development, which outlined the nation’s development goals for 2026–2030, were discussed and endorsed at the Monday–Thursday conference.
Presided over by the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, the session was addressed by General Secretary Xi Jinping, who delivered significant speeches and explanatory remarks on the draft recommendations. The participants heard and discussed a report by Xi on the work of the Political Bureau and gave full affirmation to its performance since the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee.
The communiqué noted that China is on the verge of achieving the major objectives and tasks set out in the ongoing 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), which has been described as a “momentous and extraordinary period” in the country’s modern development. As Beijing now prepares to embark on the 15th Five-Year Plan, the leadership emphasized that the next phase would serve as a vital bridge toward the goal of achieving “socialist modernization” by 2035— a target that lies at the heart of President Xi’s vision for national rejuvenation.
Whether this strategy will sustain China’s rise or constrain its flexibility will depend on how effectively Beijing balances control with innovation, ambition with pragmatism, and national strength with international trust. The coming five years may thus determine not only the pace of China’s modernization but also the shape of its engagement with the world
This emphasis on “socialist modernization” reflects a dual ambition— sustaining rapid economic growth while consolidating ideological and political administration. As China’s economy transitions from investment-led to innovation-driven, the leadership’s focus on “quality growth” signals recognition that sheer expansion is no longer sufficient. The plan also aims to insulate China from global shocks— particularly Western trade restrictions and technological containment— by boosting domestic innovation and self-reliance.
At the same time, the CPC acknowledged that China faces a complex and shifting landscape marked by both opportunities and challenges, as uncertainties and external risks continue to grow. The communiqué reaffirmed the Party’s unity behind Xi’s leadership, underscoring “the decisive significance of establishing Comrade Xi Jinping’s core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole” and the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.
The guiding principles for China’s economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period were laid out clearly: upholding the Party’s overall leadership, putting the people first, pursuing high-quality development, comprehensively deepening reform, promoting the interplay between an efficient market and a capable government, and ensuring both development and security.
The communiqué also identified a series of major objectives to be achieved by 2030. These include significant progress in high-quality development, enhanced scientific and technological self-reliance, breakthroughs in deepening reform, and major cultural and ethical advancements across society. Other priorities involve improving the quality of life, promoting ecological progress through the Beautiful China Initiative, and strengthening national security to build what the Party called a “comprehensive security shield.”
China aims to build a modernized industrial system, bolster the foundations of the real economy, and push forward innovation in science and technology to drive new “quality productive forces.” The leadership called for efforts to expand the domestic market, foster a high-standard socialist market economy, and promote high-quality growth while deepening China’s engagement with global trade through “high-standard opening up” and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Agricultural and rural modernization also remains central to the CPC’s agenda. The communiqué urged accelerated progress in all-around rural revitalization, refinement of regional economic planning, and coordinated regional development. It also emphasized cultural dynamism, encouraging greater creativity and the flourishing of socialist culture as an essential component of modernization.
In the social sphere, the CPC reiterated its commitment to improving public well-being and ensuring common prosperity. The leadership pledged to advance the green transition across all sectors, accelerate the construction of a “Beautiful China,” and enhance the nation’s security systems to safeguard peace and stability under the Peaceful China Initiative.
Strengthening national defence was another key focus, with the communiqué stating that China must meet the centenary goals of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and continue the modernization of its military forces. The leadership urged unity across all sectors — the Party, the military, and the broader population — to implement the 15th Five-Year Plan in full spirit, calling it a “major political task” for the entire nation both now and in the coming years.
The communiqué stressed that good governance must begin with good leadership, noting, “To run the country well, we must first run the Party well; only a Party that is thriving can make our country strong.” The session also reviewed the current national situation and stressed the need to remain firmly focused on meeting this year’s economic and social development targets.
The notion of a “comprehensive security shield” captures Beijing’s broadening definition of national security— extending from military and territorial issues to economic, technological, and even ideological domains. This holistic approach underscores how the CPC views stability as essential to sustaining China’s ascent. In practical terms, it also suggests a tighter grip on data, cyberspace, and financial systems to guard against perceived external interference.
The repeated mention of “common prosperity” suggests that wealth redistribution and social equality will remain political priorities. Yet, the implementation of these ideals could face friction with China’s private sector, which has been wary of state interventions. The balance between ideological consistency and economic pragmatism will thus define the next stage of the country’s governance model.
The reaffirmation of the PLA’s modernization goals reflects China’s determination to secure its global standing through hard power as well as economic influence. With rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, the military component of the 15th Five-Year Plan is not merely symbolic— it is an assertion of China’s readiness to protect what it considers its core interests.
As China prepares to embark on its 15th Five-Year Plan, the outcomes of this plenary session mark more than a blueprint for development— they signify the consolidation of an entire governance philosophy under Xi Jinping’s leadership. The Party’s emphasis on self-reliance, security, and ideological cohesion reflects both confidence in China’s model and anxiety over a turbulent global environment.
Whether this strategy will sustain China’s rise or constrain its flexibility will depend on how effectively Beijing balances control with innovation, ambition with pragmatism, and national strength with international trust. The coming five years may thus determine not only the pace of China’s modernization but also the shape of its engagement with the world.
