CHINA on Thursday unveiled major development targets for the 2026-2030 period as a government work report was submitted to the country’s top legislature for deliberation.

Over the next five years, China expects to keep its GDP growth within an appropriate range, with annual growth rates to be determined in light of actual conditions, according to the report.

This will lay a solid foundation for achieving the goal of doubling China’s 2020 per capita GDP by 2035 to reach the level of a moderately developed country, the report said.

To pursue innovation-led and green development, China projects an annual average increase of at least 7% in nationwide R&D spending, and envisages a total reduction of 17% in carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP between 2026 and 2030.

China also proposes raising the value added of core digital economy industries to 12.5% of GDP and life expectancy to 80 years.

Emerging industries

China will accelerate the development of emerging strategic industries including new-generation information technology, new energy, new materials, intelligent connected new energy vehicles, robotics, biomedicine, high-end equipment, and aviation and aerospace during the five-year period.

It will also foster new drivers of economic growth such as quantum technology, biomanufacturing, hydrogen and nuclear fusion power, brain-computer interfaces, embodied artificial intelligence, and 6G mobile communications.

Sci-tech innovation

China will build three international centers for sci-tech innovation and turn them into world-class innovation engines and implement strategic deployment in AI, quantum tech, biotechnology and new energy.

Foreign investment

During the period, the country will improve services and support for foreign investors, and pledges to guide foreign investment to flow more to areas such as advanced manufacturing, modern services, new and high technology, as well as energy conservation and environment protection.

Opening up

China will open wider to the outside world. Efforts will be made to expand market access and open up more areas, particularly in the service sector. Opening-up trials will be expanded in fields such as value-added telecom services, biotechnology, digital sector, and wholly foreign-owned hospitals in 2026.

Smart economy

China will advance its “AI Plus” initiative, promote faster application of new-generation intelligent terminals and AI agents, and encourage large-scale commercial application of AI in key sectors and fields.

It will encourage technological innovations in areas including multi-modal AI, AI agent, embodied AI, and swarm intelligence, and explore development paths of artificial general intelligence.

Core technologies

China vows to boost original innovation and breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields, and move faster to achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology. It will drive decisive breakthroughs across full chains in integrated circuits, machine tools, high-end instruments, basic software, advanced materials and bio-manufacturing.

Taiwan question

China has pledged to resolutely fight separatist forces aimed at “Taiwan independence” and oppose external interference. It has vowed to promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and advance the cause of national reunification.

Childcare support

China will expand coverage of maternity insurance, guarantee maternity leave, and promote the application of assisted reproductive technology. It will also speed up the building of an inclusive childcare service network and direct housing policies in favor of families with two or more children. (Xinhua)