China announces a 5-year plan focused on science, tech self-reliance

"China's ruling Communist Party said Thursday it will focus on speeding up self-reliance in science and technology, a long-running push that has become more pronounced as the U.S. has imposed increasingly tight controls on access to semiconductors and other high-tech items. The announcement by state media came in a communique after a four-day meeting that approved a draft of the party's next five-year development plan. China faces "profound and complex" changes and rising uncertainty, it said."

"Since returning to the White House, Trump has ramped up tariffs on imports in an effort to compel manufacturers to shift factories to the United States. That has added to pressure on the Chinese economy at a time when the leadership is struggling to resolve a prolonged downturn in the property market and stoke stronger domestic demand. But China has managed to keep exports growing by shifting to other markets, and the statement signaled the government is confident it can counter external threats with domestic policy tools,"

China will prioritize accelerating self-reliance in science and technology and approved a draft of its next five-year development plan at a four-day party meeting, announced by state media. The party described external conditions as "profound and complex" with rising uncertainty. Xi Jinping seeks technological leadership, stronger military capability, and greater international influence. U.S. tariffs and tighter controls on semiconductors have increased external pressure while China faces a property downturn and weak domestic demand. China has kept exports growing by shifting to other markets and plans to use domestic policy tools to counter external threats. Full plan details will be finalized and approved by the legislature in March.

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