Released on 13^th March 2026, China’s 15^th Five-year Plan (15FYP) for National Economic and Social Development sets the direction of Chinese policymaking for the 2026–2030 period. It demonstrates a high degree of continuity with the 14^th Five-year Plan, suggesting that many of the trends seen over the past half decade will continue or even intensify.

There are a number of positives contained in the document. It openly acknowledges many of the underlying structural issues present in China’s economy, including the need to address “involution-style competition” and boost domestic consumption, both issues the Chamber has long prioritised in its advocacy work.[1] The plan also outlines the need to further open the China market, for foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) to receive national treatment and to shorten China’s negative list for foreign investment.

At the same time, it is concerning that the 15FYP calls for “achieving greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology”.[2] So far, China’s push for self-reliance has seen FIEs operating in strategic sectors lose market share, as well as the emergence of unsustainable competition in several industries. With the focus now shifting from Made in China 2025-style industrial policy to the broader concept of ‘new quality productive forces’, many Chamber members operating in strategic sectors of the economy will be approaching the next five years with caution.

In several places, it remains unclear how provisions contained in the 15FYP can be expected to impact business, including in relation to artificial intelligence (AI). The document places a strong emphasis on the development, governance and use of AI during the next phase of China’s economic development, including by calling for its increased use in market regulation, as well as when it comes to supervision of government and public procurement procedures.

Depending on how related measures are implemented, this could result in a more standardised application of rules, as well as the removal of some biases inherent in human decision-making. However, there is also the risk that it could create less transparent processes, as well as ‘accountability sinks’ where no one can be held responsible should problems arise.

Moving forward, the European Chamber will be closely monitoring how the 15FYP is implemented. In addition, we will be providing input into how the array of horizontal, local and industry five-year plans which are set to follow can be best implemented, including via the publication of our flagship Annual Position Paper.

[1] Outline of the 15^th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development of the People’s Republic of China, State Council, 13^th March 2026, viewed 24^th June 2026, <https://www.gov.cn/yaowen/liebiao/202603/content_7062633.htm>

[2] Ibid.