China approves outline for 15th plan, tech self-reliance

China's ruling Communist Party concluded a four-day plenary session in Beijing on Thursday, approving the draft outline for the country's 15th five-year development plan for 2026 to 2030 and elevating a senior military leader, state authorities said. The communique issued at the end of the meeting emphasized accelerating technological self-reliance, building a modern industrial system and expanding domestic demand while pledging measures to improve livelihoods and social security.

Party leaders said Beijing will "greatly increase the capacity for self-reliance and strength in science and technology," identifying advanced fields such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence as priorities. The document calls for a modern industrial system with advanced manufacturing at its core, deeper reforms, and a push to remove barriers to a unified national market. It also reiterated plans to stabilise the real estate sector, promote green transformation and strengthen macro policy support "at the appropriate time" to back short-term growth.

The plenum approved the promotion of General Zhang Shengmin to vice chair of the Central Military Commission, making him the second-highest ranking...