China charts ambitious course for future at CPC’s Fourth Plenary Session

The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) gathered from Monday to Thursday for its crucial fourth plenary session, setting the stage for China’s next big leap in economic and social development.

At the heart of the meeting was the adoption of the CPC Central Committee’s Recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), a blueprint designed to propel China toward socialist modernization by 2035.

The plan aims to build on the remarkable progress of the current 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), which has been hailed as a period of extraordinary growth and achievement.

Presided over by the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and led by General Secretary Xi Jinping, the session featured key speeches and a comprehensive review of the Party’s work. Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of his guiding thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics for the new era — a foundation for China’s continued rise amid an increasingly complex global landscape.

The session underscored that China stands at a pivotal moment: balancing strategic opportunities with mounting risks and uncertainties. In response, the Party reaffirmed its commitment to strong leadership, putting people first, and pushing for high-quality development powered by innovation, reform, and security.

Key goals for the upcoming five years include:

• Accelerating scientific and technological self-reliance to strengthen China’s innovation capabilities.

• Building a modern, resilient industrial system grounded in a robust real economy.

• Fostering a vibrant domestic market and speeding up the transition to a high-standard socialist market economy.

• Deepening reforms across all sectors to unlock fresh growth.

• Advancing cultural, ethical, and social progress alongside environmental sustainability under the “Beautiful China” initiative.

• Enhancing national security and modernizing the armed forces to safeguard peace and stability.

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The session also highlighted the importance of coordinated regional development, rural revitalization, and opening China’s doors wider to global cooperation — all part of the vision to build a more prosperous, harmonious society.

In a significant personnel update, Zhang Shengmin was appointed vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, further strengthening military leadership as China pursues its centenary goals for national defense.

Party discipline remained a focus as well, with the plenary confirming expulsions of several members found guilty of serious violations, signaling a continued commitment to integrity and governance.

Closing the session, a rallying call went out to all Party members, the military, and people across China to unite closely around the Party Central Committee under Xi’s core leadership. Together, they are urged to work tirelessly to achieve socialist modernization and push forward China’s national rejuvenation through innovation, reform, and unity.

As the 15th Five-Year Plan launches, China stands poised to turn bold visions into concrete realities — marking a critical link between the nation’s storied past and its promising future.