The Communist Party of China (CPC)’s 19th Central Committee—a body of China’s 376 top Party officials— held its 5th Plenum in late October 2020 to deliberate on China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (FYP) for 2021-2025 and economic goals out to 2035. China’s annual Central Economic Work Conference reviewed the plans in December ahead of the scheduled ratification of final versions at the annual session of China’s legislature in March 2021. Initial details suggest that Chinese leaders plan to expand the state’s role in the economy and advance national economic security interests; use market restrictions and its One Belt, One Road global networks to foster Chinese-controlled supply chains; and sharpen the use of antitrust, intellectual property (IP), and standards tools to advance industrial policies. To develop strategic technologies prioritized in its plans, China is prioritizing efforts to obtain foreign technology through global pathways that are not yet restricted, such as partnerships in open technology and basic research, the establishment of research and development (R&D) centers overseas, and talent programs for foreign experts to work in China. Plans for new market openings are limited to trade zones and areas where China seeks foreign expertise (emerging technologies and education) and capital (financial services).
China’s 14th Five-Year Plan: A First Look
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