China sets new focus on technological self-reliance for the next five-year plan

China’s leadership has placed technological self-reliance at the center of its upcoming national strategy, signaling a stronger push to reduce dependence on foreign technology amid rising global competition and Western export restrictions.

The proposal for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), released by the Communist Party’s Central Committee, marks the first time in more than ten years that tech self-reliance has been listed as a core goal for the country’s social and economic progress. The move reflects Beijing’s growing urgency to build domestic capacity in key sectors, from semiconductors and artificial intelligence to advanced materials and green technologies.

According to the proposal, China aims to achieve “a substantial improvement in technological self-reliance and self-strengthening” within the next five years. The plan calls for deeper investment in basic research and original innovation, as well as faster progress in what it describes as “key technologies of priority areas.”

The renewed emphasis comes as China faces tightening export controls from the United States and its allies, particularly in areas such as chipmaking equipment and advanced computing. Those restrictions have exposed the vulnerabilities in China’s technology supply chain and prompted policymakers to accelerate efforts to build local alternatives.

Analysts say the upcoming plan could expand government support for research institutions, universities, and private firms developing homegrown technologies. It may also encourage collaboration between the public and private sectors to turn scientific research into market-ready products.

The full plan is expected to be presented in March during the annual meeting of China’s top legislature. While details are yet to be released, the proposal makes one thing clear—China wants to secure its place in the global technology race on its own terms.