China has unveiled its ambitious new five-year plan, heavily focused on artificial intelligence, as leaders aim to gain the upper hand in an intensifying rivalry with the United States.
The five-year plan was released during the opening session of the National People’s Congress, calling for widespread adoption of AI in several sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, education and logistics.
The 141-page plan outlines a broad “AI+ action plan” focused on integrating the technology across China’s economy.
Premier Li Qiang stressed that technology is a pillar of what China calls “new quality productive forces”, suggesting a stronger importance than in previous policy outlines.
The government has made it clear that it will pursue “decisive breakthroughs in key core technologies” and seize the “commanding heights” of global innovation.
Key areas of focus include quantum computing, 6G telecommunications, humanoid robots, nuclear fusion, and brain-computer interfaces.
Over the next five years, China aims to reduce its dependence on foreign technology, particularly in advanced semiconductors, due to growing trade tensions with the United States.
Besides technology, the government also announced a 7% increase in the defense budget for 2026.
