China is expected to present the outlines of the next stage of its technology strategy this week during the annual session of the National People’s Congress. The announcements relate to publishing the direction of the 15th five-year plan for 2026–2030. The priorities are expected to include artificial intelligence, humanoid robotics and space technologies. The plan is expected to include measures to move demonstrations and prototypes into industrial-scale deployment and to increase capital investment. The agenda also includes integrating AI into industrial production, including initiatives described as “AI-plus manufacturing”.
The announcements come amid ongoing technology competition with Western countries and export restrictions affecting some technologies. In the background, a China–US leaders’ summit is expected in late March, where issues including supply chains and export controls are set to be discussed. Final numerical targets and specific financing instruments for the new programmes have not yet been provided. Details are expected to be presented through documents and speeches during the meetings in Beijing.